Tour Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery National Geographic Journe

Accommodation

Hotel/lodges (8 nts).

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours. The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour. Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date.

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

Others

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Community Walk, Kigali Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mountain Gorilla Conservation Experience, Volcanoes National Park Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Gorilla Lecture, Volcanoes National Park Your G for Good Moment: Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Equation Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe. Arrival transfer. All national park entrance fees. Genocide memorial entrance. Guided mountain gorilla trek with permits. Golden monkey trek with permits. Guided chimpanzee trek with permits. Local village walk. Safari drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wildlife boat cruise in Kazinga Channel. Visit to the Equator. Drum workshop. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Guide

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides, experienced gorilla trackers, park rangers.

Transport

4x4 safari vehicle, walking, hiking, boat.

Not included:

Insurance

Flights

Others

No optional activities

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Day 1 Day 1: Kigali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Kigali

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
If you arrive early, take some time to explore the city, known for its pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Kigali also has some interesting and historic sites outside of the city. If you want more time to explore, we recommend booking a pre-night.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Kigali International Airport to Kigali

Included Activities:
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Additional Notes: Please remember that this is a developing area and as such, accommodations/service may not be of similar standard to which you are used to in your home country. There also can be differences in service levels between different countries in East Africa. As well, interruptions in electricity and water can be common and internet/wifi is often only available in large cities. We appreciate your patience and understanding as well as your sense of adventure.

A/C is not available in the accommodations used on this trip. In general is not a concern as it does cool down at night and depending on location fans or screened windows are available.

4x4 safari vehicles are used to better navigate rough roads but important to note that vehicles do not have A/C.
Day 2 Day 2: Kigali/Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kigali/Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and pay your respects to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, learning about this somber chapter of the country’s past. Later, embark on a community walk in the vibrant Nyamirambo township and enjoy a local lunch at the G Adventures–supported Nyamirambo Women’s Centre. Travel to northern Rwanda in the afternoon and settle into our lodge, located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park and offering stunning views of the soaring peaks.
Volcanoes National Park borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains can be found here. The volcanoes and highlands of the park are covered in lush rainforest and bamboo (a favourite snack of the gorillas). While the most famous resident is the mountain gorilla, there’s plenty of other wildlife roaming around: buffaloes, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, numerous bird species, and some elephants call this place home.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
- Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Local Lunch
- Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Community Walk

Additional Notes: Altitude note: Volcanoes NP - approx 2,000 m (6,550 ft)
Day 3 Day 3: Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Set out on a trek in lush, jungle-covered hills with a park ranger to track a unique and endangered species—the golden monkey. Observe these playful, curious creatures in their natural habitat; then visit the Karisoke Research Center, founded by National Geographic Grantee Dian Fossey. Meet with a resident researcher to learn about ongoing efforts to protect endangered mountain gorillas, and deepen your understanding of these gentle giants at a talk by one of the park’s head wardens.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Volcanoes National Park

Included Activities:
- Golden Monkey Trek
- Mountain Gorilla Conservation Experience
- Gorilla Lecture

Additional Notes: Proper hiking attire must be worn – you will be trekking in a rainforest with lots of vegetation, undergrowth, nettles and normally a rather muddy terrain.

Only 1 hour is spent with the Golden Monkeys to ensure their protection and conservation.

Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of the golden monkeys. This is a national park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.

The order of activities over Days 3 and 4 can change depending on permit scheduling.
Day 4 Day 4: Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Embark on an unforgettable trek through the jungle alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. When we come across a group of gorillas, witness their fascinating social dynamics up close. Note that these treks can vary in length and difficulty depending on the location of the gorillas. Return to our lodge for lunch, followed by a visit to a local village to catch a glimpse of daily rural life.
Approximately 800 mountain gorillas exist globally in the wild today. They are found in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda. In DRC and Rwanda, gorillas live in similar ecosystems/areas. The gorilla species found in these three areas are called highland gorillas.

In Rwanda there are ten habituated gorilla families that are open to visits – the visit to a gorilla family is done once per day, with a maximum 8 trekkers per group and the duration of a visit is limited to one (1) hour with the gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact on the day-to-day life of the gorilla family you are visiting. It is important to be well prepared for the trek — you never know if your total trek will be short or long. The total duration of a trek can vary and be anything between 4 and 9 hrs in length depending on the location of the gorillas, which are constantly moving. You will mainly walk where there are no paths apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail.

Touching the gorillas is not allowed (although in some cases they may touch you). Making loud noises or sudden movements is also not allowed. You should attempt to keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, however the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to slowly move away. At all times you must abide by the instructions of the trackers and rangers.

Please note that porters are available at approx. $10USD per person. The porters are all hired from local villages and not only can carry your day pack, but assist you with a welcome hand over difficult spots. Regardless of your fitness level, we highly recommend hiring a porter as some tracks can be very muddy and elevation can affect even the most fit person. It also provides employment and supports the local community.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Volcanoes National Park

Included Activities:
- Gorilla Trekking
- Iby’iwacu Village Visit

Additional Notes: Mountain gorillas share 98% of our DNA and are prone to catching human illnesses. Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of the gorillas. This is a national park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.

Proper hiking attire must be worn – you will be trekking in a rainforest with lots of vegetation, undergrowth, nettles and normally a rather muddy terrain. Minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old.

Please note that depending on the size of our group and when permits are confirmed, we may be split into 2 trekking groups and you may be trekking with non-G travellers.
Day 5 Day 5: Volcanoes National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

After breakfast, cross into Uganda on a 4x4. Arrive at our lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the largest and most popular parks in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by open savannah, large areas of swamp around Lake George, the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast, and the forested Kyambura Gorge along the border with Kyambura Game Reserve.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Volcanoes National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Rwanda - Uganda)

Additional Notes: There is little accommodation inside the national park that fits our upgraded service level. Most of the mid-range lodges are adjacent to the park but it can often take approx. an hour to reach the park gates due to poor road logistics and conditions. For this reason there is a lot of driving to get to/from activities within the national park area.
Day 6 Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger, looking for the chimpanzee families that call this protected area home. Learn about the habits and social activities of these endangered primates—our closest relatives in the animal world—and gain insights into current efforts to protect them. This afternoon, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for a safari through rolling savanna and shrubland, keeping your eyes peeled for buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and hyenas.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Included Activities:
- Kalinzu Forest Chimp Trek
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari Drive

Additional Notes: The order of activities over Days 6 and 7 can change depending on chimp permit scheduling.

Proper hiking attire must be worn – there are trails but we can at times go off trail, to search out chimps. Vegetation and be thick with undergrowth, nettles and often in muddy terrain.

At all times you must abide by the instructions of the trackers and rangers.

Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of the chimps. This is a national forest regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.
Day 7 Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Head out on a morning safari through the park, dotted with acacia trees and covered in swathes of rainforest. Spot hyenes, warthogs, antelope, and, with luck, some of the African “big five.” Then float down the Kazinga Channel on a boat safari. This natural channel connects two of the park’s lakes and draws large numbers of wild creatures to its shores, including hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of birds.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- 4x4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Included Activities:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
- Kazinga Channel Cruise
Day 8 Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park/Entebbe (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park/Entebbe (1B, 1L)

After breakfast, head to Entebbe, stopping en route at the equator; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land. Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and have lunch at the G Adventures–supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. Later, visit a drum-making workshop and enjoy a musical performance.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- 4x4: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- AidChild Cafe & Gallery
- Equator Visit
- Drum Makers Workshop
Day 9 Day 9: Entebbe (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Entebbe (1B)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

Additional Notes: We recommend booking post nights if you want more time to explore Entebbe and the surrounding area.

9 days tour

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery National Geographic Journe

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery National Geographic Journe

Day 1: Kigali

Day 2: Kigali/Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park/Entebbe (1B, 1L)

Day 9: Entebbe (1B)

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