cruisinred

Hello-

I am trying to fine tune our Africa plans for 2007, and we would definitely like to include some time with our primate cousins.

I am having a hard time deciding between doing an overnight at Ngamba Island, then doing 1 gorilla trek, or the alternative would be 2 gorilla treks in Rwanda. Price is about the same and the logistics aren't bad, thanks to the direct flights into EBB.
So, see the gorillas twice, or do the chimp walk at Ngamaba and see the gorillas once?

Thanks for your help

maxwell

My vote is for one gorilla trek and an overnight on Ngamba. I would really do two chimp walks (one at night, and one in the morning) if you go to the trouble of getting all the shots, etc. for Ngamba.
For me, my time with the chimps was as thrilling as seeing the gorillas.

cruisinred

Thanks Maxwell-
Your trip report was great and really made me want to visit Ngamba.

atravelynn

Since you are going gorilla trekking in Rwanda, where the odds are best for finding the gorillas, I'd do one gorilla and one chimp activity. As Maxwell suggested, you could try to squeeze in two chimp encounters for your one overnight.

For all the effort to get to both places (and the shots, medical records, etc for the chimps) seeing each species twice would be ideal.

Here was my account of the chimp walk to my agent.

I also got to do three spectacular chimp walks! I know I have said this many times before about a variety of African experiences, but those walks—with two and three chimps hanging on me and a dozen other chimps running along side, grabbing at my ankles, tumbling over each other, and swinging from vines have to be a highlight of the whole continent! In the clearings we would play, swinging the chimps by their arms or legs and bouncing and throwing them around. It was absolutely amazing!

I'd love to see the whole itinerary.

cruisinred

Thanks for the feedback.

As a side note for anyone else who may be interested in Ngamba, I was informed that the price for the chimp walks is now $250 per person, per walk (up from $150).

atravelynn

$250 is a bite, but still well worth it!

sjh88

Hello: I've also been planning a 2007 trip to Africa to view the Gorillas and chimps. I have been told that the Chimp walk on Ngamba will not be available in 2007. Has anyone else been told this?

Chris_GA_Atl

Do keep in mind that Ngamba Island is planning to stop the forest walks because the "baby chimps" are now too old and are being integrated into the main adult group. So with that development I would vote for 2 gorilla treks.
Chris