One of the World's Most Thrilling Wildlife Experiences

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension

Rwanda

5 Days

From $3,795

Level 3+

Moderate

Overview

    Contact Us Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    Join your ranger-guide for the exhilarating experience of tracking and observing the mountain gorilla clans that reside in the spectacular montane forests of Parc National des Volcans, where researcher Dian Fossey was based for 13 years. The hiking terrain ranges in altitude from 3,800 to 8,500 feet and preserves one of the largest natural forests in East Africa.

    Arrive: Kigali, Rwanda

    Depart: Kigali, Rwanda

    Highlights

    • Hike with your ranger-guide in search of gorilla families in a mountain rainforest

    Overview

      Contact Us Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      Upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, transfer to the Kigali Serena for overnight...D
      Head out on a morning tour of the city and the Genocide Memorial Centre, a moving memorial to those who lost their lives in the genocide of 1994 that split the country apart. Afterward, a spectacular 2.5-hour drive brings you to Kinigi, headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans. The drive brings you through awe-inspiring scenery with the towering green shapes of the 12,000-foot Virunga Volcanoes dominating the landscape. Overnight at the Five Volcanoes Hotel (or upgrade to the Sabyinyo Silverback or Virunga Lodge)...BLD
      After your briefing with a ranger-guide for guidelines on gorilla tracking during the next two days, enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of tracking and quietly observing the mountain gorilla clans that reside in the park's montane forests, researcher Dian Fossey's base for 13 years. The hiking terrain ranges in altitude from 3,800 to 8,500 feet and preserves one of the largest natural forests in East Africa. The tracking can be tough—you begin early in the morning and hike through dense forests at moderate altitudes for three to six hours, depending on where we find the gorillas. The hiking is on moderately steep and thickly forested terrain, and the climate is hot and humid. But the rewards are tremendous and the rigors forgotten as soon as you spot a gorilla family and become absorbed in watching these gentle creatures. Overnight at the Five Volcanoes Hotel (or upgrade to the Sabyinyo Silverback or Virunga Lodge)...BLD
      Enjoy a second day of gorilla trekking or trek to see the Golden Monkeys, another highlight of Parc National des Volcans. For those interested in the Golden Monkey Trek, you'll depart from the Park's Kinigi Headquarters at 07:00 am with a tracking guide to visit one of the two habituated groups of Golden Monkeys. Visitors are permitted to stay for one hour with the monkeys. Groups are limited to 32 people. In the late afternoon, return to Kigali with overnight at the Kigali Serena...BLD
      Transfer to the airport for a midday flight from Kigali...B
      Effective January 1, 2018, nationals of all countries can obtain their visa upon arrival in Rwanda without prior application. No passport photos are necessary, and the visa must be paid for in USD. The current fee is $50 USD for each applicant and the visa is valid for up to 30 days.

      Pricing

      Trip Extensions can be added on to Small Group Adventures or Private Journeys, to lengthen and customize your trip. Prices are per person and not guaranteed until services are confirmed. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

      Included
      • Shared naturalist/park ranger for gorilla tracking
      • Accommodations in lodge and hotel
      • All meals
      • All local wines, beers, and soft-drinks at Volcanoes National Park lodges
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Private driver/guide throughout for all transfers
      • Tipping for hotel/lodge staff, gorilla guides, trackers, and porters
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the extensions's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to guides, drivers, or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
      • Visa fees
      • Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Kigali Serena Hotel

      Kigali, Rwanda

      Day 1 (1 night)

      The Serena is a large, well-appointed business hotel in the commercial heart of Kigali with air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and an excellent breakfast buffet.

      Five Volcanoes Hotel

      Ruhengeri, Rwanda

      Days 2-3 (2 nights)

      Located in an Eden-like setting of tropical plants and flowers that attract many hummingbirds is the Five Volcanoes Hotel. This boutique hotel has a lovely lounge area, restaurant, and bar overlooking a nice pool and the surrounding hills leading to Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans. Guestrooms have four-poster beds, spacious...

      Kigali Serena Hotel

      Kigali, Rwanda

      Day 4 (1 night)

      The Serena is a large, well-appointed business hotel in the commercial heart of Kigali with air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and an excellent breakfast buffet.

      Best Matched Trips

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      Itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.

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No passport photos are necessary, and the visa must be paid for in USD. The current fee is $50 USD for each applicant and the visa is valid for up to 30 days.<\/body>","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"","Custom_References":"","Custom_Visit_Our_Website":"","Custom_Helpful_Links":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_About_Private_Journeys":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"gorilla-tracking-in-rwandas-parc-national-des-volcans-extension","Custom_Passport":" A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Rwanda. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. If needed, you can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Note: send us a digital copy of your passport page as soon as possible if you have not already done so. We need this information for your gorilla permit. <\/strong><div><br><\/div><div>It is very important to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens need a visa for Rwanda. A single-entry Rwanda visa can be obtained upon arrival at most points of entry into Rwanda without prior application. No passport photos are necessary and the visa must be paid for in US dollars. The current fee is $50 USD for each applicant and the visa is valid for up to 30 days.<div><br><\/div><div>If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The unit of currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc, however USD cash is widely accepted. Credit cards can be used at most hotels and lodges. Note: USD bills must be clean, in good condition, and dated 2006 or newer. Old or wrinkled bills are not accepted. You will need to budget spending money for gratuities for your extension guide (see tipping section), for meals not included in the trip itinerary, and for personal miscellaneous items.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward outstanding service. Your guide will meet you upon arrival in Kigali and be with you throughout your time in Rwanda. A range of reference for tipping would be $20-$25 per person, per day. <br><br>Wilderness Travel has prepaid the tips for local guides who are with you for a short period of time, all trackers and porters, luggage handling, meals at restaurants, and lodge tips.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.<br>","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Time Zone<\/strong><br>Rwanda is 2 hours ahead of GMT, or 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time in the US may affect these times.<br><strong><br>Telephone<\/strong><br>The international dialing code for Rwanda is 250. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use. Smart phones with roaming capabilities on a GPRS or 3G cell network work very extensively in Rwanda. We discourage purchasing a local sim card as the security checks associated before it's activated can be lengthy.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access<\/strong><br>Internet access at our hotels and lodges may be available but is not guaranteed.","Custom_Electricity":"Rwanda uses plug types C and J so you'll need plug adapters. Rwanda operates on 230 volts. If you have devices that are not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter as well. ","Custom_Laundry":"Laundry service is available for a fee at hotels and most lodges. Please note staff do not wash underwear.","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"Entry requirements are subject to change; check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. All shots should be entered on your International Health Card (yellow card), which is provided by the facility giving the shots. Keep it with your passport while traveling. This provides an important personal record for you to refer to when making future travel plans. We recommend you discuss the following with your physician:<br><strong>Yellow Fever:<\/strong> Proof of a Yellow Fever inoculation is only required for Rwanda if you are coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Some parts of Kenya are at risk for yellow fever. If you visit Kenya (even for just one night) prior to visiting Rwanda you will need to provide proof of the yellow fever vaccine. If your travel plans require you to get the shot, have it recorded in your International Health Card and carry the card with your passport as proof. Health officials at borders often (but not always) request proof of the shot. The vaccination is good for life. Visit the CDC Travelers' Health link <a href=\"wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/\">wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/<\/a> for more information.<div><br><\/div><div>Please note: According to the CDC, people 60 years or older may be at increased risk for serious adverse events following vaccination, compared with younger persons. This is particularly true if they are receiving their first yellow fever vaccination. If you are over 60, please discuss this with your physician. If you are advised to decline the vaccine for medical contraindications, please have your physician or travel clinic fill out and sign the \"Medical Contraindications to Vaccination\" section of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) form. Please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/yellowfever\">cdc.gov\/yellowfever<\/a> for more information.<br><strong>Polio:<\/strong> People who have received the primary series of at least three doses of polio vaccine are considered fully immunized. People who are unsure of their status should receive the vaccine (three doses spaced at intervals).<br><strong>Hepatitis:<\/strong> The vaccines HAVRIX and VAQTA (two injections, six to 18 months apart) give long-term protection against Hepatitis A and are worthwhile if you travel regularly to developing countries.<br><strong>Tetanus Booster:<\/strong> A booster is strongly recommended (effective for 10 years).<br><strong>Typhoid:<\/strong> The CDC recommends the injection or the oral vaccine, Vivotif Berna. You may not be able to take the oral vaccine simultaneously with mefloquine (for malaria prevention).","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"All travelers to Rwanda are urged to take antimalarial medications. Malaria is a serious but preventable disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Please discuss antimalarial medication with your doctor, who will explain various antimalarials and their side effects and recommend a regimen for you. In addition to medication, a further precaution against malaria is to wear long sleeves and long pants at dusk. Thin clothing should be sprayed with insect repellent, especially around the elbows and ankles. Use repellent containing DEET. <br><br>If, after returning from your trip, you have a persistent fever, fever with chills, muscle aches, and headache, report to your doctor the possibility of exposure to malaria. For further malaria information, consult your doctor or the CDC Malaria Hotline (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/malaria\/travelers\/\">cdc.gov\/malaria\/travelers<\/a>) or by phone at 888-232-3228.","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"<strong>Drinking Water<\/strong><br>Consider all tap water unsafe. Do not drink it or brush your teeth with it; use bottled water, available everywhere. Don't use ice in your drinks unless you are sure it was made with treated water. When in doubt, ask your Trip Leader for guidelines.<div><br>Additionally, be aware of the possibility of dehydration, especially when gorilla tracking. You may want to bring re-hydration salts or Gatorade-type powdered drink mixes for long trekking days. Be sure to bring plenty of bottled water. <br><strong><br>Bot Fly Bites<\/strong><br>Bot flies bites are a rare occurrence for travelers in the tropics and rarely cause serious health problems but we want you to be aware of the possibility. If you have a mosquito bite that seems extremely itchy, is swollen or raised, looks like a spider bite or a boil, or has a small hole in the center, ask your local guide or Trip Leader how to treat it. If you have already returned home, see your doctor and be sure to tell him or her that you have been in a tropical area. Try to find a doctor who knows about tropical medicine, as few US doctors are knowledgeable about bot fly bites. In general, judicious use of mosquito repellent with DEET is the best way to avoid bites.<\/div>","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-rwanda\">followi<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-rwanda\"><\/a>ng the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"Tracking gorillas in their natural habitat is a thrilling adventure, and it's important to be well prepared. On the day of the tracking excursion, you will be assigned your own porter. You may hire an extra porter if you wish. Depending on where the gorilla family is located, your guide will work with the group's lead tracker to search for clues such as footprints, dung, chewed bamboo and celery stalks, and abandoned nests from the previous evening. If the gorillas you are tracking have wandered deep into the forest, it is possible that the trek to find them will take three or four hours (or sometimes even longer) in each direction. This may include trekking over difficult terrain including steep muddy slopes, stinging nettles, and some areas of elevated vines where your feet may not touch the ground. If you are having difficulty negotiating a steep or slippery portion of the trail, your porter will stay with you to assist, but the group will most likely continue forward. In the event you are unable to complete a tracking excursion to the gorillas, you may return to the base of the trail with your porter or be asked to remain in place with your porter while the group continues on, and rejoin the rest of the group on its way back to the base of the trail. <br><br><br>Your guide will allow a short time to rest for a snack, but please note that your guide will often hike at a steady pace to ensure that you will be able to reach the gorillas, spend a full hour with them, and make it back down the trail before dark. Upon locating a gorilla family, you will most likely smell them before you actually see them. When you reach the forward trackers, you will gather your cameras and leave your packs behind with the trackers. Your guide will move forward, making soft smacking and groaning sounds with his mouth to assure the group that friends are approaching. Although gorillas make very few vocalizations, this sound of reassurance is one that family members often use with each other. <br><br>Your group will be instructed to stay together and crouch down while observing the gorillas so the dominant male can see you at all times and the family does not feel threatened. If your trek to find the gorillas has not been unusually long, you are likely to visit them during their long midday rest and play period. <br><br>Please keep in mind that gorillas are shy, wild animals. At the start of the trekking day, there is no way of telling exactly where the habituated gorilla families are (even though trackers are very skilled at looking for signs of gorillas and their paths of travel). Because gorillas are wandering animals that favor areas of dense vegetation, clear viewing at close range cannot be guaranteed. <br><br>In order to ensure that you enjoy your visit with the gorillas to the fullest extent, it is a good idea to engage in an exercise program for at least several weeks or even months before your departure. The treks, which usually last between two and eight hours, including one hour spent with the gorillas, may cover more than four miles in distance and may occur in any kind of weather; rain may occur at a moment's notice. Please also note that the gorilla treks occur at altitudes of up to 9,000 feet above sea level and can be very physically strenuous. It can be very humid and the terrain is often steep, rough and, at times, slippery and muddy. The goal is to be able to walk up hill for several hours, so make sure your exercise regiment includes walking up inclines. In addition, strong hiking boots with good tread and ankle support are essential.","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>Passport<\/li><li>One other picture ID, such as driver's license<\/li><li>Expense money<\/li><li>Reusable water bottle<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"Please limit your luggage to one soft-sided bag and one daypack. You must bring a daypack for gorilla tracking, as you will use it to carry your lunch and extra clothing in addition to your other items such as camera gear, binoculars, water bottle, and personal items needed during the day. <br><br>Please note that Rwanda has outlawed the use of plastic bags and is reducing the use of single-use plastics. <strong>Please do not bring grocery style plastic bags, as they will be confiscated on arrival. Ziploc bags for personal use or to protect camera equipment are OK.<\/strong>","Custom_Clothing":"The climate in Parc des Volcans is typically damp, with daytime temperatures averaging 50&deg;F. <br><br>During trek, most people wear waterproof hiking boots, waterproof pants and jacket, t-shirt, and gaiters. It is preferable that your daytime clothing be in neutral colors such as khaki, bush green, and darker colors to blend in with the surroundings. White and bright colors tend to scare away the animals. <br><br>This list is meant as a guideline only; we encourage you to pack as lightly as possible. <br><br><ul><li>Breathable rain jacket (such as Gore-Tex) with hood; ponchos not recommended<\/li><li>Fleece jacket for cool evenings<\/li><li>Light cotton or quick-drying synthetic pants<\/li><li>Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts. Quickdrying fabrics are best.<\/li><li>Sleepwear (or lightweight long underwear)<\/li><li>Shade hat with wide brim, preferably with chin strap<\/li><li>Hiking boots with ankle support and good traction. You will need these for gorilla tracking.<\/li><li>Thick socks<\/li><li>Leather or heavy canvas (gardening-style) gloves for moving through the vegetation and especially avoiding any contact with stinging nettles.<\/li><li>Gaiters&mdash;either ankle- or calf-length. These protect your pant legs from moisture in the brushy undergrowth.<\/li><li>Comfortable walking or running shoes for vehicle travel and touring<\/li><li>Teva-type sandals or flip flops for wearing around the lodge<\/li><li>Hiking socks. For gorilla tracking, please bring at least two pairs of socks that are long enough to tuck your pants inside (they keep the ants out!).<\/li><li>Swimsuit<\/li><li>City\/hotel attire<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Strong flashlight or headlamp, with spare batteries<\/li><li>A small, lightweight, frameless, waterproof back\/day pack<\/li><li>Reusable water bottle<\/li><li>A waterproof, squash-able hat<\/li><li>Binoculars<\/li><li>Camera, spare batteries, spare flash cards<\/li><li>Field guides<\/li><li>Good quality sunglasses with case<\/li><li>Personal toiletries<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Trip members should bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices. <br><br><ul><li>Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>Lip balm with sunscreen<\/li><li>Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol, Tylenol PM for sleeping<\/li><li>Insect repellent. Repellents with DEET are recommended. DEET content of about 30-35% is ideal (higher DEET content is not recommended). Wipe DEET off your hands before touching plastic surfaces (such as binoculars) because it can damage plastic.<\/li><li>Blister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &ldquo;Liquid band-aids,&rdquo; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>Dramamine (for motion sickness) for long drives<\/li><li>Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing<\/li><li>Post-insect bite cream (antihistamine)<\/li><li>Antihistamine such as Benadryl and cold remedy such as Sudafed<\/li><li>Imodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, please consult your physician.<\/li><li>Prescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>Spare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Extra sweater or fleece if you really feel the cold<\/li><li>Plug adapter kit for appliance use at hotels\/device charging. Rwanda has 220-240 volt current; plugs usually have two or three round pins.<\/li><li>Reading\/writing material<\/li><li>Bandana to protect neck from sun<\/li><li>There is plenty of food on the trip, but for variety and snacks, feel free to bring a small supply of your own favorite snacks, such as raisins, hard candies,<\/li><li>M&amp;Ms, dried fruits, chocolate bars, granola bars, trail mix, power bars, etc.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"One of the World's Most Thrilling Wildlife Experiences","Custom_Lodging":"3 nights lodge","Custom_Meals":"Meals as indicated","Custom_Difficulty":"2 days gorilla tracking, hikes of 2-8 hours, including one hour spent with the gorillas, on steep and sometimes muddy forests with no trails","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Travel_Insurance":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"","Custom_Accommodations":"","Custom_Cuisine":"","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer a plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex. Please visit our Travel Insurance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/resources\/travel-insurance\/\">webpage<\/a> for more information. You can purchase travel insurance with your final payment using the link above. <\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Portal_Help":" If you're experiencing any issues with accessing your portal or completing your online forms, please refer to the sections below for assistance. For further support, contact us at <strong>1-800-368-2794<\/strong>.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Issues Accessing Forms<\/strong><br>If you are having issues accessing or completing your forms we suggest trying two things:<div><br><\/div><div>\t1. Update Your Browser:<div><br><\/div><div>The portal works best using Chrome or Firefox. Please make sure you are using the latest version of either program.<div><br><\/div><div>\t2. Clear Your Browser Cache:<div><br><\/div><div>How to clear your cache (depending on the browser):<div><div><br><\/div><div>Chrome:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right of your screen) &gt; Click on History &gt; Click Clear browsing data on the left sidebar<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the option Cookies and Other site data &gt; Click Clear Data<div><br><\/div><div>Firefox:<br>\t1. Click the 3 vertical lines (top right of your screen) &gt; Library &gt; History &gt; Clear Recent History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the options Cookies, Cache, etc. &gt; Click Clear Now<div><br><\/div><div>Safari:<br>\t1. Press Command+Y &gt; Clear Browser History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select the time range &gt; Click Clear History<div><br><\/div><div>Microsoft Edge:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right) &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy, Search, &amp; Services<br>\t2. Under &ldquo;Clear browsing data,&rdquo; select Cookies and Cached files &gt; Click Clear<div><br><\/div><div>If you are still having issues, we apologize! Just let us know and we will send you the forms as fillable Adobe PDF documents instead. <\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Submitting Forms<\/strong><br><ul>\t<li>Please Click &ldquo;Complete Form&rdquo; to submit your form<\/li>\t<li>&ldquo;Save for Later&rdquo; will save a draft if you need to return later. But reminder that our office will not receive the form until you click &ldquo;Complete&rdquo;<\/li>\t<li>Terms &amp; Conditions Form - Please remember to first submit your signature and then click the &ldquo;Complete&rdquo; button to submit.<\/li><\/ul><div><strong>Making a Partial Payment<\/strong><\/div><ul>\t<li>The &ldquo;Pay this Amount&rdquo; field is editable. If you wish to make a partial payment or split a payment across multiple credit cards, you can edit the amount to pay to a partial amount, and then return to the same screen to pay the balance remaining.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Mandatory_Emergency_Evacuation_Insurance":"Please note: Insurance for emergency medical evacuation is required for this trip. Wilderness Travel offers a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan through Travelex Insurance that meets this requirement. For more details, visit our website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a>. Alternatively, you can purchase a different policy on your own, as long as it includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 per person. You can compare options at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.insuremytrip.com\">insuremytrip.com<\/a>.","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option crafted by our Area Specialists to showcase the best of each destination. While many travelers book this tour as is, our specialists can help customize it to fit your interests and travel style. We can adjust the duration, add extensions, include special activities, and customize excursions. Contact us to explore your options!","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"Early reservations are recommended as accommodations can sell out quickly. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred travel dates and how many people will be in your group so we can check availability and send you a proposal itinerary with pricing. We can hold a provisional booking for one week, after which a deposit is required to secure your spot. Once we receive your deposit, we'll send a Welcome Packet with your confirmation letter, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet. See our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for payment details. If you have any questions, or wish to start the booking process, please call 1-800-368-2794 or email ","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific departures they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>At time of reservation: $1500<br>\n90 days prior to departure: Balance<br><br><em>\n*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}