My husband and I are very exciting about the thought of going to Uganda/Rwanda to see the gorillas and chimps.
I do have a concern regarding the allitude and temps. I'm fit but sometimes have a hard time with allitude (although I survied Machi Piccu) and cold temps.
Should I be concerned?

I think that you should be fine. if you are really concerned, i believe that generally speaking, the rwanda treks tend to be shorter. But or course, there are no guarantees...ours was supposed to be 45 minutes, and 4 hours later we were JUST coming up to the gorillas in rwanda. Overall it took about 5 hours and one guy who was in his 70s turned back but that was it. I had been throwing up days before and was really weak, but still managed to make it. I seriously dont think you will have a problem and it wasnt very cold when i went in feb. trust me, the excitetment of spending time with these animals will get you through it. It was the most amazing experience ever!!!

The altitude is not really an issue. In Rwanda the treks start at the bottom of the mountains, around 7,000 feet, and can either stay at that altitude or go up, but not higher than Cusco or Machu Picchu. In Uganda the elevations are lower, Buhoma is about 4500 feet for example, Nkuringo is about 7,000 feet but you start there and go down rather than up.

Chris

I've only gone June-Aug and it was never cold. Maybe a bit brisk in the morning, but especially Uganda was extremely hot. You may wish to spend a day or two in the area first, but that would be very uncommon.

Thank you all for your thoughts which really made me happy. So, is August/Sept a good time to see the gorillas?

Yes to reduce rain. I plan to go in Aug of 2009 and have gone in Aug in the past.

I'm on it!!!!

one more thing (for now anyway) what tour company do you suggest?

Volcanoes Safaris. Superb and professional service.

Chris

When you are in Rwanda at park gate, ask your guide to see if they can get you to see either Sabinyo or Group 13 for the Gorilla. They "generally" stay lower down the mountain and thus less trekking time to find them, but regardless of which group you see, please wear a pair light gloves to protect your hands from nettles.

Also, don't delay in booking your safari. Gorilla in Rwanda are tracked from the Parc National des Volcans which currently has 7 groups and thus only 56 permits available per day. Your are aiming for high season so book before permits are sold out.

Many, Many Thanks! We are fast at work!