Primate Encounters Safari (Gorilla & Chimps)

( 5 Star )

Visit: Kigali – Ruhengeri - Parc National des Volcans – Gorilla trekking - Nyungwe National Park- Chimpanzee Trek - Kigali

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

DEPARTURE DATES : Daily on request

Arrive Kigali Airport (flight booked by agent). After completion of customs and immigration formalities you will be met at the airport by PRIMATE SAFARIS representative, briefing on your trip and introduction to your safari driver-guide. Thereafter transfer to your Hotel Overnight at your hotel in Kigali as per selected option on bed and breakfast basis (excludes drinks)

After breakfast, depart on a scenic drive west wards to Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town itself, located only 25km from the Uganda border, is relatively small with about 350,000 people. The constant flow of humanity is quite remarkable. The town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are very friendly here and although a former Belgian colony (and thus French speaking), many people speak English here. Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks**)

Early breakfast at your lodge 0630 hrs; Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs 0700 hrs; Registration where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit. There is a total of 96 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of eight trekkers visiting any one group. Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point. Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning. The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way. Have lunch at the lodge; Afternoon time/weather permitting, visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks**)

After breakfast, Drive to Nyungwe National Park; a rainforest reserve at an altitude range of between 1600-2950 metres above sea level with temperatures varying between 0°C and 30° C; average day temperature is 15°C. Nyungwe receives rainfall ranging from 1800-2500 mm per year. Rainy season is September to May, Dry season June to August with some dry weeks in December and January. The main features and attractions in Nyungwe Forest include the largest montane rain forest remaining in Africa, Mt. Bigugu (2925M), Kamiranzovu Marsh (13 Km²). Nyungwe Forest has 260 species of trees, shrubs and over 100 species of orchids and giant lobelias. For those interested in botany, the flora in Nyungwe is an added bonus! Have lunch in Kibuye and then continue to Nyungwe Forest. Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks**)

Early breakfast at your lodge; Hike into Nyungwe Forest, the natural habitats for a huge population of Chimps. Chimpanzees are great apes that are closely related to humans. Nyungwe Forest hosts these intelligent primates who are an endangered species. The forest harbours more than 275 endemic and migratory bird species recorded Including the Ruwenzori turaco, Ross’s turaco, Grey –cheeked hornbill, Red-throated alethe, Red-breasted sparrow hawk, White-headed wood-hoopoe, Kungwe apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Blue-headed and Regal sunbirds. After the trek, have lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure or re-enter the forest to visit Colobus Monkeys, do the canopy walk, visit the Kamiranzovu waterfall or other activities (optional, at extra cost). Overnight at your lodge as per selected option on full board basis (excludes drinks**)

Have breakfast at your lodge. Drive back to Kigali in time for your departure flight (reporting time to the airport is 2 to 3 hours prior to departure time). End of our services

Inclusion

Airport transfers and assistance

Transportation in 4x4 vehicle

English speaking driver guide

Mountain guide and trackers provided by the park

All accommodation and meals as per itinerary

All park fees and government taxes

Gorilla trekking permit costs shown separately (need to be added to per person rate)

Chimpanzee trekking permit costs shown separately (need to be added to per person rate)

One bottle of mineral water per person per day while gorilla trekking

Porterage while trekking

Exclusion

International flights

Visas

Airport tax (pay direct)

Driver guide or local escort gratuities

Diane Fossey’s grave fees

Drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel and baggage insurance

Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature

Audio guide at Genocide Memorial – payable directly

Note

Day 01 - Accommodation	Day 02 & 03 - Accommodation	Days 04 & 05 - Accommodation
Kigali Serena	Bisate Lodge	One & Only Nyungwe House

Accommodation at Bisate Lodge, is on full board basis including all meals, bottled water, juice, local beer, house wine by the glass and non-premium spirits

Non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure Gorilla permits and Chimpanzee permit. Travellers’ names as appearing on their passports along with nationality and passport numbers must be provided at the time of booking to allow purchase of gorilla permits. Permits cannot be transferred or refunded. Purchase of the chimpanzee permits is mandatory as is a two-night stay in Nyungwe National Park

We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.

Prices for domestic / International flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.

Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.

All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.

Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.

Travel in Rwanda is in short wheelbase 4x4 vehicles seating 6 passengers and the driver. This includes a passenger next to the driver and a passenger in the middle rear seat. If travellers prefer to have more space, we suggest you consider the option of two vehicles when there are 6 travellers in a booking.

Supplement cost for higher category properties is available on request