Description
A stunning bepsoke safari taking in the highlights of East Africa including the endangered mountaing groillas of Rwanda, a visit with the gorilla doctors and a flight directly to the centre of the Serengeti for the ultimate big five experience.
Overview
A unique safari taking in the highlights of East Africa including tracking the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda, enjoying the big game and migration herds of the Serengeti and relaxing at the perfect beach retreat of Ras Kutani. Throughout this safari you stay at some of the best lodges in the region, maximizing your comfort at the same time as seeing as much as possible during your stay.
What makes this trip extraordinary:
- Track the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda twice.
- Visit the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project and meet some of the Gorilla Doctors.
- Track the golden monkeys.
- Fantastic wildlife sightings including several species of penguin, seal and whale.
- Visit Dian Fossey’s grave and see the remains of the research center in which she worked.
Inclusion
Exclusion
Itinerary
After lunch, you travel north to Ruhengeri and the Volcanoes National Park. This 2 hour drive undulates over Rwanda’s extremely hilly and picturesque countryside. Upon nearing the end of your journey, you will (weather permitting) begin to catch glimpses of the Virungas - a chain of 5 impossibly steep and lofty volcanoes straddling the western branch of the Rift Valley from east to west. Each mountain possesses its own unique character and silhouette, but together they form one of the most isolated and visually dramatic ecosystems in the world. A 'true island in the sky', the Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the worlds few remaining Mountain Gorilla, which were first studied here in 1959 by George Schaller, and through the 1960's by Dian Fossey and her colleagues.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge
(L, D)
The gorillas are by no means tame and are completely wild animals. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas' habits and information from the previous day to locate the group's whereabouts.
Because of this, the time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before one returns to camp. Once the gorillas are located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. This is one of the world's truly memorable experiences - a look into one of these magnificent creatures' eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us. It also brings home the poignant fact that they are on the edge of extinction, and that your presence here contributes to ensuring their continued survival. The hour is often over all too quickly, and you slowly make your way back to your lodge to recount the day's adventures.
On the first afternoon, there may be an opportunity to visit with the local communities or take a drive out to the scenic Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo. On the second afternoon, you transfer back to Kigali.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge
(B, L, D)
An early start this morning for your flight from Kigali directly into the Serengeti in Tanzania. You will be met at the airstrip by your vehicle and guide and transfer through the savannah plains (game drive along the way), to the lovely Dunia Camp. Arrival in time for lunch with an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Dunia Camp
(B, L, D)
The central Serengeti has one of the highest concentrations of lion pride and leopard and cheetah are often spotted. If you are lucky you may have a chance to spot the rare black rhino in the Moru area. One morning you have the option to take a Serengeti Balloon Safari, departing at 05h30. The balloon flight is approximately one hour with champagne, full English breakfast in the bush and a flight certificate included. Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 80kgs (cost not included at the supplement of USD$500 per person).
Overnight: Dunia Camp
(B, L, D)
A final game drives this morning on your way to the airstrip. You catch your flight at 1100hrs to Dar Es Salaam (ETA 1450hrs). From here you will have a short 4x4 transfer southwards to the beautiful beach hideaway of Ras Kutani. Relax and reminisce over the adventures of the last week or so…
Overnight: Ras Kutani
(B, L, D)
Three whole days to sit back and enjoy the comfort and tranquillity of Ras Kutani. Set on a peninsular of white sandy beach next to a fresh water lagoon and tropical forest shoreline. The perfect African beach relaxation.
Overnight: Ras Kutani
(B, L, D)
Today you depart Ras Kutani back to Dar Es Salaam in time for your onward international flight back home.
Accommodation
- Suggested Safari Accommodation:
- Virunga Lodge
- Dunia Camp
- Ras Kutani
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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