Tripology

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Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi

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Detailed Trip Description

This safari will take you to three incredible gorilla parks – Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda, and Nkuringo and Bwindi in Uganda. It offers an opportunity to track gorillas several times, twice in PNV and once in Bwindi. Seeing some of the remaining 700 mountain gorillas in their different habitats is a fantastic experience, with each park offering its unique attractions. PNV has four habituated gorilla families living in the afro-montane forests on the southern slopes of the Virungas volcanoes. Nkuringo, on the northern slopes, is often thought to be the prettiest part of the mountain and has one habituated family, which now spends virtually all year in the park, contrary to its previous behavior. In Bwindi, the three habituated families live in the thicker tropical forests and tracking is more challenging. In addition to gorilla tracking, each park offers a number of other activities. **One gorilla permit, in PNV, is included in the land cost of this trip. Additional gorilla permits are $500 per permit. All gorilla permits are subject to availability at the time of booking.**

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Kigali

 
Airport Transfer

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to Kigali.

Kigali Airport Transfer picture
Sightseeing

After lunch, depart for the Parc National des Volcans (PNV) around 2pm. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible.

Hotel

Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (L,D)


Day 2 - Rwanda

 
Parc National des Volcans.
Safari

Spend the day gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky, you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy.

Rwanda Safari picture
Hotel

Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)


Day 3 - Rwanda

 
Parc National des Volcans.
Safari

Today you will have a number of different options. Either enjoy another day of gorilla tracking, again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), visit the golden monkeys, climb the Visoke volcano, or trek to the remains of Old Karisoke.

Relaxation

You may also visit local communities, or simply relax around the lodge.

Hotel

Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)


Day 4 - Uganda

 
Nkuringo, Uganda.
Sightseeing

In the morning either relax or walk near the lodge, visit the golden monkeys or trek to the remains of Old Karisoke.

Private Car Service

After lunch, transfer to Uganda [Clocks go forward one hour] where you can either continue directly to Nkuringo, or make a detour to Lake Mutanda.

Sightseeing

Here you can take a gentle stroll on the lake shores whilst watching local life, or weather permitting, take a canoe to Toyo Island before continuing to Mount Gahinga.

Hotel

Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)


Day 5 - Uganda

 
Nkuringo, Uganda.
Safari

Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Nkuringo on the northern side of the Virunga mountains, (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano.

Sightseeing

You may also go for a nature walk, or visit Lake Mutanda.

Hotel

Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)


Day 6 - Uganda

 
Bwindi.
Private Car Service

Drive to Bwindi through the Switzerland of Africa, with the road winding through many hills and valleys, with distant views of the volcanoes and lakes.

Sightseeing

Time permiting go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies, and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the lodge.

Hotel

Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)


Day 7 - Uganda

 
Bwindi.
Safari

Today you have another opportunity to go gorilla tracking, walking up steep densely forested hills (on payment of supplement at time of booking). In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth, but finally coming across the gorillas, camouflaged in the vegetation, is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively, go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest.

Hotel

Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)


Day 8 - Kigali

 
Kigali, Rwanda.
Private Car Service

Leave for Kigali in Rwanda via Kabale and Katuna, [Clocks go back one hour].

Sightseeing

Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, a widow’s project selling quilts, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre, and a genocide memorial.

Airport Transfer

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight onward. (B,L)


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