Rwanda - Gorillas and Chimps
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
10 days (ex Kigali)
Highlights:
Spot a family of silverbacks, Experience village life at a local homestay, Explore the shores of Africa's highest lake, Engage in monkey business with the chimps of Nyungwe National Park,
Trip Code:
YSR
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
Prices from USD $1820
Park & Permit Fees USD$650
In order to ensure a permit for the Gorilla trek will be available for purchase when you arrive in Africa, an increased deposit (USD$525 + US$250 per person) will apply at time of booking. The Gorilla Permit is in fact paid for locally and is included in the advertised Park & Permit fee. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking. Please note your deposit is non refundable.
*(plus local payment USD $0)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
A relatively undiscovered country of emerald mountains and refreshing cool breezes, Rwanda is a delightful destination just waiting to be explored. Although paved roads are generally non-existent and all accommodation very basic, this is the perfect trip for those wishing to get way off the tourist track. From magnificent mountain gorillas deep within misty rainforests to a gleaming volcanic lake, beautiful beaches and tasty local brews, Rwanda just has so much to offer. So pack your most comfortable shoes and come along on this journey across the land of a thousand hills.
is this trip right for you?
physical rating:
rating definitions
culture shock rating:
rating definitions
passenger feedback rating: N/A as this is a new trip.
meals included: 8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
transport: 4WD safari vehicle, hiking
accommodation: Twin share hotels (7nts), twin share accomm with shared bathrooms (1nt), multishare accomm, shared bathrooms (1 nt)
budget: Allow USD $200 for meals not included.
departs: selected Sun
important notes:
The tour price includes the trekking permit to see the gorillas. In order to secure this, a special deposit of the equivalent of USD$550 has to be paid at the time of booking. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 90 days of departure.
Travellers must be a minimum of 15 years of age in order to visit the gorillas. This is a government requirement when buying permits.
we also recommend:
Want to see all the animals of Africa! Combine your Rwanda trip with our Kenya Explorer trip to take in hippos, lion and flocks of flamingos just to name a few and tick off a wildlife and cultural experience that takes in the best Africa has to offer. (YSE)
Day 1 Kigali
Get acquainted with Rwanda's attractive capital on an orientation walk.
Day 2 Parc National des Volcans/ Gorilla Trek
Travel the scenic, winding roads of this land of a thousand hills, on the way to Parc National des Volcans, prime gorilla habitat. With several gorilla families living within the dense forests, chances of seeing silverbacks are good.
Days 3-4 Ruhengeri
Indulge in traditional food and tribal dancing at a village homestay in Ruhengeri.
Day 5 Lake Kivu/ Gisenyi
Explore the lovely shores of Lake Kivu, Africa's highest lake. Beachfront bars in Gisenyi are the best places to kick back.
Day 6 Nyungwe National Park
See enormous, historic Idjwi Island floating in the middle of a volcanic lake en route to Kibuye, one of Rwanda's hidden gems.
Day 7 Chimpanzees & Colobus Monkeys Trek
Experience the pinnacle of primate tourism in Nyungwe National Park - the only place in the world where more than five species can be found in a single location. Look out for chimps, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and more.
Day 8 Kigali
Stop at tiny Butare and check out the interesting National Museum for a lesson on Rwandan history. The Kigali Memorial Centre gives sobering insight on the genocide that occurred only too recently in this landlocked country.
Day 9 Akagera Game Drives
Embark on a safari drive, cutting across Akagera National Park to spot graceful giraffes, handsome impalas and hippos spluttering in the river.
Day 10 Kigali
Sit back with a refreshing local brew.
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
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Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.
On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
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Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
Loved the trip!! Thank you to Victor, George and Akyoo. You were wonderful and made the trip so special.
It was an incredible experience from the scenery and game drives to pitching tents and helping Akyoo prepare dinner.
Dolores Fantz
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