Overview
“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive”
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Scheduled Itinerary
Tour Dates
Tour Price
Fitness: Demanding
Tour Leader
Highlights
Highlights
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Join 2 gorilla treks, and hear stories from your Tour Leader who worked with Dian at Karisoke
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Marvel at the Great Migration and Big Five from a hot air balloon in the Serengeti
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Go in search of Tanzania’s Big Five, namely lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino
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Relax on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar or participate in a great selection of activities
Specialist Tour Leader
John Fowler
John holds a BS in Zoology from the University of Georgia and an MS in Technology and Science Policy from Georgia Tech.
After completing an undergraduate study program in Kenya, John got the rare opportunity that would become, “A Forest in the Clouds: My Year Among the Mountain Gorillas in the Remote Enclave of Dian Fossey”— his memoir of life and work in the Virunga Volcanos of Rwanda with National Geographic’s famous gorilla behaviourist. John also appeared in the pages of Fossey’s own, “Gorillas in the Mist” as well as Farley Mowat’s story, “Woman in the Mists”.
Upon his return from Africa, John began a 21-year career in zoos in the U.S. and Australia, and met fellow zookeeper, Janet, who would become his wife. His zoo work included leading tours to Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Now retired from zoo work, John is a research coordinator in human behavioural healthcare. In addition to writing, John is an artist in nature-based abstract painting.
Itinerary
DAY 1:
Kigali
Meet your Travulous guide in Kigali, at either the airport or your hotel. Time permitting, consider an optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial which is a moving testimony to Rwanda’s past.
After a briefing by your guide, depart on a scenic drive through Rwanda's beautiful terraced hillsides to Musanze, the base for gorilla tracking. After checking in at your accommodation and lunch, spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
In the evening it’s time to join Travulous’ exclusive dinner event to learn more about conservation in Rwanda, from past to present. Listen to after-dinner talks by John Fowler, who lived and worked with Dian Fossey at the original Karisoke Research Center, in addition to a presentation by a mountain gorilla conservation organisation.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included, breakfast at own arrangement.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
Kigali pre-tour accommodation options: Enquire for details
DAY 2:
Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, we transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park staff, before meeting the rangers who will guide you to your assigned gorilla family. With 12 fully habituated gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, only 96 gorilla permits are issued to tourists per day. Advance booking is essential.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking can take from 2 to 6 hours, with the guides stopping frequently for people to rest.
After the trek, return to your accommodation for lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure, or take an optional tour of the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
DAY 3:
Kigali
After breakfast you can either enjoy a second gorilla trek, go in search of the golden monkeys, or hike to Dian Fossey's original Karisoke Research Camp, located between two volcanoes, Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke.
Today the cabins lie in ruins, but by listening to the stories of John Fowler, you will gain a good understanding for what it must have been like for Dian all those years ago, when setting up camp to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas.
After an early quick lunch, it’s time to head back to Kigali and freshen up before dinner with local historian, scholar and genocide survivor, Rose-Marie Mukarutabana, to learn more about the pre-colonial history, culture and customs of Rwanda, dating back to the 14th century.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Mille Collines (or similar)
DAY 4:
Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, we depart for Kigali Airport in time for a flight to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s jewel in the crown and best-known wildlife sanctuary. On arrival, enjoy a game drive enroute to your accommodation for lunch.
Called 'Siringet', by the Maasai people, meaning 'endless plains', this vast wilderness area is home to a spectacular array of wildlife. Apart from seeing the wildebeest and plains game that make up the Great Migration, you will also have an excellent chance of spotting the Big Five, comprised of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Upon arrival, spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Before dinner, we embark on a late afternoon game drive and sundowners, followed by a meal.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Serengeti Pioneer Camp (or similar)
DAY 5:
Serengeti National Park
Today you have an opportunity to enjoy an optional once in a lifetime adventure, flying across the plains of the Serengeti National Park in a hot air balloon.
During the early hours of the morning, we depart for the launch-site. Your pilot takes you through the important safety briefing, after which you climb into the basket and prepare to lift into the dawn.
The flight lasts an hour, and each journey is unique as it’s dictated by the direction of the wind. After your basket returns to the plains of the Serengeti, you are served breakfast with a glass of bubbly in the middle of the Serengeti’s open rolling grasslands.
After the flight, enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive. Return to your accommodation for dinner and spend the evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Serengeti Pioneer Camp (or similar)
DAY 6:
Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, we fly to Lake Manyara airstrip, followed by a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
A breathtakingly beautiful part of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most renowned natural wonders and one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Crater is often described as Africa’s ‘Garden of Eden’.
After check in and lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive and sundowners, followed by dinner.
Alternatively, spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities, including an optional estate picnic, a deep tissue massage or guided horse riding around the coffee estate (with no previous riding experience required).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: The Manor (or similar)
DAY 7:
Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, we depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the new 7 Natural Wonders of Africa.
Descend down to the crater floor, the word’s largest inactive and empty volcanic caldera. Formed approximately 2 - 3 million years ago and extending over part of the Eastern Rift Valley, the crater basin is a naturally contained ecosystem covered by open grass plains, lakes, marshes, swamps, and acacia woodland.
Keep a lookout for rhino, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, and predators such as lion, hyena, jackal, cheetah, leopard, and more than 400 resident and migratory bird species. The endangered black rhino and African wild dog can also be found here.
After dinner, spend the evening at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: The Manor (or similar)
DAY 8:
Zanzibar
Today we depart for Zanzibar located off the cost of Tanzania.
Few names evoke such a romantic image as the spice islands of Zanzibar. Its beaches are the Indian ocean at its very best, and its capital Stone Town is a beautiful World Heritage site.
Upon arrival, check in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Enjoy a selection of optional land and water based activities, including historical tours, cultural excursions, sailing tours, or discovering Zanzibar’s stunning marine life.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Elewana Kilindi (or similar)
DAYS 9 & 10:
Zanzibar
Time to unwind and spend your days at leisure.
Relax by the pool or go for a swim to cool down in the heat of the day.
Alternatively, visit a local Spice Farm, discover Jozani Forest, enjoy a local Dhow cruise, go in search of dolphins, go diving and snorkelling to discover the coral reefs, swim to pristine sandbanks, or join a tour of historic Stone Town with its maze of narrow streets and bustling markets.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Elewana Kilindi (or similar)
DAY 11:
Departure
After breakfast, we depart for the airport in time for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Stone Town post-tour accommodation options: Enquire for details
Extension tours: Enquire for details
Dates & Prices
TOUR DATES 2024:
John Fowler as as tour leader:
20 - 30 July
19 - 29 October
Enquire for itinerary extension tours, and pre and post tour accommodation and transfer options in Kigali
TOUR PRICE 2024:
$17,375 per person sharing*
Enquire for Single Room Supplement
*For Tour Operator and Agent pricing, please sign into our Agent Portal to access this information
TOUR DATES & PRICE 2025:
Enquire for details
PRICING NOTE:
East Africa offers a wide range of places to stay, from high-end deluxe accommodations, to less expensive quality properties. Please contact us if you would like to explore changing the accommodation options, to suit your budget.
INCLUDES:
Accommodation based on double occupancy | Meals as per itinerary | House beverages in national park properties | Daily vehicle transfers, as specified, on a shared basis | English speaking driver-guide(s) | Exclusive access to Specialist Tour Leader-Conservationist | Activities, as specified: Dinner and presentation with a leading gorilla conservation organisation; Dinner with a local historian, and genocide survivor; Scheduled game drives in Serengeti; Ngorongoro Crater game drive; Scheduled game drives in Ngorongoro Conservation Area or Lake Manyara | Flights as follows: Day 4 - Kigali to Serengeti; Day 6 - Serengeti to Lake Manyara; Day 8 - Lake Manyara to Zanzibar | Entrance / admission / conservation / camping fees, as specified | Departure transfers based on 2 people sharing | Emergency evacuation cover
EXCLUDES:
All flights: international, domestic or regional, unless otherwise specified | Airport or departure taxes | Personal travel and health insurance | Any visas or travel permits required | Single room supplements | Late check out at properties | All drinks, unless otherwise specified | Premium and import brands | Meals not mentioned in the itinerary | Private vehicle transfers | Tips, donations, and gratuities | Expenditure of a personal nature | Audio tour of Kigali Genocide Memorial $15pp | Activity permits at Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla permit $1500pp; Golden Monkeys $100pp; Hike to original Karisoke Research Camp and Dian Fossey grave $75; Visit to Ellen Degeneres Campus | Balloon Safari at Serengeti National Park, $550pp | Porterage | Any other optional excursions and activities | Pre- and post-tour hotel bookings (enquire for details) | Itinerary extension tours (enquire for details) | Arrival transfers | Any Covid testing requirements required
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General Information
Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Nearly all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili are widely spoken and understood.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for travellers from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie at all ports of entry.
For travellers of other nationalities, the Rwandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers needing visas before arrival should carry a printed copy to present to immigration officials.
For any questions on Rwanda, contact our travel team, who will happily assist you with any information you may require.
Climate
Tanzania is a year-round destination with the weather varying by location, altitude and season. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. Visiting the Serengeti is popular in June and July to see migrating wildebeest and in January and February to see calving.
The approximate seasons are January to February, short dry season; March to May, long wet season; June to October, long dry season and November to December, short wet season. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
Language & Currency
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Kiswahili is spoken by most Tanzanians and Zanzibaris, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and tourist areas. In Zanzibar, many residents also speak Arabic. There are 126 languages spoken throughout Tanzania, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in East Africa.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, which divides into 100 senti. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Do not rely on using credit cards other than as a backup. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is limited outside of major towns and cities. Exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals will require a visa for entry to Tanzania. Please check with your local Tanzanian Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visit visas can often be obtained, on arrival, at most ports of entry.
The Tanzanian government has introduced an online 'e-visa' application system for obtaining visas in advance of travel. Travellers who require a visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
For any questions on Tanzania, contact our travel team, who will happily assist you with any information you may require.