Elizabeth_S

I had it in during my original planning but took it out due to cost. As we get closer to departure I am doubting myself so looking at adding it back. A bit more complicated to do. This is how the itinerary would shake out

* January 27 - arrive Arusha from the Seregenti and stay overnight
* January 28 - fly early to Kigali - transfer to VNP area hotel late afternoon
* January 29 - return to Kigali after trek
* January 30 - Kigali tour in the AM before our 3:45 flight to Nairobi

I have to move some Delta point flights - which means we can't leave NBO until the 31st and we're finished up with Nomad Tanzania on the 27th.

Now my footwear question - my husband isn't supposed to wear hiking boots - are good support athletic shoes OK? (not high tops). He has a certain brand/model he wears with orthotics that work miracles with his dodgy ankle.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Lynn - just re-reading your Rwanda trip report and looking at the photos - making the decision easy!

Lillipets

Regular athletic shoes should be fine.
You won't regret adding Rwanda to your trip!

Leely2

Must the shoes be waterproof?
(Hope you can make this happen, Elizabeth.)

atravelynn

Unless you think you'll be heading back to the area again soon, I think it is wise to do the gorilla trip this time.

I was having foot/shoe problems prior to my first gorilla trip and ended up with sturdy hiking tennis shoes and not boots. It was fine.

It's always a pleasure to encourage people to spend $500 an hour, in your case x2, Elizabeth. Thanks for the nice comments.

As to waterproof, Leely, you can use waterproof socks instead of the footwear. Or, if you don't mind potentially getting moist feet, no waterproof shoes are needed. You might want to bring a spare pair of socks or two in case the originals get wet and then start to rub against your feet skin.

For anyone with a dodgy ankle, it would be wise to surpress the ego and ask the porter take your arm for much of the trip. They are very willing to do so.

Looks like there will be another orthotics report from Rwanda.

kak113

Elizabeth-
I can't comment on Rwanda except to say you should go... since I've had such a great time getting info from your blogs and posts etc for my upcoming trip to Egypt with Ahmed and the Galapagos next year... and Rwanda's on my list so if you sort it all out that might make my planning easier

Elizabeth_S

kak113 - LOL! That clinches it then!

About to make the calls to change all the pieces (lots of pieces) and the cost keeps going up but - just doing my Fodor's duty!

Will report if I am successful.

Elizabeth_S

Got it - after a few attempts with Delta. I must say their Customer Service Reps are really helpful.

I've stopped adding up all the other change fees - very excited about this addition.

Thanks for all the help!

atravelynn

Now go and have fun!