Gorillas In The Virungas And Bwindi

 

Combining three great gorilla parks, Parc Nationals des Volcans in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi National Park in Uganda, this safari tour offers the best in gorilla trekking.

A trip to Parc Nationals des Volcans will entail trekking through the beautiful terraced hillsides, home to five gorilla families, the rare golden monkey and an array of bird species. The next stop will be Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Take a trip deep into the mystical rainforest, where you may encounter a family of gorillas camouflaged in thick vegetation. Onto Bwindi National Park, known as the 'Switzerland of Africa', with its winding roads through many hills and valleys, and distant views of the volcanoes and lakes. Take a guided nature walk through the dense forest and marvel at the rich diversity of wildlife.

DAY 1 MONDAY HEATHROW - NAIROBI
Fly from Heathrow overnight to Nairobi.

DAY 2 TUESDAY PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS (PNV)
On arrival connect with your flight to Kigali airport. Met and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch. After a safari briefing depart for PNV (120 kms). Journey north through the beautiful terraced hillsides, climbing to the base of the awesome volcanoes. (l,d)

DAY 3 WEDNESDAY PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at the time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can reach 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. Overnight At Volcanoes Virunga Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 4 THURSDAY PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS
Maybe go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking). Alternatively, visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes. You may wish to trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. Overnight At Volcanoes Virunga Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 5 FRIDAY MGAHINGA
In the morning either relax or walk near the Lodge, visit the golden monkeys or trek to Dian Fossey's grave. After lunch transfer to Uganda (clocks go forward one hour) (68 kms). Time permitting, go for a walk near Mount Gahinga. Overnight at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 6 SATURDAY MGAHINGA
Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb a volcano, or go for a nature walk, or visit the golden monkeys in Mgahinga. Overnight at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 7 SUNDAY BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Drive to Bwindi (204 kms) through the 'Switzerland of Africa', with the road winding through many hills and valleys, with distant views of the volcanoes and lakes. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively, go for a short stroll around the Lodge. Overnight at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 8 MONDAY BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Either go gorilla tracking (on payment of supplement at the time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively, go for a leisurely nature or community walk. Overnight at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 9 TUESDAY EXTENSION OR HEATHROW
Leave for Kigali in Rwanda via Kabale and Katuna, (232 kms) (clocks go back one hour). Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and the genocide memorial.

Proceed with your extension or return to Heathrow.

A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking - please ask for details.

One gorilla tracking permit is included in your itinerary. Others may be purchased in advance (subject to availability).