PEOPLE • COMMUNITIES • WILDLIFE
D.R.CONGO
GORILLA/VOLCANO ADVENTURE
6
DAYS
D.R.CONGO
Breathtaking Mountains & Wildlife
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the largest populations of great apes in Africa. In the shadow of Nyirogongo volcano (one of only two live volcanoes in Africa) live the rare mountain, gorilla of the Virunga National Park. RAW Africa invites you to experience the wildlife and culture of Congo in the oldest national park in Africa. The Virunga Foundation is spear heading the protection and tourism development of this incredible part of Congo and supports the work of over 520 local wildlife rangers, Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, as well as the dedicated antipoaching unit- the Congo hounds. On this adventure you will experience close encounters with the mountain Gorillas of Congo, stay in beautiful lodge accommodation in the national park, meet the Congo hounds and the orphan gorillas of Senkwekwe, spend a day on stunning Lake Kivu. For those adventurous at heart, there is an additional option of climbing and staying on the rim of the awe inspiring Nyirogongo Volcano. The Conservation Levy from this adventure will assist the work of the Congo Hounds.
How you can help support people & wildlife -Recycle your mobile phone! A rare mineral called coltan is found in your mobile phone. The largest deposits of coltan are found in Gorilla habitat in Congo. Every time coltan is extracted from the ground, it threatens gorilla populations. By recycling your old mobile phone through Melbourne Zoo or RAW Africa Ecotours, you can help gorillas in the wild.
www.zoo.org.au/ callingonyou
*Due to the duration of the Gorilla/Volcano Adventure , RAW Africa begins and completes this tour in Kigali, Rwanda.
Conservation Projects
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
Key B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda to Goma L, D
The Congo Hounds Bloodhounds are famous for their sense of smell and ability to follow a scent trail. Able to identify a single scent in five million, the Congo hounds protect Virunga’s critically endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife from poachers The Congo hounds are also used to quickly locate Virunga’s injured rangers. Experience the unique connection the handlers have with their canine companions on a demonstration exercise within the park.
The Senkwekwe Centre is located at the Virunga park headquaters in Rumangabo or Mikeno Lodge. It is the only facility in the world that cares for mountain gorilla orphans. The orphans also receive veterinary care from the Gorilla Doctors, arguably the most skilled and experienced gorilla veterinarians in the world.
On arrival, you are greeted at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda, by a RAW Africa Ecotours staff member. Travel across the mountainous country of Rwanda and into neighbouring D.R.Congo. You will be met at the border by a Virunga National Park vehicle and transferred from Goma to Bukima Base camp at the foot of Mt Mikeno. Once night fall descends, wonder at the sight of the firey glow from both Mt Nyiragongo and Mt Nyamuragira
Day 2: Congo Gorilla Trek BLD
Bukima camp is the original base station for Mountain Gorilla research in the Virungas. Nearby gorilla families have been known to visit the camp on a regular basis. Virunga National park is home to 6 habituated gorilla families that also move between neighbouring Bwindi Forest and Magahinga National parks in Uganda. Nothing can quite match the awe of seeing these incredible beings under the shadow of the magnificent Virunga Mountain range. The park is also home to many other species of monkeys and a stunning array of bird life. After your trek you will be transferred to the beautiful Mikeno lodge.
Uganda
D.R Congo Virunga NP Goma
✈
Rwanda
Kigali International Airport
Burundi
TRIP EXTENSION Combines seamlessly with RAW Africa’s Kenya Culture & Wildlife or Uganda Gorillas & Culture
TRIP DETAILS Inclusions
Gorilla Trekking Permit/Volcano Trekking Permit All transfers, transport, activities, accommodation and meals as per itinerary. All tips/gratuities except for RAW Africa staff.
Accommodation
2 nights guest house, 3 nights Eco Lodge.
Meals All itinerary meals included. Group Size Maximum 6.
Day 3: Mikeno Lodge/Optional Volcano Trek
Day 4: Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage/Congo hounds
Mikeno Lodge is located on the Virunga Massif and affords stunning views over the forests of Virunga National Park. Spend today tracking the chimpanzee family that is located near the lodge (subject to availability). For those who have decided to trek to the crater rim of Nyiragongo Volcano, the lodge will be your departure point. Accommodation on the crater rim is in purpose built cabins that look down into the firy depths of one of only 2 live volcanoes on the African continent.
If you have decided to remain at the lodge, this morning will be an opportunity to learn about the gorilla orphans of Senkwekwe Rescue Centre. Meet with one of the dedicated carers and observe a morning feeding session as you gain an understanding of the complexities of raising and releasing these rescued gorilla orphans back into the wild. After your time with the gorilla orphans, participate in a training session with the hounds and their trainers as you gain an understanding of the role of these canine specialists in protecting Virunga’s precious wildlife.
BLD
B
Day 4 Continued
After lunch, transfer to Kivu Lodge on the edge of lake Kivu in Goma. For those who have spent the night on the crater rim, make a slow descent back to the Virunga National Park office where you will be transferred to Kivu Lodge. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying local cuisine in one of Goma’s many restaurants.
Day 5: Tchegera island/or city tour.
see daily life in Goma. Tchegera Island is a short distance across Lake Kivu Spend the day relaxing on the islands beach, canoeing on the lakes still waters or wandering along one of the paths that afford unimpeded views of Goma and Nyiragongo Volcano.
Day 6: Goma to Kigali B
After this inspiring journey into the heart of Congo’s gorilla country, return to Kigali and onto other adventures.
BL
Today you will have the choice to go on a Goma city tour or visit Tchegera Island. The city tour will take you to a local market, visit historical sites and
RAW Africa would like to thank you for supporting communities and wildlife in Congo.
RAW Africa Ecotours specialises in sustainable community and conservation based ecotourism. For all tour bookings and enquiries please contact RAW Africa Ecotours, Australia.
brooke@rawafricaecotours.com
General information and conditions. This itinerary is a guide only, as circumstances beyond the control of the operators will sometimes necessitate changes or modifications to the scheduled program. All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel with at least 6 months validity from the date of return. It is the responsibility of the trailer to ensure that they have all valid entry visas, including multi- entry, as required. These are available at some border crossings, please contact RAW Africa Ecotours for ore information. Tours do not include return flights from point of origin; internal international/domestic flights; travel insurance; alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snacks and food outside the itinerary; additional activities beyond the scheduled itinerary; laundry; transport between locations other than those stated on the itinerary. Prices are a guide only, RAW Africa Ecotours reserves the right to adjust these at any time without notice. Unless otherwise stated, prices are inclusive of taxes and charges that apply as at 20th April 2014, but they do not include any fees for optional items which are payable directly to 3rd parties. Prices are in Australian dollars and may incur additional costs and international transfer fees if payment is made outside Australia. Please read RAW Africa Ecotours’ Bookings, Terms and Conditions carefully as they incorporate the basis upon which bookings are accepted by RAW Africa Ecotours. ABN 21 158 486 992 Copy write: B.Squires. Photos: B.Squires; BJ.Clow; D Mclean; Virunga NP.