Page 71 - West & East Africa

Downtown EAST AFRICA Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
richest ecosystems in East Af rica. The park contains almost one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge situated on the slopes of the Forests of Bwindi. This intimate lodge offers uninter- rupted views of the pristine rain forest canopy. It’s the perfect, tranquil base from which to visit Bwindi. [B/L/D]
Day 5: Bwindi (Gorilla Tracking - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park)
Today will be a lifetime experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest onthemountainslopes. Theopportu- nity to come within meters of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day- to-day activities, is an experience you won’t soon forget! Mountain gorillas are extremely rare with only an esti- mated 880 remaining in the wild. Please note that gorilla tracking may be fairly strenuous with treks ranging from 30 mins up to six hours or longer, at high altitudes. Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sight- ings cannot be guaranteed. However, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Following the trek, return to your accommodation. Other optional activities that may be enjoyed in and around the park include forest walks, visits to a local school or orphanage or Batwa pygmy village, and curio shopping. [B/L/D]
Day 6: Bwindi, Ruhengeri
From Bwindi, we drive through the ‘Little Switzerland of Africa’ along winding mountain roads, and through rural villages, to the border of Rwanda, Kisoro. Here, on a clear day, the Virungas can be seen ‘standing sentry’ along the border – a row of massive, dormant volcanoes watching over the region. It’s a long day – approx 7-8 hours on the road – but the adventure awaiting you tomorrow is so worth it! Crossing into Rwanda, we continue to our Gorilla Trekking base, and over- night at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. [B/L/D]
Day 7: Ruhengeri
Trekking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park is a very similar experi- ence to that in Bwindi – just as chal- lenging, equally memorable. If you’ve opted not to trek today, take a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave or enjoy forest walk with Golden Monkeys. You will only be able to enjoy one of these activities (as they all take place in the morning) and pre-booking is essen- tial. [B/L/D]
Day 8: Ruhengeri, Kigali, USA
After lunch, we drive to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda – a bustling, clean and safe city. Optional visit to the haunting Genocide Museum. Drop off at airport – please book a late flight home or overnight in Kigali. [B/L]
Uganda & Rwanda
8 days
Entebbe, Mweya, Ishasha, Bwindi, Kigali
Your Tour includes:
F Arrival and Departure airport transfers (Entebbe/Kigali)
F 7 nights accommodation F Breakfast daily
F 7 lunches
F 6 dinners
F Domestic flight Entebbe-Mweya/Kasese**
F Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
F Game drives in Queen Elizabeth Nat’l Park
F Vehicle with English speaking local driver/ guide throughout
F Bottled water in safari vehicle
F All park entrance fees
F Full liability insurance cover
F Compulsory emergency evacuation insurance in Rwanda
F 24-hour emergency contact
For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com 71