Physical Requirements
What to expect:
1
2
3
4
5
Moderately Strenuous
Pacing
- 3 locations in 10 days
- International flights to Kigali depart around midnight
- Early morning game-viewing drives on safari days, rising as early as 5am
Physical requirements
- Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
- You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 3-6 hours of physical activities each day
- Day 8 includes a 2-hour walk at an altitude of 6,000 feet; the gorilla trek on Day 9 may require hiking of up to 5 or 6 hours up and downhill along steep, slippery jungle terrain at an altitude of up to 9,000 feet, with exposure to stinging nettles and the possibility of fire ants; golden monkey trek on Day 10 includes about 3 miles of hiking at an altitude of 7,000 feet in similar terrain; Primate encounters are restricted to one hour and park authorities may refuse permits to travelers with obvious signs of illness
- We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group's experience
- You may encounter animals on this trip. We make every effort to keep these encounters safe, however animals may behave unpredictably or dangerously at times. Please use caution when interacting with animals on this trip: Keep a safe distance, stay alert, and respect the animals
Altitude
- 2 full days at altitudes between 6,500-9,000 feet
Climate
- Daytime temperatures range from 55-81°F
- Rainy seasons are from March-May and October-November, but rainfall can occur at any time of year, and rainproof clothing is advised
Terrain & Transportation
- Travel over very bumpy, dusty terrain during overland transfers and game-viewing drives
- Travel by 18-passenger coach, open-roofed 8-passenger safari vehicles, and safari boat
Accommodations & Facilities
- We spend 9 nights in hotels and safari lodges, all of which feature private baths
Cultural insight
- We may see people living in poverty, which could be distressing for some travelers; travelers should also be aware that the Rwandan genocide is a common topic of discussion