EJ Latitudes 1/08.qxd - Frontiers Elegant Journeys

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Call <strong>Frontiers</strong> 1-800-245-1950 • +44 (0) 1285 741340 in the UK • www.frontiersej.com Mountain gorilla trekking is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist activity, but with a limited number of permits, only a select few are granted this incredible opportunity. Adventure seekers are beginning to add gorilla safaris to their ”Bucket List” as a must-do and I fully concur! Rwanda & Uganda Rwanda and Uganda’s Gentle Giants – Up Close and Personal MYHEARTWAS STOLEN BYONE PLAYFUL LITTLE 9-YEAR-OLD THAT WAS INTRIGUED WITH MY HUSBAND’S PANT LEG. The adorable gorilla gave a couple of tugs, like a child attempting to get his mother’s attention, and then realized he had a captive audience of eight trekkers in the middle of the rain forest. He proceeded to climb a nearby tree and hung single-handed from a branch, swinging back and forth for about 10 minutes, and then imitated a nearby adult gorilla by beating his hands against his chest before scooting off to join the rest of his family. During our treks in Uganda and Rwanda last April, we had the opportunity to view 53 gorillas including two newborns and the heart-piercing encounter of silverbacks up to 550 pounds. The mountain gorillas are located in Africa along the bordering countries of Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo (DRC). In Rwanda, Parc National des Volcans (the Volcanoes National Park) is estimated to be home to approximately 350 of the 700 endangered mountain gorillas. The 1994 civil war and poaching further endangered their survival, but with Rwanda’s return to stability and great conservation efforts, the fate of the gorillas has improved. Nicknamed “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda is known for its positive change and gradual reconciliation. Other attractions Keep in mind that this is a perfect add-on to an East African safari as well as a stand-alone trip, and gorilla tracking greatly benefits the local communities and conservation of these endangered species. include seeing the golden monkeys, trekking to Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center, visiting the genocide memorial, climbing Visoke/Muhabura volcanoes, or relaxing at Lake Kivu. Renowned for its physical beauty, Uganda offers a variety of wildlife viewing options in the Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The name ”Impenetrable” is an under-statement considering its dense vegetation and vines in a lush rain forest. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be extremely arduous but very rewarding. You can enjoy chimpanzee tracking, visiting the Maramagambo bat cave, game viewing, and a trip to the source of the Nile. My Ugandan and Rwandan hosts, Volcanoes Safaris, were named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine in its February 2009 issue. They were awarded this accolade as a result of excelling in environmental awareness, reliable service, local knowledge, safety and highly educated guides. No other company has invested so heavily in the area around the mountain gorilla parks in Uganda and Rwanda. Each of their three intimate lodges consists of eight bandas with en suite facilities, all set in stunning locations offering panoramic views, warm hospitality, and hearty meals. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge 12
Another attractive feature of a gorilla trekking safari is that usually there are only eight travelers to a group. Minimum age is 15; maximum is normally 80 if you are in good physical condition. An average gorilla trek can take three to ten hours and is led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Adjusting to the elevation (Rwanda 9,842 feet and Uganda 8,553 feet) and the terrain can be a challenge, and once you have located the gorillas, you are limited to one magical hour with them. After this exceptional journey, guests staying at Volcanoes Safaris lodges are rewarded with a complimentary massage to help ease sore muscles. Both countries are year-round destinations although the dry seasons are considered to be May-September and December-February. Since the gorilla’s habitat is in the rain forests, keep in mind that it can rain at any time of the year and tracking can be slow and muddy but not impassable. In the mountainous areas, it is much colder than on the plains and the rainfall is greater. The tracking experience in Rwanda and Uganda is very different so it’s best to take at least one trek in each country. If your time is limited, I would recommend trekking in Rwanda, which is a little easier due to the light mountain vegetation. Also, there are currently more permits available per day in Rwanda (56) than in Uganda (32) and the average tracking time in Uganda tends to be longer and steeper. Yes, it is all about the experience, and we would welcome the opportunity to recreate this for you! Kathy Schulz Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge HOW TO GET THERE Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda — fly to Entebbe International Airport; 1-hour private charter flight or a 10-hour drive Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda — fly to Kigali International Airport; 2-2.5 hour drive Bwindi to/from Parc National des Volcans — 5-hour drive or 30-minute charter flight Dispelling the myths about being on safari in Africa Myth: Africa is a single country and mostly comprised of jungle and desert. Reality: Africa is a continent consisting of 53 countries of different nationalities and cultures; an estimated 2,000 languages are spoken. Although Africa contains the world’s largest equatorial forest, it has tremendous ecological and geographical diversity including the largest desert in the world, snowcapped mountains, tropical forests, grassland, mixed savanna and pine forests, all within a huge climatic range. Myth: Being on safari means sitting in a vehicle everyday spotting wildlife. Reality: You can also enjoy horseback, elephant back, camel back, and walking safaris; whitewater rafting; bungee jumping and repelling; exploring in dugout canoes; hotair ballooning; spa treatments; gyms; hiking, fishing and swimming; and visiting a local village, school or conservation project. Myth: Being on safari means “roughing it.” Reality: Established safaris offer all the adventure you would expect while still delivering the ultimate in comforts. Accommodations range from budget to uber-deluxe with some tented facilities boasting air conditioning, private plunge pools, butler service, phone/Internet service, and separate his/her bathrooms. We know the best camps, lodges and safari operators and can recommend the right safari for you based on your objectives. Myth: Being on safari means eating exotic foods. Reality: The diversity of each country is reflected in the cuisine. With exceptional natural ingredients at their fingertips, camp chefs prepare delectable dishes sure to please any palate. Paired with world-class wines, the preparation and presentation of homemade soups, fresh breads, pastries, filet mignon and lobster thermidor is renowned. Several properties have even earned Michelin status. Myth: Being on safari is dangerous. Reality: Basic precautions should always be taken, but the highly trained guides know the wildlife, and your safety is of utmost importance. We constantly monitor the U.S. State Department travel warnings regarding politically inspired violence and do not send clients to such areas. The African people are very peaceful, warm, genuine and hospitable. Myth: Being on safari may subject me to illness or disease. Reality: Required immunizations are very few for the countries most tourists visit, and with proper preventive measures, you should not experience any problems. 13
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