South African-based safari operator Go2Africa recently entered into a partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which opened its new educational Ellen Campus in Rwanda to the public in February.
Aimed at providing a more immersive experience for their travelers, while raising funds for the nonprofit, Go2Africa has developed four experiences that will take travelers on a deeper and richer gorilla-trekking journey. The four options can be booked in conjunction with any of Go2Africa’s gorilla-trekking tours in Rwanda.
• Behind the Scenes Campus Tour: Guests are taken on a two-hour guided tour of the new campus with a Fossey Fund researcher, with behind-the-scenes access to the new purpose-built scientific labs and centers. This experience requires a minimum $100 per person age 15 and older, $800 per group.
• Gorilla Trek with Fossey Fund Researcher: A Fossey Fund researcher joins guests on their gorilla trek, providing valuable knowledge and insights on the mountain gorillas and the organization’s conservation work. There is a $500 minimum donation per group plus a $1,500 gorilla trekking fee for the experience.
• Private Gorilla Conservation Master Class: A great way to start or end a day of gorilla trekking, the Fossey Fund will meet up with travelers at lodges in the campus vicinity for a two-hour master class in gorilla conservation, answering questions and sharing some of their favorite trekking stories. The Fossey Fund wants visitors to not only learn but be inspired and engage with conservation, which these conversations will facilitate. A minimum donation of $500 per group is charged.
• Silverback Sundowner: Enjoy an evening hour with breathtaking views and Fossey Fund staff. Guests are invited to tour the exhibit on display followed by a cocktail hour at the Virunga Overlook to meet up with gorilla experts who will share their experiences and answer questions. A selection of wine, nonalcoholic drinks and light snacks are included. The silverback sundowner hour is from 5 to 6 p.m. This option requires a prebooking and a donation: minimum donations of $800 per group.
Visit the Go2Africa site to learn more.
Updated: This report was updated on March 31 to include the Silverback Sundowner package, which replaces a Scientific Campus Immersion experience. Also, minimum donation rates for the Behind the Scenes Campus Tour were added.