VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

• Day 1, March 4: Arrival
  We arrive at Kigali and are immediately transferred to Kinigi. Having travelled all day, we enjoy a satisfying meal and a well-deserved rest overnight, gearing up for the physically demanding days ahead.
• Day 2, March 5: Orientation and Exploration in Virunga Volcanoes National Park
  After an early breakfast in the morning watching mountains in the mist, we visit the Orientation Centre, where we are introduced to different types of Gorillas, their behaviour and the subtleties and the code of conduct to be observed while we're watching and photographing them.
  
  Later, we are divided into groups of up to eight and each group is assigned a different trek route depending on the composition. Some treks are harder than others but most require a certain minimum level of physical fitness, since no trek can strictly be classified as 'easy'. Please talk to us for more details if you're unsure about your fitness.
  
  Following this we embark on our first Gorilla watching trek. Since Gorillas are nomadic and move every day, we must track them afresh even if they were seen the previous day. In this search we will either be aided by a tracking party or track Gorillas ourselves in the company of a ranger. Trekking paths are likely to be slushy, so gumboots are a desideratum. These are available for hire at an extra cost or may be purchased at Kigali.
  
  Once we've found our Gorillas, we can spend up to an hour with them notwithstanding the time taken to track them down. Utilising this time, we can make images trying to capture different perspectives, from habitat pictures to intimate portraits and behavioural snapshots.
  
  This time will also allow you to appreciate just how intelligent and gentle these precious primates are, and enjoy watching their unhurried lifestyle and often amusing antics. Essentially, the hour will be replete with learning, entertainment and photographic productivity.
• Day 3, March 6: Gorilla Tracking and Check Out
  After another early start and round of Gorilla tracking and watching, we call it a Tour and return to Kigali, whence participants fly out of Rwanda to return to their abodes. Participants availing of the optional extension to the Tour stay on overnight.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION - NYUNGWE CHIMPANZEE TOUR

• Day 4, March 7
  Transfer to Nyungwe National Park, all meals and overnight at Nyungwe
• Day 5, March 8
  Tracking Chimpanzees and Colobus Monkeys, overnight at Nyungwe
• Day 6, March 9
  Check-out and transfer to Kigali. Lunch at Kigali and departure from Rwanda

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much trekking does this Tour involve?
  Although we will be dropped by car to the nearest point of a gorilla group's estimated position, the final approach to reach the site will always be on foot, involving a trek that can last anywhere between one and four hours.
• How tough are these treks?
  The difficulty of gorilla-tracking treks ranges from moderate to very hard, involving steep climbs on tough and slippery rainforest terrain. This demands a certain minimum level of physical fitness and endurance. Please talk to us for more details if you're unsure of your suitability to this physically demanding expedition.
• How many people will constitute a trekking group?
  Every trekking group will comprise a maximum of eight people in addition to a tracker or a ranger. Groups will be constituted so as to ensure maximum possible homogeneity in age and other conditions.
• What equipment do you suggest for this Tour?
  The physically taxing mode of tracking and photographing mountain gorillas requires that your equipment be as light as possible while the often misty and overcast conditions demand a fast aperture, so the ideal lens for photographing mountain gorillas is a 70-200mm f/2.8 or equivalent. A camera body that performs well at high ISOs can be a boon as well. However, if you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. Click here to see what we offer for hire.
• How sure are you about photographing Gorillas on this Tour?
  Considering the meticulous attention to timing we pay while scheduling Tours and the local expertise we leverage, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography were unsatisfactory. Also, expert trackers – locals who have watched gorillas virtually all their lives – will assist us in a big way to find gorillas, so good sightings are virtually assured. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we will have to stop just short of claiming that good sightings are guaranteed.
• How different are your Photo Tours from ordinary tours?
  Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven't even experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge sharing. Besides, most of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps in making your experience focussed.
• I am a newbie in Wildlife Photography. Am I eligible?
  Absolutely! This tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced wildlife photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold's eminent Skippers. If you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!
• Refund/Cancellation Fees:
  1. 15% : Between 30-45 days from date of departure
  2. 50% : Between 7-30 days from date of departure
  3. 90% : Between 2-7 days from the date of departure
  4. No Refund within 48 hours from date of departure
  
• Terms & conditions
  
  • 1. Participants who have a medical history of Blood Pressure, Heart related problems or Asthma are advised to seek medical advice before enrolling for this tour.
  • 2. Fitness to complete the tour is the only criterion for participation.
  • 3. Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. shall not be responsible for injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent's control.
  • 4. All clients traveling with Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. must complete and sign a reservation form and the "Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Arbitration Agreement" form.
  
  
  
• All textual and multimedia content on this website is copyrighted by Toehold Travel & Photography Private Limited. Any unauthorised reproduction is strictly prohibited and constitutes a serious breach of copyright, making the offender liable to face aggressive punitive action.