Bwindi Forest Gorilla Trek

Important Tips

The Volcanoes area is located at an altitude of over 2,400 meters above sea level.
It is extremely chilly in the early mornings and evenings – warm clothing is therefore necessary.
While trekking, it can rain unexpectedly – it is necessary therefore to have:

Water-proof clothing (jacket, with hood + trousers);
Waterproof Zip-Lock bags for Cameras/Film/Passports/Money, e.t.c.;
Hand Gloves (warm and water-proof), to keep hands off from rain and dripping vegetation;

as well as protect from stinging nettles;

Hiking boots – with good mud-grip are most appropriate, especially in wet weather;
Gaiters – to protect your trek trouser legs and boots against mud/wetness;
Any valuables (carried on the person and not necessary during the trek), may be left with
your driver-guide for safe-keeping.

PROGRAM OUTLINE:

Day 01: Morning hours, arrival into Kigali; Meet & Greet Services, followed by airport transfer.
Then, depart and drive through Kigali City, headed north of the country – to the Volcanoes Mountains base town of Musanze. 94km, 2.5hrs
•   Brief stop-over visit of the Dian Fossey Museum & Foundation, the town.
After the visit, drive through the town and on to the Rwanda-Uganda border point of Cyanika. 25km, 5.0hrs
Clear Immigration formalities and cross into Uganda – driving through the border town of Kisoro and head for south Bwindi Forest, in the south-west of Uganda. 45km, 1.5hrs
Arrival at your Bwindi Forest lodge in the early afternoon – for check-in and lunch.
Rest of the afternoon and evening, at leisure at your lodge – as you acclimatize and prepare for the following day’s exciting adventure. Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight on Full-board basis:
Mid-range, 4star: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge    www.ichumbigorillalodge.com
Day 02: Morning, enjoy the ultimate adventure – Mountain Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Freshen-up + lunch at your lodge.
Afternoon, at leisure – relax at the lodge, as you re-live the fresh memories of the close encounter with gorillas; Or, take-up am optional activity, such as the Batwa ‘Pygmy’ Cultural Village visit.
Evening at leisure at your lodge, with dinner included.
Overnight on Full-board basis:
Mid-range, 4star: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge    www.ichumbigorillalodge.com

Day 03: Breakfast at the lodge, followed by check-out.
Morning, depart south Bwindi region and cross back into Rwanda, for return to Kigali.
Arrive in Kigali in the early afternoon – for lunch at the Hotel Mille Collines (of the ‘Film Hotel Ruanda, in regard to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsis).
After lunch, embark on orientation tour of Kigali City, including a visit of the Genocide Memorial Centre & Liberation Museum (at the Parliament Buidings);
Later in the afternoon, your driver-guide will transfer you to the Kigali International Airport, for evening outbound flight.

NOTE:

Only one High-end, 5star property (Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge) is available in south-west Bwindi.
It is farthest from Rwanda/Uganda than other accommodation facilities in the area, and the road is earth and rough;
Gorilla families in that area (Nkuringo) are also reputed to be the most difficult to trek
As such, package offer based on this property is on “Request Basis Only”

Inclusions:

Kigali Airport Arrival & Departure transfers & assistance ;
02Nights Accommodation at south Bwindi, on Full-Board basis;
Kigali City Tour + Lunch, on Day 03: Inclusive of applicable entrance/audio fee
Private Transport in 4×4 Safari Land-cruiser;
Services of English/French-Speaking Driver-Guides;
Emergency Air Evacuation Cover (excludes hospitalization and medical bills);
Bottled Drinking Water during the safari (in the vehicle) and while trekking;
All taxes on the services quoted above.

Exclusions:

Any accommodation in Kigali;
Meals and beverages, other than specified;
Gorilla trek permits; Applicable permit Fee shown separately from main quote
Any other sight-seeing activities or accommodation, other than indicated;
International, regional and local Airfares + Airport taxes;
Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas;
Excess baggage charges levied by airlines;
Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants;
Laundry and other items of a personal nature such drinks, telephone calls, e.t.c.;
Personal and baggage insurance;
Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above;