Description
This seven day adventure provides one of the best opportunities to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild in the area made famous by Diane Fossey in Gorillas in the Mist. We also visit the Golden Monkeys and offer a four night extension to Kenya’s Masai Mara where we hope to see some of the stars of BBC’s Big Cat Week and a huge range of other animals and birds.
The Volcanoes National Park is one of the last remaining strongholds of the endangered Mountain Gorilla and is located in north-western Rwanda on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It comprises of a group of five volcanoes, the Virungas, which rise to some 15000 ft above sea-level. The steep slopes and valleys provide a variety of rich montane ecosystems - from evergreen and bamboo forest, to open grassland, swamp and heath. Aside from the Mountain Gorillas, the park is also home to the rare Golden Monkeys which can also be visited. Having a close encounter with Mountain Gorillas is a heart-warming experience that you will never forget - don’t we all remember David Attenborough’s special encounter! Meeting these distant cousins of ours is a real privilege.
Our tour starts with an evening flight from London Heathrow which arrives in Nairobi, Kenya the following morning. We then join a flight to Kigali, Rwanda and are transferred to our comfortable hotel in Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri near to the National Park where we stay for three nights.
Each day starts with an early morning visit to the Park headquarters at Kinigi where we confirm which of habituated Mountain Gorilla families we will visit that day. On the final morning we will visit the rare Golden Monkeys, although a third trek to the Gorillas may be requested when booking. The afternoons will be at leisure but there will be the opportunity for optional trips to learn more about the people and culture of the area.
After visiting the Golden Monkeys we will transfer back to Kigali to spend the night. On the following morning we will visit the Genocide Museum, an important reminder of Rwanda’s recent past. We then continue to the airport where we take our return flight to Nairobi and, for those not joining the optional extension to the Masai Mara, connect with the overnight flight back to London.
The size of our group will be kept within one trekking group and Peter Smart from Wild Arena will accompany you. Peter is a wildlife photographer, escorting tours to a variety of countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil and the Galapagos Islands. Peter treats it as a genuine privilege to introduce people to the wildlife, landscapes and people of the countries he visits and his knowledge, organisational skills and sense of fun ensures that not only will you have excellent photographic and game-viewing opportunities but also a highly enjoyable holiday!
For those wishing to join Peter for four nights in Kenya’s Masai Mara, they will be transferred to a hotel in Nairobi for the night and then take the short flight to the Masai Mara the following morning. We will stay at the same camp we regularly use for our Kenya safaris which offers a fantastic location, comfortable accommodation and great food. We will explore this beautiful area in the camp’s four-wheel drive vehicles which are ideal for photography and driven by professional guides who know the area extremely well, are experts on the animals and birds and understand the needs of photographers. Each day we will take picnic breakfasts, and usually lunch, to truly experience life in the bush and appreciate all it has to offer. Optional bush walks, a tour of a Masai village and visits to the local school which we support can also be arranged. After a game drive on the final morning, we will have lunch before returning to Nairobi and taking the overnight flight back to London.
The safari is arranged by African specialists, Safari Consultants Ltd, a fully bonded UK tour operator; your financial protection when travelling with us. In addition to providing great photographic opportunities, Wild Arena’s tours are designed to offer a wide appreciation of the natural beauty of Africa’s wildlife, people and the environment. The itinerary provides you with the maximum time in the field so we can offer you the best photographic opportunities, including giving help when it is needed. We aim to give you a highly enjoyable holiday and for you to feel that our knowledgeable guides have provided you with unique opportunities to view and capture images of the natural world. Wild Arena also offers a wide selection of photographic workshops in the UK which many of our delegates have found to be an ideal way to develop their photographic skills, try new equipment and ask questions before embarking on their safari.
This exciting adventure offers a wonderful opportunity to see some of the world’s rarest primates which, when combined with the optional extension to Kenya’s Masai Mara, provides a magnificent variety of game viewing and photographic opportunities.
Please contact us regarding any questions you may still have or to discuss the possible extensions to this tour. You are advised to make your reservation immediately once you have decided to join us, as places are strictly limited on the very popular Rwanda: Land of the Mountain Gorilla.
Flights and Trekking Permits:
Estimated price per person without international flights and trekking permits. Estimated cost of economy class international flights from London, UK of £805 per person giving an estimated total price of £3130 per person (without trekking permits totalling US$1600) at prevailing exchange rates at the time of preparing this tour information
download Rwanda: Land of the Mountain Gorilla 2013Itinerary
Day 1 London, UK - Nairobi, Kenya. Evening departure from London’s Heathrow airport for the overnight flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
Day 2 Nairobi, Kenya - Kigali, Rwanda - Musanze, Rwanda. Morning arrival into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where we connect for our onward flight to Kigali, Rwanda. On arrival (around lunchtime), we will be met by our guide and transferred north-westwards (about 2 hours) to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri) in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains and arrive at our comfortable hotel during the afternoon where we will stay for the next four nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to prepare for our trekking which will take place over the next three mornings. Overnight hotel (D)
Days 3 & 4 Musanze. Each morning we take the short drive of around 20 minutes to the park headquarters at Kinigi. After checking in and confirming which Mountain Gorilla group we will be visiting, we will be transferred to the starting point of the trek. From here we will be on foot, climbing up through the forest until we make contact with the group. We will be led by a park ranger and assisted by trackers (and porters if you choose to hire one to carry your equipment). After our time with the Gorillas, we descend to the start point. From here, our guide will transfer us back to the hotel. If there is time, further exploration of the area may be made. During each afternoon there is time to relax and also have the opportunity to learn more about the people and culture of the area. Overnight hotel (BLD)
Day 5 Musanze - Kigali. On the final morning we will once again drive to the Park headquarters to arrange our trek to the Golden Monkeys. There will be an option for individual clients to undertake a further Mountain Gorilla trek if they prefer but this must be quoted, arranged and paid for at the time of booking. After lunch we drive back to Kigali to spend the night. Overnight hotel (BL)
Day 6 Kigali, Rwanda - Nairobi, Kenya. After breakfast we learn more of Rwanda’s recent history at the Genocide Memorial museum. We then transfer to the international airport for our flight back to Nairobi, Kenya. We then
Either (for those not undertaking the extension to the Masai Mara) connect to the late evening return flight to London (B)
Or (for those undertaking the extension to the Masai Mara) transfer to a hotel in Nairobi. Overnight hotel (B)
Day 7
Either London, UK. Early morning arrival into London Heathrow
Or Masai Mara, Kenya. Transfer to the domestic airport for a short flight to the Masai Mara and transfer to our camp where we spend 4 nights.
We will start our game drives driving to camp, where we have lunch and then visit the plains again. Overnight camp (BLD)
Days 8 to 10 Masai Mara, Kenya. Three full days game viewing in the Masai Mara where we hope to catch up with the feline stars of BBC’s Big Cat Week and observe the huge variety of other animals and birds which make the Masai Mara justly famous. Overnight camp (BLD)
Day 11 Masai Mara, Kenya - Nairobi - Kenya. On the final morning in the Masai Mara we will have a game drive. After lunch we take the short return flight to Nairobi and transfer to a restaurant for optional dinner before continuing to the international airport to board the overnight flight to London (BL)
Day 12 London, UK. Early morning arrival into London Heathrow
Please note:
- The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions
- Not all wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year & some activities mentioned may not always be available
- Meals included are as shown - B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Venue
Rwanda
An adventure to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda which is one of the last remaining strongholds of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. It is located in north-western Rwanda on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and comprises a group of five volcanoes, the Virungas, which rise to some 15000 ft above sea-level. The steep slopes and valleys provide a variety of rich montane ecosystems - from evergreen and bamboo forest, to open grassland, swamp and heath. Aside from the Mountain Gorillas, the park is also home to the rare Golden Monkeys which can also be visited. An extension to Kenya’s Masai Mara is offered at the end of this tour.
Summary
Price
Rwanda: Land Only cost of £2325 per person based on two people sharing twin accommodation, plus estimated cost of international flights of £805 per person, giving an estimated total price of £3130 per person and plus cost of trekking permits (currently US$1600 in total).
Optional Kenya extension: including one night in Nairobi, four nights in Masai Mara and internal flights, an additional £1985 per person based on two people sharing twin accommodation.
Duration 7 days (12 days including optional Kenya extension)
Single supplement £385 (plus £195 including optional Kenya extension) subject to availability. If you are a single person booking this holiday you do not have to pay single supplements, if you are happy to share. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same gender. However your booking is accepted only on the understanding that if no roommate is available then you accept a single supplement will be levied. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. If you have requested single accommodation we will do our best to secure this although this may not always be possible.
Deposit £300 per person required to confirm booking. In addition, the full cost of two Gorilla trek permit (currently US$750 each) and one Golden Monkey Trek permit (currently US$100) will be requested at time of paying deposit as these must be paid for when reserved. Please note the cost of permits are subject to change at any time and not refundable under any circumstances.
Travel insurance You must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including air ambulance.
Group size Maximum 7 plus photographic guide.
Fitness Level Moderate trekking climbing up slopes in forest with uneven ground and vegetation under foot. Daily treks normally range from 4 to 6 hours in length but may be longer depending on the location of the Gorillas. The pace is unrushed and frequent rest stops are made. A porter is available to carry photographic equipment. This tour is suitable for guests of average fitness levels and good stamina.
Photography Level This tour is suitable for all levels of photographic experience. The Wild Arena guide will be available throughout the tour to support and advise clients.
Cost includes Hotel/lodge accommodation on a twin share basis (unless single has been requested) on a full board basis, transfers for group departures using our chosen airline, all internal flights and transport as per the itinerary, sightseeing tours where specified, all wildlife activities escorted by English speaking driver/guides, services of Wild Arena photographic guide throughout the tour
Cost excludes International flights from the UK, airport taxes, transfers for Land Only packages and group tours when choosing your own flight arrangements, visa fees, medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs, personal expenditure, all drinks, mineral water, laundry, telephone calls, etc, porters, guides & other tips, meals not specified, personal clothing & equipment, travel insurance, optional trips, trekking permits, increases in park fees and taxes levied by the Government on the tourism sector, fuel surcharges, charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Safari Consultants control, anything not specified in the Cost Includes.
Please note that for those taking the optional extension, drinks, mineral water, laundry, internal flights and Masai Mara park fees are included during the extension and dinner on the final evening in Nairobi is excluded
Booking procedure Wild Arena African photographic tours are organised through Safari Consultants Limited, a fully bonded UK tour operator holding ATOL licence 3783. Also bonded through AITO Trust (No. 1091) and holding an IATA licence. Your financial protection when travelling with us.
All clients will be required to complete a Safari Consultants Limited Booking Form which supersedes any information presented on Wild Arena’s web site or other Wild Arena promotional literature. Bookings will be subject to acceptance of Safari Consultants’ Terms and Conditions and the following will also apply for this tour:
1. Safari Consultants reserve the right to cancel the tour if the minimum numbers specified is not reached at least 45 days prior to the departure. In this event, you will be offered the chance to travel individually or to receive your deposit back in full
2. In the unlikely event that Peter Smart is unable to join the tour, Safari Consultants reserve the right to send a suitable replacement if available. In such circumstances, the tour will not be cancelled and no compensation will be paid
3. The tour is based on shared accommodation but a single supplement may be paid for single accommodation, subject to availability
If you would like to request a copy of Safari Consultants Ltd booklet providing General Information, Terms and Conditions and Booking Form or you have any questions regarding any of our tours or workshops then please don’t hesitate to get in touch
