Elizabeth_S

Yes, the operator is doing all of it - the Tanzania portion (see above for itinerary) seems competitive - if you have a perspective on it I'd appreciate it.....thx. Emailing now for an explanation of the Rwanada costs.

simbakubwa

Sandi,

Do you think Arusha Coffee Lodge is much nicer than Kigongoni? Or do you think Arusha Coffee Lodge is just more expensive?

I'm curious about Kigongoni as it sounds nice....

Patty

<i>Yes, the operator is doing all of it - the Tanzania portion (see above for itinerary) seems competitive - if you have a perspective on it I'd appreciate it.....thx.</i>

Is this a Tanzania based operator? My only suggestion is to get a quote from a Rwanda based operator. A few posters here have used ITT with success. Other posters have used R&amp;N Xplorer and while they're actually based in Kenya, their quote for gorilla treks seem to be competitive. Another poster found quite a difference in price between quotes from a Tanzanian operator vs R&amp;N for their Rwanda portion (look toward the bottom of the thread) http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35085899

going_2_africa

I would agree with bushchick, that the Rwanda portion seems expensive - especially considering the accomodations.

I am currently working on a Rwanda/Kenya itinerary, and have a quote for 6 days/5 nights in Rwanda, with 2 gorilla treks, 1 golden monkey trek, and a visit to Dian Fossey's grave, staying at Kinigi Guesthouse, and 1 night at Kivu Sun Serena (which I'm in the process of changing due to scheduling issues). For the Rwanda portion I have been quoted $2400 all in, except the airfare from NBO - KGL.

Just presenting a comparison for you to ponder.

Shane

going_2_africa

Forgot to add that my itinerary is for August 2009, so also peak season.

sandi

simbakubwa -

Arusha Coffee Lodge vs Kigogoni - two different experiences and yes ACL is more expensive.

If only for 1/nt, most anywhere with clean linens, hot water and good breakfast suits me fine.

If staying longer and budget is no issue, then ACL is a very nice lux option. But then, so is Kigogoni (not lux, but very very nice).

Always depends on what you're seeking and your personal style!

bushchick

Whilst we booked thro R&amp;N Xplorer, they sub contract to ITT - so either way you end up with ITT doing the Rwanda section.

ITT is run by a lady called Jeannette Birasa - her email address is [email protected];

Our guide from ITT was fantastic: Moses Kirenzi, [email protected];

R&amp;N Xplorer - chap called Nyagah: [email protected]

Bushchick

Patty

<i>Whilst we booked thro R&amp;N Xplorer, they sub contract to ITT - so either way you end up with ITT doing the Rwanda section.</i>

I wonder if they sub to more than one operator in Rwanda? Another poster mentioned a different ground operator in her trip report http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35110860 It also happens to be the only negative review of R&amp;N I recall reading so perhaps they no longer use them.

Can anyone else who has used R&amp;N Xplorer comment on who the ground operator in Rwanda was?

going_2_africa

I am booking with R&amp;N. I will email them and ask who they use for ground operations as well.