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5 Day Gorillas & Lake Safari (Kampala to Kampala) |
Starting our five day journey in Kampala, once home to many a chieftain, we leave this lush valley crossing the equator to explore the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas.
Meeting these magnificent creatures is a life long dream for many and an opportunity never to be missed, nor to be forgotten. Once found you can sit just meters away from these magnificent endangered creatures.
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A visit to the gorillas will help ensure their continued survival in their natural habitat. |
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Trip Price
R 4190
Local Payment
US$ 150 |
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DAYS 01 & 02: Kampala to Kisoro
After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive further west on into the depths of Uganda and arrive at our base in Kisoro. (B, L, D) |
From our Kisoro base, depending on where the gorilla permits are available, and where the gorillas are located,
we will be viewing them in either the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National
Park in the DRC or at Ruhengeri in Rwanda. Due to the nature of the gorillas and their habits, viewing cannot
be guaranteed. The gorillas themselves can tend to move around the locality quite a distance and the trek can be
quite arduous.
The cost to trek the gorillas differs from park to park and can range from US$300 to US$500, per
1-hour viewing. There is also a cost for the local transport to take you to & from the starting point to trek the
gorillas. This cost is normally US$15 to US$20 per person.
Please note that Africa Travel Co is not in control of
the price of gorilla permits and therefore cannot be held responsible for any increases in fees levied by the
relevant authorities.
National parks usually allow clients who fail to see the gorillas, a second chance to re-trek
the next day if time and availability allows or they may refund your trekking fee. This is purely at their
discretion. Although this is the general situation, the respective National Parks authorities will not put this in
writing to any tour operator. Again the respective park authorities say that you are paying to trek the gorillas,
not view them.
Africa Travel Co is considered to be the main tour operator within the overland industry and we
have a very high success rate of getting in and actually seeing these magnificent animals.
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Please note: This is an optional excursion and visas to the DRC and Rwanda can be obtained at the border. The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei) of whom only about 600 still exist, is one of our closest living relatives, yet ironically, it is mankind that poses the greatest threat to its survival.
To visit these noble creatures in there own environment is an experience you will never forget. Accompanied by a park guide and a bush cutter, we track these gorillas through the rain forest.
The gorilla families have been habituated to tourists and their whereabouts are monitored daily by the guides and park officials. It may be necessary to trek for quite a while through the dense forest vegetation (up to 5 hrs) in order to reach the family designated for your visit.
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As gorillas are sensitive to human diseases, the park authorities will not allow anyone they consider to be in poor health to visit the gorilla groups and children under 15 years of age are not allowed to visit.
You need not feel that you are exploiting these animals - for years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as souvenir ashtrays and lampshades. In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long. As a result, the ever-growing number of tourists to see them is an important factor in their survival. The gorilla fees help to set up and finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares. |
DAY 03: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni
A short drive through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa brings us to lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni is the deepest crater lake in Africa and is home to a large number of bird and fish species as well as otters. (B, L, D)
DAY 04: Lake Bunyoni
Today we have the whole day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni. There is the option to swim, visit the local villages or just sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. A well deserved rest day! (B, L, D)
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DAY 05: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala
After enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni we drive to Kampala for another overnight stay, and perhaps the chance to sample the nightlife. Your trip will end once we arrive back at our accommodation for the night. (B, L, D) |
Start:
Kampala
(Thursday)
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Finish:
Kampala
(Monday) |
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11 Jan 07 - 15 Jan 07 |
25 Jan 07 - 29 Jan 07 |
08 Feb 07 - 12 Feb 07 |
22 Feb 07 - 26 Feb 07 |
08 Mar 07 - 12 Mar 07 |
22 Mar 07 - 26 Mar 07 |
05 Apr 07 - 09 Apr 07 |
19 Apr 07 - 23 Apr 07 |
03 May 07 - 07 May 07 |
17 May 07 - 21 May 07 |
31 May 07 - 04 Jun 07 |
14 Jun 07 - 18 Jun 07 |
28 Jun 07 - 02 Jul 07 |
12 Jul 07 - 16 Jul 07 |
26 Jul 07 - 30 Jul 07 |
09 Aug 07 - 13 Aug 07 |
23 Aug 07 - 27 Aug 07 |
06 Sep 07 - 10 Sep 07 |
20 Sep 07 - 24 Sep 07 |
04 Oct 07 - 08 Oct 07 |
18 Oct 07 - 22 Oct 07 |
01 Nov 07 - 05 Nov 07 |
15 Nov 07 - 19 Nov 07 |
29 Nov 07 - 03 Dec 07 |
13 Dec 07 - 17 Dec 07 |
27 Dec 07 - 31 Dec 07 |
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Start:
Kampala
(Thursday)
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Finish:
Kampala
(Monday) |
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10 Jan 08 - 14 Jan 08 |
24 Jan 08 - 28 Jan 08 |
07 Feb 08 - 11 Feb 08 |
21 Feb 08 - 25 Feb 08 |
06 Mar 08 - 10 Mar 08 |
20 Mar 08 - 24 Mar 08 |
03 Apr 08 - 07 Apr 08 |
17 Apr 08 - 21 Apr 08 |
01 May 08 - 05 May 08 |
15 May 08 - 19 May 08 |
29 May 08 - 02 Jun 08 |
12 Jun 08 - 16 Jun 08 |
26 Jun 08 - 30 Jun 08 |
10 Jul 08 - 14 Jul 08 |
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Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
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All prices & Local Payments are subject to change without prior notice.
Free Trip
Please note that when you book this trip you are entitled to receive a free 3 day Masai Mara Safari. The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip. This offer must be taken up when booking your main trip. Please ask your travel agent for details. Conditions apply.
The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.
"Safari Njema" |
Reservations and Enquiries |
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