Ameliya's Itineraries
Ameliya’s Great Gorilla Safari | 3N/4D
Ameliya's Great Gorilla Safari
This safari offers a rare glimpse into the lives of endangered gorillas, their natural habitats, and the local communities. Experience breathtaking wildlife encounters while contributing to conservation and community projects. Beyond gorilla sightings, hike to see the rare golden monkeys, visit Dr. Dian Fossey’s grave in Rwanda, or immerse yourself in the ancient Batwa culture and explore Bwindi Bar in Uganda.
AMELIYA SIGNATURE SAFARI EXPERIENCE
- 3 Nights and 4 Days.
- Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (PNV), Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Golden monkey tracking in Parc National des Volcans (PNV) or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- All meals & accommodations included.
- Enjoy a traditional dance from the Intore at Virunga.
- Visit the Gahinga Batwa Village at Gahinga and learn about their ancient culture and traditions.
- Exclusive Safaris, Signature Sundowner & Bush Dinner.
Day - Wise Itinerary
Day 01:
Arrive in Kigali and be greeted by your Volcanoes Safaris guide. Drive through Rwanda’s stunning landscapes to Virunga Lodge, where you’ll enjoy lunch with views of Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. Explore nature trails or relax with pre-dinner cocktails overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes.
The drive takes about 3 hours, or opt for a 45-minute helicopter ride. Please arrive in Kigali by 10am. Overnight at Virunga Lodge, with lunch and dinner provided.
Alternatively, travel to Mount Gahinga Lodge, near the Uganda border. Visit the Batwa Vocational Center and enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and a chat with a Gorilla Doctors vet. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. Please book flights arriving in Kigali by 10am. Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge, with lunch and dinner included.
In Entebbe, take a domestic flight to Kihihi and then drive to Bwindi Lodge. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and a fireside chat with conservation staff. The flight takes 1 to 2 hours, followed by a 2-hour drive. Overnight at Bwindi Lodge, with lunch and dinner included.
DAY 02:
Start your day early with breakfast before embarking on a gorilla trek in either Parc National des Volcans, Mount Gahinga, or Bwindi Forest. Hike through enchanting bamboo forests or steep, dense hills, and after 1 to 3 hours of trekking, spend an unforgettable hour with the majestic mountain gorillas. Return to your lodge for a late lunch. Unwind with complimentary spa treatments, including the famous Rungu massage, at Ikirunga Spa and Sauna, Gahinga Spa and Sauna, or Bwindi Spa and Sauna, depending on your location.
In the evening, enjoy drinks and a fireside chat with conservation experts from the Gorilla Doctors, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, or local conservation partners, learning about their vital work and reflecting on your gorilla encounter.
Day 03:
Choose from exciting optional activities:
- Enjoy a second gorilla trek, or trek the Virunga foothills to see the rare golden monkey. Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave (6-8 hours) or visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
- Experience the local culture with guided birding and a community walk to Lake Bulera, or donate to a local family. Dine in the Dian Fossey Map Room, which celebrates conservationists.
- At Mount Gahinga Lodge, track golden monkeys, visit the Batwa Village, and hike the Gisozi caldera for stunning views.
- At Bwindi Lodge, consider another gorilla trek, a rainforest walk to waterfalls, or a birding walk along the Munyanga River Trail. Visit the Bwindi Community Hospital or Conservation Through Public Health, and see a local tea processing demo.
DAY 04:
Transfer from Bwindi Lodge to Kihihi airstrip for your flight to Entebbe. The journey involves a 1 to 2-hour flight and a 2-hour drive. Please book international flights departing after 8 pm. Breakfast at the lodge is included.
Alternatively, transfer from Bwindi Lodge to Kigali, with a 5-hour drive. Enjoy a city tour and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before heading to the airport. Please book international flights departing after 7 pm. Breakfast at the lodge is included.
From Virunga Lodge, drive to Kigali (3 hours) or take a 45-minute helicopter flight. Explore the city and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial (entry fees are direct). Transfer to the airport for your flight. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Rates
| TIMING | HIGH SEASON | LOW SEASON | ||
| TYPE | PER PERSON SHARING | SINGLE TRAVELER SUPPLEMENT | PER PERSON SHARING | SINGLE TRAVELER SUPPLEMENT |
| Virunga | $9,265 | $2,385 | $6,495 | $1,095 |
| Bwindi | $6,650 | $1,710 | $5,050 | $880 |
| Mount Gahinga | $6,125 | $1,580 | $4,780 | $880 |
- Low season rates are applicable from 1st October to 14th December and 1st March to 31st May. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people traveling.
- High season rates are applicable on bookings from 1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 28th February. Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people.
Please Note-
- TCS will be applicable for all Indian citizens going abroad, as per Government of India regulations.
BOOKING NOTES
- All costs are in USD. We accept all currencies – ongoing exchange rates apply.
- All costs are subject to change and we reserve the right to review published rates in the event of fluctuations or policy changes at partner lodges/reserves.
- Gorilla viewing is subject to the availability of permits, which are limited; any additional gorilla permits required should be purchased when booking. Gorilla permit prices are subject to change without warning. Current cost per person is $1200 in Rwanda and $800 in Uganda.
- All Indian Citizens are required to pay TCS for traveling abroad as per government of India regulations.
- Standard check-in time at most African camps is 12:00 PM and check-out time is 10:00 AM. Meal services begin at lunch on check-in, and end at breakfast at check-out.
- We strive to deliver the best tailor made safari experience and are happy to customize your trip as per your needs.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee, evening snacks
- Domestic beer & wine and select liquor, safari sundowners, bush breakfasts, and WIFI.
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- Domestic Wine, Beer & Liquor in National Parks (in premium & luxury options only)
- Laundry services
- Any boat trips, park fees, nature and community walk fees, one chimpanzee and one gorilla permit.
- A 50 minute complimentary massage once per stay per person.
Exclusions
- Goods & Services Taxes as applicable
- Tips, international flights & Transfers, additional activities, visa fees, travel & medical insurance, exclusive vehicle.
- National Park & conservancy fees where applicable.
- All other expenses not mentioned in the “inclusions” above will have to be borne as additional expenses by the participants
Locations
Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda is a stunningly diverse with sprawling savannahs in the east and densely forested mountains on the west. These landscapes are home to some of the most elusive wildlife on the planet, including the famed Mountain Gorillas- of which only a few hundreds are left in the wild. Rwanda is also home to the African Big 5. The country despite its political struggles strongly advocates for the welfare of wildlife and its environment and has taken drastic steps over the years to mitigate problems such as habitat loss and poaching
Uganda
Uganda
Uganda is a myriad of different ecosystems from sprawling to savannahs to dense rainforests. Uganda offers an immersive experience of its diverse wildlife. Lions, giraffes elephants and over a 1000 bird species call Uganda home; however at the heart of it all, is the elusive and endangered Mountain Gorillas. Ugand is one of the best places on the planet to come up close and personal with these magnificent primates. Uganda is nothing short of a dream come alive.
Accommodation
Virunga Lodge - RWANDA
Virunga Lodge - RWANDA
Virunga Lodge in Rwanda is a beloved gem, perched on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Musanze Valley, Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo. Built by Praveen Moman in 2004, the lodge is a beacon of Rwandese Afro-chic and the top choice for tracking endangered mountain gorillas.
- 12 luxury bandas. 4 doubles, 2 twins, 3 deluxe, 2 family compound twins all with a fireplace in the room and a terrace overlooking the volcanoes or the twin lakes.
- 4 larger deluxe bandas perfect for honeymoon couples or families.
- All rooms are complete with en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets, double vanity and showers with hot & cold running water.
- Sun terrace overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes with scenic panoramic views
- Dian Fossey Map Room is available for conservation lectures.
- Complimentary laundry service. Wi-Fi in the main lodge.
Mount Gahinga Lodge - UGANDA
Mount Gahinga Lodge - UGANDA
Mount Gahinga Lodge, the first lodge built by Praveen Moman in 2002, is an ideal base for gorilla tracking in Uganda, tracking the rare golden monkey, volcano climbing, and immersing in Batwa culture.
- 8 unique handbuilt bandas (2 deluxe and standard) of which 6 doubles and 2 twins. All with a private veranda offering spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes.
- All rooms are complete with en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets, double vanity and showers with hot & cold running water.
- The Gahinga Lodge Gushimisha Spa is available to every guest. All massages are complimentary.
- Complimentary laundry service.
- Power sockets/charging facilities are available in the main lodge and guest bandas. Hair dryers are available in the rooms.
- Wi-Fi in the main lodge and guest bandas.
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Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
