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Gorillas & Lake SafariSAFARI HIGHLIGHTS:Starting our five day journey in Uganda's leafy capital of Kampala, we cross the equator and head west to explore the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas. The forested region straddling the Virunga Volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only place on earth they exist. Staring into the soft brown eyes of a gorilla is an experience not to be forgotten, and by visiting them you will help ensure their continued survival in their natural habitat Departure: Thursdays Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights Price: From R4 690.00 per person (01 October 2007 - 31 July 2009) Local Payment: US$150.00 per person (01 October 2007 - 31 July 2009) Currency Converter DAYS 1,2: KAMPALA TO KISORO » After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to the base in Kisoro. » Kisoro is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place » Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda » The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice - currently they are priced between US$375 and US$500 depending on where we trek » There is a local transport fee of US$20 to US$25 per person » For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also have to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa upon re-entry » Please budget accordingly » Trekking Procedures: » The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives » A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience - one you'll never forget » The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are » However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting can not be guaranteed » In the unlikely event of these creatures managing to completely elude us, the authorities usually allow us a second opportunity to trek them » However, this is purely at their discretion and subject to the availability of permits, and they will not confirm this in writing » As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek » Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years old. We depart from our camp in the early morning and after border formalities are transferred to a ranger's station where the trek commences » Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family » Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required » To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour » You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs » The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting » Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point » You needn't feel like you're exploiting these animals » The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival » For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades! » In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long » 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals » (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) DAY 3: KISORO TO LAKE BUNYONI » A short drive, through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, brings us to awesome Lake Bunyoni » Lake Bunyoni is the deepest crater lake in Africa and is home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds » (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) DAY 4: LAKE BUNYONI » Today we have the whole day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni » There is the option to visit a local village or church, hike in the surrounding hills, canoe or just spend the day relaxing or swimming in this tranquil lake » A well deserved rest day! » (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) DAY 5: LAKE BUNYONI TO KAMPALA » After enjoying peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala » We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity » We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life! On arrival in Kampala, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! » (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) The above Gorillas & Lake Safari rates are inclusive of: -» Seat on fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle » All cooking and camping equipment (except sleeping bag and mat) » Meals » Parks fees and excursions as per the itinerary » Services of trip leader » Driver and safari cook (unless otherwise stated) » Booking Conditions |
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