Photography with Todd Gustafson
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February 11-16, 2018
$9,200 per person
Based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for
International flights not included.
Gorilla tracking is an event dreamed of by many nature photographers and realized by few. The anticipation, preparation and physical effort of getting to where the gorilla was, created this transcendent moment captured in this photo forever. Gustafson Photo Safari invites you to Rwanda to share this amazing feeling. Trekking through the virgin jungle, we will find ourselves in mountain gorilla’s world as they will go about their daily routine; each photographer allowing others their space and an equal chance for photographic success. No one anticipates the feeling of tranquility associated with such close contact with this rare primate. Photographing a 550 pound mountain gorilla is why we will travel to Rwanda to Parc National des Volcans. The lure of the primeval forest habitat coupled with photographing this endangered animal of legend makes this safari a challenge that you have to attempt. The obstacles are many, including getting yourself and your photo equipment there and in working order, trekking an unknown distance through daunting terrain, and finally pointing the camera in the right direction and pushing the button at the right time. What you might not factor in is the slight rise in body temperature (due to the excitement of being so close to a 550 pound silverback) combining with the humid jungle air, causing your glasses to fog over completely.
Itinerary
Note: This program can be taken as a post-extension for the Tanzania Photo Safari (January 26 – February 10) or as a stand-alone program.
FEBRUARY 10 – ARUSHA
Participants who are taking the post extension will have an overnight at Arusha and they will be transferred to the airport for their flight to Kigale the next day. Overnight and transfer to JRO is arranged by Gustafson Photo Safari. Holbrook Travel services will start with the flight from Kilimanjaro to Kigale.
FEBRUARY 11 – KIGALI
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International airport by a representative of Gustafson Photo Safari for your flight to Kigali. Upon arrival, you will clear immigration and customs and meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Currently there is no visa required to enter Rwanda for US and Canadian citizens. Please note that your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after entry date. Dinner on own. Overnight at Kigale Serena.
FEBRUARY 12 – RUHENGERI
After breakfast you will visit the Genocide Memorial site and proceed on a city tour of Kigali. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will transfer to Ruhengeri. The transfer will be about 2.5 hours. Before dinner your guide will give a briefing about the next day’s events. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Mountain Gorillas View Lodge. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 13 – RUHENGERI
After breakfast transfer to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters to start gorilla tracking. Later return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon excursion to the ex poacher’s village to learn more about the traditional methods of fire making, archery, traditional medicine, and dances. Time permitting, visit the local markets nearby. Overnight at Mountain Gorillas View Lodge. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 14 – RUHENGERI
After breakfast transfer to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters to start your second day of gorilla tracking. Return to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon take a scenic drive for an opportunity to see the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Overnight at Mountain Gorillas View Lodge. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 15 – KIGALE
After breakfast transfer to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters to start your third day of gorilla tracking, another amazing experience with another family. After lunch transfer to Kigale for the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Kigale. Overnight at Kigale Serena. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 16 – KIGALE
Check out around noon. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then drive to Ntarama and Nyamata memorial, visit the 2 churches. Then drive back to Kigale and visit Gahaya links before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. (BL)
FEBRUARY 17 – HOME
Arrive in the United States.
The Fine Print
Please note: No visa is currently required to enter Rwanda for U.S. citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after entry date.
Price includes all ground transportation, accommodations and meals mentioned on the itinerary, gorilla tracking permits for 3 days, all activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary, bottled water in vehicles, services of professional trackers/guides during tracking, English speaking guide/driver throughout the program, medical emergency evacuation coverage, one porter per person per gorilla tracking, and all tips except for guide/driver.
Price does not include international airfare, flights from Kilimanjaro to Kigale (approximately $365 per person and will be booked on your behalf once you sign up for the program), any visa fees, any beverages throughout the trip (except for bottled water in vehicles) and during meals, tips for guide/driver, and any personal extras such as phone calls, minibar, and laundry.
A $2,500 per person non-refundable deposit is necessary to confirm a booking. Final payments are due no later than 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations received less than 95 days prior to departure are not refundable. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information please call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.
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