Silverbacks & Batwa Elders
5 nights/6 days
Scheduled Departure Safari 
You will track mountain gorillas on the slopes of the volcanoes and spend time with the Batwa community to learn about their ancient way of life. This is a good example of responsible tourism at work in both Rwanda and Uganda. Your visit makes a difference to the local people and wildlife and gives you an experience you'll never forget.
We will be happy to custom-tailor this itinerary if you would prefer a private departure.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kigali & transfer to Virunga Lodge
Day 2 Gorilla tracking
Day 3 Gorilla tracking (with additional permit)
Day 4 To Mount Gahinga Lodge
Day 5 Batwa Pygmies cultural day
Silverbacks & Batwa Elders - Price
2012 Set Departures: $4,263 per person sharing
Single supplement: $ 488
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 the areas you will visit.
Prices exclude airfare to Rwanda, travel insurance, visa fees and airport taxes, gratuities and additional gorilla permits ($500 until June, 2012 and $750 thereafter).
Silverbacks & Batwa Elders - Departure Dates
This safari begins and ends in Kigali.
2012
January 14, February 11, March 10, April 28, May 12, June 9, July 7, August 4, September 15, October 13, November 10, December 8
2013
January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 28, October 12, November 9, December 21
Silverbacks & Batwa Elders - Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Departing from Kigali you will be welcomed by your expert guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your safari. Your journey takes you through the beautiful terraced hills that characterizes much of Rwanda's landscape. Climbing gradually to the base of the spectacular volcanoes of the Virunga range, you may see five peaks rising high above the verdant countryside.
Your base for the next three days is Virunga Lodge, set high on a hillside with a panoramic view of the Virunga volcanoes and the lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. There are eight spacious stone and tile bandas with en-suite shower and flush toilet. Each features a large veranda with a magnificent lake view.
Day 2
Today you will go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at the time of booking). After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the park headquarters where you will meet your gorilla trackers and guides. You will be assigned to visit one of the gorilla families in the area and your guides will review all the necessary information with you before you set out. 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.
Day 3
You can choose to go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (additional permit must be arranged at time of booking and is subject to availability). There are seven different gorilla families and you will visit a different one today. Or you can choose visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ross Carr's Imbabazi orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave and the gorilla cemetery where Digit, her favorite gorilla is buried. Other excusions include visiting the local school or walking to Lake Bulera to experience local village life.
Day 4
Enjoy a more relaxing morning during which you can do one of the activities offered from Day 3 with the exception of gorilla tracking and visiting Dian Fossey’s grave. After lunch you will set off for the Mount Gahinga Lodge, where you will spend two nights. The lodge is located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes and near the entrance to the national park. Enjoy your pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with stunning views of the volcanoes or warm yourself inside by the roaring fire.
Day 5
Today you will walk the Batwa Trail and experience the lives of the Batwa Pygmies. Accompanied by Batwa Elders, this is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the unique cultural heritage of the forest’s indigenous people. As you walk through the forest, the Batwa will demonstrate their traditional hunting techniques and knowledge of medicinal plants. You will also visit the sacred Ngarama cave and enjoy the traditional music and dance of this rich and fading culture.
Alternatively there are other exciting activities for those interested in the culture and natural history of Mgahinga. You can track gorillas at Nkuringo, located at the southern sector of Bwindi National Park. Tracking here can be challenging due to steep and muddy paths. An additional permit must be arranged at time of booking and is subject to availability. Or you can hike the Muhavura or Gahinga Volcanoes. Gahinga offers a gentler hike through the bamboo forest on the lower slopes and marshy craters at the peak. The lower slopes are rich with forest birds and the marshes near the summit are home to bushbuck and elusive duiker. Muhavura is the most challenging peak in the park. The hike will take most of the day, but the adventurous will be rewarded with great sense of accomplishment and - on a good day - spectacular views.
Take a guided nature walk through the park to track the golden monkeys. The path takes you from the bamboo stands and a forested gorge on the lower levels to the elevated heath and moorland higher up. The forest is not only home to the rare golden monkey, but also a great diversity of bird and animal life.
Day 6
Your safari ends today with your journey to Kigali. Before transferring to the airport, there maybe time to tour the city and visit the genocide memorial, a moving testimony to this country’s past that it has courageously overcome. You will be transferred to the airport in time to check in for your onward journey.
Contact Duffle & Compass to begin planning your Africa adventure.
