Gorillas in Uganda
This tour includes
Optional excursions after this tour include:
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Is there someone on your Christmas list that likes adventure? How about someone who is impossible to buy for? Or maybe someone who cannot fit even one more thing into their tiny apartment?
If you know someone like this, we have the perfect gift — an AWR Gift Certificate!
Our gift certificates can be used on any trip or destination that we offer, including
It’s not too late to buy your friends and family the trip of a lifetime!
As you reflect on your great travels over the year, remember to help the local people where you visited. Charities Within Reach helps the Shalom Orphanage in Tanzania, global porter projects, and Free A Child in Nepal. Donate to these great projects and make a difference!
View from Boundary Hill Lodge
Stay at Boundary Hill Lodge at Tarangire National Park for a minimum of two nights between January 5 and June 30, 2009 and pay mid-range hotel prices. Enjoy a luxury Tanzania safari for less!
Your visit to Boundary Hill Lodge would include a full day game drive inside Tarangire National Park, a walking safari, a night game drive, and a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival.
Built of natural materials, predominantly local stone, wood and burnt brick, Boundary Hill Lodge offers outstanding views over the Silale and Gosuwa swamps, where elephant and buffalo graze among the acacia and baobab trees beneath the vastness of Africa’s sky.
Luxury Room at Boundary Hill Lodge
Consisting of only eight very spacious individually designed rooms, the lodge is designed to offer as much privacy as possible. None of the rooms are overlooked. All of them have private sitting areas, spacious balconies and spectacular views. Built in harmony with the environment, among the rocks and cliffs, of natural materials and colours, with fine furnishings, the rooms offer unparalleled comfort and quietly understated luxury. All have en-suite facilities with separate showers and five are double suites with cast-iron baths.
Game viewing is best from November to March, but there are also abundant animals from April to June.
Elephant in Amboseli, Kenya
April and May is the low season in East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. This is actually a great time to visit and here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Aconcagua Trek
It’s not too late to book your Aconcagua trek for the upcoming season. Treks are done November-February.
Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America reaching 22,841 feet / 6962 meters high.
For this trek, you will need to bring crampons and and ice ax. Your guide will provide lessons on using them.
The success rate is about 85%. Safety is our highest priority!
The typical group size is 6-8 people with 12 people being the maximum.
You will need to get flights into Mendoza, Argentina. The best way to reach Mendoza is via a connecting flight from either Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. From Buenos Aires, it is 2 hours by plane or 13 hours by bus to Mendoza. From Santiago, it is 50 minutes by plane or 6 hours by bus. If you come from Santiago, you will have the opportunity to survey the Andes as you cross over into Argentina.
Most citizens from the Americas and Europe do not need a visa.
We recommend the three most popular routes on the mountain: the Normal Route, the Polish Glacier Traverse, and the Vacas Valley.
The Normal Route is 17-18 days starting and ending in Mendoza. The Polish Glacier Traverse ascends via Vacas Valley and descends the Normal Route and takes 18-19 days. The Vacas Valley Route takes 17-18 days.
We can arrange private treks, or you can join a group. If you have 7 or more people, the price is the same or less for a private group.
The Normal Route and the Vacas Valley Route are $2735/person for a group trek. The Polish Traverse is $2985/person for a group trek.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Throughout 2009, book your Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu at least four months in advance and save!
The 5-day Inca Trail trek is discounted $50/person, and the 8-day Salkantay trek is discounted $100/person.
This applies to group tours starting every Sunday and Wednesday (April-October) for the Inca Trail and group tours starting every Thursday (April-October).
July and August Inca Trail permits sell out months in advance, so it’s not too early to start booking your 2009 Inca Trail trek now!
AWR is excited to add Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tracking to our list of amazing places to visit!
We are currently offering two itineraries in Uganda and two in Rwanda. However, we can also customize your itinerary to meet your interests and travel dates.
Gorilla permits are limited, so we recommend checking availability before booking your trip.
4 days Rwanda — Gorilla Trek + Dian Fossey’s Grave or Golden Monkeys
5 days Rwanda — Gorilla Trek + Dian Fossey’s Grave, Golden Monkeys, Karisimbi Volcano
6 days — Gorillas and Chimpanzees
11 days — Best of Uganda with Gorillas and Chimpanzees
Trekking to see the beautiful mountain gorillas
Gorillas live in four parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In Uganda they are seen in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi in Uganda has four habituated families with 32 permits available daily. The gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper and it can take 3-10 hours. Three of the families (Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura) are accessed from Buhoma in the north. The fourth family, in Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi, is accessed from Kisoro. Access to this group is on a very steep trail. Mgahinga, in Uganda, is a great place to appreciate the unique Virunga volcanoes and has one habituated family, which is about 2-5 hours walk. Sometimes this group moves across the border and viewing is very erratic. You can track gorillas at Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi instead which is about 2 hours drive away. There are eight permits available.
Parc National Des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda has seven habituated gorilla families (Group 13, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa, Kwitonda and Hirwa). Most groups are half-day walks but Susa can take 7 hours. There are 36 permits available daily. Tracking in PNV and Mgahinga is usually easier than Bwindi as the afro-montane forest is lighter.
In Uganda, the airport is Entebbe in Kampala. In Rwanda, the airport is in Kigali. There are non-stop flights from various cities in Europe; Nairobi, Kenya; Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Addis Abba, Ethiopia.
INCA TRAIL
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Much has changed over the last decade on the Inca Trail.The experience is still unique and exhilarating but with the regulations that have come into place since the year 2000, many constraints have been placed.
A lot of areas of the trail have been reconstructed and the Institute of National Culture, which has financed this work, has replaced steep trail sections with steps. We consider that 30% of the trail has now been replaced by steps.
ITINERARIES AND DURATION
We offer two versions of the Inca Trail program.
The longer Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5D/5N) one starts at Km. 82 of the railroad at Piscaycucho where we arrive by vehicle, walking along the right-hand side of the river until reaching Qoriwayrachina (Km. 88) where we usually have a picnic lunch. In the early afternoon, we cross the footbridge and visit the ruins of Q’ente (if time permits) and the complex of Patallacta before heading to camp at Chamana, a campsite opposite Patallacta, across the Cusichaca stream (in the buffer zone of the MPHS).
The next day we head up the Cusichaca Valley and at Huayllabamba we begin our ascent to Llulluchapampa, below the first pass, where we camp.
Ruins on Inca Trail
On the third day, over the Warmiwanusqa Pass down to the Pacaymayo valley where we snack. Continue over the second pass of Runkuraqay and then past Sayacmarca Ruins to lunch at Chakicocha, a site with toilet facilities and allocated campsites. From here we continue to Phuyupatamarca where camp is set up at an allocated spot above the site.
The fourth day we descend via a visit to Phuyupatamarca ruins along the way to reach Machu Picchu by way of Inti Punku in the early afternoon and take the bus down to a reserved hotel. The fifth day is the guided visit of the citadel and return to Cusco in the afternoon on one of the scheduled trains.
The shorter version which we call the Inca Trail Express (2D/1N) is just the last two days of the above itinerary with no camping.
CAMPSITES
Camping on Inca Trail
On the 5-day Inca Trail Trek, the first day we camp in a small community opposite Llactapata ruins, called Chamana where we have set up an exclusive campsite with toilets and a hot shower, as well as a cooking area, small support warehouse and a dining refuge.
The second day we camp at Llulluchapampa (below the first pass) and, depending on the congestion of other groups, we either camp at the entrance of the pampa near the new stand-up toilet facilities or at the higher end of the pampa in a more protected area.
Dining on Inca Trail
The third day we camp above Phuyupatamarca Ruins at a designated camp-site now allocated by INRENA, the National Park Service. On the fourth day, arriving at Machu Picchu Pueblo the village, there are many options of hostels and hotels, depending on price range and availability. So it is important when booking the Inca Trail you let us know what standard hotel you want us to request, book and confirm, we will quote the price and confirm your booking.
At campsites we provide as usual — kitchen and dining tents with stools and tables as well as a toilet tent, a side from two man tents with pads.
TOILET AND WASHING FACILITIES
Permanent bathrooms with wash basins have been established along the trail in certain areas. The only camp-site that we use which has access to bathrooms is Llulluchapampa. Other times where we have access to these facilities are at the lunch spots on the days we trek according to the itinerary we offer (Day 2, Day 3, Day 4). We continue to supply warm washing water in the morning and evening in bowls and, of course, toilet tents. Depending on the size of the group we supply one or two toilet tents. We have two systems available but they both require carry–out procedures and disposal at the end of the trek.
GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS
The National Institute of Culture (INC) is the entity in charge of the administration of all archaeological sites, monuments and the public museums in Peru. They are the ones that decide the prices for entrance fees to monuments, archaeological sites and museums. They are in charge of the reservation system which is managed and monitored by them. It is the institution where we purchase the entrance fee for the Inca Trail and the citadel (one or two day visits).
For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu you have limited spaces (500 daily permits) including tourists and support staff. On their website: http://www.inc-cusco.gob.pe/Kratos/site/ you can check available spaces for the Inca Trail, on specific dates as a direct way of viewing availability, before accepting a booking while you discuss alternatives with clients and with us over e-mail. Click over “Ingresar como invitados”, then click on “Consultas”, next click on “Disponibilidad Camino Inca” and finally choose month and click on “Ver Disponibilidad”. These guidelines will let you know permits availability.
Through the “Intendencia de Areas Protegidas y Fauna Silvestre” (IANPFS), a division of INRENA (Instituto Nacional de Recursos Naturales) in charge of the National Park System, this entity receives a percentage of the entrance fee to oversee the natural resources and biodiversity conservation of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Soon this division will be integrated into the Ministry of the Environment, recently created.
RESERVATIONS
We recommend you make “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” reservations with at least four (4) months prior to arrival.
Due to the new regulations for the Inca Trail, we need complete passenger information. You have to be aware that permits once requested must be paid within 24 hours when booking is made and are not refundable and cannot be transferred or modified.
The passenger information required includes:
NOTE: If your passport number changes since original booking (renewed), please bring both passports to demonstrate the renewal and new passport emitted. It is best to make a copy of your passport before sending it in to be renewed.
GROUP SIZES
INC regulations allow a limited amount of passengers per group and a minimum amount of guides
per number of passengers:
The total number of support staff will be the number of clients in a group plus 4-6 staff (1 person would have 5 staff and 10 people would have 16 staff).
WEIGHT LIMITS FOR PASSENGERS AND PORTERS
The weight limit that each porter can carry is 20 Kilos (44 pounds), so that one porter can carry the luggage of two people.
NOTE: On the Inca Trail weight is an important factor, so we ask you to please pack lightly. The weight limit per person is 8 kilos (20 pounds). Sometimes couples choose to share a duffel bag. On Fixed Departures we can supply duffel bags on request the night before departure during the briefing session, so trekkers can repack their belongings if your luggage is too bulky. Depending on the lodging at Machu Picchu Pueblo we can arrange for part of your luggage, packed in a stuff sack, to catch up with you at Machu Picchu.
WALKING STICKS
If you prefer to use and recommend walking sticks, only the ones with rubber tips are allowed, or for that matter a wooden stick if you don’t have one of the modern models. The latter can be acquired in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, on the way to the start of the trek. No sticks with a metal tip are permitted.
MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY ENTRY FEES
For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek (5D/5N), price for the permit is US$110. This includes the Inca Trail portion and the Entrance Fee to the citadel, validated for the next day if you arrive at the citadel after 2 pm at the check-point.
For the 2-Day Inca Trail Express (from Km 104-Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu) the price for the permit is of US$70, and includes the visit to the citadel, specially validated for the next day if you arrive at the citadel after 2 pm. The prices are in soles and may change periodically due to US$ exchange rate and other factors.
st1:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
<!– /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:””; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
For people who are trekking the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu, it should be noted that on the 5th day, you will enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and a permit is required! We will keep this in mind and help with the “timing” of the permit.
On all tours that we offer, as full day excursions, either on a full day or overnight extension, staying at one of the hotels in Machu Picchu Pueblo, at least one entrance fee is included. An extra visit is US$40 for the entrance fee and $20 for the shuttle bus.
DEPARTURES
There are set departures on the 5-day/5-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, on Sundays and Wednesdays, starting and ending in Cusco.
The 2-day Inca Trail Express can be requested any day according to availability. If no permits are available, we can provide an alternative half-day hike either from Machu Picchu to Intipunku (Gate of the Sun) or a hike up to Wayna Picchu (a limit of 400 passengers per day is permitted).
SERVICES INCLUDED
We will include transportation to start of trek and return train to Cusco at the end of trek, two-man tents, all meals on trek, commissary gear, bilingual guide, full day tour of Machu Picchu citadel with lunch included on Day 5, and lodging in Cusco on the 5th night.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
Taxes, tips, dinner in Machu Picchu Pueblo on the fourth night, alcoholic beverages, laundry, and extra entrance fees to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
ALTERNATIVE TREKS TO THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Remember we have developed different “off the beaten path” alternative treks that offer a similar experience with the plus that adventurers will sense a more pristine environment and a more in depth cultural experience, visiting communities along the way:
AWR will be offering an 11-day set departure group tour of Tibet in 2009 that starts in Lhasa, follows the Friendship Highway, and ends in Kathmandu. Tours will start in Lhasa every Saturday April through October.
11-DAY TIBET TOUR OF LHASA AND THE FRIENDSHIP HIGHWAY >>
TOURS IN LHASA
Potala Palace, Tibet
Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet, is a city of wonders. The Potala Palace, the once governmental and spiritual center of the Dalai Lama, has been the focus of travelers for centuries. The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet to which pilgrims travel hundreds of miles by foot. Surrounding it is the colorful Barkhor Kora and market. The Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery are two of the world’s largest and most intact monasteries where monk still practice the traditional chanting and debating. Norbulingka is the former summer palace of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
FRIENDSHIP HIGHWAY
The first stop along the Friendship Highway is Kampa La Pass with magnificent views of Turquoise Lake. It is one of the largest and most sacred lakes in Tibet and a great spot for getting your picture taken atop a local yak.
Kumbum in Gyantse along the Friendship Highway
The next stop is Gyantse with its amazing Kumbum stupa at the Peklor Chode Monastery as well as the 14th century Gyantse Dzong (fort).
Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. Here, the Tashilunpo Monastery holds an 85-foot high golden Buddha and the tomb of the first Dalai Lama.
One of the highlights along the Friendship Highway is Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp. From Rongbuk, weather permitting, you can get some magnificent photos of Mt. Everest. You can hike or take a horse cart to Everest Base Camp.
You may be able to visit Milerapa’s Cave on the way to your last stop in Tibet. Zangmu is built into the side of a steep hill in a cloud forest. From here, you cross the border into Tibet.
The Tibet tour ends here, but we can also help you book tours and trek in Nepal and also Bhutan.
Here is a great calendar for planning your trip at just the right time!
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
