A Songa Experience to RWANDA: GAME & GORILLAS March 08-16, 2018

Transcription

1 A Songa Experience to RWANDA: GAME & GORILLAS March 08-16, 2018

2 Please join me as I return to Rwanda to visit with my good friends, human and gorilla, and with the piece of my heart I left there in 2015! We will travel first to Akagara National Park where we will see the iconic African savannah and wetland animals - and the birdlife is fantastic! The new tented camp on the lakeshore is lovely, and I m told hippos might wander nearby at night! Then up to Musanze, where we will visit with my good friends at Gorilla Doctors, and then the magnificent mountain gorillas - no matter how many times I visited gorilla groups over the years, I have always felt it a rare privilege that they allow us into their midst with such grace. Next we will spend a night on Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes, and visit Ubumwe Community Center, a wonderful center where disabled people can learn skills to allow them to live a sustainable life, run by my friends Frederick and Zachary, and supported in part by the Columbus Zoo. Rwanda is a beautiful country that has emerged from tragedy to become one of the safest and most advanced countries in Africa. I can t wait to visit, and show you all this place I called home. Dr. Jan Ramer Vice President, The Wilds P.S. If you have questions about this tour, please contact Columbus Zoo Community Engagement Coordinator Patti Cattey at (614) or patti.cattey@columbuszoo.org

3 Thursday, March 08 th DEPART USA Friday, March 09 th ARRIVE KIGALI Arrive Kigali International Airport A Songa Africa representative and your driver guides will meet you in the airport lobby. Please look for a white sign board with your name on it. You will then drive to the Park inn by Radisson Kigali (15 min drive). The Park Inn by Radisson Kigali is the premier hotel choice in Rwanda s capital city. The international airport is 12 kilometers away. The 161 modern rooms and suites include amenities like Free Wireless High-speed Internet and comfortable furnishings. You won t have to venture far from the hotel to enjoy delectable dining at Live Inn Room Restaurant, with its convenient dining hours for all three meals. Dinner and overnight at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali (dinner on your own)

4 Saturday, March 10 th AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK Enjoy morning breakfast (included) and hotel checkout. 10:00 am depart from Kigali en route to Akagera National Park (2 hr drive) by your driver guides. Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes. The rolling hills of Acacia woodland coupled with scattered grassland and swamp-fringed lakes along the watercourse combine to create a park of breathtaking beauty. Arrive Ruzizi Tented Camp in time for lunch (included). 03:00 pm take an afternoon boat ride on Lake Ihema that will reward you with views of a large number of hippos, huge Nile crocodiles and a variety of bird species. Bird-lovers will be entertained by the majestic African fish eagles and the large concentration of waterbirds. In the marshes, keep an eye out for the papyrus gonolek and the often sought-after shoebill stork, the cormorants, and many more. This afternoon, you will also enjoy the a special visit with Akagera National Park warden who will share some interesting facts about the park and wildlife. The new Ruzizi Tented Camp, which opened in November 2012, is tucked away in the riverine forest on the edge of Akagera's largest lake, Lake Ihema. Sheltered by large trees and swaying palms, the camp is a cool, calm and quiet retreat in a spectacular setting. The camp offers seven en-suite tents dotted along the forested lake edge featuring a comfortable queen or large twin bed and a walk-through closet leading to a private bathroom. They are spaced on either side of a thatched reception area with a lounge, bar and dining room. Each tent is accessible by a wooden boardwalk from the reception. The camp is powered entirely by solar power, with a solarpowered hot water system. The central reception offers a space for socializing in the bar, or relaxing on the deck. Meals are served in the dining area; a hearty breakfast is enjoyed before

5 setting off for a day s adventure in the park, and a scrumptious dinner made by the camp chefs will be waiting upon return. Dinner and overnight at Ruzizi Tented Camp (dinner included). Sunday, March 11 th GAME DRIVE EXPERIENCE Morning breakfast (included). 07:00 am marks the start of your morning game drive. You will have the opportunity to view many large mammals such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and antelope that frequent the open plains within the park. Picnic snacks and a bush packed lunch will be served in the park.

6 06:00 pm evening game drive experience. Dinner and overnight at Ruzizi Tented Camp (dinner included).

7 MONDAY, March 12 th GAME DRIVE EXPERIENCE /GISENYI Morning breakfast (included) and camp check-out. 07:00 am enjoy a short game drive before continuing on to Kigali (2 hr drive). Stop for an included lunch at Mille Collines Hotel (Hotel Rwanda). After lunch, continue your scenic drive to Gisenyi (4 hr drive) and check in at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is serenely located on the white sandy shores of Lake Kivu, the sixth largest lake in Africa, and surrounded by extensive tropical gardens; the tastefully open-plan Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers the ideal destination in Rwanda for a holiday. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (dinner on your own). Tuesday, March 13 th UBUMWE COMMUNITY CENTER/VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Morning breakfast (included). 09:00 am depart for the Ubumwe Community Center. The Columbus Zoo and Partners in Conservation (PIC) help disabled Rwandan people and further the message of conservation through the efforts of the Ubumwe Community Center. Frederick Ndabaramiye, co-founder of the Ubumwe Community Center (UCC), was maimed in 1998 when he was 15 years old by those responsible for the genocide when he refused to kill other people. After spending a year in the hospital, Frederick went to live at the Imbabazi Orphanage. The PIC team met Frederick at the orphanage and, in 2003, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium arranged for him to come to Columbus to receive prosthetic hands. A film crew from ABC s Prime Time television show spent a week in

8 Columbus documenting Frederick s daily activities and Charlie Gibson, host of Prime Time, interviewed Frederick. The segment titled Frederick s Story - aired November 27, Frederick thanked the people at the Columbus Zoo for giving him an opportunity to be independent again, and stated that he was determined to do something to help improve the lives of other disabled people. Thus was the beginning of the Ubumwe Community Center that today helps hundred of disabled children and adults through innovative programs and projects. You will have lunch at Hill View Hotel (included) and drive to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (1 hr drive). Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is located in Kinigi in northern Rwanda and on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. It rests on the foothills of the Mount Karisimbi, one of the volcanic mountains that make up the Virunga Massif. The lodge is about 10 minutes' drive to the main entrance of the Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking starts.

9 Evening gorilla presentation by the Gorilla Doctors at Amakoro Songa Lodge followed by dinner (included). Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB). Wednesday, March 14 th GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE After an included early breakfast, you will take a short drive to the RDB offices for a briefing and then start the gorilla trek at 07:00 am. The high point of the trek will be spending one hour with the remarkably peaceful gorillas despite their size and appearance, as they go about their daily life: feeding, playing, resting, grooming and raising their young. Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. Enjoy lunch at the lodge (included) and relax this afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (dinner included).

10 Thursday, March 15 th DEPART RWANDA 08:00 am Morning breakfast (included). Check out of the lodge en route for the Bisate School visit. Stop to learn about the importance of safeguarding the mountain gorillas from the gorilla trackers and drive to Kigali (3 hr drive). Enjoy lunch at Pili pili restaurant in Kigali (included). This afternoon visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial which exists as a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide in It deals with a topic of international importance, with far-reaching significance, and is designed to engage and challenge an international visitor base. Here you will be able to visit the three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the genocide in 1994, and pay tribute to the victims of the genocide. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight back to the USA. Friday, March 16 th ARRIVE USA TOUR FARE AND FEATURES The fare for this itinerary is US $4,439 per person based on a double occupancy, US $4,519 for single occupancy. TOTAL COST INCLUDES Car hire with professional guides All transport and transfers All Accommodations and most meals Park Inn by Radisson Kigali for 1 night Ruzizi Tented Camp for 2 nights Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for 2 nights Lake Kivu Serena Hotel 1 night Breakfast and lunch daily, four dinners All Akagera park and entrance fees All taxes

11 All Activities Gorilla trek Akagera Game Drives Boat ride on lake Ihema Ubumwe Community Center Visit Evening gorilla doctors presentation Visit Bisate School and Gorilla trackers Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial Excluded from the tour fare International flights to and from Kigali Dinner at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali and Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Alcoholic beverages Personal expenses such as gratuities to drivers, porters, personal souvenirs, telephone calls, passport and visa fees, and travel insurance

12 TOUR RESERVATION FORM Please fill out the following form, sign it, and scan to Travellers will not be permitted to participate in this Songa Africa / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium tour without receipt, prior to the tour, of your completed Reservation Form. TOUR NAME: THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM RWANDA EXPERIENCE 2018 TOUR DATES: 03/09/18-03/15/18 TOUR RATE: US $4,439 per person based on double occupancy, US $4,519 single occupancy ROOM TYPE REQUEST: PLEASE NOTE: Double occupancy implies room with 2 guests sharing a double, queen or kingsize bed, as available at time of check in. Twin occupancy implies a room with 2 separate beds. Single supplement implies you will occupy a room alone. Non-Smoking Smoking DIETARY REQUEST: SPECIFIC /SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: TRAVELER 1 AND 2: NAMES AS THEY APPEAR ON PASSPORT Traveler 1: Traveler 2: ADDRESS:

13 CITY: STATE: COUNTRY: ZIP: PHONE: HOME CELL PASSPORT NUMBERS TRAVELER 1: TRAVELER 2: EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: CONTACT PHONE: RELATIONSHIP: A signed reservation form is acceptance of the tour program, rate confirmed and constitutes acceptance of the entire Terms and Conditions. Signature: Date:. Signature: Date:. * Please make payment of 50% (US $2,220 double per person or US $2,259 single per person of the tour cost with your reservation. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure (January 10, 2018).

14 Songa Africa payment Procedure 1. At confirmation, 50% of the total cost is payable. 2. Remaining balance of 50% is payable 60 days prior to the commencement of your trip (Jan. 10, 2018). 3. If your departure date is less than 60 days at the time of confirmation, the total cost shall be paid. Songa Africa cancellation Policy Any changes in travel arrangements must be advised immediately. We are ready to offer alternatives that may fit your needs or cancel your booking as a whole. We reserve the right to charge cancellation fees that may be incurred by failure to allow us sufficient time to amend the arrangements originally requested. Additional cost for changes of arrangements shall be borne by the client. The below cancellation policy is pertinent to all packages designed and operated by Songa Africa The Tourism Company. We are not liable to refund you if it does not fall into our guidelines: Up to 75 days prior to your arrival, 25% of the total cost will be forfeited as cancellation fees. Should cancellation be received in less than 75 days prior to your arrival, 50% of the total cost will be levied as cancellation charge. Cancellation received in less than 60 days prior to your arrival would attract 100% of total paid as cancellation fee. Note: Gorilla trekking permits are NON refundable. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Disclaimer: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (hereafter Zoo ) is not the tour operator. Zoo is not responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or car rental reservations, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of God, or any other event beyond Zoo s control. Zoo acts only as agent for participants with respect to travel services, and it shall not be responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage, loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in conveying participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, Zoo shall not be responsible for losses or additional expenses of any participants due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond its control. Zoo shall not be responsible for alteration of the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar quality. The right is further reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure; in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on Zoo s part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person s health, actions or general deportment in the opinion of Zoo impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. Applicants for participation in this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above.

15 Method of Payment: Credit Card Wire Transfer IF PAYING BY VISA CREDIT CARD, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW Note: Songa Africa accepts only Visa Credit Card for deposit. AUTHORISATION FOR CREDIT CARD CHARGE Please fill out the following form, sign it, and scan to I Of (Address, City, Postal Code & Country). authorize SONGA AFRICA to debit my Credit Card (VISA): Number:.. Expiry Date:... ID Number/ Security code (last 3 digits on normal cards).. Cardholder's name as appearing on the card:. Amount to be charged: US $2,220, double per person, US $ 2,259 single per person Being Payment of: THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM RWANDA EXPERIENCE 2018 Home Phone Contact:. Work Phone Contact:.. Fax Number:.. Signature: Date:.

16 IF PAYING BY WIRE TRANSFER. Below are our wire transfer details: Amount to be wired: US $2,220, double per person, $2,259 single per person Bank Details: - Beneficiary Access Bank (Rwanda) Ltd P.O. BOX 2059 Kigali, Rwanda SWIFT: BK0RRWRW AC Name: Songa Africa the tourism company Account no: Bank: Access Bank (Rwanda) Ltd Signature: Date:.

17 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND USEFUL TIPS GORILLA TREKKING To protect gorillas from disease, no children under 15 or people with illnesses may go tracking. Trackers must be fit and in good health as tracking in thick forest at heights up to 3,000m traversing steep-sided mountains and ravines can be tough, arduous and wet. Obtaining a gorilla permit is not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla. One hour is allowed with the gorillas, at a distance of at least 7 metres. Flash photography is not allowed, so fast film is useful ( ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Professional film makers require permission and need to purchase filming permits. At the National Parks you will meet your ranger who explains the rules for tracking gorillas and will take you up to the gorillas. Please follow the rules stated. The gorilla group that you will visit will depend on the assignment of travellers to the ten habituated gorilla groups. Groups of trekkers will have a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family. The trek will vary in length depending on which gorilla group you have been assigned to and will commence at about 7,000 feet of altitude in the upper terraced slopes of the volcano. You follow paths and the walking is steep but not overly strenuous. Porters are available at a small fee (around US$10) to carry your daypack and help you up the steep slopes when gorilla tracking. Part of the gorilla permit fee goes to communities living around the gorilla parks. Note: Once the gorilla trekking permits are purchased, they are NON refundable, except for medical reasons and a medical certificate must be provided. Clothing Rwandans appreciate those who dress modestly. Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day. Rwanda can be warm during the day mid 80 F but often cold in Musanze 60 F in the mountainous areas; a rain jacket, heavy sweater and boots are therefore essential. See also our recommended packing list and equipment for gorilla trekking. Laundry Facilities Laundry facilities are offered at all the properties at an extra cost.

18 Tipping/Gratuities Tipping is not compulsory but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. There are no set percentages for tips. Local culture believes the level of tips should be at the discretion of the client and any token of appreciation is gladly received. We recommend that you tip your driver guide direct at the end of your tour US $10 per guest, per day. About 3-5% in restaurants; at lodges/camps US $3-5 per guest for a stay of 1-3 days; for the Head Ranger when gorilla tracking US $10 per day per client; porters at parks US $20-25 per day per person; Hotel/lodge baggage porters US $1 - $2 per client per stay. Forest walk guides US $5 per client. Obviously this is very much a rough guide and you are completely free to give whatever you feel is appropriate. Health/Medical Seek medical advice before travelling. In the USA, CDC can be consulted on Bring any personal medication required. You will need to discuss with your doctor the best ways for you to avoid getting sick with malaria. Ways to prevent malaria include the following: Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent which are essential. Seek advice on vaccination inoculations that may be required. Yellow Fever Vaccination A yellow fever vaccination is only required if you are traveling to Rwanda from a country with risk of yellow fever or a country with active yellow fever outbreak. Safety of food and drinking water At all the lodges/hotel you visit, food is prepared by well trained chefs and is all hygienic. Bottled water will be given to you at all of the lodges/hotels. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Do not drink tap water. Songa Africa provides bottled water for the clients on all of the excursions. Passport/Visas Please check your passport prior to departure. It must be valid 90 days following your departure date from Rwanda. While on the tour, always, always carry your passport on you, safely and out of pick-pocket range. Nationals of Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Republic of South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States of America, shall get entry visa and pay visa fee upon arrival at any Rwanda entry point without prior application. A single entry visa to Rwanda

19 is US $30 and is valid for a period of up to 30 days. You may also choose to get a visa online at In the USA, the Rwandan Embassy is located at 1724 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DE Telephone: Time Rwanda is two hours ahead of GMT. When it is 8:00 am in New York it is 3:00 pm in Rwanda. Photography Photography is not allowed near military buildings or soldiers. Before photographing people, it is polite to ask. Bring sufficient films, including fast film ( ASA) for gorilla tracking and batteries. Flash photography is not allowed, so fast film is useful ( ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Professional filmmakers require permission and need to purchase filming permits. Those interested in photographing gorillas should note that photography is often easier when the weather is not sunny. Equipment for Gorilla Trekking Warm clothes, fleece or light wool sweater, moisture wicking undergarments, lightweight wool socks, long-sleeved shirt, strong waterproof walking boots (comfortable for going up and down steep hills), sturdy trousers, sunglasses, a torch, fast film, binoculars, sun screen, a sun hat, a breathable lightweight rain poncho or parka with a rain hat, gloves to grip vegetation (inexpensive gardening gloves work well) and a small backpack to carry water. It is best to have layers of clothing as temperatures tend to change. The guides will provide a walking stick if needed. Electricity Rwanda: 230/240 volts at 50 Hz. 2-pin (round) sockets. It is best to travel with your own adaptor. These can be provided by the hotel/ lodge on request. Consult your guide. Begging/Donations We recommend clients do not give money to beggars or children; it is better to give donations to established charities that help the homeless, street children or schools. Books, pens and pencils are useful gifts but not money or sweets as they create a dependency culture. Donations can also be given to the children at the Ubumwe Community Center.

20 Money Relative to other African countries, Rwanda is an expensive destination. Most costs are covered in your safari. For personal expenditure cash is best; US $30-50 per day is a reasonable minimum. The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc. One US Dollar is currently about 830 Rwandan Francs. US dollars are widely accepted in Rwanda. Please be aware that low denomination US Dollar bills (only post-2006) are acceptable. Bills should be in excellent condition with no stains or tears. MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted at the main hotels or lodges. Ensure you have a good amount of cash as only cash is accepted by most places. ATM machines are available in Kigali only, AMEX is not accepted. Security Basic precautions should be taken, as in all countries, and common sense used. Do not carry excessive jewellery or money or leave them lying around. Use safe deposit boxes to secure travel documents and valuables. Do not walk unescorted at night. If in doubt, seek advice from your Songa Africa guide. Telephone/Internet International telephone communication is very good in Kigali, but more difficult from some up-country areas. The mobile telephone network is good and rapidly expanding. Most American mobile phones with an international roaming agreement work in Rwanda. Local SIM cards can also be purchased in many outlets. Internet facilities are available in Kigali and in most major towns in Rwanda although the quality and speed of the connection varies. Smoking policy Smoking is not permitted in the main reception, dining area or in the rooms, but you can smoke out on the balcony or terrace. Emergency contacts Rosette (Managing Director Songa Africa) Merarry (Senior Tour Consultant & your tour coordinator) Office (Songa Africa) WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HOSTING YOU IN RWANDA!