Dates: Sep 12 – Sep 19, 2012 (8 days) Price: $7865 US
(dates and price awaiting final confirmation)
Join MIKE BYRNE for the adventure of a lifetime in the land of the mountain gorillas: Rwanda, Sep 12 – Sep 19, 2012.
The Land of a Thousand Hills beckons you! This tour will take you to Nyungwe Forest, home to 13 species of primates and a birder’s paradise, and to Volcanoes National Park, the most beautiful park in the country with its rich montaine ecosystems. Hike the Virunga Mountains in search of gorillas and explore crater lakes in a traditional canoe.
Rwanda is a landlocked country located in central Africa, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, and Burundi to the south. Although Rwanda is just 2 degrees south of the equator, it’s generally high elevation produces a temperate climate. At Lake Kivu (elevation 4,800 ft/1,463 m) the average daily temperature is about 23 degrees C (73 F). Rwanda’s terrain consists of mountains and gently rolling hills, with plains and swamps in the east. Abundant wildlife includes rare mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, colobus, silver, golden and vervet monkeys. Bird watchers can expect to see great blue turacos, paradise flycatchers, gigantic forest hornbills and a host of hawks, kites and eagles.
The largest cities in Rwanda are Kigali, Gitarama, and Butare. Unlike many African countries, Rwanda is home to only one significant ethnic and linguistic group, the Banyarwanda.
 The green hills of Rwanda |
 Gorrilla eating leaves |
Upon arrival at Kigali Airport you will be met by your tour leader and a local guide and then be transferred to the Kigali Serena Hotel, a luxurious western-style hotel with Africa touches. This is a great place to rest, relax and shake off the effects of international travel.
From Kigali we will transfer to the Nyungwe Forest. This protected area is a birder’s paradise with over 280 species registered, most of which are forest specialists and 26 are regional endemics. We’ll be keeping a sharp eye out for turacoes, flycatchers, and the red-throated alethe, red-breasted sparrow hawk and white-headed wood hoopoe (amongst many others).
The Nyungwe Forest is home to many species of primates and we will take morning and afternoon primate walks in search of chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and many more.
From the Nyungwe Forest we will drive to Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des volcans) and our accommodation at Mountain Gorillas Nest. In Volcanoes National Park we will hike along the slopes of the Viranga Mountains in search of mountain gorillas, the gentle giants of Rwanda. Keep your cameras clicking as we observe the gorillas eat, play and rest. An unforgettable experience! We will also explore twin crater lakes Burera and Ruhondo, where we can watch the local fishermen and paddle a traditional canoe amongst rich birdlife including pelicans, crowned cranes and malachite kingfishers.
We will photograph daily with many days starting with a morning shoot lasting until around 10:00 am. We will go out again in the afternoon until sunset, guaranteeing a minimum of seven hours of photography. Between photo sessions there will be individualized image critiques, digital workflow sessions and Q&A discussions (as requested).
Your accommodation varies from luxury hotel rooms to wilderness resorts. Internet access is available at all locations.
 Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris). |
 A thoughtful chimpanzee |
 Rwanda is rich in coffee and tea |
Wednesday 12 Sep: Arrival at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Thursday 13 Sep: Drive to Nyungwe Forest, settle into accommodation at Nyungwe Rainforest Lodge. Explore and photograph birds and primates along various walking trails.
Friday 14 Sep: Further exploration and photography of the Nyungwe Forest.
Saturday 15 Sep: Drive from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park. There are many scenic locations to photograph along the way.
Sunday 16 Sep: Virunga Mountains hike, in search of mountain gorillas.
Monday 17 Sep: Crater lakes exploration, guided community walk, traditional canoe tour and visit to Kinigi Culture Centre. A great day for birding and cultural photography.
Tuesday 18 Sep: Second opportunity for gorilla trekking and photography.
Wednesday 19 Sep: Scenic drive back to Kigali and transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your departure.
Included:
Not included:
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL AND HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THIS TRIP
If you have any specific questions about any photo safari please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Email mike@clocktowerimages.com or Tel 1-800-667-0007
Our Personal Information/Registration/Risk Waiver can be downloaded here.
To book your spot today please click here or call toll free 1-800-667-0007 (North America only) or +1-250-889-6700 (international) or send us an email mike@clocktowerimages.com.
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