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SOLD OUT: 13-Days on a Gorilla, Chimp and Wildlife Safari
At a Glance
Trip Description
About this trip
We are proud to offer this trip of a lifetime–a 13-day gorilla and ape experience in the Rwanda and Uganda. We’ll be getting up close to the stupendous silverback gorillas, go on a chimp scouting hike, experience a safari that takes us close to lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of other species. The natural environment we’ll be traveling through is mix of dense woodlands, mountains. savannah, wetlands, rivers, lakes and we’ll take a boat to one of Africa’s great waterfalls.
We’ll also have a chance to explore and support local culture-in communities of local indigenous people and through classes and a visit to female entrepreneur initiative.
Please note: NextTribe members receive $100 discount on this trip. Click here to sign up.
Permits to see the mountain gorillas are extremely hard to get. We are happy to have secured 12 spots, but because of high demand, we have to have commitments before Dec. 15, 2023 or we will lose our allotments. Because we are making non-refundable payments for permits., your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable. We hope you understand.
See a complete detailed itinerary here.
Please know that you will not only be experiencing a rare opportunity to bond with our closest relatives (and other women on the trip who share your enthusiasm for nature, wildlife, and exploration), you will also be helping the primates and humans in the region.
Mountain gorillas and tourism are inextricably linked. Arguably, neither has a future without the other. The annual revenue earned directly from gorilla tourism is an important component of funding conservation and management of the parks, as well as local and national economies.
About Our Tour Operator, Nkuringo Safari
Nkuringo Safaris, a licensed tour operator, offers unforgettable, safe, intimate, and authentic Uganda & Rwanda wildlife experiences. The company specializes in custom gorilla trekking tours, honeymoon holidays, cultural encounters, and private and group adventures to suit your travel preferences.
Nkuringo Safaris has been offering sustainable and innovative private gorilla tours and wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda since 2007. Our team of experienced travelers is always ready to push themselves out of their comfort zones to better understand the fascinating world around us. We aim to provide active experiences so transformative that our guests will never want to have an African adventure in any other way.
Experience the thrill of exploring Africa’s amazing wildlife on holiday with a knowledgeable and trusted tour operator. Venture off-the-beaten-path into ancient rainforests where gorillas and chimpanzees live in harmony. With Nkuringo Safaris, you immerse yourself in the rich diversity of a region, meet its people and cultures, and collect new experiences that will transform your life.
Travel Insurance is Required
For this trip, we require all of our travelers to purchase travel insurance.
If you buy it within 21 days of booking (and before your final payment) you’ll get a better deal than if you wait. There is trip protection insurance and travel insurance.
Trip Protection style travel insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for Trip Cancellation if you are prevented from taking your trip due to a covered reason listed in the plan certificate; most notably – illness, injury, or death to the traveler, a traveling companion, and/or an immediate family member not traveling, unforecasted inclement weather, and much more. Also included are benefits for Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Baggage & Personal Effects, Travel Medical Expenses, and Emergency Medical Evacuation. Included:
Several people have had to cancel trips because of a death in the family, an injury (one women broke her foot on the way out the door to the airport!) or COVID, and once we enter the non-refundable stage of your booking, we CANNOT refund your trip for any reason.
We also require medical-related travel insurance for this trip, which will cover any illness or accident during your trip, including medi-vac.
NextTribe is an affiliate of Allianz, and you can get a quote from them by clicking on the name below. They offer one time policies and annual policies to cover all of your trips in a single year.
We are also an affiliate of Wanderwell, a certified B corp and a member of the Transformational Travel Council. Through Allianz we have found a policy that covers one year of travel including medi-vac emergencies that cost $450 a year.
Cancellation Policy
YOUR DEPOSIT:
Your initial deposit in non-refundable and reserves your spot on a trip. Unlike other NextTribe trips, the deposit on this trip cannot be transferred to another trip.
YOUR BALANCE:
Full payment for your retreat is due 4 months prior to the start of the trip. At 4 months prior to your trip, there are no refunds for any reason. If you must cancel within this 4 month period, you will need to contact your travel insurance company for reimbursement.
CHANGES TO TRAVEL:
We will make every effort to operate all trips as advertised, however all itineraries are subject to change. We reserve the right to alter or make reasonable substitutions as deemed necessary.
Photos
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Map
Itinerary
TUESDAY, June 17th
You need to take a flight that gets into Kigali International Airport (KGL) on WEDNESDAY, June 18th to enjoy the full itinerary.
WED June 18-THU June 19
You'll be met at the Kigali International Airport by a driver and taken to the Heaven Boutique Hotel.
Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 meters above sea level. It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market, and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides.
Wednesday June 18 is for resting.
Thursday June 19
Morning at Leisure and Kigali City Tour.
Kigali city tour includes a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial center, stops at a local market (a well-organized space selling a variety of vegetables, fruits, cereals, wood, home products and textiles, with a section for the tourists that features souvenirs and handcrafted goods). A visit to the Museum of Natural History (housing exhibits on Rwanda’s geology and natural wonders), Art Gallery visit which involves interacting with the artisans of the Inema Art Centre boasting colourful paintings and sculptures.
We will also visit Nyamirambo women Center to support local female entreprenuers.
FRI June 20-SUN June 22
On Friday morning, after an early breakfast, meet up with the guide and drive over Rwanda / Uganda border (Katuna border) to the northern sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest (Buhoma).
The drive takes approx. 5hours. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an African adventure that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, the park is renowned for being home to almost half of the world's remaining population of mountain gorillas, making it one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking.
We'll stay 3 nights at the gorgeous Mahogany Springs Lodge with full board of meals.
Saturday June 21st
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours).
A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Sunday June 22nd
A full day in the park, with a visit to the Batwa community. Batwa are forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers based in Central Africa and are widely accepted as the original inhabitants of the region
MON June 23-WED June 25
On Monday morning we'll transfer to Kihihi Airstrip (1h 30mins) to catch a scheduled flight to Kasese where you meet a representative from primate Lodge and transfer to the Turaco Treetops Lodge for 3 nights will full board. (approx. 1hour 30mins)
In the afternoon relax at the lodge or opt for nature walks around the lodge.
Tuesday, June 24
After breakfast at around 7:30, walk to the visitor center for briefing and group allocation before starting the trek. you are also allowed to spend 1 hour with the chimps and the time spent trekking can be anywhere from 2 - 5 hours. The density and diversity of primates in Kibale National Park is the highest in the whole of Africa.
The most well-known and sought-out of its 13 species are the chimpanzees, our closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzee population of this threatened primate is Uganda’s biggest.
Additionally, Kibale is home to the uncommon I’Hoest’s monkey as well as East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkey. The black & white colobus, red tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, grey cheeked mangabey, bush baby and potto are among the other primates.
Wednesday, June 25
We'll take an excursion to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a great example of a community-based approach to natural resources management which can be of good economic benefit to the local residents living within the area and to the tourism industry. This sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers - skilled birders can spot up to 50 new species on a bird list. At today 138 species of birds have been recognized within the sanctuary, among which the Great Blue Turaco. Bigodi is also regularly visited by a diverse number of primate species from the nearby national park.
THUR June 26-SAT June 28
On Thursday morning, we'll transfer to Kaese Airstrip to take a flight to Murchison Falls National Park.
There we will be met by transport and guides and taken to Murchison River Lodge, an eco-hotel that supports empowerment of the local community (particularly women) and is situated directly on the southern bank of the River Nile overlooking the park.
Friday, June 27th
Full day dedicated to the discovery of this unique national park, which covers 5072 km2, is home to 76 species of mammals and over 451 bird species. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah, and a diversity of abundant wildlife.
We'll take a 3-hour private cruise from park headquarters to the head of Fajao Gorge and on the to base of Murchison Falls, then hike to the top of the falls.
We'll witness the mighty force of the Nile River pushing through a narrow seven-metre gap, cascading down a forty-metre cliff to the vast gorge below. The power of the falls and the scenic views from their base are breathtaking. Large resident populations of hippo float in the water along the way, groups of crocodile bask on the shore, and herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope can be seen moving along the riverbanks.
Saturday, June 28th
After breakfast, head out for a game drive along the Buligi Circuit. The Delta allows visitors an opportunity to see Lions, while the triangle of grassland in the Buligi Peninsula provides an opportunity to see elephant, buffalo, antelopes, and giraffes. This grassland is bound by the Victoria Nile entering Lake Albert with the Albert Nile flowing out of it. Lions, leopard, and waterbirds along with hippos can also be spotted here. Much of the southern part is populated with dense bush and forest, where lions and giraffes can also be seen.
In the afternoon relax at the lodge.
SUN June 29
We'll drive to Entebbe, where we'll spend one night at the Karibu Guest House. Entebbe is a stunning and lively city located on the shores of Lake Victoria in the central region of Uganda.
After arrival, we'll relax and prepare for departure the following day.
TUES June 30
You will fly out of Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
Logistics
What's Included
- Gorilla tracking permit
1 per person
- Chimpanzee permit
1 tracking permit per person
- 12 nights accommodation
At hotels as described in itinerary
- 9 days full board
As described in itinerary
- 3 breakfasts
In addition to the full board
- 2 internal flights
Kihihi-Kaese and Kaese-Murchison
- Transportation
Private 4x4 vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Excursions & activities
As indicated in the itinerary, under the supervision of a professional experienced English-speaking guide
- Tips
Except those for housekeepers or bell hops who transport luggage
- Laundry services
Except in Kigali hotel
- Drinking water in SUV
- All house beverages
What's Not Included
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees and items not expressly listed as included.
Additional Add-Ons
Hotels
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Our travelers love us (yay!)
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Colleen M., California
What I love about the NextTribe trips is that there is so much camaraderie of other women that are like you, and then the fabulous things that the organizers puts together to give you that viewpoint, it’s awesome.
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Courtney M., Texas
What I love about NextTribe trips is that you get the experience from an insider’s perspective—someone that has ties to the community and focused on building relationships from the start. I’ve been on a trip with another women’s travel group that dropped a guide in, not personally knowing anything about the locale, traditions, or culture. She was there to make sure you showed up on time, got on the bus, etc. With NextTribe, you feel like you’re having a personalized experience with your best girlfriends.
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Donna B., Washington
I didn't know anyone going on the trip but that didn't stop me from signing up. I have learned that some of my life's greatest adventures have come from taking a risk and jumping in feet first. So glad I did with NextTribe! I may not have known anybody at the start, but now I feel like I know everybody.
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Connie B., Pennsylvania
I love to meet and interact with strong, mature women from across the country as we learn together.
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Leslie M., Georgia
I always come by myself on NextTribe trips because I like to meet super fun and interesting women. We're always doing fun and interesting things in great cities that you couldn't do on your own because you wouldn't know the people or places or the insiders.
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Teresa S., Kentucky
NextTribe fills the need I have to travel with older interesting women who are curious about the world and want to share the journey.
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We write articles about all our trips. Read about these special experiences.
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They headed to the beach for some inner work and major fun…but these intrepid women found that sharing and support truly sealed their connection
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Frequently asked questions
What’s different about your trips?
We curate trips specifically for curious, engaged women over 45. You’re pretty well assured that your fellow travelers will be a lot like you–since you’ve all responded to the idea of “aging boldly.”. That means built-in compatibility in your small group, including the woman who is leading the adventure.. In addition to specializing in group travel for people who don’t normally like group travel, we also pride ourselves on creating experiences that allow you to interact with local women or get deeper into the culture than you would if you planned the trip yourself.
Where do you go?
We have a wide range of weekend jaunts here in the U.S. for those who want a quick getaway. We also love taking women to Mexico, where founder Jeannie Ralston used to live. We’re always talking about pushing boundaries, and we’re doing that in the geographic sense too. For those with more time, we offer trips all over Europe, to India, Vietnam, Peru (for a hike on the inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Soon, our travelers will be getting passport stamps in even more countries on six continents. Be saving those frequent flier miles!
What do you mean by transformational travel?
NextTribe is affiliated with the Transformational Travel Council, an international group of travel professionals dedicated to making the world a better place, one trip and one traveler at a time. We recognize that travelers, especially post-pandemic, are looking for more than just a date and a destination. They can shop for that anywhere online. Our community honors the intention behind a traveler’s investment in a trip. Our travelers want to have fun (we do too!) and to travel with a sense of purpose and belonging. That’s why we go to great lengths to provide ways for women to self-select by reading the articles in our magazine and the content of our website. If you like what you see, you’re likely to be a NextTribe traveler, and we look forward to seeing you on a trip soon!
What if I travel solo?
If you really prefer to book your travel yourself and go it alone, we applaud you. That’s brave and bold and we would never try to talk you out of it. But our trips are designed so that even a woman who’s used to traveling alone, or someone shy about meeting new people, will feel comfortable in our group. Our trip leaders are there to “read the room” and make sure everyone feels included and respected.
What if I don’t like group travel?
We don’t either! Not the way most groups do it. If you feel like doing what the group is doing, great! Join us for dinner or just some of the activities. All the benefits of solo travel and the comfort of being with a group. Our groups are small (normally around 12 to 14 women) and in most situations, you are free to opt out of an activity. We figure you’re grown-ass women who know what’s best for you.
What’s the price range of your trips?
We are committed to providing what we call “affordable-luxury” travel. Don’t expect
the Four Seasons, but who wants to stay in a gilded bubble anyhow? We always look for good value and offer wonderful hotels and memorable experiences that won’t break the bank and will get you closer to how locals live. Our prices depend on the length of the
trip and the destination. We offer domestic trips for under $2,000 for a shared room, which we encourage. If you don’t have a roommate we will match you with someone. Sometimes this has resulted in lasting friendships with new travel buddies., Some of
our longer trips–two weeks in India or Vietnam, for example–will cost between
$4,800 and $6,000.
What’s included in the price?
Our trips cover most everything you’ll need to dive into a destination. Hotels and most meals, plus special experiences such as hands-on classes and sessions with local artists, writers or entrepreneurs are almost always included, but each trip is different so please be sure to read The Experience and the itinerary. We occasionally have an add-on for an extra price, but those are clearly designated. What’s not covered as a rule are airfare, alcohol and tips.
Do you have payment plans?
We sure do. It’s easy to pay for our trips by setting up automatic credit card charges at regular intervals, interest free. Think of it as the layaway plan to feed your soul.
How do I get trip discounts?
Our NextTribe members get a discount on every trip. Plus, members are the first to hear about new trips and receive upgrades on rooms if they’re available. Check out our three different membership levels here.
What’s the average age of women on the trips?
We welcome all women over 45, but most of our travelers are in the 50 to 65 age range. More important than age is the spirit of the traveler–her curiosity about the world, and her eagerness to embrace new opportunities. We’ve found women of any age with those qualities fit in well with our groups.
What’s the activity level of the trips?
Most of our trips are geared for active travelers who like to walk–a rating of 3 on our 1-5 rating scale. Here are some examples of how we rate. A designation of 1 would be our beach trips, where it’s up to you if you’d like to stroll down the beach, or play in the waves or walk around the small town. Trips where we have dedicated transportation for much of the time (such as India) are a 2; Paris is a 3 because we believe the best way to appreciate a city is to view it on foot. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a 4, because you’ll be walking up some hills (at 6,000 feet altitude) and occasionally on cobblestone sidewalks. Our Inca trail trip is a 5, as are our more adventurous outdoor trips.
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