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Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony & Uganda
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: YGSUS
Overview
Destination:
Rwanda,
Uganda,
Start:Kigali, Rwanda
Finish:Kigali, Rwanda
Finish:Kigali, Rwanda
Duration:9 days
Type:Group tour (max 12)
This product has sold out, you can still contact us for other options.
Encounter the culture, history and wildlife of Rwanda and Uganda on a 9-day adventure that’s as moving as it is fun. Take part in an incredibly important gorilla naming ceremony in the name of conservation in Musanze, look out for big-ticket wildlife on game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, search for mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, meet a Gorilla Doctor in Kisoro, and learn about Rwanda’s devastating history in Kigali. The experiences you’ll have on this adventure will stick with you for a lifetime.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Kigali on Day 9. Please do not book any flights until after 3pm in the afternoon.
3. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm the availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at the time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
4. Please submit a headshot at the time of booking. This is required for your entry badge into the ceremony.
5. Some governments currently have increased foreign travel advice around security in place for Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities on your itinerary.
2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Kigali on Day 9. Please do not book any flights until after 3pm in the afternoon.
3. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm the availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at the time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
4. Please submit a headshot at the time of booking. This is required for your entry badge into the ceremony.
5. Some governments currently have increased foreign travel advice around security in place for Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities on your itinerary.
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Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch.
- Transport: 4WD vehicles.
- Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights), Safari Lodge (5 nights).
- Musanze - Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive.
- Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit.
- Kisoro - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk.
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek.
- Kigali - City Tour.
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: Kigali
Welcome to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda since it gained independence in 1962. Rwanda is a place that offers so much to the Intrepid traveller and is a country that has been rebuilding itself since the horrific genocide in 1994. And though the past won't, and shouldn't, be forgotten, the future of Rwanda's tourism is looking bright thanks to its welcoming people, an abundance of lakes and the beautiful Virunga Mountains. Your adventure begins by meeting your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening.
Day 2: Musanze
Wake early this morning to hit the road toward Musanze and then enjoy a free day to explore as you wish. This is the largest city in Northern Rwanda and a hub for conservation with Gorilla Doctors and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund both calling this city home. You might like to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a leading research centre focusing on studying and protecting gorillas and building local community conservation initiatives. Learn about the life of famed primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey and how the centre is continuing her important work researching mountain gorillas. If you're looking for a little extra adventure, there's an optional canoe ride on the Mukungwa River with your name on it. Or, perhaps head to Redrocks Rwanda where you'll get a chance to learn about the local banana beer production, enjoy basket-weaving demonstrations, listen to local drummers and move your hips with some traditional dancing.
Day 3: Musanze
Wake up with excitement as you prepare for an incredibly special day. You'll be treated to an exclusive opportunity to witness the Kwita Izina ceremony. Based on a century-old tradition that sees Rwandans naming their children in the presence of their family and friends, the Kwita Izina ceremony gives a name to a newborn gorilla. Created to bring attention to the importance of protecting mountain gorillas and their habitats, the naming ceremony helps to monitor each individual gorilla while showing thanks to those who take part in their conservation. Today you’ll follow the event’s schedule, so be prepared to go with the flow and be ready to join the celebrations! You can expect to see famous singers, performers, top traditional dancing groups and formal speeches, followed by informal celebrations.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth NP
Your journey continues as you leave Rwanda and cross the border into Uganda, driving on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This incredibly biodiverse park is home to 10 primate species including chimpanzees, 95 mammals including big game, and 618 bird species. On arrival, head out on a 4x4 game drive in search of the varied wildlife within the park – a keen eye and a little patience is sure to reward you with some memorable sightings! Later in the day you’ll return to your simple safari lodge located within the park, overlooking the Kazinga Channel.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth NP
This morning there's an opportunity to see the park from a different perspective with an optional cruise down the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward to Lake George. You’ll be joined by local guides who'll fill you in on everything you could want to know about the landscape and the animals who live within it – be on the lookout for hippos basking on the shore, as well as crocodiles, herds of elephants and abundant birdlife. Then, game drive to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, looking out for the famous tree-climbing lions along the way. In Ishasha you’ll meet some local residents to learn more about rural life in Uganda. Visit a local organic farm, medicine garden and homestead and learn how its owner is tackling human-wildlife conflict with his anti-crop raiding techniques. You’ll also meet a local Mukiga woman who will share her story while showing you how to sort, pound and grind millet to make porridge and other Bakiga meals. After your visit, head to a comfortable eco-lodge frequented by big herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes.
Day 6: Kisoro
Head further south today as you travel to Kisoro – the journey is like a game drive in itself, with the chance to spot zebras, antelopes, baboons and monkeys out the window. Your accommodation tonight offers breathtaking views of Lake Mulehe and the Virunga Mountains. Soak up the panoramic views from your veranda as the sun sets. This evening we'll be joined by a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors for a fireside chat. The Gorilla Doctors are the only organization in the world dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species, one gorilla patient at a time using veterinary medicine and science. They monitor the health of gorilla groups to ensure the early detection of disease and injury, and stage medical interventions when gorillas suffer from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You'll learn more about their fascinating work during this unique and special experience.
Day 7: Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)
Join a local guide and trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi National Park in search of mountain gorillas. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park – it's called Bwinidi Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation at coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them, then return to the lodge for dinner and to reflect on this incredible experience.
Day 8: Kigali
After breakfast, you'll travel back to Kigali this morning. Here, you'll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which was opened in 2004 to mark the 10th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It serves as both a museum, detailing the history and consequences of Rwanda's genocide, and a place for people to grieve lost friends and family. This afternoon, take some time out from the devastating history with a local lunch and an afternoon city tour, including a trip to the craft market.
Day 9: Kigali
With no further activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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