The Ultimate Wildlife Safari & Mountain Gorilla Trek: Uganda & Rwanda, East Africa #2

(Meals Aloft)

The recently renovated Lake Victoria Hotel is a charming colonial hotel with beautiful gardens and a swimming pool. After check-in and a much needed chance to relax for a bit, we visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (EWEC). The center is not a traditional zoo as the animals here are all rescued from poachers, illegal trade, or accidents. Here we are able to observe many of the indigenous species found in Uganda and also to receive comprehensive information on the species, their natural habitats, and the complex ecologies of the region.

(Meals on your own today)

Overnight at the Lake Victoria Hotel.

Kibale's greatest claim to fame however, is its variety of primates and its families of habituated chimpanzees, home to an astonishing 12 species of primates, providing one of the highest primate densities in the world.

Intelligent and lively, the sociable chimpanzee shows an ability to learn as well as act instinctively. The chimpanzee is the animal that resembles man most closely, and shares familiar human characteristics such as problem solving abilities, a high degree of parental care, and avariety of facial expressions. They even make tools, using sticks as weapons to dig out the contents of insect nests. Also, sick chimps have been seen eating plants that have medicinal properties. Many primatologists attribute culture to chimpanzees, noting learned variations in such skills and habits among different groups. Their behavior could provide a clue to that of our early ancestors. Although incapable of speech beyond their own simple vocalizations, captive chimpanzees have been taught to communicate in a language using visual rather than verbal symbols. Chimpanzees suffer from many human diseases, including malaria. Because of their close evolutionary relationship to man, they are often used for medical and behavioral experimentation. 

We enjoy three full days of wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park to see waterbuck, bushbuck, mobs of mud-baked buffalo, and giant forest hogs. Elephant, hippopotamus, baboons, chimps, and the famous Kizezi tree-climbing lions may also be seen. This park is home to the Uganda Kob, antelopes famous for their fierce displays of male territoriality on the mating grounds. Rivals engage in horn-rattling contests of strength, while cattle egrets wheel and cry overhead as if they have a stake in the outcome. 

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi's Impenetrable Forest is a true African jungle, so called because of the dense undergrowth, vines, and other vegetation which make it almost "impenetrable". It is both mysterious and awesome. The lowland rainforest and montane forest vegetation constantly struggle to reach heights that allow it to receive more light. Huge trees are festooned with creepers and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. Giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere and, where sunlight breaks though, the elegant heliconiaor lobster claw spreads its colorful petals. At least 120 species of mammals make their home here in one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Besides the 10 species of primates, elephant, bush pig, giantforest hog, many species of bats and rodents, at least 346 species of birds including rare forest birds, 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleons, 14 lizards, skinks and geckos, and at least 202 species of butterflies are resident in the Forest. There are also several endangered species of birds with limited ranges.

Certainly the main highlight of this park is the mountain gorillas. Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure and permit only a maximum of 18 passengers per day (currently) to visit the gorillas. After breakfast on our second day in Bwindi, we proceed to the nearby park headquarters and meet with our excellent local guides and porters, who carry our personal items and assist us during the trek. 

The gorillas in Bwindi live on the slopes of ancient volcanoes in high elevation forests. Dense bamboo hickets give way to a combination of large meadows and a dense herbaceous vegetation zone highlighted by moss-laden hagenia and hypericum trees. Our trek takes us through a fairyland forest, an experience that itself is thrilling. As we trek, there is evidence that the gorillas have been present (gorilla spore). The treks can last from four to seven hours (or more) depending on where and when we find the gorillas. Once found, there is an hour limit to the time spent with these majestic creatures. Tracking gorillas through misty, seemingly impenetrable forests can bean exhausting process as the paths are often slippery, entangled, and wet. However, this effort is quickly forgotten the minute we encounter these beautiful creatures. They instantly capture our full attention with their acrobatic antics and cacophony of grunts, screeches, and chest beating.

Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located, all fatigue is forgotten. The experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. There are three habituated families within the forest and we are viewing the Mubare and Habinyanja families. Approaching these enormous yet gentle creatures on foot, and observing from only a few feet away as they feed and socialize, is a powerful one-of-a-kind wildlife experience that redefines unforgettable. There is no debating the fact that spending time with these gentle giants of the African forest is an awe-inspiring experience! 

PLEASE NOTE: Although approximately 98% of thegorilla treks are successful, there is no guarantee that we WILL see the gorillas.

The cool evenings (as the lodge is at almost 5,000 feet above sea level) are compensated for with a fireplace in the common area, providing a cozy environment for guests to meet with each other and discuss the events of the day. A bar service provides local beer, waragi (Ugandan gin), soda, and wine for purchase.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Overnights at the Buhoma Lodge.

Again, as in Uganda, the main highlight of this park is the mountain gorillas, which spend most of their time in the hagenia woodlands and bamboo forests. During the rainy season when new bamboo shoots are growing, the gorillas spend more time foraging in the bamboo forests at base altitude. This park was the base for Dian Fossey (Gorillas in the Mist) up until her untimely death in 1985, and she focused her work at the Karisoke Research Center for 18 years. There are four habituated gorilla families that can be visited here, most of them on the slopes of the Visoke volcano. The Susa group has 35 individuals, the Amahoro group has 11 individuals, the Sabyinyogroup has been divided into two groups ("A" has 13 individuals and "B," a break way group, has four individuals), and group 13 has seven individuals.

We have the remarkable opportunity for a second trek to view the mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. On Thursday after breakfast we drive to the nearby park headquarters and meet with our excellent local guides and porters, who again carry all of our personal items and assist us during the trek. 

Our accommodations for the next two nights are at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Lovely and comfortable cottages have en suite bathrooms, hot and cold water, and are attended to by friendly and helpful staff. With a central bar, lounge, and dining room area, all rooms have magnificent views of the Virunga Mountains and the Ruhengeri Valley.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Two overnights at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Enjoy the crisp mountain air and mingle with the culturally diverse residents during a visit to Ruhengeri's outdoor market. The hustle and bustle combined with welcoming stall vendors are enjoyed by everyone. Heaping bins of fresh tomatoes, beans, and maize vie for attention alongside beautiful fabrics. A trip to the Artisan Village showcases hand-crafted items, including colorful baskets and beautiful hand thrown pottery.

After the market and many purchases (?) of African crafts, we continue to Kigali and our home for this evening, the Kigali Serena Hotel, located in the center of Kigali. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Overnight at the Kigali Serena Hotel

Return to the airport for your flight to London via Nairobi.

(Meals Aloft)