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7th Wonder of the world
Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve has been named one of the new Seventh Wonders of the World in a poll of experts conducted by ABC Television's Good Morning America. The incredible annual migration of over a million Wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the Mara has been described as being one of the most awe inspiring sights on earth.READ MORE.. | |
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Primates Of The Great Lakes Region 8 Days |
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Day 1 – ARRIVAL -
Meet on arrival at the airport. Transfer to Kigali.
Overnight: Hotel des 1000 Collines (LD) or Motel Hellenique or equivalent (LD)
Day 2 – KIGALI– BUTARE – GISAKURA -
After an early breakfast, drive toward Gitarama, with spectacular views along the way. The countryside is patchwork of green. From the bluish green of the eucalyptus trees planted on the hilltops, the dark green of the cypresses lining the narrow tracks, to the soft green of the rice fields in the valleys. The inhabitants, mainly Hutu of Bantu origin with a Nilotic Tutsi minority, have after years of terrible problems, once again begun to appreciate the benefits of peace. A temperate climate explains the extraordinary diversity of farming: coffee, tobacco, sorghum, potatoes, beans, and bananas. In Butare you can visit the National Museum. This museum is a must for anybody who is interested in African history. After lunch continue through the Nyungwe forest toward Gisakura.
Overnight: Guesthouse de Gisakura (BLD)
Day 3 – NYUNGWE FOREST -
Covering 970 km2, the Highlands provide unique habitat for thirteen species of primate, including chimpanzees, l’Hoest and owl-faced monkey. As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of almost 400 semi wild colobus monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. This high altitude jungle floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world. In the afternoon, drive through extensive tea plantations to Cyangugu, a small harbour on Lake Kivu. Cross Ruzisi River to Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Overnight: Orchid’s Safari Club (BLD) or Mission of Bukavu or small hotel (BLD)
Day 4 – KAHUZI-BIEGA NP – EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS -
The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a World Heritage Site. A vast area of primary tropical forest dominated by two spectacular extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega, the park has a diverse and abundant fauna. Some of the last groups of eastern lowland gorillas (gorilla gorilla graueri) consisting of only some 250 individuals live here at between 2,100 and 2,400 m above sea level. Eastern lowland gorillas have black coats, and the males develop silver backs as they mature. With the help of a ranger and trackers, we approach this rare primate. The walk can take several hours, but coming across the group in its particular habitat is an inspiring moment.
Overnight: Orchid’s Safari Club (BLD) or Mission of Bukavu or small hotel (BLD)
Day 5 – LAKE KIVU – GOMA -
The 2 busy ports of Bukavu and Goma are connected by a wild roller-coaster road that tumbles through lush plantain fields and relic patches of misty rainforest to offer sweeping views over hundreds of small islands. En route to the north, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters and the ragged shore of Lake Kivu, Africa’s highest lake and an extraordinarily beautiful inland sea enclosed by steep green terraced hills.
Overnight: Hotel Ihusi (BLD) or Mission des Palotains (BLD)
Day 6 – GOMA - KINIGI –
After several relaxing hours spent enjoying the clear waters of Lake Kivu, we set out on a boat to discover the beauty of the little bay and neighbouring islands before returning to Rwanda. The good tarmac road, which winds through the luxuriant vegetation of the banana and coffee plantations, takes us to Kinigi, at the entrance to the Parc National des Volcans.
Overnight: Mountain Gorillas’ Nest (BLD) or Guesthouse de Kinigi (BLD).
Day 7– PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS - MOUNTAIN GORILLAS (g. g. beringei) -
As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyio, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will have been worth the hardship. After a light lunch and a warm shower, travel to Remera.
Overnight: Centre de Charité de Remera (BLD).
Note
Depending on gorilla permits’ availability, it might be possible that the mountain gorilla tracking can be done on other day in Rwanda, or in Jomba (Congo). Program would be adjusted in accordance and would be fulfilled.
Day 8 – RUHENGERI – KIGALI – DEPARTURE -
After a last look at the magnificent volcano range and Lake Ruhondo, drive to Kigali and transfer to the airport (BL).
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