RW3: GORILLA TRACKING IN RWANDA AND UGANDA (8 Days)

This safari starts and finishes in Kigali. [One PNV gorilla permit is included in the cost but the other gorilla trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.]

Visit the three operational gorilla parks of the world – Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda, and Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda. PNV and Mgahinga are on either side of the misty Virungas.

The tour starts with Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, continuing to Mgahinga and then to Bwindi in Uganda. Clients have an opportunity to track gorillas for a total of FOUR times in the three parks. Tracking and seeing these great primates in their different, natural surroundings is a memorable experience, with each park presenting its unique attractions. Other activities possible include; tracking the golden monkeys, climbing a volcano, nature walks in the forests for birds, or visiting local villages.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kanombe ( Kigali) airport. Meet and greet before transferring to Kigali City. O/N: Hotel des Mille Collines/Umubano Hotel (BB).

Day 2: Drive the two hours North of Kigali to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. Enjoy the rolling hills for which Rwanda is well known. Transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters to track gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Gorilla tracking through the forest, hills and swamps can be tough, arduous and tiring, sometimes taking up to 8 hours in the forest. But coming face to face with the great primates is well worth the effort. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours] O/N: Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB)

Day 3: In Parc National des Volcans: Either go gorilla tracking (on payment of US$375 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking) or climb the awesome Visoke volcano, or track the golden monkeys or trek to Karisoke Research Centre which Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist, set up, or visit local communities. Alternatively for those who are not up to it, simply relax at Camp. O/N: Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB).

Day 4: Transfer to Mgahinga in Uganda. [Approximate driving time: 2 hours] Either guided nature walk or climb a volcano or visit local communities and enjoy a local dance. O/N: Mgahinga Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 5: In Mgahinga Gorilla National park: Either track gorillas the third time (on payment of US$360 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking), or go for a nature walk or climb a volcano. Alternatively simply relax at Lodge. O/N: Mgahinga Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 6: Passing via Kisoro, drive to Bwindi stopping at Kanaba Gap to view the spectacular Virunga volcanoes and eye-catching terraced hills. Either visit the natural, beautiful-looking Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the volcanoes, take a walk on the shores or continue directly to Bwindi. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours] O/N: Bwindi Tented Camp or Buhoma Homestead (FB).

Day 7: Either track gorillas again (on payment of US$360 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the forest for butterflies, plant and bird species. Alternatively visit local villages or take the Buhoma Village Tourist Walk organised by the local community. O/N: Bwindi Tented Camp or Buhoma Homestead (FB).

Day 8: Leave for Kigali in Rwanda via Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale. Continue to Rwanda passing the Katuna border. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including shopping. Transfer to the airport for your flight. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours]. Tour Ends.

Please take time to read our Gorilla Tracking etiquette document.

More Tours to Rwanda

RW1 Gorillas in Rwanda (4 Days)	RW2 Gorillas in the Virunga – PNV & Mgahinga (6 Days)
RW3 Gorillas in Rwanda & Uganda (8 Days)	RW4 Chimps in Rwanda (5 Days)
RW5 Gorillas, chimps & birds in Rwanda (5 Days)	RW6 Gorilla, chimps & birds in Rwanda & Uganda (15 Days)
RW7 Jewels of Rwanda (8 Days)	RW8 Gorillas & culture in Rwanda (10 Days)

Departure Dates: Daily

Itineraries that include a visit to the gorillas are subject to availability of permits at time of booking. Unless otherwise stated, only one gorilla permit is included in the safari cost; the other trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.

Merit Safaris will advise the most appropriate airlines to use to fly to Rwanda. We could book your flights; alternatively you can contact your Africa tour operator or travel agent. Safaris start either in Kigali in Rwanda, or Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda.

Please note: Rwanda is one hour behind Uganda.

Unless otherwise stated, prices quoted include a safari car for the itinerary stated, accommodation on a shared basis and meals (in Kampala/Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board), 1 boat/launch trip, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.

For all categories of accommodation, ALL drinks (except bottled water) are excluded in the safari cost and clients are to pay for them directly to the hotels/Camps or Lodges. Clients could choose to fly out the following day in case there are no flights for their destination on the last day of the itinerary. A supplement for the extra night will be required.

Prices do not include airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, the supplement (SRS) has to be paid. Fees for mountain climbing, fishing and other specialist activities will attract an extra charge where not stated.

Prices are quoted in US Dollars. At the time of booking, clients should confirm with us the prevailing exchange rates for Pounds and Euros, if they wish to pay in those currencies. At the time of booking, the client(s) will need to pay for all gorilla permits needed in full otherwise a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of a safari paid, whichever is higher.

Key to Itineraries: