Rwanda and Uganda

This morning at 08:00am you will transfer to Gisenyi for Kayaking on the largest lake in Rwanda. Paddling out onto Lake Kivu we find a picturesque coastline where traditional fishing boats ply the azure waters and lush, verdant hills reach up around us. Go fast or enjoy a gentle pace whilst enjoying the silence of the open water and watch for the many birds that dart in and out of bushes along the shoreline. After lunch, After the tour drive to Rwanda –Uganda border to meet your Ugandan guide, who will then transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the world. The forest covers an area of 331 km² at the south-western edge of the western Rift Valley. Bwindi’s most-revered species are the approximately 350 wild Mountain Gorillas that make up just over half of the world population of these gentle apes. Bwindi bird watching is highly recommended by the African Bird Club.

You will be up early on the morning of your Gorilla Tracking for a good breakfast in preparation for the day’s physical activity. You will report for registration at the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger station by 8 AM. After a briefing by the rangers, your gorilla trek will start. The trek usually takes between three and six hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a strong pair of walking boots or shoes. The rangers will guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest. They will escort you through the sometimes thick bush, occasionally hacking the dense undergrowth with a machete as you search to locate the gorillas. The mountain gorillas are under 24 hour monitoring for their own safety, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them. The rangers monitor each gorilla family by keeping in close radio contact. In part due to gorilla tourism, the population of gorillas is slowly increasing but the species remains critically endangered. Gorillas and humans share almost identical genetic material and their health must not be compromised by coming into contact with human diseases (via our food, for example). To reduce transmission of disease from humans to gorillas, you will also be advised to keep a distance of 7 metres from the gorillas. Once you have located the gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings to one side, and approach the gentle giants, just with your camera. The guides will interpret the animals’ behavior and advise on what you are watching. Females and their young, young males and even a dominant Silverback may be seen: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping! You will never forget your encounter with the gorillas. They will be quite curious to see you! You are allowed exactly one hour with the gorillas before returning to base.

Today you will drive from Bwindi to Kampala with an Equator stop over and lunch. Then your guide will drive you in due time for your outbound flight.