Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi
7 nights/8 days
Scheduled Departure Safari
This safari takes you to three gorilla parks – PNV in Rwanda, and Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda. It offers an opportunity to track gorillas four times, twice in PNV, once in Mgahinga/Nkuringo and once in Bwindi. PNV in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest usually takes only a few hours. You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey’s grave and the endangered golden monkey. Mgahinga currently has one habituated gorilla family. Sometimes this group moves across the border so you can track gorillas at Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi instead. Bwindi has four habituated families and the gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper. Other activities include guided nature hikes and serious birding.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kigali, overnight Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 2 Gorilla tracking PNV, overnight Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 3 Overnight Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 4 To Uganda, overnight Gahinga Lodge
Day 5 Mgahinga/Nkuringo, overnight Gahinga Lodge
Days 6 & 7 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, overnight Bwindi Lodge
Day 8 Return to Kigali
Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi – Price
2012 Departures: $5,410 per person sharing
Single supplement: $645
Prices include all transportation, driver/guide services, park fees, chimp permits and one gorilla permit, accommodation on a shared basis and most meals. Your alcoholic and soft drinks, laundry service, lodge activities and a complimentary massage are all included. Your safari price also includes a $100 contribution to a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and community projects in Rwanda.
Prices exclude airfare to Rwanda, travel insurance, visa fees and airport taxes, gratuities and additional gorilla permits.
Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi - Departure Dates
This safari starts and ends in Kigali.
2012
January 10, February 7, March 20, April 3, May 22, June 12, July 24, August 21, September 18, October 2, November 6, December 11
2013
January 8, February 5, March 5, April 9, May 21, June 18, July 2, August 20, September 24, October 22, November 19, December 24
Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi - Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transfer to Kigali. You will receive a safari briefing and have lunch before departing for PNV. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.
Day 2
Today you will go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at the time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Overnight at Virunga Lodge.
Day 3
You can choose to go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.
Day 4
This morning you can choose to relax, walk near the Lodge, visit the golden monkeys or trek to Dian Fossey's grave. After lunch you will transfer to Uganda where you will overnight at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge.
Day 5
Today you can choose to go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb a volcano, or go for a nature walk, or visit golden monkeys in Mgahinga. Overnight at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge.
Day 6
Drive to Bwindi through the Switzerland of Africa, with the road winding through many hills and valleys, with distant views of the volcanoes and lakes. Time permitting go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively go for a short stroll around the Lodge. Overnight at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
Day 7
You can choose to go gorilla tracking (on payment of supplement at the time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. Overnight at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
Day 8
Depart for Kigali in Rwanda where, time permitting, you can go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural center and the genocide memorial. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Contact Duffle & Compass to begin planning your Africa adventure.
