There are some experiences in life that simply cannot be explained and can only be experienced in the flesh. Tracking Mountain Gorillas through high altitude bamboo forest and finally glimpsing these gentle giants is one such experience! Perhaps it 's their impressive size, with silverback males weighing in at two hundred kilograms, or perhaps their close genetic link to humans? Perhaps it's the highly endangered conservation status but whatever the reason, an encounter with these gentle giants transcends the physical and touches one on a much deeper level.

There is perhaps no better place to experience Mountain Gorillas than Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It is here where approximately half of the world's remaining Mountain Gorilla population resides and indeed where the legendary American primatologist, Diane Fossey, set up her research station and made her home at Karisoke for nearly 20 years.

In an exclusive offer, C4 Images and Safaris is offering a 7 night Gorilla trekking extension to our migration safari. We believe that by combining the migration, which has been dubbed the 'greatest wildlife show on earth', with a close encounter with one of the world's last great apes, we are offering a safari of a lifetime! For those wanting to just do a Gorilla Safari we will meet you in Nairobi and proceed to Rwanda together.
September is an excellent time to visit the gorillas and this safari includes visiting the Gorillas, as well as tracking Colobus and Chimpanzees in Rwanda.

Itinerary:

Day 1
For those flying up to join us from Jhb, we will collect you at the airport in Nairobi. We will then all overnight in the old colonial suburb of Karen at Ngong House. The afternoon is spent relaxing or visiting Karen Blixen Museum in the afternoon. A relaxed evening will follow, as the nest day is a rigorous travel day.

Day 2
An early start, as we fly outbound from Nairobi to Kigali with Kenya Airways. Upon landing in the capital of Rwanda, we are met by our specialist gorilla tracking guide and vehicle. Lunch either in Kigalior en route depending on arrival time. Proceed to southern Rwanda and Nyungwe Forest National Park arriving late afternoon / early evening.

Day 3
Early start trekking for the chimpanzees, this can take anything from a few hours to a full day depending on where the chimpanzees are. It should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see the chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances in one day. There are several other primates in Nyungwe such as the Ruwenzori collubus, L'Hoest's monkey, The Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey and the Grey cheeked Mangabey to name a few. All of theses make for excellent photographic subjects and the troops near the lodge are quite relaxed,offering good photographic subjects. After the trek return to base where we overnight at Gisakura Guest House on a full board basis.

Day 4
Spend another day in Nyungwe with a 4-5 hour trek in the rain forest on one of the many trails maintained by the park authorities. The afternoon is free to explore the surrounding are and get in some quality photographic time with one of the local troops.

Day 5
After a morning breakfast, we head on a Long days drive to northern Rwanda and to the foothills of the volcanoes that make up " Volcanoes National Park Travelling time from Kigali to Volcanoes area is 3-4 hours. We shall then proceed north to the foothills of the volcanoes that make up the Volcanoes National Park (approximately 3.5 hours drive). We will overnight at Gorillas Nest Lodge, which will serve as our base. The lodge is modest but clean/comfortable and set in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains with beautiful gardens.

Day 6 & 7:
Early breakfast before assembling at 7am at the park headquarters for a briefing on how to behave in the presence of the gentle giants. We will meet our specialist gorilla-tracking guide who works for the Rwandan Parks Authority and will then proceed to the starting point of the hike. The length and intensity of the hike will be dependent on the weather and location of the gorillas (reasonable level of fitness is required). It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers and gloves to protect you from stinging nettles. The tropical forest is hot and you will need to bring your own water bottle and some sugar supplements (sweets, biscuits etc) to help sustain energy levels. (If it rains, the terrain becomes very muddy so do not forget to pack an extra pair of shoes). If all goes according to plan we will track down the gorillas and spend an hour in their presence, which is a totally unique and wonderful experience. For conservation reasons, we are only allowed one hour with the gorillas so as not to hinder their natural behaviour or movement patterns and to avoid the risk of us transferring viral infections to the primates. After we have spent our hour with the gorillas we return to base and repeat the same routine the next day.

Day 8
An early departure from Gorilla's Nest Lodge and road transfer back to Kigali to catch the14h35 Kenya Airway flight back to South Africa.
Currently the flight is via Nairobi. Rwanda Air are planning a direct route from Kigali to Johannesburg. If this is the case, we will use the direct route.

What our Safari includes:
The above costs include:

• Pickup and transport for the entire Safari and drop off at your destination.
• Entrance and accommodation (2 persons per room) to all reserves.
• All meals.
• Emergency medical evacuation. Private medical insurance is still mandatory.
• Game activities, drives and walks.
• The services of our guides.

• Gratuities to staff and guides.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Extra activities not included.
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Travel visas
• Other - Flash Photography is not allowed with the Gorillas

Upon deciding to book a Safari with us, please contact us via telephone,facsimile or e-mail. We will forward you a booking form, which needs be completed and returned. A 20% deposit of the total amount must be paid to secure a booking.
Final payment is due four weeks before the Safari