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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
8 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • You will spend one or two days tracking gorillas through the majestic cloud forests of Parc National des Volcans (PNV).
  • Visit the golden monkeys.
  • Climb the Visoke volcano.
  • Visit local communities, or simply relax around the lodge.
$5410USD
Prices vary by date. Make sure to pick your departure date.
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ONGOING PROMOTIONS
"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"
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Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
Promotion lasts :
From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012
TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Gorillas in the Virungas and Bwindi

This shorter safari allows you to focuses intensely on Mountain Gorillas. Immediately upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, ourney up through the lush, terraced hillsides to the forests of the Virungas.
This shorter safari allows you to focuses intensely on  Mountain Gorillas.  Immediately upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, ourney up through the lush, terraced hillsides to the forests of the Virungas. Depending on the number of permits you acquire  -- one is included in the cost of the trip, and others are available at additional cost -- you will spend one or two days tracking gorillas through the majestic cloud forests of Parc National des Volcans (PNV). If you do not elect to embark on a second gorilla search, you can visit the golden monkeys, climb the Visoke volcano, or trek to the remains of Old Karisoke. You may also visit local communities, or simply relax around the lodge. Continue on to Nkuringo, Uganda, where you can choose to visit gorillas, pending purchase of a supplemental permit. or to explore the scenery on the northern side of the Virungas. Similar options await you in the beautiful Bwindi region, where you can enjoy the gorillas or the scenery one last time.

On this trip, you'll have several opportunities for additional activities beyond gorilla trekking (up to four opportunities in Bwindi and Nkuringo), including a nature walk (Bwindi); climbing (Muhavura or Gahinga Volcanoes/nature walk); golden monkeys (Mgahinga); Dian Fossey's grave; and Ros Carr's orphanage.

Notes:
  • Extra gorilla permits at cost, Rwanda permits are $500 for travel through May 31, 2012, $750 thereafter.
  • Uganda permits remain at $500, but are subject to change as well.
  • This trip is operated by Volcanoes Safaris, gorilla safari specialists and ecotourism practitioners.
Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to Kigali, where you will be welcomed by your expert guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your safari. Your journey takes you through the beautiful terraced hills that characterize much of Rwanda's landscape. Climbing gradually to the base of the spectacular volcanoes of the Virunga range, the five nearest peaks rising high above the verdant countryside, you arrive at the magnificent Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Lodging Virunga Lodge
Description "Virunga Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge located on a hillside overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. 360 degree breathtaking views make this one of the top lodge destinations in Africa. "
Day 2: Parc National des Volcans
Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans, through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga range, is a magical experience. Once you reach the gorillas, you can spend an hour with them and be back at base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families can be more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging Virunga Lodge
Description "Virunga Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge located on a hillside overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. 360 degree breathtaking views make this one of the top lodge destinations in Africa. "
Day 3: Parc National des Volcans
Today, you will have a number of different options. Either go gorilla tracking again (additional permit required at additional cost, subject to availability), or choose from one of many options. There is much to explore here, including tracking the endangered golden monkey, or trekking to Dian Fossey’s grave and the gorilla cemetery, the final resting place of her favorite gorilla, Digit. Other popular excursions include visiting the local school and community projects supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, or visiting the Roz Carr Imbabazi orphanage and meeting some of the hundreds of children helped by this uplifting project. Alternatively, relax on the shores of Lake Kivu, home to some of the finest inland beaches in Africa, or take a guided walk to Lake Bulera and experience local village life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging Virunga Lodge
Description Virunga Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge located on a hillside overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. 360 degree breathtaking views make this one of the top lodge destinations in Africa.
Day 4: Nkuringo, Uganda
Enjoy a more relaxing morning during which you can do one of the activities mentioned above under day 3 (excluding gorilla tracking and visiting Dian Fossey’s grave). After lunch, set off for the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. The lodge is located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes and near the entrance to the national park. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with stunning views of the volcanoes, or warm yourself inside by the roaring fire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
Description Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge nestles in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.
Day 5: Nkuringo
Experience the lives of the Batwa Pygmies, and walk the Batwa Trail. Accompanied by Batwa Elders, you'll find this an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the unique cultural heritage of the forest’s indigenous people. While you walk through the forest, the Batwa will demonstrate their traditional hunting techniques and extensive knowledge of medicinal plants. You will also visit the sacred Ngarama cave and enjoy the traditional music and dance of this rich and fading culture. Alternatively, there are other exciting activities for those interested in the culture and natural history of Mgahinga:

Track gorillas in Nkuringo (two hours drive away). Tracking is possible at Nkuringo, located at the southern sector of Bwindi National Park, but can be challenging due to steep and muddy paths.

Hike the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes. Gahinga offers a gentler hike through the bamboo forest on the lower slopes and marshy craters at the peak. The lower slopes are rich with forest birds, while the marshes near the summit are home to bushbuck and elusive duiker. Muhavura is the most challenging peak in the park. The hike will take most of the day, but the adventurous will be rewarded with great sense of accomplishment and -- on a good day -- spectacular views.

Take a guided nature walk through the park to track the golden monkeys. The path takes you from the bamboo stands and a forested gorge on the lower levels to the elevated heath and moorland higher up. The forest is not only home to the rare golden monkey, but also host to a great diversity of bird and animal life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
Description Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge nestles in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.
Day 6: Bwindi
The breathtaking drive to Bwindi, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, is along winding mountain roads and through thick forests. The long journey through the rapidly-changing landscape takes you to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, which has great views across to the towering trees of the forest. Depending on when you arrive, there may be time before dinner to explore the lodge grounds with its clear mountain stream or visit the local village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Description The lodge has 8 chalets with stunning views of the forests where you can sit and listen to the sounds of the primates and birds. In fact the gorillas often come down to the lodge to check out the guests!!
Day 7: Bwindi
After enjoying an early breakfast, you set off for gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely-forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. Tracking in the Bwindi forest requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively, there are other activities and excursions available in and around the national park:

Take a guided walk in the rainforest, home to several endemic bird species, clouds of butterflies, and rare plant life. This walk offers excellent photographic opportunities, and your knowledgeable guide will provide great insights into this globally-important habitat.

Walk through the local village and learn about community projects, such as the Amagara project that assists local farmers and their communities, and Bwindi Community Hospital which started as a health clinic under a tree and now provides vital medical and educational services to over 60,000 people. The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust supports both projects.

Discover the traditions of the Batwa Pygmies, and learn about the native tribal inhabitants of the forest. The indigenous people of Bwindi forest, although no longer resident in the forest, still practice many of their traditional hunter-gatherer skills.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Description The lodge has 8 chalets with stunning views of the forests where you can sit and listen to the sounds of the primates and birds. In fact the gorillas often come down to the lodge to check out the guests!!
Day 8: Kigali, Rwanda
Leave for Kigali in Rwanda via Kabale and Katuna (note: clocks go back one hour). Your safari ends with your journey to Kigali. Before transferring to the airport, there may be time to tour the city and visit the genocide memorial, a moving testimony to this country’s past, one it has it has worked hard and courageously to overcome. Return to your hotel or transfer to the airport in time for your return flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
TRIP INCLUDES
  • Meals as noted
  • Each night in double occupancy accommodations
  • Land transfers between components
  • English speaking guides
  • Park or site entry fees
  • Surface transport
  • Equipment other than personal gear
  • Government tax
  • Airport transfer assistance
  • In-country ticket reconfirmation and check-in assistance (where permitted)
  • Complete pre-departure packet
  • Toll-free pre-departure phone assistance
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Meals not noted as included
  • Gratuities
  • Beverages (except tea or coffee at meals)
  • International or domestic airfare unless specified
  • Airport departure taxes not included with air tickets
  • Visas
  • Itinerary changes after confirmation
  • Any services not included in itinerary
  • Any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights
  • Acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control
  • Other costs as are more fully described in JOURNEYS Terms & Conditions
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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