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Tour Date: 02 Nov 2012 - 18 Nov 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $11,997.00
Imagine a motorcycle adventure that starts with the thrill of seeing Lake Victoria and the River Nile, as it starts its vast journey northwards. A ride that continues south through Pygmy colonies and onto magnificent rainforests, home of the rare mountain beast, the gorilla. Imagine a walk that will bring you into contact with a gorilla family on the slopes of an extinct volcano. An adventure that then moves into Burundi and the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, flanked by the mountains of Congo. Lake Victoria to Lake Tanganyika is a truly extraordinary and varied 16-day adventure.
02/11/2012 Australia - Dubai
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Dubai.
03/11/2012 Dubai - Entebbe (D)
Lake Victoria
On arrival in Dubai we connect with the flight to Entebbe.
Depart Dubai Emirates EK 723, 08.25
Arrive Entebbe 12.40
On arrival in Entebbe we transfer to the Cassia Lodge, which is superbly situated on Buziga Hill, one of the highest hills in Kampala close to Lake Victoria.
The Cassia Lodge
Buziga Hill
Kampala
Uganda
Ph: 0011-256-755-777-002
Fx:
The main reservoir and source of the Nile, Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world, after Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia. The size of the lake is approximately the same as the Republic of Ireland and is situated between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys, along the great Plateau at 1,134m above sea level. The lake contains over 200 species of fish, many of which are exported and form a major part of the economy. Like Lake Baikal, many rivers flow into Lake Victoria but only one flows out, the Nile.
04/11/2012 Kampala (BLD)
Kampala, the city on twenty hills
This morning we collect our Yamaha motorbikes and after a road brief begin our city tour of Kampala.
In 1907, Winston Churchill called Kampala 'the pearl of Africa' . The city, which lies just north of the Equator, has a population of over a million and is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. It is a charming capital, adorned by luscious vegetation and great parks and straddling 20 hills. Since 1986 and the coming of the Museveni government, Kampala has enjoyed great stability and today is one of the safest cities in Africa.
05/11/2012 Source of the Nile: Jinja (BLD)
The Nile flowing out of
Lake Victoria
Today we commence the 90 minute ride to Jinja. For many people, to see the Nile flowing out of Lake Victoria is like seeing Everest for the first time. The first European to discover the source of the Nile was John Hanning Speke. Below is an excerpt from Speke's address to National Geographic, London:
“Though beautiful, the scene was not exactly what I expected, for the broad surface of the lake was shut out from view by a spur of hill, and the falls, about twelve feet deep and four to five hundred feet broad, were broken by rocks; still it was a sight that attracted one to it for hours.
The roar of the waters, the thousands of passenger fish leaping at the falls with all their might, the fishermen coming out in boats, and taking post on all the rocks with rod and hook,
hippopotami and crocodiles lying sleepily on the water, the ferry at work above the falls,
and cattle driven down to drink at the margin of the lake, made in all, with the pretty nature
of the country—small grassy-topped hills, with trees in the intervening valleys and on the
lower slopes—as fantastic a picture as one could wish to see.”
After a boat ride on the great river, we return to the Cassia Lodge.
06/11/2012 Kampala - Kibale National Park (BLD)
Rich agriculture in South Uganda
This morning we ride through stunning countryside as we climb towards Uganda's highest town. Here the country is untouched, with lush vegetation and rich in wildlife. To the west lie the Rwenzori Mountains - known as the mountains of the moon - while to the east are the spectacularly raised Rift Valley Hills, the so-called 'guardians of the birthplace of mankind'.
Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Nyaika Ave
Fort Portal
Uganda
Ph: 0011-256-483-423-200
Fx: 0011-256-483-422-631
07/11/2012 Kibale National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park (BLD)
Kibale Forest
After breakfast we depart for Kibale Forest to track a variety of primate species including several communities of chimpanzee, the primate with 99% the same DNA as human beings. In the afternoon we ride to Queen Elizabeth National Park and transfer to Ihamba Safari Lodge.
Ihamba Safari Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda
Ph:
08/11/2012 Queen Elizabeth National Park (BLD)
Hippo in the Kazinga Channel
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, waterbuck and giraffes, as well as more than 600 species of birds that flock around the Kazinga Channel. We enjoy an early sunrise game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure before a sunset safari.
09/11/2012 Queen Elizabeth - Kabale (BLD)
Villagers selling bananas
This morning we have another early morning game drive before leaving for the border town of Kabale. Passing many coffee and banana plantations en-route, we ride into Kabale in the evening and transfer to our hotel.
Arcadia Cottages
Bunyonyi Road Kabale Uganda Ph: 0011-256-486-26231 Fx:
10/11/2012 Kabale (BLD)
Batwa Pygmy elder
After breakfast we visit a Pygmy colony of the Batwa people. These people are the oldest recorded inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of central Africa. The current populations are also found in Rwanda, Burundi and the eastern Congo. Today there are approximately 80,000 Pygmies, making them a significant minority group. Originally they were hunters and gathers, but they have now been relocated from the Kigezi forest to make way for protected gorilla parks. Possessing a rich cultural heritage, today they are farmers and builders.
In the afternoon we ride to magnificent Lake Bunyoni. Many people believe this to be the most scenic lake in all of Africa.
11/11/2012 Kabale - Rwanda (BLD)
Parc National Des Volcans
After breakfast we head further south to the border, and after completing customs and immigration formalities we enter beautiful Rwanda, 'the Switzerland of Africa. We then ride to Ruhengeri in the Virunga Mountains and Parc National des Volcans. After lunch we head to our home for the night, the Kinigi Guest House.
Kinigi Guest House
Ruhengeri
Ph:
Fx:
12/11/2012 Parc National des Volcans (BLD)
After a short briefing from park rangers on gorilla protection and protocol, we enter Parc National des Volcans. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, close to the borders of Congo and Uganda, the park protects the steep slopes of the magnificent Virunga mountain range, home to seven families of the rare mountain gorilla. The various ecosystems in this area can be seen in the evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
These are the 'Mountains of the Mist', which are world renowned thanks to the eminent primatolgist Dian Fossey, who lost her life here in 1985 in her quest to protect her beloved gorillas. Today her 'gorilla family' and their offspring live in the Virungas, free from fear and
poachers. Our exhilarating walk through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring
views in all directions. As the trail continues it immerses us in the mysterious intimacy of the
rainforest, which is alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden
monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and
elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy we can glimpse the magnificent volcano peaks,
which are among the highest in Africa. Our first contact with the gorillas will be unforgettable.
David Attenborough wrote, when trying to describe the overwhelming sensation of kinship,
"There is more meaning and understanding in exchanging a single glance with a gorilla than with any other animal I know."
13/11/2012 Kigali (BLD)
Kigali
This morning we head south from the park for the 2 hour ride to the Rwandan capital of Kigali.
Hotel Chez Lando
Remera
Kigali
Rwanda
Ph: 0011-250-0252584394
Fax: 0011-250-0252584380
14/11/2012 Kigali - Butare (BLD)
Schoolchildren in Kigali
Kigali is a very pleasant modern town situated among rolling hills - and has no skyscrapers! It is laid back and relaxed, and home to a million people. It is extremely friendly and safe and reflects a country that has had economic and social stability for over 10 years.
We take a walking tour of this delightful capital, passing by the presidential palace, craft markets and the famous Hotel Rwanda. After lunch we ride the 135km to Butare.
Hotel Ibis
PO Box 103
Butare
Rwanda
Ph:
15/11/2012 Butare - Bujumbura (Burundi) (BLD)
Fishermen at the shores of Lake Tanganyika
After breakfast we head out onto excellent roads and beautiful countryside as we head south to Burundi. Crossing the border, we see the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika and to the west, the mountains of Congo. It was here that Henry Morton Stanley met David Livingstone with the words : "Mr Livingstone I presume". Our hotel is beautifully located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
Chausse D'uvira
Bujumbura
Burundi
Ph: 0011-257-222-502220
Fax: 50219
16/11/2012 Bujumbura (Burundi) (BLD)
Lake Tanganyika
Bujumbura is a lovely town perched on the shores of Tanganyika. It is emerging from many years of civil unrest and is now a safe city in the heart of Africa. After a ride into the capital, we have the chance to relax at our resort.
17/11/2012 Bujumbura - Nairobi - Dubai (B)
After breakfast we head to the airport for our flight to Nairobi.
Depart Bujumbura Kenya Airways KQ448, 11.20
Arrive Nairobi 14.00
Depart Nairobi Emirates EK720, 16.40
18/11/2012 Dubai - Australia
In Dubai we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian airport.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
NOVEMBER 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: AUD $11,997.00
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,637.00
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and Africa
* All flights within Africa
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* USD 500.00 Gorilla permit (access to Parc National des Volcans)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* Meals as specified
* All local guides
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All local sightseeing as per itinerary
* Tour leader from Australia
* Visas
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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