Volcanoes Safaris is offering two fams in the spring of 2010.

Gorillas in the Virungas and Bwindi
27 April 2010 - 5 May 2010

A 10 Day trip to see Gorillas in Rwanda & Uganda
QUOTE FOR AGENT 
USD 1, 277 Per person sharing a room including one Gorilla permit
USD 144 Single room supplement 
USD 500 Extra permit (Gorillas can be visited 4 more times on this itinerary)
Companion rate for the Gorillas in Virungas and Bwindi is:  USD 3, 192 Per person sharing a room including one permit

Classic Uganda Rwanda
13 May 2010 - 26 May 2010

A 14 Day trip visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park and Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda.
QUOTE FOR AGENT 
USD 1, 808 Per person sharing a room including one Gorilla permit
USD 239 Single room supplement 
USD 500 Extra gorilla permits (4 more opportunities to see gorillas)
Companion rate for the Classic Uganda Rwanda   USD 4,520 Per person sharing a room including one permit

Please let me know if you are interested in joining us.  Companion rates are available.

Regards,

Jane Behrend
Volcanoes Safaris
404-993-6116
salesus@volcanoessafaris.com

Gorillas in the Virungas and Bwindi
27 April 2010 - 5 May 2010

Day 1 April 27th 2010
Briefing on your safari. After lunch, depart for PNV at 2pm. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 2 April 28h 2010
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families, however, are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. In the afternoon, inspect Sabinyo Lodge and Gorilla Mountain Lodge and the new Mountain Gorilla View Lodge before returning to Virunga Lodge. Either relax in your room, bar or simply take in the breathtaking views or go for a message.  O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 3 April 29th  2010
Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 4 April 30th 2010
In the morning either relax or walk near the Lodge, visit the golden monkeys or trek to Dian Fossey's grave. After lunch transfer to Uganda [Clocks go forward one hour]. Time permitting go for a walk near Mount Gahinga. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).

Day 5 May 1st 2010
Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb a volcano, or go for a nature walk, or visit the golden monkeys in Mgahinga. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).

Day 6 May 2nd 2010
Drive to Bwindi through the Switzerland of Africa, with the road winding through many hills and valleys, with distant views of the volcanoes and lakes. Time permitting go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively go for a short stroll around the Lodge. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 7 May 3rd 2010
Either go gorilla tracking (on payment of supplement at the time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. Time permitting in the afternoon, visit other lodges/camps that we recommend around the area, village walk/health centre/internet. Remember to book your massage with the lodge staff to ease your muscles after your gorilla tracking. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 8 May 4th 2010
Leave for Kigali in Rwanda via Kabale and Katuna, [Clocks go back one hour]. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the genocide memorial. Inspect the Serena, Mille Collines and Novotel Hotel before checking in your hotel. Last dinner at the hotel O/N Kigali Serena Hotel.(FB)

Day 9 May 5th 2010
Transfer to the airport.

QUOTE FOR AGENT 
USD 1, 277 Per person sharing a room including one permit
USD 144 Single room supplement 
USD 500 Extra permit 




Classic Uganda Rwanda
13 May 2010 - 26 May 2010
A 14 Day trip visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park and Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda.


Day 1 May 13th 2010
Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, welcomed by a Volcanoes guide. Inspect the Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel, Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel and the Boma Guest House before transfering to Kampala. In Kampala, Inspect the Emin Pasha Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel and any other hotels as required before checking in your hotel. Welcome dinner at the Kampala Serena Hotel. (HB)
 
ACCOMMODATIONS:  KAMPALA SERENA HOTEL
An inspirational blend of 5-star polish and pan-African panache, this world-class hotel will showcase the cream of Ugandan culture while delivering the ultimate in personalized service, international cuisine, social style and business reliability.

  
Day 2 May 14th 2010
Briefing on the great African adventure. Set off on the southbound road. On the way see the royal drum makers, stand on the   Equator, bargain at the roadside markets. Lunch at the Mihingo Lodge and lodge Inspection before descending to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. O/N: Mweya Lodge (FB).
 
Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is 1,978 square kilometres in area and is situated astride the Equator in the Western Rift Valley of South West Uganda.  The park is close to the Southern most tip of the tabled, mist covered "Mountains of the Moon – Rwenzori Mountains and is contiguous with Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire).

 
It is a region of varied habitats including, open grassland with thickets, thick bush, forest, swamps and lake-shore. Queen Elizabeth National Park together with Virunga National Park in (DRC) completely encircles Lake Edward which is connected to Lake George by the Kazinga Channel.
 
ACCOMMODATIONS:  MWEYA SAFARI LODGE
The Mweya Safari Lodge is built on a peninsula and almost surrounded by water, with stunning views of the magnificent panorama.  This luxury lodge, with 44 bedrooms, has been furnished in an old-world style with a restaurant, bar, a terrace, en suite bedrooms, conference theatre and swimming pool.  The bedrooms are self contained with all the necessary comforts.  The lodge is located in the prime area for the park’s attraction; it is the door gate for the entire of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  
Day 3 May 15th 2010
Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife.   The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are   good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the   Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come  to drink. Time permitting go for an evening game drive. O/N: Mweya Lodge. (FB).
  
Day 4 May 16th 2010
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and  elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the  walk is enchanting. Lunch at Jacana and inspect the lodge time permitting do the Maramagambo/bat cave walk and the blue lake and visit Volcanoes Kyambura site. To be given a tour of the lodge being built, and also the brickworks Volcanoes is reclaiming to make into a wetland and the buffer zone we are creating on other side of the gorge up to the ranger post at Kyambura reserve before returning to Mweya O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
  
Day 5 May 17h 2010
Visit the new Queens Pavilion  at Kikorongo for orientation of the park. Guide to explain where the Rwenzori mountain tracking base is.
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. with a game drive in Ishasha, lunch at Ishasha Wilderness camp. Proceed to Buhoma, stopping at Kayonza airstrip enroute. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the western Rift Valley lies on the Zaire border adjacent to the Parc National des Virungas. It is one of the largest (331 sq. km) natural forests in East Africa and contains both montane and lowland forest. It supports a large number of plants and animals endemic to the region, but most notably half of the world's population of Mountain Gorillas. The more than 300 Mountain Gorillas, divided into a dozen groups, make up the largest surviving population. The other half is split between Zaire and Rwanda, where they used to roam freely until they were separated by encroachment and farming. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
 
ACCOMMODATIONS:  VOLCANOES BWINDI ECO LODGE - UGANDA

The lodge overlooks the primeval Bwindi forest home to gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees and birds. Tracking gorillas in the so-called ‘impenetrable’ forest is a magical experience.

At this stunning eco-lodge with eight bandas, clients can spend the day on the terrace, which juts out into the forest, mesmerized by its exotic sounds watching primates and birds in the canopy. The walk to the river through regenerated bush we have carefully nurtured as a buffer zone is magical. It is a favourite haunt for the gorillas and they often sleep at the lodge! The lodge is an hour’s flight from Entebbe, a long drive day’s drive from Kampala or six hours’ drive from Kigali.

Day 6 May 18th 2010
Go gorilla tracking, walking up steep densely forested hills before finally   coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An  inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. In the afternoon, visit other lodges/camps that we recommend around the area, village walk/health centre/internet. Remember to book your massage with the lodge staff to ease your muscles after your gorilla tracking. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
  
Day 7 May 19th 2010
Either go gorilla tracking again or go for a guided   nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. In the afternoon walk around the Volcanoes property and weather permitting have a dip in the water hole.O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
  
Day 8 May 20th 2010
Leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and the  beautiful terraced hills. Proceed, via the frontier town of Kisoro, up the mountain to Mgahinga at 2,300m. Three people visit the site of clouds lodge before returning to Gahinga. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga   Lodge (FB).
 

ACCOMMODATIONS: VOLCANOES GAHINGA ECO LODGE - UGANDA

Mount Gahinga Lodge nestles in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.
 
The lodge is being totally renovated, a sunroom facing the volcanoes has been added, a new terrace and gardens created. The habituated family which used to reside in Mgahinga NP is no longer living there full time, they move between Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC and cannot be viewed. The Nkuringo group in Southern Bwindi can be visited instead. You can also climb a volcano, go birding, or just take in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Africa. An hour’s flight or a long day’s drive from Entebbe, four hours’ drive from Kigali.
 

Day 9 May 21st 2010
Go gorilla tracking again, this time in Nkuringo   while the rest either climb the   Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, or go for a nature walk or visit   golden monkeys in Mgahinga. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).
  
Day 10 May 22nd 2010
Either relax or walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities in   day 8 in the morning (except gorilla tracking) and transfer to   Rwanda after lunch via the Cyanika boarder.[Clocks go backward one hour]. Virunga Lodge inspection or stroll around   the Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the   volcanoes or in the evening and enjoy the Intore dancers. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).
 

ACCOMMODATIONS:  VOLCANOES VIRUNGA ECO LODGE - RWANDA 
Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge, an all-natural, environment friendly luxury resort comprising eight bandas, is set on a stunning hillside with breathtaking panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera.  

There are eight bandas, built from local materials, each with its own porch, complete with outstanding views of the Virunga volcanoes and one of two lakes: Bulera or Ruhondo.  In every cabin are dual drop toilets with an ash bucket for eco-friendly decomposition.  Paraffin lamps light the bedroom and bathroom

Being eco-friendly, the lodge makes use of solar power, allowing for constant electricity.  Additionally, the lodge has an excellent collection of books and games. A lovely fireplace, a large stone campfire-like construction, vents through an enormous metal funnel in the ceiling.  

Fresh wholesome meals, combining the best of local cuisine and western taste, are served.  The spectacular location, warm and welcoming staff, great style and superb service make for an unforgettable stay.
  
Day 11 May 23th 2010
Located along the borders of Congo and Uganda, Parc National des Volcans (PNV) offers some of the most striking scenery in Africa, punctuated by seven rainforest-covered volcanoes - the Virungas - that are home to almost half of the world's population of mountain gorillas. Currently (subject to change), there are seven habituated groups that may be visited - Amahoro group (17 members; 1 silverback), Group 13 (21 members; 1 silverback), Sabinyo group (9 members; 1 huge silverback named Guhonda), Susa group (38 members; 4 silverbacks); Umubano (9 members; 1 silverback); Kwitonda group (16 members; 1 silverback); and Hirwa group (9 members, 1 silverback).
  
Today you'll go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. In the afternoon, inspect Sabinyo Lodge and Gorillas Nest Hotel before returning to Virunga Lodge. Either relax in your room, bar or simply take in the breathtaking views or go for a message. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).


Day 12 May 24th 2010
Today, you may choose from five excursions. 
  
Your first option
Go Gorilla tracking again ( On payment of a supplement based on availability at the time of booking) 
 
Your Second option (included) is to track the Golden Monkeys, one of the most endangered primates in Africa. These little known, attractive monkeys, which reside only among the Virunga Volcanoes, are very active and playful, chattering away, climbing the vegetation and jumping from branch to branch. You'll also observe them feeding on bamboo leaves and shoots. It is usually only a short walk to reach them.
  
Your third option (included) is to trek to Dian Fossey's grave and to the remains of Karisoke research center, which are situated in a beautiful meadow between Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes. Ms. Fossey set up the center in the early sixties and began the well-documented habituation of the gorillas there. She became well known internationally through the film "Gorillas in the Mist". You;ll also see the graves of some of the research gorillas that have died over the last 30 years, including the famous Digit, who was killed by poachers. The walk takes 6-8 hours.
  
Your fourth option (included) is to visit the resort town of Gisenyi which lies on the shore of lovely Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu offers some of the best inland beaches on the African continent, and they are frequented by wealthy Rwandans, expats and tourists. You may also visit Ros Carr's orphanage.
  
Your last option (included) is to visit the local school and community projects and walk to Lake Bulera and visit Silverback Lodge Sabinyo. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).
 
Day 13 May 25th 2010
Leave for Kigali. Go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft Shops centre and the genocide memorial. Inspect the Serena, Mille Collines and Novotel Hotel before checking in your hotel. Last dinner at the hotel. O/N: Kigali Serena Hotel. (HB).

Kigali Serena: Situated in Central Kigali, the ambassadorial and commercial heart of Rwanda and the city’s pre-eminent meeting place for diplomats and business people. The Hotel is situated only 10 km from Kigali International Airport.  The accommodation comprises 104 air conditioned rooms from the Presidential suite, luxury suites to deluxe rooms. The elegant Diplomat Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while The Lounge Bar offers a choice of three purpose designed areas: the bar, the lounge and the terrace. 

The Kigali Serena Hotel offers sophisticated business facilities which include two conference rooms accommodating 600/400 delegates each, 3 other meeting rooms and an executive board room. A business centre provides administrative services and business facilities. The hotel also has a Gymnasium, swimming pool and wifi internet access.

Day 14 May 26th 2010
Transfer to the airport.


QUOTE FOR AGENT 
USD 1, 808 Per person sharing a room including one permit
USD 239 Single room supplement 
USD 500 Extra permit