The Amateur Traveler talks to Chris Willis about traveling to Uganda and Rwanda to see the very endangered mountain gorillas. Chris also talks about the countries, their people and an unforgettable stay in a chimpanzee sanctuary.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
News
U.K.’s new tax increase means unfriendlier skies
‘God’ mistakenly bleeped out of in-flight showings of ‘The Queen’
Show Notes
click here to download (mp3)
click here to download (iTunes enhanced)
Episode 38 - Swimming with Whales off Tonga
Chris’s Detailed Trip report
Volcanoes Safaris (tour operator)
African Horizons (African Travel Agent)
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Rwandan government official tourism site
Ugandan Wildlife Authority
Africa news
Western Lowland Gorillas
Mountain Gorillas
Internet
Review - International Association of Air Travel Couriers - My recommendation is don’t join
Community
write a review and maybe win an Amateur Traveler mug
Claudia Introduces Herself
Discussion Boards
February 22nd, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Sounds like an amazing experience! I’m a fellow traveler and adventurer, though mine is pretty much confined to the Caribbean – to me, nothing beats the people, the clear blue water, the trade winds, the palm trees and the music. In fact, my wife and I are in the midst of sailing our hand-built 34-ft. boat, Woodwind, to the islands right now. We began our journey in Gig Harbor, Washington, and just ventured through the Panama Canal. The islands of the Eastern Caribbean have been our second home, off and on for 30 years. There is nothing quite like the West Indies! We’re keeping our friends and family updated on our voyage and adventures along the way on our Web site and blog. Check it out at http://www.brucesmithsvoyage.com.
(Posted by Mike Bernstein of Bahama Breeze for Bruce and Jan Smith, who are currently at Latitude 9.35 north and Longitude 79.42 west.)
August 13th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
You mentioned in this podcast against a particular international courier company.
Do you have any suggestions on how to find a legitimate international courier company?
ps. Big fan and love all your shows!
August 14th, 2008 at 10:43 am
I have not found a courier company that I would recommend. I have tried a few. My understanding is that this industry is not the same since 9/11.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Hello -
I am very interested in learning more about arranging a trip to visit the mountain gorillas. could you recommend some of the reputable tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda?
Thank you!
January 27th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I am asking our guest from this show who he used.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Jennifer,
Chris, our guest on tis podcast said: “I used Volcanoes Safaris for my trip there and they were excellent and have a very good reputation. There is also an operator called Wilderness Safaris that I have heard of, but did not use.”
February 11th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I just got back from a trip to Uganda and wanted to second the recommendation of going to Ngamba Island. Because of this podcast we looked it up and went for a half day tour to watch the chimps get fed! It was an amazing experience, reasonably priced, and great short day trip! Thanks so much!