Jetsettersblog

The new itineraries include:
- two days gorilla tracking in Rwanda, staying at Virunga Lodge, followed by chimp tracking and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- a trip to the dramatic Kyambura Gorge to track the threatened community of chimpanzees

ECO-LODGES IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Volcanoes Safaris is one of Africa’s most sought after luxury safaris offering life enriching travel experiences. Following an exciting year of refurbishments, continued conservation commitment and many stories from the gorilla and chimpanzee lodges, the 2012 itineraries offer guests an incredible, exhilarating and unrivaled journey.

7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Chimp with wildlife in Uganda
This safari features two of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Uganda and Rwanda: two days gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda staying at Virunga Lodge, followed by chimp tracking and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, staying at the recently opened Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

6 day Gorillas in Parc National des Volcans and Culture in Mgahinga
This fascinating safari offers guests a unique insight into gorilla and local community life in Uganda and Rwanda and demonstrates how they are linked by responsible tourism. It offers guests the opportunity to spend two days tracking mountain gorillas on the slopes of the volcanoes before transferring to Mount Gahinga in Uganda where they can spend time with the Batwa community to learn about this ancient way of life.

4 day Wildlife and Chimps in Kyambura Gorge
Either as an extension or a short safari, a trip to the dramatic Kyambura Gorge to track the threatened community of chimpanzees is an exhilarating experience. When not in the Gorge, guests can spot an amazing array of birds and experience the game of the Kasenyi plains. Guests will stay at the newest addition to the Volcanoes Collection, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, a unique lodge which has been described as “a celebration of contemporary Africa”.

6 day Wildlife and Chimps in Uganda
This 6 day safari takes you to of one Uganda’s best destinations for chimp tracking, Kibale forest. In addition to the community of approximately 120 habituated chimpanzees, the forest is home to twelve other species of primate including black and white colobus monkeys. Guests will spend two nights at Ndali lodge which overlooks a spectacular crater lake, before transferring to Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth where they will have the opportunity to view game and over 600 species of birds.

“The focus for 2012 is to give our guests the opportunity to explore an amazing combination of wildlife and primates that the areas have to offer whether at the contemporary Kyambura Gorge, where you can track chimpanzees and view over 600 species of bird; or at the newly refurbished Bwindi Lodge where there are 4 gorilla families that can be seen in their natural habitat” says Praveen Moman, co-founder and managing director of Volcanoes Safaris.

Volcanoes Lodges are the only properties in Uganda and Rwanda to be sold on an all-inclusive basis including all meals, soft and alcoholic drinks, complimentary massage and any activities guests may wish to indulge in whilst at the lodge. The itineraries are available on a scheduled group departure or private, tailor made basis.

With the opening of Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge in July 2011, there are now four lodges in the Volcanoes Collection, enabling guests to experience all the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda in exceptional comfort and style. Guests can also visit some fascinating community and cultural projects near the lodges which are supported by Volcanoes Safaris.

For additional information, please visit www.volcanoessafaris.com  or call 1.866.599.APES (2737).

About Volcanoes Safaris
The Volcanoes Safaris Group (VS) is a unique great ape ecotourism business specializing in mountain gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. Established in 1997 in Kampala, Uganda, no other company in the world has invested so heavily in the area around the mountain gorilla parks in these two countries. VS offers an integrated set of services including safaris and eco safari lodges. Kyambura Gorge Lodge is the latest addition the Volcanoes Collection of leading lodges in Uganda and Rwanda. The other three properties are Virunga Lodge in Rwanda – a luxury gorilla lodge; Bwindi the jungle gorilla lodge and Mount Gahinga offer hiking and cultural tourism. The company has also set up the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, which links neighboring communities to conservation and ecotourism in keeping with Volcanoes distinctive vision for great ape eco-tourism. It also promotes the conservation of chimpanzees through the creation of a buffer zone along the gorge and reclamation of 40-acre wetland that was previously used as illegal brickworks.

PlanetWildlife.com, a leading provider of diverse wildlife travel and tours around the world, presents Wildlife’s Hot Spots for 2012 – a month-by-month directory of what’s happening and when – and itinerary suggestions to inspire nature lovers to experience some of the seminal seasonal events of the natural world. To explore all the ideas and options available, visit PlanetWildlife’s Calendar presented on the website under ‘Travel’…..itineraries are all-inclusive from point of departure but do not include international flights.

January – India
January is the breeding season for the green sea turtles around the Galapagos Islands – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour – is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594 per person (pp)
This is also an excellent time of year to go tiger spotting in India when the clement weather facilitates close study of these rare and endangered big cats – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-kanha-and-bandhavagarh – a six day safari itinerary including elephant rides in Central India priced at £756/US$1,180pp

February – Nepal
February is a good time to go trekking in Nepal with better than usual odds of spotting the famed Bengal Tiger – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/chitwan-explorer  is a nine-day itinerary in Chitwan National Park priced at £1,465/US$2,287pp. This is also an ideal month for tracking the rare and beautiful snow
leopard in nearby Ladakh, India – visit www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/snow-leopard-experience  for a 13-day trekking adventure priced at £2,163/US$3,377pp.

February also sees the gathering of hundreds of thousands of spectacular pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru in Kenya, Africa – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp.

March – the Arctic
When the days start to lengthen and become milder in the Arctic region, this is an ideal time to spot Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – and a cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this natural wonder – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/lofoten-aurora-borealis through Norway is an eight-day journey on the schooner ‘Noorderlicht’ priced at £1,979/US$3,090pp.

April – Galapagos
April presents another excellent opportunity to go bird-watching in Galapagos where enthusiasts can spot blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gullies, frigate birds and red-billed tropic birds amongst others. www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594pp).

May – India – Ladhak and Karnataka
In India, the weather is perfect for an extensive trek around Ladhak in the Himalayas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/amazing-leh-community-service-trek – presents an unusual 13-day itinerary and the opportunity to become involved in local community service in the villages of Spango Valley while learning about and tracking the elusive snow leopard – priced at just £569/US$888pp.

This is also an opportune month to visit Karnataka in India and the Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, the natural habitat of Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants and hyenas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-karnataka  is a five-day itinerary including the fascinating cities of Bangalore and Mysore and priced at £1,330/US$2,076pp.

June – Rwanda
Head to Rwanda this month to witness a unique baby gorilla naming ceremony, “KwitaIzina” – an annual ceremony attended by hundreds of local villagers but international visitors are also welcome – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/gorillas-wildlife-and-chimpanzees is a comprehensive seven-day adventure through some of Uganda’s best national parks of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi and is priced at £4,457/US$6,958pp.

July – Costa Rica and Brazil
Latin America is the destination to head for this month to spot the endangered green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. The park is also home to manatees, crocodiles, tropical gar, jaguars, sloths and basilisks, amongst other exotic wildlife – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/forests-and-volcanoes-costa-rica  is a 15-day excursion round Costa Rica and the Caribbean priced at £3,662/US$5,717pp.

Alternatively, in Brazil’s Pantanal area this is the best time of year for jaguar sightings and for close study of many other endangered species including the hyacinth macaw and the maned wolf – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/voyage-heart-amazon  is an eight-day voyage to the heart of the Amazon and is priced at £2,940/US$4,590pp

August – Kenya
Head to Kenya this month to be amongst the first to witness one of nature’s greatest shows – the annual Great Migration sees thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make a dash across the Mara River risking death from predators such as the crocodile – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp

September – Botswana
This is an ideal time to ravel to Botswana and explore the wilderness of Chobe National Park and the Okavango delta and take in the full majesty of the famed Victoria Falls – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/best-botswana-chobe-and-okavango  is an eight-day itinerary commencing in Maun and finishing at the Victoria Falls prices at £2,664/US$4,159pp

October – Madagascar
During this dry month off the coast of Africa, lemurs are particularly active and playful on the island of Madagascar – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/magical-madagascar  is an exciting eight-day adventure combining lemurs and bird-watching as well as interaction with tribal villagers and is priced at £1,713/US$2,674pp.

November – the Falkland Islands

Head to the bottom of the world to the Falkland Islands (classified under the Antarctic zone) to watch five different species of penguins breed at this special time: the King, Rockhopper, Gentoo, Magallanic and Macaroni penguins – the islands also present a chance to spot the rare black-browed albatross – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/antarctic-peninsula-weddell-see-falkland-islands  is a 14-day cruise from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Falklands priced at £8,995/US$14,041pp

December – Sri Lanka
In southern Sri Lanka, this is the best time of year to spot one of the natural wonders of the world – the Blue Whale….nowhere else do they come as close to the land as they do near the coast of Sri Lanka. The www.planetwildlife.com/trave/itineraries/blue-whale-and-leopard-experience  is a nine-day itinerary commencing in Colombo which combines blue whale and dolphin spotting with safaris in Yala, home to elephants and leopards – priced at £2,520/US$3,934pp.

For further information, please visit www.planetwildlife.com  or contact a PlanetWildlife office (listed on the website). PlanetWildlife is as a leading international provider of diverse wildlife and safari tours with over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.

About PlanetWildlife:

PlanetWildlife is an international travel company based in India with sales offices in UK, India, Australia, Hong Kong and Sweden. It is backed by highly successful entrepreneurs and managed by a professional team who are passionate about wildlife and have been involved in a variety of nature conservation activities over the years. The www.PlanetWildlife.com website features over 300 itineraries to Africa, India, and South America comprising a diverse range of photography safaris, hiking expeditions and bird-watching adventures, including ocean cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

Most tours offer daily departure dates and each is well-organised, competitively priced, environmentally responsible and tailored to suit the requirements of group or individual travellers. In all instances they are led by highly qualified and experienced leaders. Respected travel industry professionals and wildlife experts work in consultation with PlanetWildlife and are instrumental in designing each themed itinerary Via the website, a comprehensive and continuously expanding reference library on species and destinations is readily accessible and is regularly updated to ensure its usefulness to travellers, students, wildlife enthusiasts and bloggers.

PlanetWildlife is committed to responsible tourism, and in particular: minimising negative environmental impact; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritages and embracing diversity; providing rewarding experiences for visitors through meaningful interaction with local communities to the economic benefit of those communities; and promoting a greater understanding and respect for local cultural, social and environmental issues. It is part of PlanetWildlife’s corporate policy to fund selected awareness drives and wildlife conservation programmes and welcomes suggestions from the public in this regard.

Get out of the Jeep and Discover a Whole Different Africa! ~

A vacation to Africa has so much more to offer than just a jeep safari! With African Travel, Inc. , your trip to Africa can include unique and varied experiences you may have never even thought of! Different and wonderful experiences abound, and African Travel can add one or all of these unique adventures to your African Travel vacation plans for a trip that will create memories to last a lifetime! Here are the top 10 Unique Travel Experiences chosen by African Travel’s expert Safari Consultants:

Top 10 Unique Travel Experiences

Get Up Close and Personal with Great White Sharks
Explore the Terrain on Elephant Back
Ride the Dunes on a Quad Bike
Sail in a Dhow in Mozambique
Try a Camel Back Riding Safari
See the Terrain on Horseback
Enjoy a Balloon Ride
Take a Bicycle Safari
Go On a Walking Safari
Voluntourism: Give the Gift of Your Time

1. Get Up Close and Personal with Great White Sharks. Think of Africa and lions and elephants instantly leap to mind. But South Africa is also undoubtedly one of the top shark dive regions in the world! Great white shark diving at Gansbaai and Cape Town is possibly the greatest thrill you will ever experience. From both the boat deck and submerged in the safety of the specially designed cage, you will certainly get the view you are looking for of these magnificent and feared creatures. A full day tour can easily be added to any of our Popular Journeys that include a stop in Cape Town.

2. Explore the Terrain on Elephant Back.Share in the ultimate African experience. View tree tops, birds’ nests, and giraffes almost face to face. Sail high above the bushveld and feel part of the environment, instead of being just a passive observer. On elephant back, you are truly an integral part of the experience. Half day elephant safaris are easily added to any stay in the Victoria Falls area and are an included highlight to our Wild Kingdoms of Southern Africa Popular Journey safari. For the ultimate elephant experience, consider another Popular Journey, South Africa’s Finest, which includes a two-night stay at Camp Jabulani. This property takes luxury to its highest level while also devoting attention to the care and well-being of orphaned elephants. Imagine an evening elephant-back safari followed by a romantic setting of a lantern lit bush dinner -a white linen table adorned with a selection of beverages, crystal glasses, fresh flowers and delectable canapés specially prepared by the chef. It is not hard to feel that “Life is good” as you unwind at the end of another day at Camp Jabulani.

3. Ride the Dunes on a Quad Bike. Namibia is bordered on two sides by deserts, the Kalahari and Namib, which have the largest sand dunes anywhere. By far the most exciting thing on four wheels, Quad Biking on the sand dunes is a rush like no other. Whether you’re speeding through the fast stretches or navigating the technical sections, Quadding will knock your socks off! All bikes are fully automatic. Quad Biking on the sand dunes is truly an amazing and unique experience. Quad Biking is offered as a safari activity on the Roaring Dunes and Soaring Skies of Namibia and the Footprints of the Bushmen in Botswana, to name just a few.

For more information and reservations contact African Travel at (800) 421-8907 or visit www.africantravelinc.com . CST 2071444-20

Coming Soon! Look for the new African Travel, Inc. Journal Page. Get travel tips, travel photos and testimonials, stories from the bush, and you can subscribe to the RSS feed to get all of these things in one place!

About African Travel, Inc.

African Travel crafts personalized African safaris and adventures for today’s travelers who crave an experience of a lifetime. With over 35 years providing authentic African experiences, African Travel knows all the options to ensure a wonderful custom wildlife adventure to South Africa , Botswana, Namibia, Zambia including Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Kenya , Tanzania including Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda including gorilla trekking, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt and Dubai .

African Travel, Inc. was nominated by Travel Weekly in their 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards as a Top Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter in Travel +Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

African Travel, Inc. is part of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

African Travel is offering a new program called The Pearl of Africa for travel in Uganda and Rwanda.

It includes wildlife viewing experiences in the Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Windy and The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is a sanctuary for 13 different species of primate, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many birds (such as hornbills and turacos). Bwindi’s most famous inhabitant species is the mountain gorilla. The Bwindi is home to 300 of the mountain gorillas, about half the world’s population of the endangered primates.

The region around Ishasha is exceptional for its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in old fig trees. The eight-day Pearl of Africa program includes a cruise on the Kazinga Channel in search of pink-backed pelicans, saddle-billed storks, buffalo, Nile crocodile and hippo; an encounter with forest-dwelling pygmy tribes of Uganda; an hour spent with the mountain gorillas, and a chance to observe chimpanzees.

The package includes one night in Lake Victoria Serena Resort, Entebbe; two nights in Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale Forest; two nights in Kyambura Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park; and two nights in Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The program is priced from $4,995 per person, double occupancy, land only.

South African Airways (SAA) has added two more travel options to its African route network as part of the airline’s growth plans on the continent. Starting Jan. 17, SAA will commence operations from Johannesburg to Kigali (Rwanda) and onwards to Bujumbura (Burundi). The return flights will operate from Bujumbura to Kigali and onwards to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. These flights are now available for reservations in the Global Distribution System (GDS), and via www.flysaa.com, the airline’s online website.

The new Kigali and Bujumbura flights have been timed to provide global connections via the airline’s Johannesburg hub and to SAA’s international network, including Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, North America and Australia.

SAA’s most recent addition to its African route network was the start of flights to Ndola, Zambia, on Oct. 2. The Ndola service is largely aligned to growth in demand from mining executives, especially those flying into South Africa from countries such as Australia.

African Travel launched its 2012 brochure with a brand new look and logo designed to emphasize the slogan “We Know Africa,” based on the company’s 35-year history of selling travel to Africa.

The slogan was coined by Jim Holden, the company president who was born and raised in Zambia, and it also applies to the expert safari consultants, to African Travel’s ground partners in Africa.

The new lineup includes four new programs for 2012. Wild Kingdoms of Southern Africa is a 10-day program including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

It’s priced from $4,595 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Johannesburg, two nights in Victoria Falls, three nights in Hwange National Park and three nights in Chobe National Park.

Kenyan Horizons includes eight days in Kenya, taking in wildlife, scenery and culture, staying in comfortable cottages and traditional tented camps in prime areas. It’s priced from $4,295 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Nairobi, two nights in Lake Nakuru, two nights in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and two nights in Masai Mara.

The Pearl Of Africa includes eight days in Uganda and Rwanda, seeing wildlife in the Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi (The Impenetrable Forest).

The country is home to 13 different species of primate, including the mountain gorilla.

The region around Ishasha is noted for its tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in old fig trees. The photographic opportunities are plentiful as you experience a country that is also the source of the Nile River.

It’s priced from $4,995 per person double occupancy land only, including one night in Entebbe, two nights in Kibale Forest, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and two nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The Family Pride Safari includes 11 days in South Africa featuring hotels from the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, exploring cultural heritage, landscapes and wildlife conservation of South Africa.

Priced from $8,595 per person double occupancy land only, it includes three nights in Cape Town, Twelve Apostles; two nights in Clanwilliam, Bushmans Kloof; two nights in Durban, The Oyster Box; and three nights in Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve. African Travel offers custom wildlife adventures to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia including Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda including gorilla trekking, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt and Dubai.

African Travel is part of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. For information, visit www.africantravelinc.com  Read Jetsetters Magazine South African Adventures.

Goway Travel will hold a G’day to Africa event that will include participation by more than 25 African travel industry representatives that will travel to North America in late September. Represented countries will include South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

“This is the third consecutive year that we are hosting this event and what is unique is the diversity of the products represented,” said Moira Smith, general manager of AfricaExperts, “From luxury lodges to luxury rail, from Gorilla Trekking to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, if you’re interested in Africa, this is the event to attend.”

Goway will host special events in the New York on Sept. 20, Toronto on Sept. 22 and 24, and Vancouver on Sept. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can hear lectures by visiting experts. At each venue there will be door prizes to be won, including two roundtrip tickets to South Africa at each venue. Registration is free with advance registration at www.Goway.com/venues or by calling 800 245 0920.

Goway has been offering travel to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and island destinations since 1970. It has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia. For information, call 800-387-8850 or visit www.goway.com

African Travel, Inc. has an amazing offer on their unforgettable eight-day Tanzanian Sky Safari: FREE BUSINESS CLASS AIR when you book anytime now through September 15!*

This incredible journey includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti – ideal wildlife viewing locales. Arusha Coffee Lodge, Tarangire Treetops, The Manor at Ngorongoro, Migration Camp – the lodging is absolutely top-notch throughout. And transport between destinations is provided by a meticulously outfitted Executive Grand Caravan – an eight-seat luxury aircraft. Game drives are in custom built Safari Cruisers and each day brings the promise of another surprise.

Free Business Class Air is offered only through September 15, so book today!*

Tanzania Sky Safari–8 Days. 1 night Arusha, 2 nights Tarangire National Park, 2 nights Ngorongoro, 2 nights Serengeti National Park. Priced from $6895 per person, land only, based on double occupancy during promotional period August 27-October 26*.

For more information and reservations, contact your local Travel Agent or call African Travel at (800) 421-8907 or visit www.africantravelinc.com  CST 2071444-20

About African Travel, Inc.

With over 35 years providing authentic African experiences, African Travel knows all the options to ensure a wonderful custom wildlife adventure to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia including Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda including gorilla trekking, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt and Dubai.

African Travel, Inc. was recently nominated by Travel Weekly in their 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards as a Top Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter in Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. African Travel, Inc. is part of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

Terms and Conditions

*Travel on select dates Aug 27 – Oct 26, 2011, and receive FREE international business class air arrangements (Washington DC / Kilimanjaro / Washington DC). Fuel and park fees included. Taxes of $92 per person are additional. Add-ons from other U.S. cities available. Offer subject to availability. Must book by September 15, 2011. Restrictions apply.

For more details go to www.africantravelinc.com

Terra Incognita Ecotours
CONTACT: Ged Caddick
TEL: 813-476-2810
E-MAIL: ged@ecotours.com
WEB: www.ecotours.com

TAMPA, FL.–Terra Incognita Ecotours, an adventure travel company that specializes in unforgettable ecotours around the world, is announcing a new and unforgettable ecotour that takes travelers to the wilderness of Rwanda for a gorilla safari expedition and then on to the Masai Mara in Kenya to witness the Great Migration.

Accompanying guests on this journey will be acclaimed National Geographic wildlife photographer, Kevin Schafer, voted “Nature Photographer of the Year” in 2007 by the North American Nature Photographers Association.

On this tour, travelers will journey through some of the most spectacular terrain on earth through Rwanda, to Akagera National Park for classic game drives, a boat ride on Lake Ihema, and accommodation in Akagera Lodge.

Guests journey north through Rwanda’s beautiful terraced hillsides, take a tour of Rwanda’s Genocide Museum, and then move on to Volcanoes National Park.

While visiting this part of Rwanda, visitors will meet a veterinarian from the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project to hear about their remarkable ongoing efforts to protect the Mountain Gorillas, go gorilla tracking twice, and pay a visit to the grave of famed primatologist Dian Fossey, located next to that of Digit, her long-time favorite Gorilla.

The second portion of the trip includes an optional extension to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Travelers are whisked off to the Little Governor’s Camp in the Masai Mara, located in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Mara, only 30 minutes away from the regular river crossing sites.

Throughout their time in the Masai Mara, guests will be treated to morning and evening game drives including close encounters with some of the Big 5, cultural interactions with Masaai people, gourmet cuisine, and much more.

Kevin Schafer is an award-winning natural history photographer, whose photographs have appeared in all of the major science and nature publications in the US, including National Geographic, Smithsonian, Natural History, and National Wildlife. He also works regularly with conservation organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund, and is a founding Fellow of the Int’l League of Conservation Photographers.

To learn more about him visit www.kevinschafer.com .

A donation will be made to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project on behalf of each participant in order to continue the important task of providing preventive and emergency health care to these critically endangered creatures.

Dates: September 8-19, 2012. Cost: $7849 per person, Group size is limited to 16 participants; single supplement is $1,000; international airfare is not included. For more information, visit www.ecotours.com  or call 1-877-GOEXPLORE (1-877-463-9756)

Although gorilla permits for the summer months have been almost sold out for months, Volcanoes Safaris has some permits available for last-minute bookings on the following dates both in Uganda and Rwanda: Uganda — June 24, July 22 and 24 and Aug. 26 and 31; and Rwanda — June 19, 20, 22, 26 and 27 and July 26, and 27. Contact salesug@volcanoessafaris.com for details.

For more information, visit www.volcanoessafaris.com