Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda Experience – Independent
from $7985
Duration: 4 Days
A challenging trek to an extraordinary reward – welcome to the misty jungles of Rwanda, home of the rare mountain gorilla. This four-day Independent Experience with Peregrine focuses on ape encounters, hiking through the bamboo forest, alpine moorland and dense jungle to the habitat of one of ten mountain gorilla families. With expert trackers and mountain guides leading your every move, sightings like this have never been so special. With time also to discover Rwanda’s capital, the country’s confronting history plus dedicated periods of independent exploration, this eastern Africa experience will be all kinds of memorable.
  • Trek through Rwanda's steamy jungle to spend an unforgettable hour in the presence of a family of rare mountain gorillas – one of the world’s ultimate wildlife adventures.
  • Stay in a boutique hotel nestled at the foot of the stunning Virunga Mountains with a restaurant, bar and pool and breathtaking views towards Parc National des Volcans.
  • Learn an important yet confronting side of the country’s history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, plus embark on a city tour of the capital to see modern-day Rwanda on full show.
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Kigali - Genocide Memorial Audio Guide
  • Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
  • Volcanoes National Park - Mountain gorilla trek & permit
  • Kigali - City Tour
  • Day 1 Location: Kigali / Ruhengeri
    Welcome to Rwanda! This Independent Experience starts at Kigali Airport where you will be met by a local representative. On arrival, set off to visit the Genocide Museum – opened in 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. While this incident occurred as a result of a complex series of factors, it is seen as an absolute tragedy to Rwanda and its people. This museum is quite confronting but also an important way to understand the resilience of Rwandan people. Afterwards, travel into gorilla territory with a drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda’s countryside. You’ll be staying in the Musanze region near the Parc National des Volcans – the oldest national park in Africa, specifically created to protect the habitat of the gorillas. Your hotel’s facilities include a pool, restaurant, bar and lounge with fireplace and stunning views of nature.
    Day 2 Location: Ruhengeri
    After a very early start, drive to the park headquarters (approximately 30 minutes) where you’ll be briefed on the gorilla trek by guides. The trackers will have already set out and located the gorilla family by the time you begin your trek, so your actual walking time can usually be predicted when you set off. Trekking may take anything between 40 minutes and five hours to reach your designated family, but it’s more than worth it. Ten different gorilla families live here in bamboo forest interspersed with alpine moorland, grass and marshland, including Group 13, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa, Kwitonda and the Hirwa. Gorilla trekking is highly controlled, with only 80 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, only one hour is granted in the presence of the great apes before you must move on. Watch these families eat, sleep, groom and play – the giant silverback surveying the scene as the smaller ones laze in the trees or play. It’s a magnificent sight. As your gorilla experience comes to an end, transfer back to your accommodation for a late lunch and relax for the afternoon, reflecting on what is sure to be a truly memorable day.
    Day 3 Location: Ruhengeri / Kigali
    This morning is free for you to continue your independent exploration of Ruhengeri and surrounds. It is possible to partake in an additional gorilla trek – subject to permit availability and must be pre-purchased well in advance. Otherwise, take to the Dian Fossey Trek – well-known for its connection to the 1980s classic ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ – trekking to her grave, the research station and other notable sites. You could also take the rare opportunity to hike in search of golden monkeys, watching these engaging primates interact and play in the forest’s edge. After your optional experience today, travel back to Kigali, arriving late in the afternoon (approximately 2 hours). For tonight, consider enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants nearby to your accommodation – the hotel staff will be able to provide recommendations.
    Day 4 Location: Kigali
    This morning, embark on a city tour of Kigali, learning about this eastern Africa capital city. After an hour or so, depart the city for Kigali Airport, arriving before 12 pm (midday). With no activities planned after this, your Independent Experience finishes on arrival at the airport.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    01JAN2022
    Return Date:
    04JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02JAN2022
    Return Date:
    05JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03JAN2022
    Return Date:
    06JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04JAN2022
    Return Date:
    07JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05JAN2022
    Return Date:
    08JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06JAN2022
    Return Date:
    09JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    07JAN2022
    Return Date:
    10JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08JAN2022
    Return Date:
    11JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    09JAN2022
    Return Date:
    12JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10JAN2022
    Return Date:
    13JAN2022
    8385NZD
    14085NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    23 Aug 2021

    Trip title

    Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda Experience – Independent

    Trip code

    PFRGX

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2021

    Introduction

    A challenging trek to an extraordinary reward – welcome to the misty jungles of Rwanda, home of the rare mountain gorilla. This four-day Independent Experience with Peregrine focuses on ape encounters, hiking through the bamboo forest, alpine moorland and dense jungle to the habitat of one of ten mountain gorilla families. With expert trackers and mountain guides leading your every move, sightings like this have never been so special. With time also to discover Rwanda’s capital, the country’s confronting history plus dedicated periods of independent exploration, this eastern Africa experience will be all kinds of memorable.

    Style

    Peregrine

    Transport

    Private vehicle

    Physical Rating

    3

    Joining point

    Kigali Airport

    Kigali

    RWANDA

    Finish point

    Kigali Airport

    Kigali

    RWANDA

    Important information

    MINIMUM AGE There is a minimum age of 15 years for gorilla tracking. GORILLA PERMIT This trip requires an additional non-refundable deposit (AUD 2400, USD 2400, EUR 1800, NZD 2700, GBP 1500, CAD 2400, ZAR 20000, CHF 2000) in order to secure a gorilla trek permit. We also require passport details at time of booking. RWANDA VISA All tourists requiring a Rwanda visa must pre-register for their visa prior to arrival in Rwanda. Details such as name, passport number, arrival port and arrival details need to be submitted on a form over the web. A pre-registration acceptance letter is then emailed to you which you need to print out and take with you to present on arrival in Rwanda. INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES Please note that lodge-based activities on your Independent Experience will be on a join-in basis. This means that these activities may be shared with other guests at the property. FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Please ensure you arrive into Kigali prior to 1 pm on Day 1 for transfer to Ruhengeri. If you are unable to arrive by 1 pm you will need to arrive a day earlier and book accommodation in Kigali. This trip finishes in Kigali on Day 4. Please do not book any flights until after 1 pm this afternoon.

    Group leader

    INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE This is an ‘independent’ trip. You will have a local Peregrine guide for each activity (but not while on transport between each Experience if you booked several). As the name suggests, this is not a group trip, so it is just you (and your travelling companions if you booked with a friend). You will have 24/7 support from your guide and our local office.

    Safety

    It is recommended that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information prior to your departure. Peregrine strongly recommends the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Please leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Most of our hotels will have a safety deposit box, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. A specialist guide will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While the guides will endeavour to assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and Peregrine makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your specialist guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING CONDITIONS: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Be aware that traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SWIMMING POOLS: You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. UNFENCED SITES: On some trips where you will be staying within a national park, please note that at times you may be staying in unfenced sites. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules that must be adhered to. While staying in national parks it's important that you listen to any advice given by your leader/guide and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behaviour. BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in the western world or from your home country and not all the transport which we use provides seat belts.

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

    BILHARZIA Bilharzia is a parasitical disease which is usually spread by swimming in contaminated water. It can be assumed that the infection is present, to a greater or lesser extent, in almost all water sources, but most especially in shallow reedy waters in the vicinity of villages. Although the adult parasites do not themselves cause a great deal of harm, after about 4-6 weeks they start to lay eggs, which triggers an intense but usually ineffective immune response, the symptoms of which can include fever, cough, abdominal pain, and an itchy skin complaint known as safari itch. After a while the symptoms settle down and the patient is left with a sense of feeling tired all the time.

    Visas

    PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. RWANDA: Visas are required for entry into Rwanda by all nationalities. Some nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival. The visa costs approximately USD30. For nationalities that need to be obtain a visa online in advance. The visa application process can be found at www.migration.gov.rw. The visa takes approximately 2-5 days to process. You must have a copy of this visa with you to present upon arrival. Supporting documentation may also be required - the embassy will contact you if they require these. If you are asked to provide a contact in Rwanda, on your visa form or on arrival, please use the hotel details below: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Ruhengeri, Rwanda +250 739 373 971 EAST AFRICA TOURIST VISA The East Africa Tourist Visa allows for travel between Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda with the same multiple entry visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple entry visa and is valid for 90 days. The visa costs USD100 and is the best option for passengers travelling to all 3 of the countries. For those arriving in into Kenya first, the only option to gain this visa, is on arrival at the Nairobi airport. At the airport you will need to complete the regular Kenya visa form and clarify you want to pay the extra USD$50 for the East African visa. Please ensure they provide you with all 3 visas. This can only be paid in USD, EUR or GBP cash. * This is the best option for travellers wanting to do a day excursion to Kisoro, Uganda into Rwanda * If beginning your trip in Rwanda, you can apply through the Rwanda Online Visa Application System. Under "Type of Visa" select "East Africa Tourist Visa." If you're visiting Kenya and Uganda only, and arriving into Kenya via Nairobi Airport and crossing into Uganda by land, we recommend an E-visa for Kenya, and a visa on arrival for Uganda (paid in cash), as these are the most efficient options. See below for further details.

    Why we love it

    Trek through Rwanda's steamy jungle to spend an unforgettable hour in the presence of a family of rare mountain gorillas – one of the world’s ultimate wildlife adventures.

    Stay in a boutique hotel nestled at the foot of the stunning Virunga Mountains with a restaurant, bar and pool and breathtaking views towards Parc National des Volcans.

    Learn an important yet confronting side of the country’s history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, plus embark on a city tour of the capital to see modern-day Rwanda on full show.

    Is this trip right for you

    Our Independent Experiences have been designed for just 1–4 people, departing every day of the week for most experiences. You can mix and match to create your perfect trip combination, then we’ll arrange the transport between each experience for you. You will have local guides at most destinations and activities. It’s independent travel without the stress. Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours – up and downhill. Perhaps pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs. Although this is an Independent Experience, your gorilla trek will be a shared activity. You will be accompanied by other travellers, with a maximum of eight people per gorilla family, plus your guides.

    Health

    All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. YELLOW FEVER: A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (eg. Kenya). You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting. TSETSE FLY: It is best to avoid dark coloured clothes such as blue and black while on safari. These colours can attract the biting tsetse fly. DRINKING WATER As a rule we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.

    Food and dietary requirements

    Your group leader or representative will endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements. Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

    Money matters

    When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Also make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. This should make budgeting a little easier. You’ll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that’s this document). Please note: all recommendations for additional costs, tipping etc. are in USD. You will need to convert these into the relevant local currency. MEALS NOT INCLUDED For lunches not included, a budget of USD10 to USD15 per meal will be more than sufficient. For dinners not included expect to budget between USD12 to USD25 for a main. These are indicative prices only. If you are in a tight budget or are happy to try local food, you can eat cheaper than this.If you want to try just the finest food at the finest restaurants, then you can expect meals to cost as much as in western countries. TIPPING Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. TIPPING GUIDE To give you a bit of guidance, we’ve put together the following tipping notes. These are just suggestions, based on feedback from past travellers and our staff on the ground. - Restaurants – When checking the bill, if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate. - Lodge staff - Tipping boxes are often in the common areas and approximately USD2 per day is appropriate - Guides & Drivers – The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD2 to USD4 per staff member, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. EMERGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved. CREDIT CARDS, ATMS AND MONEY EXCHANGE: Credit cards are generally accepted in tourist shops and some restaurants across Africa. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only. Foreign currency is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities and even some campsites, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to USD100 per day. Throughout Africa, cards with the Visa logo are most readily recognised, although MasterCard is also accepted in most places. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it's not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries. If you're on a multi-country tour, your tour leader will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country. PLEASE NOTE: Many businesses and banks in Africa, especially East Africa, do not accept US dollar notes older than 2006. If you are bringing USD, we strongly recommend large bills in good condition, 2006 series onwards only. Any old or damaged notes may not be accepted.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. ESSENTIALS: - Closed in shoes. As most of our trips include some bush walking we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from dangerous animals in this environment. - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in the malaria areas. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended. - Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses RECOMMENDED: - A good quality, high-beam headlamp or torch for around the lodges and permanent tented sites at night. Some of these properties have limited lighting and are powered by generators that switch off at a certain time. - Waterproof/windproof jacket is a good idea for wet days, and early morning or evening activities when it can be cool. - Warm fleece and beanie for morning and evening activities including game drives where applicable. - Personal medical kit. Large kits will be on hand at the lodges and from your leader (on trips that have a dedicated trip leader) but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids. - Insect repellent. - Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. - A camera with good zoom. - Binoculars OPTIONAL: - Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather. - A good book, a journal or music playing device for the long drives. LUGGAGE LIMIT: Please keep your luggage to a minimum. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15-20kgs in total per person) is essential.We recommend against bringing hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. If your trip is beginning and ending at the same location, excess luggage can usually be stored at your arrival/departure hotel and can be collected after your trip. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. BATTERIES/POWER: Most of our trips have access to power to recharge phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry a power bank or extra battery for your camera just in case. Hotels and lodges have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking out the following day. CONSERVATIVE DRESS FOR WOMEN: In many parts of Africa women travelers should dress modestly as there is a wide range of cultural differences. Wear skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee and tops that cover shoulders at a minimum. If visiting coastal areas wear a cover-up when you step off the beaches.

    PLASTIC BAG BANS ACROSS AFRICA While Namibia holds people liable to a fine of N$500 or imprisonment for entering Game Parks with a plastic bag, Botswana has announced a countrywide ban on plastic bags to come into effect on 1 November 2018. The ban will make the importing, trading and commercial use of plastic bags a criminal offence. Exceptions will be made for plastics that are essential for health and hygiene. With these announcements, Botswana and Namibia join other African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia and Eritrea that have banned plastic bags. South Africa imposed a levy on plastic bags in 2004 but they have not yet been banned. Many countries are strictly enforcing this and have been searching luggage at border points. Camping stores are good for obtaining waterproof reusable bags, for dirty laundry etc, prior to departure.

    A couple of rules

    Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips. By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact section of this Essential Trip Information. For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/conditions-carriage

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: https://www.peregrineadventures.com/feedback

    Emergency contact

    ISSUES ON YOUR TRIP: While we always endeavor to provide you the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader/specialist guide or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader/guide to speak to their direct manager. TRANSFERS AND ACCOMMODATION ISSUES: For transfers and accommodation issues, Peregrine's Kenya Office can be reached on their 24 hour number +254 733 523 813 In the case of an on ground issue or problem, Peregrine's Kenyan Office can be reached on: +254 733 523 813. In case of a genuine crisis or an emergency (ONLY), please contact our local Operator on: +254 736 213 383. For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist. Peregrine’s Local Operator: +254 788 585 065

    Responsible travel

    Travelling responsibly is all about making good choices. It's about ensuring you have an incredible trip while also having a positive impact on the local environment, community and economy you're travelling in. How can you be a Responsible Traveller? See our tips below: - Choose to travel with a responsible travel company like us! We've already offset the main carbon emissions of your trip, so your footprint is already lighter. - Consider offsetting your flights when you book your trip/flights with us or your travel agent. - Bring a refillable water bottle and some water purification tablets (or a Steripen) to cut down on plastic bottle waste. - Be an animal-friendly traveller. Only go to venues that respect animals by allowing them to live normally in their natural environment. Steer clear of venues that use animals for entertainment or abnormal activities and/or keep animals in poor and unnatural conditions. - Eat at local restaurants, buy from regional artists and support social enterprises so you can contribute directly to locals and their economy. - Always be respectful of local customs and ask permission if you want to take a photo of someone. - Learn a few words of the local language and engage with the people around you. - Carry a cloth or re-usable bag so you can avoid plastic bags. - Give back by making a donation to a local project via The Intrepid Foundation. Share your thoughts with us by completing your feedback form after your trip. This helps us to continue to improve our commitment to responsible travel.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    Help us change thousands of lives by creating meaningful work and supporting skills training in communities around the world. The Intrepid Foundation is the not-for-profit for Intrepid Group. We work with local organisations around the world to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals and communities through sustainable travel experiences. With our travellers’ help, we’ve contributed more than AU $6 million to over 100 community organisations since 2002. Did you know that tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the global economy, making up 1 out of every 10 jobs? That’s why we support local projects that create meaningful jobs and give people the skills they need to work in the destinations we take you to. And it’s why we exist – to make it easy for travellers to give back to the communities and places they’ve been in an effective and meaningful way. Intrepid Group covers all administration costs, every cent goes directly to the projects. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information about the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Accommodation notes

    If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

    Accommodation

    Hotel (1 night),Lodge (2 nights)

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