Central Africa provides a rich tapestry of unique habitats that are home to an impressive array of wildlife which we’ll discover on this one-of-a-kind journey. In the Central African Republic, hike through pristine Congo Basin rainforest to search for rare forest species and learn about the Ba’aka pygmies’ hunter-gatherer lifestyle. We will have the unique opportunity to enjoy intimate encounters with habituated western lowland gorillas in the Dzanga Sangha and observe habituated mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Then set off on safari in Akagera National Park, where we’ll search for iconic African plains species, including the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard) and hundreds of bird species, such as the fascinating shoebill and colorful papyrus gonolex.
Three moments you’ll never forget
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During your exploration of the Dzanga Bai, or “village of elephants,” listen to the cornucopia of sound erupting from the various species of wildlife that make the Central African jungle their home.
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Find yourself face-to-face with the gentle and tremendously social silverback mountain gorilla – one of the world’s largest living primates – in Volcanoes National Park.
Image Credit: Dana Allen
Learn about the inspiring conservation story at Akagera National Park where animal populations have been flourishing in recent years and set off on thrilling African safaris at Rwanda’s only “Big Five” park.
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DAY 1
Bangui, Central African Republic
Arrive in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. Transfer to the Ledger Plaza Hotel and meet with fellow travelers and your expedition leaders for a welcome dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
Bangui / Dzanga-Sangha
After breakfast and a morning at leisure, return to the airport for our charter flight to Dzanga Sangha. Check in to the Sangha Lodge, our home base for seven nights. Time permitting, venture out in the afternoon to visit the only habituated black-bellied pangolins in the world, followed by a short sundowner cruise on the Sangha River.
DAY 3 – 8
Dzanga-Sangha
Spend a week exploring this vast region of pristine rainforest. The reserve is home to large populations of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, 16 primate species and hundreds of bird species, along with numerous reptiles, frogs, insects, and more. Our itinerary is flexible, and there will be a variety of exploration options to choose from.
Of course, one of the highlights of our time here is the opportunity to join experienced guides to track habituated western lowland gorillas. The reserve is one of the only places in the world where you may observe these gentle creatures in the wild. Another highlight here is the chance to visit a group of about 150 habituated agile mangabeys. This group of monkeys are part of a long-term study and are quite comfortable with human observers.
Spend time at Dzanga Bai where it is often possible to view large numbers of forest elephants gathering to drink the mineral rich waters. The bai also attracts shy forest creatures like the bongo, giant forest hog, red river hog, sitatunga, and forest buffalo.
Join Ba’aka net hunters for a day in the forest, observing their ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Learn about edible and medicinal plants and hunting techniques while searching for game.
Cruise along the river through prime rainforest to a series of lovely waterfalls. Take a hike to the top of the falls for amazing vistas over the canopy, while keeping an eye out for the extremely rare and endangered gray-necked rockfowl. There will also be opportunities to search for nocturnal species during evening walks around the lodge.
DAY 9
Dzanga Sangha / Bangui
After breakfast, board our charter flight for our return to Bangui and and check in to the now familiar Ledger Plaza Hotel. Afternoon at leisure before dinner.
Day 10
Bangui / Kigali, Rwanda
After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding our flight to Kigali. Check in to the Heaven Boutique Hotel.
DAY 11
Kigali / Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart overland for Volcanoes National Park, with a stop for lunch. Check in to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, where each room offers a veranda with lovely views of the Virunga Mountains. This afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about important research and conservation initiatives.
DAY 12
Volcanoes National Park
A day of adventure will be dedicated to tracking mountain gorillas. Under the supervision of trained local guides, we’ll head out to the site where the gorillas were seen the previous day and then begin our search. Once the gorillas are located, we will make our slow approach to observe their interactions, with ample time for photography, or to simply enjoy this unique experience.
DAY 13
Volcanoes National Park / Akagera National Park
This morning, depart overland for Akagera National Park, making stops to observe wildlife along the way. Arrive at Magashi Tented Camp in time for lunch. After a chance to settle into your luxurious tented room, embark on an afternoon safari.
DAY 14 & 15
Akagera National Park
Spend two full days exploring the park on morning and evening safaris. Founded in 1934, Akagera National Park is the largest protected wetland in Africa. On game drives, we’ll be able to view a great variety of large animals, including elephants, lions, buffalos, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, bushbucks, roan antelope, topis, klipspringer, oribis, Cape eland, water-buck, duikers, and impalas.
There are also a number of primates species found within this park such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and bush babies. The shallow waters of Lake Ihema are home to many crocodiles and hippos which can best be viewed during boat rides. 520 species of birds have been recorded in the park, with several rare and unique species such as the papyrus gonolex, shoebill, red faced barbet, and swamp fly catcher.
DAY 16
Akagera National Park / Kigali / Depart
After breakfast, return overland to Kigali and check in to the Heaven Boutique Hotel. Homeward flights can be booked any time after 8pm on August 10, or the following day as rooms are reserved overnight.
trip dates
July 26 – August 10 2024
Departure
The trip starts in Bangui, Central African Republic and ends in Kigali, Rwanda
“I have for a long time imagined doing a trip that combines the African Rainforest with the African Savannah and this is it! A brave pioneering conservationist sets up a safari camp in the depth of the African Rain Forest where one gets an opportunity to see rarely seen shy forest animals such as forest elephants, giant forest hogs, forest buffalo, sitatunga and many primates including the Mangabeys and Lowland Gorillas. Not to mention an abundance of forest birdlife. A pioneering conservation NGO helps the Rwandan government to protect the only savannah national park in Rwanda where we get an opportunity to see savannah wildlife in a slightly different landscape to the plains of East Africa. And in between we get to see the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas in the last remaining place on earth where they exist in the wild. For me the biggest attraction of this trip is the incredible diversity of wildlife that you’ll see: from the abundance of forest primates and birds to the large savannah mammals. There is no itinerary like this one!”
— Lex hes
Sangha Lodge
Sangha Lodge is located near the geographical heart of Africa with bungalows overlooking the Sangha River. Built with immense passion and love, the lodge consists of 7 well-appointed bungalows all with balconies, hot and cold running water, and flush toilets. Explore this incredible region with engaging experiences, before enjoying sundowners on the star deck.
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Heaven Boutique Hotel’s 28 beautifully appointed rooms are located across a peaceful residential street just steps from downtown Kigali. The hotel features local Rwandan décor and warm hospitality while offering expansive views of Kigali. Take a dip in the solar-heated saltwater swimming pool and enjoy delicious meals at Heaven Restaurant, known for its innovative modern African cuisine.
Five Volcanos Boutique Hotel
This corner of northwestern Rwanda is a breathtaking place where culture, adventure, and conservation intersect. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in Musanze is the perfect home base for various activities at Volcanoes National Park. The hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, an outdoor pool, and gorgeous garden.
Magashi Tented Camp
With superb views over Lake Rwanyakazinga set in the sanctuary of Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp in Rwanda is located is truly one-of-a-kind. No other camp can be found in this vast expanse of beautiful wilderness teeming with hippo, crocodile, a plethora of birds. From here, it is also possible to spot the rare Sitatunga antelope and the Black Rhino. Magashi camp is an excellent five-star Big Game safari camp, and the ideal stage for exceptional safari adventures.
More Detail
PRICING
Per person price
$22,980
For a single room, add
$4,990
Deposit
$3,500 per person (includes gorilla permits)
Group Size
12 travelers, with a maximum of 20
What’s Included
15 nights accommodations
All meals including beer and wine during dinner and sundowners on safari
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Park fees, taxes, and permits
Gratuities
Internal airfare within the Central African Republic and from Bangui, CAR to Kigali, Rwanda
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
July 27 – August 10, 2024
