Gorillas & East Africa Safari





Track gorillas, search for the Big Five and meet local legends
Whether you’re watching a sombre silverback gorilla in his natural habitat, descending 600 metres to the floor of the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater or spend time with a Hadzabe community in Tanzania, this 18-day tour offers opportunities to create travel memories most people only dream of. Journey through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in search of some of the world’s most mythologised animals. Along the way, meet locals and gain an understanding of the diversity of cultures in East Africa – from the Maasai tribes people to villagers on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the hip working class residents of Kigali’s Nyamirambo neighbourhood.
4.9
7 reviewsStart: Kigali, Rwanda
End: Arusha, Tanzania
- Duration
- 18 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Wildlife
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda's steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence, with permits included in the price of the trip.
- Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth with three 4WD safaris and two nights sleeping in a safari camp in the middle of this spectacular wildlife arena.
- Learn about Rwanda's devastating history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, and see what life looks like today with a tour of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
- Meet members of the Ishasha community for a look at rural life in Uganda, visiting an organic farm and medicine garden and learn how human-wildlife conflict is being tackled with anti-crop raiding techniques
- Get to know the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park on a series of 4WD safaris and an optional boat cruise around the lake.
- Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros, plus lions, zebra and more.
Itinerary
Welcome to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda since it gained independence in 1962. Most associate Rwanda with the horrific genocide that took place in 1994, but this is a country that has been striving to rebuild its economy for years and offers so much to the intrepid traveller. And though the past won't, and shouldn't, be forgotten, the future of Rwanda's tourism is looking bright thanks to its welcoming people, an abundance of lakes and the beautiful Virunga Mountains. Your adventure begins by meeting your fellow travellers and local leader at 6pm.
- (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until tonight's important welcome meeting at 6pm. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for this, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have these to give to your leader.
After breakfast this morning, your tour leader will take you to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which opened in 2004 to mark the 10th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It serves as a museum detailing the history and consequences of Rwanda's genocide and a place for people to grieve for lost friends and family. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Musanze – the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, home to gorillas and golden monkeys.
This afternoon, you'll visit The Gorilla Doctors headquaters; the only organisation in the world dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species one gorilla patient at a time using veterinary medicine and science. They monitor the health of gorilla groups to ensure the early detection of disease and injury, and stage medical interventions when gorillas suffer from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
- Musanze - Visit to The Gorilla Doctors HQ
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Audio Guide - USD15
Today's driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Today, you’ll visit the The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This research centre leads the world in protecting and studying gorillas while helping communities build their conservation capabilities. Learn about Dian Fossey’s life and the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
There are heaps of optional activities to do in Musanze, including Golden Monkey Trekking in the Virunga Mountains, the Mount Bisoke trek, or keep it chill with a canoe ride on the Mukungwa River. Maybe visit Redrocks Rwanda, where you’ll learn about the local banana beer production and be treated to some dancing, drumming and basket-weaving demonstrations.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Musanze - Visit 'Twin Lakes' Burera & Ruhondo - USD40
- Musanze - Redrocks Rwanda Visit (Banana Beer & Cultural Activities) - USD50
- Musanze - Mount Bisoke Hike - USD75
- Musanze - Canoeing on River Mukungwa - USD80
- Musanze - Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park - USD160
- Musanze - Guardian Village - Iby'Iwachu Cultural Village - USD30
Some of the optional activities, including the Golden Monkey Trek, may mean missing out on the included visit to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Research Centre. Please ask your leader for more information.
The Golden Monkey Trek is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
Today, you’ll leave Rwanda as we cross the border into Uganda, making our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is home to 618 bird species, 10 species of primates - including chimpanzees, and 95 different types of mammals. The route to your accommodation may feel like an unofficial safari. Keep a look out for African elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, leopards, spotted hyenas, lions and chimpanzees. Tonight, stay in a simple safari lodge within the park overlooking the Kazinga Channel.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Stay in a simple safari lodge within the park overlooking the Kazinga Channel.
Today’s driving time is approximately 6.5 hours.
Wake up for another exciting day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with another 4x4 Game Drive. Be on the lookout for any sightings you may have missed yesterday, and if you’re really lucky, you might be able to spot leopards or lions.
This afternoon, you have the opportunity to see the park from a different perspective with an optional cruise down the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward to Lake George. You’ll be joined by local guides who will fill you in on everything you could want to know about the landscape and the animals who live within it – be on the lookout for hippos basking on the shore, as well as crocodiles, herds of elephants and abundant birdlife.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
- Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking - USD205
Chimpanzee trekking is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you’re welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
This morning we make our way to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here you meet some local residents to learn more about rural life in Uganda. Visit a local organic farm, medicine garden and homestead and learn how its owner is tackling human-wildlife conflict with his anti-crop raiding techniques. You’ll also meet a local Mukiga woman who will share her story while showing you how to sort, pound and grind millet to make porridge and other Bakiga meals.
This part of the park is famous for its tree climbing lions, so be on the look out as you make the game drive towards our ecolodge in the northern sector of the park frequented by herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes!
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda (approximately 6 hours). The journey is like a game drive in itself, with the chance to spot zebras, antelopes, baboons and monkeys out the window. When you arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll be based in Kisoro, which provides access to seven different gorilla groups located in Mgahinga, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Nshongi.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Join a local guide and trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi National Park in search of mountain gorillas. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park – it's called Bwinidi Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation at coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them, then return to the lodge for dinner and to reflect on this incredible experience.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Visits are strictly controlled to reduce possible negative impacts on gorilla health and behaviour. A surgical face mask must be worn while within proximity of the gorillas to minimise the risk of disease transmission.
Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and waterproof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain.
You will be provided with a walking stick and the option to hire a porter who can carry your day pack and assist you on the trek. It costs 20 USD to hire a porter, plus an optional tip.
Hiring a porter not only makes your trek easier but also encourages local communities to embrace gorilla conservation and tourism. Some porters are ex-poachers who now recognize the value in gorilla conservation practices.
After breakfast this morning, make the journey back to Kigali. You'll be dropped off at Kigali Airport for your short flight to Nairobi this evening.
When you arrive at Nairobi Airport, you'll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Check in, freshen up and get a good night's rest before meeting your group in the morning.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location.
Petty theft is common in Nairobi. As a general rule, the safest place for your valuables is on your person in a neck wallet or money belt. Your hotel room or reception may also have a safe in which to store things. If you decide to go exploring, make sure you get local advice on where it is and isn't safe – particularly for later in the day. Be careful not to leave bags unattended on chairs or the floor when you're in a bar or restaurant. Without being paranoid, appearing vigilant is a great deterrence to would-be thieves. Also, make scans of important travel documents and email them to yourself – this will save you hours of time in paperwork if anything does happen.
Transfer from Nairobi to the famous Maasai Mara – one of the best game reserves in Africa. On the way, you'll stop in Loita Hills – a remote region home to the traditional Maasai people. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the Western world. Visit the Tepesua Village, known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. Maasai Warriors will welcome you here by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts and attend a talk full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village, which was founded for widows who can never remarry and lost their cows due to drought. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here, the women make handicrafts and sew handbags using sustainable materials as well as washable sanitary pads and backpacks to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and its cattle enclosures. Continue to the outskirts of the Maasai Mara, where your permanent tented camp can be found.
- Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the open plains at sunrise, teeming with wildlife. After, explore the Maasai Mara in 4WD safari vehicles with game drives in the morning and the afternoon today to give you the best chance to spot the Big Five. This is the quintessential African experience, and with sparse open plains and some of the world's most impressive animals, you won't soon forget this one. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, lions, leopards, antelope and giraffes along the way.
- Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to—but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
You'll be picked up before dawn and taken to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. As the sun rises, you'll drift through the sky, sometimes floating at tree level, offering incredible photo opportunities. At other times, you'll soar higher, taking in sweeping views of the vast plains and the early morning movements of the wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to camp to rejoin your group.
Get ready for a long travel day as you journey toward the Kenya-Tanzania border and make your way to the magnificent Lake Victoria. This vast lake is the main source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and spans the shores of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. On arrival, unwind with a lakeside dinner while you ponder the magnitude of the world’s largest tropical lake.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 10-11 hours, including border formalities.
Enjoy a relaxed morning, taking in the magnificent views of Lake Victoria in the morning light. Travel to Serengeti National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife and vast, open landscapes. After passing through the park gate, experience the greatest commute possible as we slowly make our way to our permanent tented camp via the 'scenic safari route.' Along the way, stop to take photos of the abundant wildlife and stunning views. Tonight, you'll have a true African safari experience – with your comfortable safari camp set right in the heart of the Serengeti. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories, then fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
- Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Serengeti National Park - 4WD Safari
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, not including your safari en route to camp.
Your safari tent is equipped with an ensuite, solar power, and private veranda. The camp is unfenced, and there's a good chance wildlife will be nearby or wander through camp, particularly at night. Your leader will provide a full safety briefing upon arrival.
Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning 4WD safari to spot the wildlife when they're at their most active. Then, return to camp for a relaxed brunch. This afternoon, head off again for another drive through the park. Return to camp for dinner and another night under the Serengeti's stars.
- Permanent Tented Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
There is another optional balloon ride this morning, offered as a pre-booked service, which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to – but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.
Today’s game drives will depend on the time of year and how far the best possible animal sightings are likely to be from camp. To maximize your chances of epic wildlife encounters (and reduce time spent commuting to and from camp), you may do a full-day safari rather than separate morning and afternoon safaris.
Enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti National Park this morning as you exit your camp inside the park and make your way to the park gate. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in the park's 4WD jeeps and descend to the crater floor. The jeeps have an open roof, and the animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, which makes watching them up close easier. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, endangered black rhino and the colourfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. This afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu – a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.
- Lodge (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including the safari as you make your way out of the Serengeti.
After breakfast this morning, you’ll make your way to Lake Eyasi – a huge seasonal soda lake. Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers incredible insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life. You’ll be able to meet community members and join in on daily activities like hunting, gathering and traditional dance. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, which is thought to be one of the oldest languages still in use today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day to put your feet up and relax.
- Lodge (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
- Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Today is a free day to relax or choose from the various optional activities available from your base in Karatu. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger. This is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot the varied birdlife as you walk. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Arusha, where you spend your last night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
- Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25
- Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
- Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
The optional activity prices do not include transportation costs. These depend on the number of travellers booking the activity and can be split accordingly.
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. A departure transfer to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) can be booked at an additional expense. Alternatively, you can continue with your crew to finish in Nairobi.
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours to Nairobi.
Any flights out of Nairobi should not be booked to depart before 9 pm tonight. We highly recommend you book a post-trip accommodation and depart the following day. If you need additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent beforehand.
The drop-off point in Nairobi will be Hotel Boulevard.
Inclusions and activities
17 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners
4WD Open Safari Vehicle, Private 4WD Vehicle, Plane
Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (7 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (4 nights)
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
- Musanze - Visit to The Gorilla Doctors HQ
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
- Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit
- Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Audio Guide - USD15
- Musanze - Visit 'Twin Lakes' Burera & Ruhondo - USD40
- Musanze - Redrocks Rwanda Visit (Banana Beer & Cultural Activities) - USD50
- Musanze - Mount Bisoke Hike - USD75
- Musanze - Canoeing on River Mukungwa - USD80
- Musanze - Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park - USD160
- Musanze - Guardian Village - Iby'Iwachu Cultural Village - USD30
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
- Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking - USD205
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD800
- Karatu - Village Visit - USD20
- Karatu - Coffee Tour - USD25
- Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek - USD80
- Lake Manyara Game drive - USD100
This trip generates 34 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.
- The sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, is unbeatable. But please keep in mind that tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours up and down hills.
- Staying in a permanent tented camp in the Serengeti National Park, with no barriers between you and the animals, is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader.
- This is a 4WD overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in 4WD vehicles, visiting remote communities and world-renowned wildlife parks. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.
- There will be many early starts, either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
- The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.
The Nest
7 KG 6 Avenue,
Kigali
RWANDA
Phone: +250 790 008 935
Description
Nest Rugando is a small boutique guesthouse located in the heart of Kigali's Kimihurura neighbourhood. Facilities include a shared lounge, garden, terrace, 24hr reception, free laundry, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Rooms are equipped with an ensuite bathroom and shower.
Instructions
A private arrival transfer is available for pre-booking through Intrepid. Please speak to your booking agent for more information. If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, please ensure you have provided Intrepid with your arrival flight details at least 15 days before the departure of your Intrepid trip. On arrival, please look out for our representative holding a board with your name at the arrival terminal.
If you fail to see our representative, please call the following number and someone will attend to your needs +254 733 523 813
If you are making your own way to the hotel, there is a taxi stand outside the airport building. A taxi should cost approximately USD$30 to USD$50, and payment can be made in Dollars.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at the time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
3. This itinerary offers two optional sunrise balloon safaris—one in the Maasai Mara and another in Serengeti National Park. We offer both as a pre-booked service, which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to – but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
4. Some governments have increased foreign travel advice around security in place for Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities on your itinerary.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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