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Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Journey
There's an abundance of adventures to experience in both Uganda and Rwanda where wildlife lovers and connoisseurs are now beginning to discover the region for the primate trekking journey to spot chimps and gorillas in their natural habitat in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable life-changing sojourn.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the full "Gorilla Journey"in Bwindi & Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy "Fly-In-Safari" throughout your journey
Stay in &Beyond's charming and luxurious lodges
Experience an intimate hospitality in Uganda and Rwanda
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE KIGALI
Arrive into Kigali Intl Airport and be met by your &Beyond representative where we transfer to the vibrant and colourful downtown of Kigali - capital city of Rwanda which spreads out over four scenic ridges and the valleys in between, with the city centre located on one hill, and the government and administrative quarter on another. The highest hill, Mount Kigali, sits at 1,850m above sea level. Kigali's peaceful, tree-lined streets are clean and safe and boasts a selection of hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and markets. We transfer to Kigali Serena Inn where you will spend the day relaxing.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Inn, Kigali
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: KIGALI / VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, we transfer to Kigali Airport to board your light-aircraft for your journey to the Volcanoes National Park where the rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes are the last refuge of the Mountain Gorilla. The Virungas span Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Volcanoes National Park being the Rwandan element of this ecosystem. The lush slopes of the volcanoes provide an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is perhaps the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experience to be had anywhere - to see the Mountain Gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world's wild population of Mountain Gorillas are resident on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas. Seven habituated families of gorillas are visited, and these families have from seven to over thirty-five individuals in each group. Spend the next three days uncovering our cousins from our base, &Beyond Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
The experience of a lifetime begins early this morning. After briefings by park staffs, you will be assigned a gorilla family to visit together with your park ranger. The trek then begin on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes before gradually witnessing the beautiful dense misty forests. This trek may take between 2 and 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family and we are allowed an hour to admire the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Spend another day in the Volcanoes National Park where today, is at leisure. Consider a visit to the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village where the villagers convinced ex-poachers to turn their back on poaching and showcase the cultural arts instead. You can discover the traditional house of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, try your hand at bow and arrow shooting or enjoy cultural dances and drumming performed by locals in the area. Alternatively, enjoy leisure time on escorted walks around the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or take a mountain bike excursion.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK / BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Today, we take our scheduled light-aircraft flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. An ancient rainforest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park extends over a series of steep ridges in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain range. Its impenetrable nature, due to the dense growth of herbs, vines and shrubs that covers the valley floors, makes it an ideal habitat for the Mountain Gorilla. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the forest is home to roughly half of the world's total gorilla population. We will take our base at the Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge set at over 2,000m above sea level on a ridge overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes.
Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
We begin an early morning for our gorilla trekking mission where after briefing, we go in search to visit a gorilla family with our park ranger for our second gorilla experience of the journey. Learn about stories of each family member and hear of the atrocities of poaching which has been clamped down by the government and world conservationists.
Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK / KIGALI
Say farewell today for an adventure that has been thoughts-provoking, mind-stirring and emotionally-contemplating of what have been an epic Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Journey. This morning, transfer on scheduled light-aircraft for your return to Kigali, Rwanda for your connecting flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Relaxed yet elegant, the Kigali Serena Hotel is situated on a charming boulevard in the heart of Kigali. Each of the 148 contemporary rooms provides lovely ensuite bathroom, Wi-Fi connection, flat-screen tv and personal bar. Delicious globally-inspired meals are served at the hotel where you can choose from a mouth-watering selection of a la carte menus. Kigali Serena Inn is a partner property of &Beyond.
Hidden amongst the foothills of the spectacular Virungas, the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a stone's throw away from the Volcanoes National Park. Unwind in one of 5 luxurious stone cottages, 2 suites or an elegant family suite each with large sitting room, fireplace, stylish ensuite bathroom and private veranda. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a partner property of &Beyond.
Set on a forested ridge near the entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge boasts 8 spacious cottages built from volcanic stone and spectacular views stretch all the way to the Virunga Volcanoes. Each cottage features a bedroom, ensuite bathroom as well as outdoor verandahs to admire the forest below. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is a partner property of &Beyond.
