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12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS: CLASSIC UGANDA & RWANDA SAFARi

Explore both Uganda and Rwanda on a 12 day safari.  Uganda is a unique experience for those searching for a new adventure that offers more than just game viewing from a four-wheel drive vehicle. Begin the safari by becoming acquainted with buffalo, elephant, red colobus monkeys and other African species. Cruise down the Kazinga Channel and view some of the highest concentrations of hippo in Africa. Finally, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga/Nkuringo, venture on foot into the forests and mountains of Uganda to come face to face with the Mountain Gorilla, one of the rarest species on earth.

In Rwanda visit Parc National des Volcans (PNV) home to 340 of the 720 Mountain Gorillas that survive in world today. It is also the location where Dian Fossey studied Mountain Gorillas for 20 years. There are four groups of Mountain Gorillas located in the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Volcanoes. They are the Susa Group, Sabinyo Group, Group Thirteen, and Amahoro Group. Trekking times to reach each group vary from two to seven hours depending upon their movements. Most days there are several groups within two-hour treks of the car park. During the wet season trekking times are reduced to as little as 20 minutes as the gorillas move to lower elevations to feed.

Day 1:Monday                          Arrive Entebbe – Queen Elizabeth
Arrive at Entebbe Airport you are welcome by a To Africa Tours and Safaris representative. Briefing on the great African adventure. Set off on the southbound road at 10am. On the way see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator, bargain at the roadside markets. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. (LD) Mweya Lodge or Jacana Camp

(Note: depending on your flight arrival in to Entebbe, you may need to arival a day earlier because the safari begins in the on MONDAY morning. The hotel night is extra cost)

Day 2: Tuesday                     Queen Elizabeth National Park      
An early morning game drive to seek out wildlife, rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening game drive. The game seen will depend on the season; the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. (BLD) Mweya Lodge or Jacana Camp

Day 3: Wednesday                Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast proceed to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. (BLD) Mweya Lodge or Jacana Camp

Day 5: Friday                          Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
This morning you track gorillas (subject to permit availability at time of booking), through the steep densely forested hills. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. (BLD) Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Day 6: Saturday                      Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
After breakfast you have several options: participating in gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at the time of booking subject to permit availability) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively go for a stroll around the Lodge or for a community walk. (BLD) Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Day 7: Sunday                          Mgahinga
After breakfast depart for  Mgahinga.  You will make a brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and the beautiful terraced hills. (BLD) Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge

Day 8: Monday                          Mgahinga
After breakfast you have several options: participating in gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, or go for a nature walk or visit golden monkeys in Mgahinga. . (BLD) Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge

Day 9: Tuesday                          Parc National des Volcans , Rwanda
After breakfast you may lounge around the lodge or  walk near the Lodge, before you travel to Rwanda after lunch. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Stroll around the Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. (BLD) Volcanoes Virunga Lodge  

Day  10: Wednesday                   Parc National des Volcans , Rwanda
After breakfast track the gorilla through the light mountain forest on the 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. (BLD) Volcanoes Virunga Lodge 

Day  11: Thursday                       Parc National des Volcans , Rwanda
After breakfast you have several options: participating in  gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. (BLD) Volcanoes Virunga Lodge 

Day 12  : Friday                           Depart
Leave for Kigali. 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. Transfer to the airport (depending on your flight times you may have to spend a night in Kigali). (B,L)

Prices include: transport and a driver/guide for the itinerary agreed, accommodation on a shared basis and meals as stated (in Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board) and, where appropriate, boat trips, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit. At Volcanoes gorilla lodges (Bwindi, Mount Gahinga and Virunga), the tariffs are on an all-inclusive basis including unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks; laundry services; and any activities clients wish to do around the lodges. A complimentary massage is also offered.

Prices exclude: airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes. At non-Volcanoes lodges all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks are excluded.

Important Notes:
1 .All gorilla permits need to be purchased at the time of booking or a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of the safari paid, whichever is higher. Gorilla viewing is subject to availability of permits, which are limited; any additional gorilla permits required should be purchased when booking. Gorilla permit prices are subject to change without warning.

2. The safari prices include a $100 contribution per client which will be transferred to the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, a separate non-profit organisation to undertake community and conservation activities.

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