Eyes on Africa is becoming Eyes on Adventure and adding exciting new destinations - new and expanded website coming soon!
---
India, Madagascar, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galápagos, Pantanal and Amazon.

African Safaris with Eyes on Africa African Safaris with Eyes on Africa African Safaris with Eyes on Africa
Loading

Eyes on Africa on Facebook

Bookmark and Share

 

Ultimate Primates Photo Safari - February 2017

15-24 February 2017

Safari Leader: Randy Hanna

 

Return to Photo Safaris and Photographic Workshops

In February 2017 Randy Hanna will lead a private group of photographers to Uganda and Rwanda to photograph Africa's Great Apes: magnificent mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the endangered golden monkeys. This safari will focus on photographing the special primates up close. Photographing gorillas and chimps is unlike any other experience in Africa or the world. All three species are under increasing threat and these are some of the last remaining places where one can spend time with them in protected areas.

We will have three full days of chimpanzee viewing and photography in Kibale National Park near the Ruwenzori Mountains in southwestern Uganda. There are a very limited number of full-day chimpanzee permits allocated each day (our permits allow full days spent with the chimps while the majority of the permits are only for one hour of viewing) and we have secured the full-day permits for three days. We then head to Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park for three days of photographing mountain gorillas and one day dedicated to the golden monkeys. If you have ever wanted to spend time up close with the great apes, you will love this experience.

Mountain gorilla (silverback) in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda - Copyright © James Weis

Safari Highlights
• Three full days of chimpanzee viewing in Uganda's Kibale National Park.
• Three days of mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.
• One day of trekking for the golden monkeys.
• Our chimpanzee permits are FULL-DAY habituation permits.  These are VERY limited in number and allow our group to spend the entire day (6am until dusk) with the chimps, allowing for unmatched photographic opportunities. Be prepared to blow through 50-100GB of images per day.
Private air charters between Entebbe and Kibale and again from Kibale to the Rwandan border (from the border it is a short drive to our gorilla trekking lodge).
Extra luggage allowances to accommodate the special needs of our photographic equipment. Note that big telephoto lenses are generally not needed for photographing these great apes.
• This itinerary focuses on up-close and real wildlife experiences from the surroundings of nearby accommodations.

Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park, Uganda - Copyright © James Weis

IS THIS SAFARI FOR YOU?

Here are some key points to help you decide:
1.  We welcome photographers of ALL levels. This safari will be conducive to learning from one another and include instruction that will suit everyone’s photographic needs. No question is off limits, no inquiry too basic.
2.  We are BIG on photographing in the field. We will spend most our time and effort on safari / photographic activities and making images.
3.  Non-photographer or videographer spouses / travel companions will love these safaris. The wildlife experiences on this trip will appeal to anyone with a love for animals and nature.  We have specialist guides leading all safari activities and optional activities (walking, balloon safaris, etc.) are also available subject to camp restrictions.




THE ITINERARY

15-16 February 2017; (1 night)
LAKE VICTORIA SERENA HOTEL - Entebbe, Uganda

Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, UgandaUpon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our local representative, who will transfer our group by road to our hotel.  The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. We will overnight at this lovely oasis before heading to Kibale the following morning.

Styled to replicate the lines of a classically rustic Roman villa, Lake Victoria Serena Resort & Spa is located between Entebbe and Kampala and on the shores of Africa's largest lake. Opened in October 2009, it will be complemented by the addition of a golf course, marina and luxury residential complex. Rising above white-terraced rose gardens, which descend through water cascades and fountains almost to the shores of Lake Victoria, this tranquil resort offers a gracious terracotta and cream palace with a central citadel encircled by broad café and cocktail terraces, where cushioned sofas invite relaxation. Widely spaced amongst the rose gardens, clusters of pastel-painted villas offer a choice of rooms and suites, all with panoramic lake views.

On the morning of the 16th our group will be transferred to the nearby Kajansi Airstrip, where we will board our private charter flight to Fort Portal airport.  Estimated departure time is 0830 hours and a flight time of 1 hour, 40 minutes. On arrival we will transfer by road to our lodge.


16-20 February 2017; (4 Nights)
KYANINGA LODGE - Kibale region, Uganda

Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale region, Uganda Set against a stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the legendary Mountains of the Moon beyond, Kyaninga Lodge is the spectacular result of one man’s vision and six years of unwavering commitment to creating an experience of Africa’s beauty unlike anything else. When Englishman Steve Williams first saw the lake on his way to visit the gorillas, there was nothing there aside from unspoiled natural beauty and breathtaking vistas. There aren’t many people who could stand on the rim of an ancient crater lake thousands of miles from home, and have the vision to imagine building a luxury lodge entirely out of timber.

Kyaninga Lodge’s eight cottages are built on platforms and set apart to offer privacy and tranquility. Access to the cottages from the main lodge is via a raised wooden walkway. Each spacious cottage is beautifully appointed with a a choice of twin or double beds made up with the softest bed linens and feather pillows. An indoor sitting area leads out to a private deck where one can enjoy morning tea or coffee and views over the lake and the Mountains of the Moon beyond. The en-suite bathrooms boast marble counter-top basins set atop beautifully crafted Elgon Olive pedestals, claw footed freestanding baths, glass walled showers and plenty of hot water from solar water heaters. Lighting in the cottages is also solar powered, and each cottage features an electrical socket for the charging of laptops and other appliances, providing the comforts of home in an extraordinary setting. Extra beds, hypoallergenic pillows and bedding are available on request. Kyaninga Lodge will be our lodge base for the next three days of chimpanzee trekking.

Our first afternoon will be spent relaxing at the lodge, lunch and dinner and some photography around the area.

17-February:  Today we rise early for a 30-40 minute drive to join Kibale National Park where we will meet our local guides and head out for our first day of adventure with the chimpanzees. Our activity starts at 5:30am and ends in evening at around 6:30pm. There is an option to end the habituation experience earlier than nesting time each day and we will make that decision based on that day's specific situation and photographic opportunities.  Our days with the chimps are spent following them as they move from feeding trees (generally large fig trees that are fruiting) and along the ground as they move within their home range. Some guests may want to cut the day short and in this case, one of the guides can take a partial group back to the Park headquarters early.

There are around 1,450 chimps in Kibale, of which 320 are habituated to human visitation.  The group visited for tourism includes 120 chimps, but often times the group is split between two or three sub-groups.  The alpha male also spends time with seven or eight other large males as he patrols through the forest and we may spend time with him if we encounter him. Our guides are in radio contact with the trackers and researchers and so we will have ample opportunity to photography multiple sub-groups throughout our day.  Other primates that we will have a good chance of seeing each day include Grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, blue monkey, red colobus, black-and-white colobus and olive baboon.

After our long day of chimpanzee viewing and photography, we will return to our lodge for dinner and downloading.

18-February:  Today we will again head out for our second day of chimpanzee viewing with our guides.

19-February:  Our third and last day of chimpanzee viewing.

20-February: After breakfast at the lodge we will be transferred by road to Kasese Airport for our short charter flight to Kisoro Airstrip.  At Kisoro we will be met and transferred to the Kyanika border post, clear through immigration to the Rwanda side and transfer by road to our lodge in time for lunch.


20-24 February 2017; (4 Nights)
MOUNTAIN GORILLA VIEW LODGE - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Volcanoes NP, Rwanda Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000-ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Accommodation comprises five double cottages, two suites and one family suite. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terra cotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms finished with Venetian plaster, a dressing room and a sheltered veranda. Heat exchangers in the fireplaces provide a plentiful supply of hot water. The main lodge building comprises reception, sitting room with snug area, dining room, library / games room, a responsible tourism / community awareness room, shop and bathrooms. Two patio areas afford wonderful and dramatic views to the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding lowland farmland.

21-February:  Early breakfast and drive to the park offices, where we will have a briefing by our trackers and then drive to the beginning of the trail. From there we will begin our trek up the path to meet up with the gorillas -- (see important information on gorilla trekking below). Upon sighting the gorillas, we will stay with them for a magical hour before returning to the base where our driver will be waiting for us. Lunch is back at the Lodge (depending on how long our trek was and what time we return). This afternoons are free for downloading and processing images. There is also an option (time permitting) to do some shopping at the local cooperative shops or a visit to the ex-poachers' village, where you can learn about the traditional methods of fire-making, archery, traditional medicine, traditional dances and other local customs. Dinner is at the Lodge.

22-February:  Up early again for our second day of gorilla trekking. Today we will visit a different family of gorillas (specific families visited are only determined at the Park HQ on the morning of the trek). Lunch, afternoon and evening as per the prior day.

23-February:  Our third and last day of gorilla trekking, where we will visit yet another family of gorillas. Lunch at the Lodge. Lunch, afternoon and evening as per the prior two days.

24-February:  On our last morning we will again rise early and head to the Park Headquarters, meet our guide and drive the short distance to the starting point for the golden monkeys trek.  The walk is typically not long, as these monkeys prefer to spend most of their time in the low elevation bamboo stands. Lunch at the Lodge. We will return to the lodge for lunch, collect our bags and head to Kigali to catch our flights.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is very critical that you coordinate you departure flight times with Eyes on Africa staff BEFORE you book your flights. This will ensure that you have ample time to get down the mountain before heading to the airport.

See note below regarding travel extensions.

Gorilla Tracking Information
The gorillas you will track in Volcanoes National Park will belong to one of ten 'habituated' family groups.  Eight permits per day are issued for each group.

For many years, these groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually made them used to the presence of humans and allowed a few privileged visitors to interact with them briefly in the wild. The gorillas are by no means tame. They are completely wild animals, which even now tolerate human presence for an hour a day at most. Experienced guides will accompany you on your tracking, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves. These guides will brief you in detail on your arrival on the various aspects of 'gorilla etiquette', but the information contained in this set of guidelines is to help you arrive for your track well prepared and ready to enjoy this unique opportunity to the full.

Visitors may track for as many days as they like, on purchase of the required number of gorilla permits. The permits are in extremely short supply, and are often booked as much as 18 months in advance. Only persons over the age of 15 are allowed to track the gorillas.

Gorilla tracking is a year-round activity, with no season as such. The rain forest is moist, and it rains very often in Volcanoes National Park, even in the dry season. Tracking commences every morning from the park headquarters at 8:30 AM. There is a daily maximum of 8 visitors to each gorilla group, and each group is accompanied by a guide and by porters who will carry your shoulder pack for you.

The gorillas cover large distances throughout the day and they are never constantly in one area. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas' habits and information from the previous day to locate the group's whereabouts. Because of this, the time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before returning to camp. The terrain is sometimes difficult, with steep trails (often steeper than a flight of stairs) covered in dense vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of 5200 feet and more means participants do need to be physically fit to enjoy the track. Once the gorillas are located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. After this, you will return to the park headquarters and your camp.



TRAVEL EXTENSIONS:  Air travel and customized extensions to this safari, including safaris in Kenya and/or Tanzania, or other destinations may be arranged through Eyes on Africa as desired.  Ask us for further information.


Golden monkey in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda - Copyright © Randy Hanna

COSTS
The cost of this all-inclusive safari is $14,750 per person. This fee includes all in-country ground and air transportation as well as hotel accommodation (double occupancy) and all meals (except as noted above and in exclusions below).

Please note: We will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant.



NOTES
• Suggested cash gratuities (US Dollars) for chimpanzee / gorilla trek guides and trackers are recommended at USD $35 to $40 per trek (7 treks in total).
• Any additional gratuities for hotel staff, road transfer drivers, airport porters, etc. can also be paid in US Dollars.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
WHAT IS INCLUDED
• Accommodation on a shared basis (single rooms may be available - please inquire).
• 1x trip leader (Randy Hanna).
• All permits and fees for the chimpanzees and mountain gorillas.
• Gratuities for vehicle drivers in Uganda and Rwanda.
• Private meet and assist services at the airport in Entebbe.
• Road transfers to/from the airports and the hotels.
• Private air charters: Entebbe to Kibale and Kibale to near the Ugandan border with Rwanda.
• Luggage allowance for air charters: approximately 30-35 kgs per person in total.
• All meals at Kyaninga Lodge and at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (drinks are on your own account).
• Breakfasts at Lake Victoria Serena.
• Daily laundry is available but cost is not included (except at Kyaninga, where cost is inncluded).
• Private vehicles and drivers for all road transfers throughout the trip.
• The current Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax or Government Sales Tax.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
• International airfare and/or other transportation between your home and Entebbe, Uganda and from Kigali, Rwanda back home.
• Dinner / drinks in Entebbe on the first evening.
• Gratuities for hotel staff in Entebbe and Kigali.
• Gratuities for gorilla and chimpanzee trackers, guides, and porters. Recommended tips (in US Dollars) are $35-$40 per trek (7 treks total).
• Drinks at Kyaninga Lodge and at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
• Laundry cost at hotels and lodges (except ay Kyaninga Lodge, where laundry is included).
• Visas, travel insurance, personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.)
• Optional pre-/post- safari tours and meals or accommodation before or after the safari (we would be happy to arrange any and all additional overnights or extensions).

Please read our Safari Code of Ethics and Conduct.



HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Our group size is a maximum of 7 participants and we expect that this trip will fill up. If this exciting safari sounds good and you're excited by the thought of joining on this trip, then now is the time to register. Remember, there will be limited space available for this trip and when the spots are spoken for, that's it. If you have any questions before registering, send an e-mail with any inquiries to nicky@eyesonafrica.net or simply call us (800-457-9575) and ask to speak to Nicky Glover.

 

Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park, Uganda - Copyright © James Weis

Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park, Uganda - Copyright © James Weis


Top          Return to Digital Photo Safaris / Workshops


Travel Insurance

Wilderness Wildlife Trust            Eyes on Africa sponsors Children in the Wilderness            Eyes on Africa is a corporate sponsor of The African Wildlife Foundation

Eyes on Africa is proud to be a certified Fundi - a South Africa Tourism Specialist                           Eyes on Africa is endorsed by IATAN - International Airlines Travel Agent Network           Eyes on Africa is a member of the Better Business Bureau             Eyes on Africa is a member of ASTA - The American Society of Travel Agents (member #900143776)

African Safari - Home          Site Map          Currency Converter          Search          Links          Blog          Africa Weather          Budget Safaris          Photo Safaris

Botswana Safari          Kenya Safari          Malawi Safari          Mozambique Safari          Namibia Safari          Rwanda Safari          Seychelles Islands

South Africa Safari          Tanzania Safari          Zambia Safari          Zimbabwe Safari

Safari Map          About Us          Our African Safaris          Scheduled Safaris          Rates and Pricing          Planning          News          FAQ's          Photography          Contact Us

Eyes on Africa, Ltd.
1743 West Fletcher Street
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Tel: 800.457.9575 / 773.549.0169    Fax: 773.327.2977    Email: Eyes on Africa

All content © 2002-2016, Eyes on Africa, Ltd. All rights reserved.
All images © 1995-2016, James Weis/Eyes on Africa (unless otherwise noted). All rights reserved.
Legal Restrictions & Terms of Use  •  Privacy Statement  •  Travel Terms & Conditions  •  Travel Info Form  •  Travel Agreement  •  Travel Insurance Form  •  Credit Card Form

email webmaster: EOA Webmaster