People and Primates Rwanda and Uganda

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "People and Primates Rwanda and Uganda"

Derrick Jones
5 years ago
Views:

is perfect if you wish to visit our closest cousins.

1 People and Primates Rwanda and Uganda 7 day private safari (basic accommodation) Combining a visit to the mountain gorillas, a trek to see chimpanzees, and primate jungle walks, this seven day tour is perfect if you wish to visit our closest cousins. This magical journey really does give you an insight into the people, primates and animals in two of the friendliest countries in central Africa. Page 1

Cost includes: Rwanda and Uganda (private safari) meet and greet services with assistance and arrival transfer at Kigali all safari transport in 4x4 safari vehicles with English speaking driverguide

2 Cost includes: Rwanda and Uganda (private safari) meet and greet services with assistance and arrival transfer at Kigali all safari transport in 4x4 safari vehicles with English speaking driverguide basic accommodation as specified meals as listed game drives and boat safaris all park fees and government taxes golden monkey trail permit and guided trek chimpanzee tracking, primate walk city tour of Kigali on day one if arrival time is prior to 10:00 am on day one Cost excludes: gorilla trek permit at USD600 per permit, per person* visas and international flights drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel, baggage and medical insurance telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature Kigali to Entebbe Accommodation: basic Departs: daily Day 1: Rwanda, Parc National des Volcans - Kinigi Guesthouse (LD) Day 2: Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Virunga Terrace (BLD) Day 3: Uganda, Kabale - Bunyonyi Overland Resort (BLD) Day 4: Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park - Simba Safari Camp (BLD) Day 5: Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park - Simba Safari Camp (BLD) Day 6: Uganda, Kibale National Park - Rwenzori View Guesthouse (BLD) Day 7: Uganda, Entebbe/ Kampala - ends (BL) Why not see more of Africa? Combine your time in Rwanda and Uganda with a safari in Kenya, Tanzania, or both countries. People and Primates is easily combined with our Simba Safari, Classic Kenya, East African Explorer, Born Free, Best of East Africa tours and more. Important information *gorilla permits are non-changeable and non-refundable. Payment must be made at the time of booking. *children under the age of 15 years are welcome on our safaris, but they are not able to trek some primates due to government regulations. B - breakfast L - lunch D - dinner A valid yellow fever certificate is currently required to enter Rwanda. Page 2

Day 1: Parc National des Volcans On arrival in Kigali you will be met and greeted by our representative and taken on a city tour (if arriving prior to 10:00 am).

The memorial is built on the site where 250,000 people were buried. After the tour you will be transferred to Parc National des Volcans, which takes about three hours.

3 Day 1: Parc National des Volcans On arrival in Kigali you will be met and greeted by our representative and taken on a city tour (if arriving prior to 10:00 am). Kigali is a sprawling city set amongst a series of hills. The tour includes a poignant visit to the Genocide Memorial, which was erected on the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide in April The memorial is built on the site where 250,000 people were buried. After the tour you will be transferred to Parc National des Volcans, which takes about three hours. Kinigi Guesthouse or similar (LD). Kinigi Guesthouse The guest house, known locally known as Village Touristique de Kinigi is situated in the north-east of Rwanda, in Kinigi district, only 11 km from Ruhengeri city. Kinigi offers a comfortable gateway to the majestic beauty of Rwanda s volcanic mountain range, the natural habitat of the rare mountain gorilla and golden monkeys. The guest house is located at the bottom of Sabyinyo volcanic mountain within minutes of the ranger s headquarters to the park. Accommodation is in a small cluster of wooden ensuite, bungalows that are set amongst the spacious gardens with views of the Virunga mountains and in four larger suites. Kinigi guesthouse is surrounded by beautiful gardens and includes an outdoor patio area with views to the parks volcanoes. Although basic, Kinigi Guesthouse is the best of the budget accommodation close to the park entry making a visit to the gorillas affordable for many travellers. Day 2: Parc National des Volcans - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest This morning you trek to see the elusive golden monkey. Golden monkeys are one of the rarest primates in Africa. They are found in highland forest in parts of Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo, and are ubiquitous to the Albertine Rift. Golden monkeys are an endangered species due to the gradual destruction of their habitat and are therefore considered a privilege to view. Golden monkeys live in various group sizes, ranging from four to thirty. They are often found relaxing at the top of tall bamboo plants, which they also like to eat. Named after their orange patch coat, this inquisitive primate will warm your heart with its infectious stare. After your trek you transfer to Uganda in preparation for your mountain gorilla trek tomorrow morning. Virunga Terrace or similar (BLD). Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Virunga Terrace) Located off the beaten track, at over 2,000 metres on the Nteko ridge overlooking the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge provides guests the perfect spot to visit the mountain gorillas. This section of forest is home to the Nkuringo group of mountain gorillas from where the gorilla lodge provides a prime access point. The camp has panoramic views of the majestic volcanoes of the Virunga chain and across the escarpment into the Albertine Rift Valley within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each block at the Virunga terrace includes six rooms, each with en-suite facilities, a front terrace, and views of the Virunga volcanoes from the back window. These rooms offer great value for the Bwindi region, with the facilities of the lodge available to guests. Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Kabale This morning you leave early, with a packed picnic lunch, and drive to the headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The park is one of four forests where these primates inhabit. At the park headquarters you are briefed by the park rangers who will guide you on your gorilla trek. Travellers are sorted into small groups of eight and guided into the park to visit the gorilla troop. Two rangers accompany the trekkers to ensure safety. The trek usually takes between 45 minutes and four hours. The duration of your trek is dependant upon the location of the troop on the day. The trek is through jungle, and at a high altitude, and therefore requires a good level of fitness. Travellers with contractible illnesses are not encouraged to visit as this can be detrimental to the gorilla s health. Page 3

Mountain gorillas are the largest of the great apes. They live in family groups of 10 to 30 members. It is believed that there are less than 750 mountain gorillas left in the wild.

4 Mountain gorillas are the largest of the great apes. They live in family groups of 10 to 30 members. It is believed that there are less than 750 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Your trek, to one of the families living in the park, is through thick jungle. When you first sight the troop it is common for the alpha male silverback to beat his chest at your group as a warning. Around one hour is spent with the troop. Gorillas pass their time eating, playing and interacting while you sit only metres away. Spending time with a gorilla troop is one of the world s greatest wildlife experiences. It is an activity reserved for a privileged few each year. After trekking you will be transferred to Kabale. Your scenic two hour drive arrives at the lodge for dinner. Bunyoni Overland Resort or similar (BLD). Bunyonyi Overland Resort On the shores of Lake Bunyonyi you will find the popular Bunyonyi Overland Resort. Originally built to cater for overland tours, the camp is ecologically built with local materials. It is staffed by villagers from the nearby town and is locally owned. The resort offers a range of accommodation, from rooms in the central block of the resort to tented rooms and cottages. Each of the 12 cottages are positioned in two terraced blocks, with panoramic views towards the lake. The rooms are all self-contained with their own en suite bathroom. Each room has a small private terrace to relax, read your book and enjoy a sundowner drink at the end of the day. The resort has a friendly bar, restaurant, with an open fireplace, games room, laundry service and curio shop. Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Today we depart for the Queen Elizabeth National Park. We arrive at the park in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, or early evening we enjoy a game drive with the opportunity to see the different wildlife animals in the park. This park is home to a variety of animals, among which are kobs, elephants, buffaloes, many birds and more. Later, we return to the lodge for dinner and time to relax. Simba Safari Camp or similar (BLD). Simba Safari Camp Located in one of the most frequently visited parks in Uganda, Simba Safari Camp is comfortable and low budget safari accommodation right on the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park and only two kilometres from the Equator. One section of the camp overlooks the scenic crater lakes and plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, while the other side offers views of the high peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains stand silhouetted against the horizon. Simba Safari Camp has a total capacity of 70 beds, including family cottages, twin rooms and dormitories. A variety of meals and drinks are served in the restaurant with an adjacent bar and sitting area. Day 5: Kazinga Channel, Mweya This morning enjoy a game drive along the Kasenyi track to see herds of Cape buffalo, elephant, warthog, Defassa waterbuck, giant forest hogs, leopards, Uganda kob, elephants, topi, bushbuck and possibly prides of lion. After the game drive return to the lodge for a mid-morning breakfast and time to relax. After lunch we take a twohour launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel giving us the unique opportunity to encounter hippo and a variety of bird species common to the park. The prolific bird life is colourful and astonishing with well over 550 resident species. Enjoy an evening game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner with views overlooking the lake. Simba Safari Camp or similar (BLD). Day 6: Kibale National Park, Fort Portal Today you travel to Kibale National Park where you will undoubtedly experience the real highlight of the trip - chimpanzee tracking. These cheeky primates, who are considered to be our closest cousins, will enthral you with their daily routine, family life and quirky sense of humour. During your trek you can also expect to encounter greycheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey. This primate walk affords an insight into the general mannerisms of primates which can be strangely familiar. Page 4

Your accommodation tonight is in the town of Fort Portal, where you can visit the markets and view the day-today life of local Ugandans. Rwenzori View Guesthouse or similar BLD).

Conveniently situated in Boma, a lush, green suburb of Fort Portal town, the property is within easy walking distance of the bustling local market, the post office and the town centre.

5 Your accommodation tonight is in the town of Fort Portal, where you can visit the markets and view the day-today life of local Ugandans. Rwenzori View Guesthouse or similar BLD). Rwenzori View Guesthouse Rwenzori View Guesthouse is a comfortable, family-run guest house set within the backdrop of the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains. Conveniently situated in Boma, a lush, green suburb of Fort Portal town, the property is within easy walking distance of the bustling local market, the post office and the town centre. The beautiful garden has a wide variety of trees and colourful tropical flowers. It is a quiet and peaceful place to relax, watch the abundant bird life, read a book or have a drink and a meal. RuwenZori is a great base for travellers tracking chimpanzee, visiting crater lakes, waterfalls and the colorful markets of the town of Fort Portal. Day 7: Entebbe Today your road transfer, of about five hours, takes you to Entebbe airport for your onward flight (flight not included) (BL). Passenger information: The tour operator may have to re-route the itinerary or change the accommodation in rare cases of nonavailability. The accommodation on this safari is fairly basic. Please see our standard safari package for the next tier of accommodation. Prices may vary when booking seasons overlap. Bookings over Christmas, New Year and Easter incur holiday supplements. Children under the age of 15 years are welcome on our safaris, but they are not able to trek to see the gorillas, and some other primates, due to government regulations. As prices are calculated in foreign currencies it may become necessary to add a currency surcharge. Prices for flights, airport taxes, park fees and government taxes may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed on. Please request our full cancellation policy if required. Gorilla permits are non-refundable and non-changeable. A copy of your passport must be forwarded to This is Africa in order to purchase a permit. If you require a new passport prior to your visit, permits can be issued on your current passport. Your new passport details will then be forwarded to our central Africa office. Full payment for the permit must be made at the time of booking. A valid yellow fever certificate is currently required to enter Rwanda. Page 5

Uganda. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Uganda. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Itinerary 10 Days 9 Nights Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Entebbe - Kampala - Murchison falls national park - Kibale national park - Queen Elizabeth National