w uganda mountain lowland gorillas and chimps...scenic drives through rwanda, known as the land of a...

EXPLORE PLUS TRAVEL & TOURS Marketing: +27 12 808 3309 / Fax: +27 86 678 7749

Reservations: SA: 0861 100 078 / Int: +27 12 808 3309 Fax: +27 86 678 6584

[email protected] / www.eXplorePlusTravel.com

Mountain and Lowland Gorillas & Chimps

Come face to face with Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Scenic drives through Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills with its beautiful rolling landscapes dotted with tea plantations, rugged mountains, towering volcanoes and

the shimmering Lake Kivu. Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most interesting capitals.

Chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe Forest. Explore the last remaining habitat for Eastern Lowland gorillas in the DRC.

Visit the Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali, where 259,000 victims have been buried. PRIVATE SAFARI:

We can offer this private safari all year round according to your preferred dates.

YOUR TOUR IN DETAIL…

DAY 1: Johannesburg / Kigali Airport / Kigali The package includes return economy airfare with RwandAir from Johannesburg to Kigali Airport (departing at 16h45, arriving at 21h20). Meet and greet by our representative at the Kigali Airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the Amata n’Ubuki Boutique Hotel (standard room) with breakfast included.

DAY 2: Kigali / Volcanoes National Park Estimate driving time: 3 hours

After breakfast, we do a City Tour of Kigali and visit the Genocide Memorial Centre. The Kigali City tour offers you an in-depth overview of Kigali’s past and present, showing you the true heartbeat of the city. This includes a visit to some impressive craft centres in old Kigali as well as some of the newly developed areas in Rwanda. The nation's recovery is incredible and a testimony to humankind's resilience. "Cleanliness and Security" is the motto of Kigali. By this motto, the city is a safe and secure place to live, visit and to explore. The Genocide Memorial Centre is regarded as one of the best museums in Africa! Learn more about Rwanda’s history from the pre-colonial era to the 1994 genocide war that shocked the world. No matter which part of the world you come from, this is the one place you must visit in your lifetime to be reminded and re-educated about life’s fragility and the danger of the human vulnerability. The memorial commemorates the bravery, the strength and unmatched struggle of the people of Rwanda




and is also the burial site of the victims of the Genocide of 1994 (In 100 days, an estimated one million Rwandans were killed in the genocide). A trip to this memorial centre is not only an educational experience that will offer you a thorough insight into the country's painful past but also provides a truly moving experience. You simply cannot appreciate this beautiful country and its friendly people if you haven't visited this memorial centre. Enjoy lunch at the Hotel des Mille Collines (previously known as Hotel Rwanda) in Kigali before we travel to the Volcanoes National Park driving through the stunning scenery of flourishing green hills and valleys. This beautiful country is known for its huge indigenous forests, large tea plantations and other types of the farming that stretch as far as the eye can see. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (cottage) with lunch, dinner and breakfast included.

DAY 3: Volcanoes National Park GORILLA TREKKING: MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

Early morning departure from the lodge to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for your mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing from the authorities at the headquarters of the park, we take a short drive to the starting point. Trekking usually starts in cultivated land on the base of the volcanoes from where you are guided into the dense misty forests. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Africa, if not the world. The mountain gorilla species (Gorilla beringei beringei) is a critically endangered species. At least 480 mountain gorillas inhabit this (Virunga) complex and live at altitudes from 2300 - 4500m ranging within the southern part of Virunga National Park (DRC) and the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. There is a feeling of mutual understanding as you watch them in their own home, going about their daily business. The gorillas are wild animals and their behaviour is not predictable or controlled in any way. Gorilla trekking is an exceptional once-in-a-lifetime experience. Daily visits have an impact on gorilla activity patterns and are a source of animal stress, justifying the “only spend one-hour” rule still allowing adequate time for photography and observing these great primates in their natural habitat. We will visit the nearby Iby'iwacu Cultural Village in the afternoon. A guided walk through this village will reward you with an unusual and unforgettable experience as you go to different sites in this community. You will be visiting the king's house, hear all the interesting stories and get some insight about all the items in his house. Observe different types of traditional dances like Intore dance and Ibyivugo, performed by community members, using local and traditional musical instruments. Visitors can have an authentic traditional Rwandan experience of their daily lives by participating in day-to-day activities. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (cottage) with lunch, dinner and breakfast included.

DAY 4: Volcanoes National Park / Kamembe (near Nyungwe Forest National Park) Estimate driving time: 5 to 6 hours

After breakfast we will drive along the lakeshore of Lake Kivu via Kibuye town. This drive is absolutely stunning. Winding roads hug the lakeshore and majestic hills make for some fantastic photo opportunities. You will see the locals at work, intensively cultivating bananas, cassava, sorghum, beans, rice, potatoes and even coffee in their steep and tiny fields. In addition, there are several massive tea plantations, villages, innumerable tiny brickworks and surprises around every corner. You'll be met with huge smiles and waves from the local children as you pass by and arrive at Kamembe in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Emeraude Kivu Resort (standard room) with lunch, dinner and breakfast included.

DAY 5: Nyungwe Forest National Park CHIMPANZEE TREKKING

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge before your transfer to the park board office to register for chimpanzee trekking. The Rwandan chimp population consists of about 500 individuals and is thought to




be confined to Nyungwe Forest National Park. You will be able to hear them before you see them. From somewhere deep in the forest, an excited hooting will start, just one voice at first, then several, rising in volume before stopping abruptly or fading away. Unlike most other primates, chimpanzees don’t live in troops, but instead form extended communities of up to a hundred individuals. They move around the forest in small mobile subgroups that often revolve around a few close family members like brothers, mothers and daughters. Following the excursion, we will return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Emeraude Kivu Resort (standard room) with lunch, dinner and breakfast included.

DAY 6: Kamembe / Bukavu (DR Congo) After breakfast we will do the Canopy Walk, which is situated in the Nyungwe Forest that hosts 25% of African primates. This walkway is 40 metres above ground level and 90 metres long. It is built above a steep, deep valley, that affords you a dizzying platform where you will be on an "eye-to-eye” level with different primate species and many bird species who all prefer the upper scales of the forest. We will then return to the lodge for lunch followed by a meet and greet at the hotel by your DR Congo guide. En route to the border into the DRC you will see lush vegetation along the lake in this dense, green, mountainous area with its sparsely populated islands. There is a lot of small bays hiding ancient fishing villages and some beautiful beaches. We will transfer you from the port to your hotel in Bukavu. The city serves as the gateway to the Kahuzi Biega National Park and is situated on the south-eastern edge of Lake Kivu. Overnight at Orchids Safari Club Hotel (standard room) with lunch, dinner and breakfast included.

DAY 7: Bukavu / Kahuzi Biega National Park / Bukavu GORILLA TREKKING: EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS

Enjoy an early breakfast before driving (about an hour) to Kahuzi Biega National Park. After the briefing from the authorities of the Tshivanga Visitor Centre, set off to trek the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). The eastern lowland gorilla is arguably the most impressive of the gorillas. The silverback can reach a weight of 200 kilograms and a height of just under two metres when upright. Their faces are more elongated and its nose, with its compressed nostrils, is narrower than in other subspecies. You can stay close to the gorillas for a maximum of one hour, allowing for observation and photography. After the trek, you have the option to return to Bukavu with a local boat on Lake Kivu or by vehicle. Overnight at Orchids Safari Club Hotel (standard room) with lunch, dinner and breakfast included.

DAY 8: Bukavu / Kigali / Johannesburg Estimate driving time: 5 hours

After breakfast proceed to the Rwanda border to drive back to Kigali across beautiful landscapes of rolling verdant terraced hills. Stop at Butare and visit the National Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda where a fantastic display of Traditional Rwandan dancing will lift your spirit before you delve deep into the history and artefacts of Rwanda. Next stop is the Kings Palace Museum at Nyanza. This is the historical and traditional power center of Rwanda and here we visit the reconstructed Kings Palace to see how traditional monarchs lived in pre-colonial times. On arrival in Kigali, we stop for dinner (included) at Kigali’s premier Indian restaurant Khana Kazana before transferring to the airport for your onward flight home (departing at 11h20 Rwanda time, arriving at 02h10 South African time). End of service




COST OVERVIEW…

Request a quote from our Safari Specialists for the most current rates according to your preferred travel dates. INCLUDED: EXCLUDED: • Return economy airfares with RwandAir from

Johannesburg to Kigali Airport o Including airport taxes

• Airport transfers from Kigali Airport with English speaking driver/guide

• Accommodation in Kigali with breakfast • Lunch on day 2 in Kigali at Hotel Des Mille

Collines (previously Hotel Rwanda) • Accommodation on safari on a full board basis

(breakfast, lunch & dinner) • Private 4x4 stretched Land Cruiser safari

vehicle o Reference Books & Maps o Bottled water in vehicles

• Services of your professional and knowledgeable Rwanda & Dr Congo English speaking driver/guides.

• x1 Gorilla trekking permit per person at Volcanoes National Park (US$1500 per permit)

• x1 Chimpanzee trekking permit per person at Nyungwe Forest (US$100 per permit)

• x1 Gorilla trekking permit per person at Kahuzi Biega National Park (US$400 per permit)

• All other activities as stipulated in the itinerary, including:

o City tour of Kigali o Genocide museum visit in Kigali o Visit to the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village o Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest o Visit to the Lwiro Chimp Sanctuary o National Ethnographic Museum of

Rwanda o Kings Palace Museum

• Dinner on the last evening at Kigali’s premier Indian restaurant Khana Kazana

• Professional and knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guides.

• All National Park entrance fees & ranger fees • Comprehensive support from our operational

office in Rwanda for the duration of the safari • Travel information pack

• Multiple entry visas for Rwanda • Entry visa to DR Congo • Yellow fever inoculation certificate or an

exemption letter from your doctor - COMPULSORY!

• Malaria preventive medication. Rwanda & DRC are malaria areas

• Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Meals and drinks not specified • Laundry services • Gratuities to the driver/guide, trackers, hotel

staff and porters • All expenses of personal nature • Activities not specified ***International rates exclude flights and airport taxes.




PLEASE NOTE: • All prices are subject to change due to the rate of exchange fluctuation or any unexpected price

increase. • Prices are based on a persons per rate. • Children trekking restrictions:

o Gorilla trekking - No children younger than fifteen years old o Chimpanzee trekking - No children younger than eight years old

• Terms and conditions apply

DESCRIPTION OF LODGES:

Amata n’Ubuki Boutique Hotel (Kigali) Rating: Midrange

Welcome to the Amata n’Ubuki Hotel, the ideal hotel to discover Kigali from. It is located in the heart of the city, close to the airport, convention center and several shopping centers. Amata n’Ubuki Hotel is an excellent location for romantic weekends, business trips and a great place to taste the many foods typical of this area. Total rooms: 9

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (near Volcanoes) Rating: Midrange

The hotel is located closely to the main headquarters of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. It provides easy access to the park and guided tours to see the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The lodge covers four acres of attractive landscape on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo and has wonderful views of the nearby Virunga Volcanoes. Total cottages: 30




Emeraude Kivu Resort (near Nyungwe Forest) Rating: Midrange

Emeraude Kivu Resort is located in the town of Kamembe facing the quiet and beautiful Lake Kivu. The resort is a high standing hotel designed to provide guests with comfortable surroundings at reasonable prices. The resort has 62 nicely decorated bedrooms with en-suite facilities and a private balcony with a lake view. The service is excellent and the food outstanding. Total rooms: 62 Orchids Safari Club Hotel (Bukavu - DRC) Rating: Midrange

Set in a colourful garden, the Orchids Safari Club waterside hotel offers the most spectacular views over Lake Kivu. It is the perfect base for any exciting safari. You can do rafting on the Luhoho river, visit a tea plantation or trek through the dense rain forest of Kahuzi-Biega in search of lowland gorillas who, despite their formidable strength, are gentle and rare patriarchs. A short walk down the steps (which forms a mini hiking trail within the hotel property) to reach the pier will unveil uninterrupted views of Lake Kibu. The hotel’s restaurant is a real treat and a great location for birding. Total rooms: 22

Extend Your Stay!!

Rwanda is the ideal destination for more extended stays as it offers many activities that can be enjoyed by

all travellers. These include trekking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee and other primate trekking at Nyungwe Forest National Park as well as a forest and canopy

walk. Visit Lake Kivu – Rwanda's largest freshwater body. Do a wildlife safari and game drives at the Akagera National Park or perhaps mountain climbing, hiking and biking on any of the volcanoes at Bisoke,

Mikeno, Muhabura and Sabyinyo.

Tell us more about your interests, and we will tailor-make a package for you.




We Can Also Send You A Tailor-Made Quotation Similar To The Above Itinerary!

You can use this itinerary as it is, or you can customise it in any way you desire (based on your taste,

budget, people travelling, interests and more). You can use this itinerary for inspirational ideas of what is possible on a Rwanda safari, then make an enquiry allowing us to tailor-make your ultimate holiday

journey.

Prices on tailor-made safaris depend on number of the people travelling, the time of travel, preferred accommodation standards and seasonal prices from the green season (April and May), to the standard season (November to end of March) to the high season (June to end October). Please inquire for more

details about dates and prices.

“eXplore Africa… our playground!”

w uganda mountain lowland gorillas and chimps...scenic drives through rwanda, known as the land of a...

Documents