MyDogKyle

Yes, it looks like the group is made up of people affiliated with the zoo (some volunteers, some employees, some family members), so it will be fun to travel with people that we can get to know a little before we go. We'll be meeting several times before the trip, for classes on history & culture, wildlife and conservation issues, and primate biology. And it's nice to know, also, that if we make any friends on this trip there's a good possibility that we all live in the same area and can easily see each other again.

One of the nice things about NOT planning this as far in advance as our other trip is that I have a much shorter countdown to endure than for our Kenya/Tanzania trip!

Dana_M

This is fabulous news MDK! I am very happy for you, and also very jealous. I know we can count on you for another wonderful trip report when you get back. October is right around the corner.

bat

a belated congrats.

MyDogKyle

Thank you, thank you everybody! Of course I will write a trip report (hopefully more quickly and a bit shorter than the last one!).

Here's the itinerary for Uganda & Rwanda, for those who are interested. (Remember, I can't change any of this, so if you have negative feedback, just don't tell me! )

Day 0-1 - Fly to Uganda via London & Nairobi

Day 2 - arrive Kampala
(Fang Fang Hotel)

Day 3-5 Budongo Forest, chimp trekking and Budongo Conservation Field Station visit (projects TBD)
(New Court View Hotel, Masindi)

Day 6-7 - Murchison Falls National Park, game drives & boat launch to the base of the falls
(Paraa Lodge)

Day 8 - back to Kampala
(Fang Fang Hotel)

Day 9-11 - Kibale Forest National Park, chimp trekking & walk in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary; also visiting the Kibale Fuel Wood Project
(Mantana Tented Camp)

Day 12-14 - Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drives & boat launch on the Kazinga Channel
(Mweya Lodge)

Day 15 - drive to Rwanda
(Gorilla's Nest)

Day 16 - gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans
(Gorilla's Nest)

Day 17 - Parc National des Volcans -choice of golden monkey trek, hike to Dian Fossey's research site, or additional gorilla trek, or just rest and relaxation (who, me??)
(Gorilla's Nest)

Day 18 - to Kigali, visit genocide memorial
(Hotel Gorillas)

Day 19 - fly home


So, I do have a question for you primate fans (and will also do some searching through trip reports to see if I can answer my own question). If you've done the gorilla trekking in Rwanda, would you recommend coughing up the extra bucks to go for 2 days? or do most people just do 1 gorilla trek? Obviously the price of the permits is an issue, and I'm not sure we can rationalize it. I'm thinking golden monkeys might be more likely. But it is tempting to try 2 gorilla treks... any thoughts?

Lillipets

Do 2 gorilla treks...you won't regret it! If you opt for just one my guess is you'll be kicking yourself all the way back home!

Dana_M

Your itinerary sounds fantastic. Have a wonderful time. Definitely do two gorilla treks. I haven't been to Rwanda yet, so I'm not speaking from experience, but I say Go For It!!

sundowner

Congrats on your trip! Funny how things work out, isn't it.

Without question, two gorilla treks! Here's a little rationalization - the gorilla trek may very well be the most amazing experience of any trip you've ever taken or ever will take and you'll be chiding yourself forever for not finding a way to pay for a second trek. You won't regret it! Here are a few pictures to help you make up your mind. http://www.pbase.com/cjw/gorillas_in_rwanda_jan_2007