Gorilla Safari Inquiry

Getting a jump on summer 2004 travel.

Am considering combo trip, including Gorillas (Rwanda/Uganda) and
South Africa (Big 5). Already done big 5 trip to Kenya/Tanzania, so
the key to this excursion is the gorilla piece.

Am travelling with one child (will be 11), so need to be aware of
restrictions due to age.

Normally, we do all bookings ourselves, but will consider tour
companies due to the unique aspects of "safari." Not really
interested in resorts, we're more of the "get in, get it done, move on
to the next" tourist (for better or worse).

Looking for advice, overland operators, airfare options, or whatever
you've got to help us.

Thanks,
Jeff

DJV wrote:

>Already done big 5 trip to Kenya/Tanzania, so
>the key to this excursion is the gorilla piece.
>
>Am travelling with one child (will be 11), so need to be aware of
>restrictions due to age.
>
Well, here's just such a restriction imposed by the company
that I use to supply the Gorilla viewing experience in Uganda:

> The mountain gorilla inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
> Passengers planning to trek for the mountain gorilla must be
> physically fit
> and able to trek for several hours at high altitude and humidity
> through dense vegetation.
> A ranger must accompany all passengers.
> Passengers must be at least fifteen years and those with an illness
> will not be permitted to visit the gorillas.
> There is no guarantee that you will find the mountain gorilla.

Other companies may have different policies. Check around.
Just don't pay $3000+ for the package. Some operators have
unethically high markups on these trips because most clients
from developed countries have the $$ to pay the big bucks
and don't realize that they're being ripped off.

As for South Africa, I suggest a game reserve such as Thornybush.
Mid-price, great Guides and accommodations. Its sister camp
in the Sabi Sands area, Simbambili, is also outstanding. FYI, it will be
COLD
in June, July or August in the wildlife areas. But good game viewing

>

Thanks to all who have responded. I appreciate your concerns for my
son. He's used to these "difficult" climbs...we did the Inca Trail
when he was 8 and the Grand Canyon this year. Perhaps I'm
overestimating the simplicity, but I doubt that the volcano climb will
be more difficult than either of those except for the fact that it may
be mostly off-trail.

If specific restrictions exist, we'll have to wait for a couple of
years, but otherwise I'll just have to make myself intimately aware of
the specs of the climb to determine his ability to make the effort.

Once again thanks for your input, I'll look into all of the resources
mentioned.



On Thu, 03 Jul 2003 23:12:39 GMT, DJV <vorreyer3@> wrote:

>Getting a jump on summer 2004 travel.
>
>Am considering combo trip, including Gorillas (Rwanda/Uganda) and
>South Africa (Big 5). Already done big 5 trip to Kenya/Tanzania, so
>the key to this excursion is the gorilla piece.
>
>Am travelling with one child (will be 11), so need to be aware of
>restrictions due to age.
>
>Normally, we do all bookings ourselves, but will consider tour
>companies due to the unique aspects of "safari." Not really
>interested in resorts, we're more of the "get in, get it done, move on
>to the next" tourist (for better or worse).
>
>Looking for advice, overland operators, airfare options, or whatever
>you've got to help us.
>
>Thanks,
>Jeff