Virunga National Park Tour Operator Package

www.visitvirunga.org Sales officer ( Vianney Harkandi) Director of Tourism (Cai Tjeenk Willink) www.mikenolodge.com E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.gorilla.cd T: +243(0)99991715401 T: +243(0)994829076

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Contact Information:

Virunga National Park Address: ICCN Headquarters Rumangabo North Kivu Democratic Republic of Congo Websites: www.visitvirunga.org www.mikenolodge.com www.gorilla.cd

Director of Tourism: Name: Mr Cai Tjeenk Willink Telephone: +243(0)994829076 Email: [email protected]

Sales Office: Sales Officer: Mr Vianney Harkandi Address: Boulevard Kanyamuhanga, Goma, DRC Telephone: +243(0)991715401 Email: [email protected]

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Contents

1. About Virunga

2. Virunga’s Attractions

3. Virunga’s Lodges & Camps

4. Essential Information

Appendices: Appendix 1: Price List Appendix 2: Booking Process Appendix 3: Terms & Conditions

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

1. About Virunga

Virunga National Park is a 7800 square kilometre World Heritage Site that lies on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is just over the border from Rwanda and Uganda. Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse in the World, containing savannahs, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, forests, active volcanoes and the ice fields of the Ruwenzori Mountains. The park provides a home to numerous species of wildlife, including 200 of the worlds critically endangered mountain gorillas and a small population of eastern lowland gorillas. For years the political situation in Congo prevented tourists from visiting Virunga. Now that the Democratic Republic of Congo is ruled by an elected government and is at peace with her neighbours, the park has been re-opened to tourists and the world is re-discovering one of its most treasured places. With so much diversity in one park, Virunga offers visitors opportunities that can be found in few other places. Our most popular attractions include visiting the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, climbing a volcano to spend the night next to the world’s biggest lava lake and trekking through the spectacular snow- capped Ruwenzori Mountains.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

History of the park

The history of the park is deeply affected by the country of which it is part. For much of its long history, Virunga National Park has struggled to survive through many of Congo's troubled times. Thanks to the dedication of certain politicians, conservationists, park rangers and wardens, the park not only has survived, but is currently experiencing a resurgence. The park was founded in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium and originally named Albert National Park, the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect the gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains controlled by the Belgian Congo, but later expanded north to include the Rwindi Plains, Lake Edward and the Ruwenzori Mountains in the far north. In the first 35 years, the boundary of the park took shape, poaching was kept to a minimum and sustainable tourism thrived due to the work of a large body of hand-picked Congolese rangers and dedicated wardens. Land remuneration and the use of park resources such as fishing and hunting by the Congolese citizen population became an on-going problem and attempts were made to solve these issues. When the Belgians granted Congo independence in 1960 the new state deteriorated rapidly, and so did the park. It was only in 1969 when President Mobutu began to take a personal interest in conservation, that the park was revived. In the process it was renamed Virunga National Park, and the first Congolese Wildlife Authority was established (today known as ICCN). Virunga fared well for the better part of the 1970s. Foreign investment helped to improve the park's infrastructure and training facilities, and the park became a popular destination for tourists, receiving on average 6500 visitors a year. In 1979 UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site. In the mid-1980s the Mobutu regime began to lose its hold on power and the country began a long slide into chaos. The park suffered terribly. Poaching depleted Virunga's large mammal populations, infrastructure was destroyed, and many rangers were killed. The Congolese Wildlife Authority slowly lost control of Virunga and UNESCO changed the World Heritage Site status to "endangered." Over the twenty-five years that followed, the park staff endured an almost uninterrupted series of trials that included a refugee crisis from the Rwandan Genocide that contributed to the severe destruction of park forests, and armed militia penetration throughout the park. The Kivu War, the most recent of Congo's conflicts, centred exactly on the park, with rebel forces occupying the park headquarters and evicting the park's staff. By the end of 2008 it seemed as if Virunga National Park was finished. The political situation in the DRC has changed exponentially since then. The park is back in the hands of the ICCN and enjoying the greatest resurgence of tourism and development in its history. International donors are investing in the development of the park's infrastructure at unprecedented levels. Virunga's management is efficient and transparent, and morale among the rangers is at an all-time high. Tourism has increased from zero in 2008, to approximately 2000 in 2010 with numbers continuing to grow steadily. New tourist activities are being developed in the park, including the habituation of chimpanzees in the Tongo forest and a high-end lodge conveniently located near the centre of the three main tourist attractions in the southern sector, north of Goma. Africa's first national park survived decades of chaos against all the odds, not because of circumstance but because of the dedication of the rangers and staff who believe in the value of saving Virunga National Park and its wildlife.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

2. Virunga’s attractions

Mountain Gorillas Virunga National Park is home to approximately 200 of the world's remaining 790 Mountain Gorillas. The park's gorillas live in the Mikeno Sector, an area of forest situated on the flanks of a range of mostly dormant volcanoes. Virunga National Park has 6 habituated gorilla families which can be visited by a maximum of 30 visitors per day. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the gorillas for up to an hour. Gorillas may surround you while playing and eating in the trees, or the family may be at rest in an open grassy area. As you walk through the family you must keep a distance of at least seven meters. If a gorilla family consists of more than ten individuals, we allow a group of six tourists to visit. The treks leave from one of three patrol posts (Bukima/Jomba/Bikenge), with several rangers and trackers to accompany you. Bukima post, the most popular with tourists and the closest to Goma, has a basic tented camp for overnight stays. Treks can take from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours to reach a gorilla family, often moving through dense forest and across steep hills, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Weather conditions can range from sunny and warm to cold and rainy, so visitors should come prepared for both. Minimum age for visitors is 15.

Active Volcano Treks Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is a large strato volcano. This type of volcano, also known as a composite cone, is the most picturesque of the volcano types with gentle lower slopes that rise steeply near the summit, and then break to reveal the smoking caldera. The summit stands at 3,468m (11,380ft), with an average diameter of 1.2 km (0.7 miles) across a deep crater formation. In the centre of the crater is the world's largest lava lake. It is so bright that on a clear night, the glow can be seen not only from Goma but also from Rwanda. In the most recent volcanic eruption of 2002, a fissure opened on the south side of the volcano sending a lava flow toward the city of Goma, covering one-third of the city's airport runway, and reaching Lake Kivu. Climbing the volcano is a two-mile-hike which starts 20 km (12 miles) north of Goma near Kibati. The trek takes approximately five hours and involves walking through lush forest and lava fields with a steep incline near the top. Please note that this is a serious hike and visitors need to be fit.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

The standard trip includes an overnight stay on the rim of the volcano in the Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas, with comfortable beds , so visitors only have to bring a sleeping bag, although a one-day trip may be organized upon request. The overnight stay is highly recommended, as the view of the lava lake at night is stunning. The maximum group size per day is 16. Minimum age for visitors is 12.

Ruwenzori Mountain Treks The Ruwenzori Massif was originally named ‘the mountains of the moon’, and is situated in the Nile Basin. They were only discovered by Europeans in 1888 by Jephson and Parke, which were on expedition with the legendary Stanley. The highest peak of the mountain range is 5109 meters and on its high ranges it still caries eternal snow (glacier). The Trek of the Ruwenzori Mountains from the DR Congo site can be done in 4-6 days and can include peak Marguerite if requested, the trek up the glacier involves alpinist trekking with specialist equipment. Along the trek there are 3 Gîtes that can house up to 8 people. Camping is also possible.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

3. Virunga’s Lodges & Camps

Mikeno Lodge (Expected to open August 2011)

Mikeno Lodge is Virunga National Park's first lodge opening for tourists in August of 2011. Centred between three main tourist attractions, it is a perfect location to begin treks to see the gorillas, chimpanzees, and Nyiragongo volcano. Nestled among the trees of a virgin forest, the weather is cool, the views spectacular, and the lodging luxurious. Location: Mikeno Lodge is roughly one and half hours north of the city of Goma (border Rwanda) and the same distance west of Bunagana (border Uganda) and can be found tucked into a forested hillside at Virunga National Park headquarters of Rumangabo. To the east is the Mikeno Gorilla Sector, and to the southwest is Nyiragongo Volcano. To the west, the chimpanzee treks begin in the forests of Tongo. Dining, Bar, and Lounge: As you enter the main lodge you will receive a warm welcome before descending steps into a spacious lounge and bar. Adjacent to the lounge, the dining room offers full-course meals included in the price of your stay. Both the bar and dining area open onto a large terrace providing the perfect location for a relaxing drink and sharing of the day's activities. Accommodation: Your private bungalow is made from lava stone with a natural thatch roof and a mahogany deck. The roomy interior includes cosy lounge seating around a stone fireplace, comfortable bedroom area, and a large bathroom equipped with hot-water shower and bath. On cool nights, the fireplace warms the bungalow, while on warm afternoons your private terrace provides a prime position for spotting the Blue and Colobus monkeys or baboons that use the surrounding trees as their playground. Each of the 12 bungalows contains either a double or two single beds, giving the lodge a capacity of 24 guests. When combined with the use of a boardroom at the nearby park headquarters, the lodge is a perfect location for small conferences in a peaceful setting. Activities : The close proximity of the lodge to the Senkwekwe Centre means guests have the opportunity to visit the four orphan gorillas living in a spacious natural enclosure with viewing platforms around the periphery. A 30- minute nature walk along a forest trail that encircles the hilltop is available for those who enjoy stretching their legs. Whether your stay is the starting point for gorilla, volcano, and chimp adventures, or purely for a relaxing time-out in a peaceful location, Mikeno Lodge provides an indulgent experience among the wildlife and beauty of Virunga National Park.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Bukima Patrol Post

Bukima is one of the sites where we start our gorilla treks. Just outside the perimeter of the park a tented camp has been established catering for up to 16 people at a time. What used to be a base for Gorilla researchers (the original paillote still stands) is now a basic but comfortable tented camp. It provides all essentials for a comfortable night out in the wilderness, with a magnificent view of the Mikeno volcano draped in tropical forest and the Nyiragongo volcano, of which the glow from the lava lake can be clearly seen at night. Prices for the camp are based on two people sharing a tent (twin beds), and include a basic evening meal and breakfast (drinks can be bought on site). There is also the possibility to bring your own camping equipment and food and stay for a reduced price. Spending the night at Bukima Tented Camp ensures that you can leave for the gorillas at a leisurely time in the morning and will ensure that you will be back at your destination of choice with time to spare after your encounter with the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga.

Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas

On the edge of the Nyiragongo crater within sight of the sweltering lava lake, stand eight simple but firm Cabanas. Coloured black the Cabanas blend in perfectly with the lava rock surroundings. Any trip up the volcano should include a night spent in these Cabanas, that is why they have been included in the price of the volcano permit. They allow visitors to spend their night in sufficient comfort whilst also giving rise to the opportunity to view the lava lake from the top of the crater at any point during the night. Each Cabana is fitted with two beds allowing 16 visitors to reside at the crater at the same time.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

4. Essential Information

Safety Virunga National Park is located in a region that is often troubled by unrest. In the last three years, the southern sector of Virunga National Park (gorillas and volcano) has been considered safe for visitors with over a 100 tourists visiting these sites every month. The Ruwenzori Mountains are also open for tourists and can be reached from Beni in the North of the park. The management of Virunga National Park is dedicated to ensure the safety and security of all its visitors. It does, however, emphasize the importance that all visitors be aware of current security issues at the time of their visit. Virunga National Park cannot take responsibility for any accidents or incidents. If any signs indicate a security issue, the Management of Virunga National Park can decide to (temporarily) close one of its destinations and all bookings to those destinations will be refunded. Before organizing a trip to Virunga National Park we advise our visitors to inform themselves on the security situation, they can check www.gorilla.cd for the latest independent news feeds on this region, as well as detailed information on the parks activities outside tourism. We advise that our visitors check with their governments foreign affairs agencies on their travel advice to the region and to check whether their insurance covers travel in this region, if not we advise visitors to ensure that they acquire additional insurance to cover travel to Virunga National Park. We strongly advise against the use of self-arranged transport, please use our transport or the transport supplied by trusted tour operators. All visitors using our transportation are automatically escorted by our rangers. If you do decide to use your own transport please inform our tourism office ([email protected]) so that one of our rangers can escort you to your destination within the park (free of charge).

Visa Clients can get their tourism visa for the DRC at the DRC embassy in their home country. Alternatively it is possible to get the Visas at the DRC embassies in Nairobi/Kampala/Kigali, but this can prove costly and time consuming. Virunga National Park is working on a Tourism Visa which will be available for purchase via our website, once this has been arranged it will be communicated widely. The visas can also be bought at the border posts with DRC (Bunagana/Kisoro) & (Gisenyi/Goma), prices vary per location.

Transport Transport can either be arranged with Congolese partners or via our Tourism Office. For safety reasons we ask our tour operators and visitors to contact the tourism office to arrange a ranger escort (free of charge). See also the section about safety.

Money The DRC has its own currency the Congolese Franc, however for normal day to day expenditures US$ are easily accepted and valid as a Congolese citizen currency. The exchange rate is approximately 1US$ = 900CF (June 2011)

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

What visitors should bring

For the Volcano trek: • Sleeping Bag • Food (lunch, dinner, breakfast) • Water (3 litres p.p. minimum) • Any other drinks required • Change of dry clothes • Rain gear • Good walking shoes • Warm Clothes (sweater, jacket) is very cold up there. • Sun cream • Hat • Torch/head torch • Camera

For the Gorilla visit: • Good walking shoes • Rain gear • Long trousers & sleeves • Camera • Water (2 litres p.p. minimum) • Snacks (in case of a long hike)

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Appendix 1: Price list

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Contents:

1. Modular Prices Virunga National Park

2. Volume Based Discount System

a. Permit Discount System

b. Non-permit Discount System

3. Package Deals

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

1. Modular Prices Virunga National Park Please find below the modular prices as set for Virunga National Parks attractions and services. These are the prices that will be used if a customized itinerary is requested.

Tour Operator Discounts can be obtained through:

• Booking package deals: for more information see the “Package Deals” Chapter. • Volume based discounts: for more information see the “Volume Based Discounts” Chapter • Permit Discounts: for more information see the “Volume Based Discounts” Chapter

Modular Prices Permits* Price 2012 Price Product Differentiation Details Low High 2011 ** *** Season season Gorilla Permit Foreigner 400$ 400$ 400$ Congolese citizen 150$ 150$ 150$ Volcano Permit Foreigner Included: Overnight stay at the Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas at edge 200$ 200$ 200$ of crater. Excluded: Food, Beverages Foreigner child Included: Overnight stay at the (12-17 years) Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas at edge 75$ 75$ 75$ of crater. Excluded: Food, Beverages Congolese citizen Included: Overnight stay at the Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas at edge 25$ 25$ 25$ of crater. Excluded: Food, Beverages Congolese citizen Included: Overnight stay at the child (12-17 Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas at edge 5$ 5$ 5$ years) of crater. Excluded: Food, Beverages Extra Night at Additional nights on crater edge, in 100$ 100$ 200$ Crater Crater Cabanas Porters Per porter per day (2 days if 12$ 12$ 12$ including overnight) * Permit prices are set by to the ministry of environment, and are subject to change. New prices will be valid for all permits not yet used. ** Low season: January 15 th – May 31 st & September 1 st – December 15 th *** High Season: June 1 st – August 31 st & December 16 th – January 14 th

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Modular Prices Permits* Price 2012 Price Product Differentiation Details Low High 2011 ** *** Season season Ruwenzori Foreigner For the entire trek (4-5-6-7 days) 200$ 200$ 200$ Permit Foreigner child For the entire trek (4-5-6-7 days) 75$ 75$ 75$ (12-17 years) Congolese citizen For the entire trek (4-5-6-7 days) 25$ 25$ 25$ Congolese citizen For the entire trek (4-5-6-7 days) child (12-17 5$ 5$ 5$ years) Overnight in Gîtes p.p.p.n. 10$ 10$ 10$ Camping p.p.p.n. 5$ 5$ 5$ Overnight at base p.p.p.n. 15$ 15$ 15$ Porters Per porter per day, to be paid in cash 10$ 10$ 10$ to porters on location * Permit prices are set by the ministry of environment and are subject to change. New prices will be valid for all permits no t yet used. ** Low season: January 15 th – May 31 st & September 1 st – December 15 th *** High Season: June 1 st – August 31 st & December 16 th – January 14 th

Modular Prices Lodges & Camps Price Price 2012* Product Differentiation Details 2011 Low High Season ** season *** Mikeno Lodge Visitor (sharing) p.p.p.n. Included: Full board, coffee, tea, juice, 350$ 300$ 350$ water Excluded: Alcoholic drinks, 200$ Soft drinks Visitor (single) p.p.p.n. Included: Full board, coffee, tea, juice, 450$ 400$ 450$ water Excluded: Alcoholic drinks, 260$ Soft drinks Bukima Patrol Catered Visitor p.p.p.n. (sharing) Post Included: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast 40$ 45$ 60$ Excluded: Beverages (available at additional price) Catered by Tour p.p.p.n . (sharing) operator Included: Bed 20$ 25$ 30$ Excluded: Food & Beverages Campers p.p.p.n . Included: Place to pitch tent 15$ 15$ 20$ Excluded: Bed, Food, Beverages. * 2012 prices are subject to change. All bookings made before price changes are accepted at advertised price. Permit prices are set by ICCN nationally and are subject to change on the date determined by ICCN, reservations made for after set dates will be subject to increased pricing. ** Low season: January 15 th – May 31 st & September 1 st – December 15 th *** High Season: June 1 st – August 31 st & December 16 th – January 14 th

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Modular Prices Transport Price Price Product Differentiation Details 2011 2012* Transport Goma - Bunagana Single journey, return trip = double 40$ 40$ Goma – Bukima (Gorillas + Single journey, return trip = double 30$ 30$ Bukima camp) Goma – Rumangabo Single journey, return trip = double 20$ 20$ Goma – Kibati (Volcano) Single journey, return trip = double 10$ 10$ Bunagana – Bukima (Gorillas + Single journey, return trip = double 30$ 30$ Bukima camp) Bunagana – Jomba/Bikenge Single journey, return trip = double 15$ 15$ (Gorillas) Bunagana – Goma Single journey, return trip = double 40$ 40$ Bunagana – Rumangabo Single journey, return trip = double 20$ 20$ Bunagana – Kibati (Volcano) Single journey, return trip = double 40$ 40$ Bukima (Gorillas + Bukima Single journey, return trip = double 30$ 30$ camp)– Bunagana Bukima (Gorillas + Bukima Single journey, return trip = double 30$ 30$ camp)– Goma Bukima (Gorillas + Bukima Single journey, return trip = double 10$ 10$ camp)– Rumangabo Bukima (Gorillas + Bukima Single journey, return trip = double 25$ 25$ camp)– Kibati (Volcano) Jomba/Bikenge (Gorillas)– Single journey, return trip = double 15$ 15$ Bunagana Jomba/Bikenge (Gorillas) – Goma Single journey, return trip = double 40$ 40$ Jomba/Bikenge (Gorillas)– Single journey, return trip = double 20$ 20$ Rumangabo Jomba/Bikenge (Gorillas) – Kibati Single journey, return trip = double 35$ 35$ (Volcano) Kibati (Volcano) – Goma Single journey, return trip = double 10$ 10$ Kibati (Volcano) – Bunagana Single journey, return trip = double 40$ 40$ Kibati (Volcano) – Single journey, return trip = double 35$ 35$ Jomba/Bikenge (Gorillas)) Kibati (Volcano) – Bukima Single journey, return trip = double 25$ 25$ (Gorillas + Bukima camp) Kibati (Volcano) – Rumangabo Single journey, return trip = double 20$ 20$ Rumangabo - Bunagana Single journey, return trip = double 20$ 20$ Rumangabo - Bukima (Gorillas + Single journey, return trip = double 10$ 10$ Bukima camp) Rumangabo - Goma Single journey, return trip = double 20$ 20$ Rumangabo – Kibati (Volcano ) Single journey, return trip = double 20$ 20$ * 2012 prices are subject to change. All bookings made before price changes are accepted at advertised price. Permit prices are set by ICCN nationally and are subject to change on the date determined by ICCN, reservations made for after set dates will be subject to increased pricing.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

2. Volume Based Discount System: Tour operators will receive a volume based discount on their bookings. The volume based discount is valid on modular bookings as well as in addition to package deals (double discounts).

The volume based discount consists of two separate facets:

1. Permit (Gorilla & Volcano & Ruwenzori) discounts All tour operators selling Gorilla and/or Volcano permits receive a standard permit discount. The discount is set up as follows. After every 10 th permit sold the tour operator will get the 11 th permit for free, amounting to a 9% discount. This system works separately for the different permits. E.g. if a tour operator sells 5 (foreigners) gorilla permits and 3 (adult foreign) volcano permits. The tour operator still needs to sell 5 more (foreigners) gorilla permits to receive a free (foreigners) gorilla permit and 7 more (adult foreigners) volcano permits to receive a free (adult foreigners) volcano permit.

2. Non-permit discounts Non permit discounts are valid for non-permit services and attractions such as Transport and Lodging/Camping. The volume based discount is based on the number of permits sold by the tour operator (Gorilla permits + Volcano permits + Ruwenzori permits). The volume based discount works on a staged approach, e.g. the tour operator receives 5% over the bookings until the 50 permit mark has been reached, 10% between 50-100 permits, 15% between 150-300 permits etc.

Nota Bene: At the start of each year the tour operator will drop 2 levels from its final level of the year before. Subsequently the discount will start to increase again at the same brackets. E.g. Tour operator A finished the last year by selling a total of 600 permits (thus receiving 20% discounts on his bookings). At the start of the next year he will start two brackets lower at 15% discount. After tour operator A has sold 300 permits that year, he will again rise to the next level (17.5%) and so forth.

Discount level Permits sold Discount* (%) Level 1 0-50 5% Level 2 50-150 10% Level 3 150-300 15% Level 4 300-500 17,5% Level 5 500+ 20% * The discount is only valid on non -permit related items, such as lodges & camps and transport.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

3. Package Deals: Virunga National Park offers discounts for bookings including multiple services and attractions. Please see the various packages and corresponding pricing below. Volume based discounts are valid on top of the package discounts.

Package Optional Additions Modular price Price of Discount on Discount price (incl. permit) Permits non-permit (incl. permit)* (US$) (US$) items (US$) (%) Package 1: Gorillas + 600$ 400$ 5% 590$ Mikeno Lodge (1 night) Option 1: Additional night 200$ 10% 180$ Mikeno Lodge Option 2: Transport (return 60$ 5% 57$ Bunagana or Goma) Package 2: Volcano + 400$ 200$ 5% 390$ Mikeno Lodge (1 night) Option 1: Additional night 200$ 10% 180$ Mikeno Lodge Option 2A: Transport 60$ 5% 57$ (return Bunagana) Option 2B: Transport 80$ 5% 76$ (return Goma) Option 3: Additional Night 100$ 100$ at Crater Package 3: Gorillas + Volcano + Mikeno 800$ 600$ 7% 786$ lodge (1 night) Option 1: Additional night 200$ 10% 180$ Mikeno Lodge Option 2A: Transport 100$ 7% 93$ (From Bunagana) Option 2B: Transport 60$ 7% 55,80$ (From Goma Option 3: Additional Night 100$ 100$ at crater Package 4: Gorillas (2x) + Mikeno Lodge (2 1200$ 800$ 10% 1160$ night) Option 1: Additional night 200$ 10% 180$ Mikeno Lodge Option 2: Transport (return 72$ 10% 72$ Bunagana/Goma) Option 3: Change 1 night Mikeno Lodge for Bukima -140$ P.P. * Please note that these are the 2011 prices. Package discounts for 2012 will be calculated with the same discount percentages with the 2012 modular prices.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Appendix 2: Booking Process

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Booking process for tour operators When requiring a booking we ask our partner tour operators to proceed in the following fashion: 1. Tour operator: Contact the Virunga National Park Sales office via email or telephone: a. [email protected] b. +243(0)991715401 2. Tour operator: Inform sales officer of required booking, including following details: a. Permits (or book a package deal): i. Which permits are required? ii. How many permits are required? iii. For which dates are the permits required? b. Lodging i. Is lodging required? ii. Which permits are required? iii. How many permits are required? iv. For which dates are the permits required? c. Transport i. Is transport required? ii. For which legs is transport required? iii. For how many people is transport required? iv. For which dates is the transport required? v. If no transport is required, an escort can be arranged with tourism office (free of charge) d. Contact information of tour operator i. Contact information booking agent ii. Contact information (name, telephone, email) of executing agent in DRC e. Information on visitors i. Names of all visitors ii. Nationality of all visitors iii. Contact information (email + telephone) of at least one of the visitors (in case of emergencies) 3. Virunga National Park sales officer: Sends a booking/reservation confirmation with all details to the tour operator, which confirms that Virunga National Park will be able to receive the visitors. 4. Virunga National Park finance officer: Sends booking invoice with all discounts included to tour operator within 1 week after booking is made. 5. Tour operator: Makes payment by bank transfer to Virunga National Park, within the payment term of 2 weeks ,* and sends a confirmation of payment to the Finance Officer. 6. Sales officer: 2 days before trip, the sales officer contacts the tour operator or executing agent for confirmation of arrival and detailed instructions (pick up locations, important information etc.)

* If proof of payment is not received within two weeks Virunga National Park can cancel the booking and no further bookings of the tour operator will be accepted, until all outstanding debt has been paid.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Appendix 3: Terms & Conditions

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Terms & Conditions Form: All companies bringing visitors to Virunga National Park are obligated to sign this form and by doing so are acknowledging that they have read, understood and agree with the contents of the Terms & Conditions as laid out by ICCN (Virunga National Park).

By signing this document the Company acknowledges that it is their obligation to inform visitors travelling to Virunga National Park of these Terms & Conditions or any Terms & Conditions of their own that encompass the terms and conditions as set by ICCN.

COMPANY NAME: .

LEGAL ADDRESS: .

CONTACT PERSON: .

TELEPHONE: .

EMAIL: .

Name:

Job description:

Signature:

Date:

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union

Terms & Conditions

1. BOOKING CONDITIONS Please read the following notice as it is your contract with Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and clearly lays out what you have agreed with us.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

ICCN (“Organization”, “we”, “us” and “our”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions. All references in these conditions to “tour”, “booking”, “contract” or “arrangements” mean such tour arrangements unless otherwise stated. Please note the information appearing in the sections headed “About Virunga” “Plan Your Trip”, “Information Page“ in our brochure or in these or any comparable sections and any other relevant information on our website also form part of your contract with the Organization. References in these conditions to such sections include the comparable sections or information on our website.

2. YOUR TOUR CONTRACT

The contract is between the Organization and the client (“the client” and “you” in these conditions), being any person travelling or intending to travel Organization to a destination open for tourism in Virunga National Park including any person who is added or substituted after booking. We both agree that Democratic Republic of Congo law (and no other) will apply to your contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description which arises between us (except as set out below). We both also agree that any dispute, claim or other matter of any description (and whether or not involving any personal injury) which arises between us must be dealt with by the Courts of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland only. No employee of the Organization other than a director has authority to vary or omit any of these terms. No promise of a discount or refund will be binding on us unless confirmed by us in writing.

3. TO SECURE YOUR BOOKING

Organization Clients booking on the website, in a Virunga National Park sales office or via a travel agent will be deemed to have agreed to the following four conditions: a) they have read and accepted our booking conditions and general information pages (including the sections headed “About Virunga”, “Plan Your Trip”, “Information Page“ contained in our brochure and/or on our website. b) they appreciate and accept the risks involved in adventure travel. c) they do not suffer from any pre-existing medical condition or disability which may prevent them from actively participating in the tour – if any person suffers from any medical condition or disability which will or may affect their tour arrangements, please contact us before making your booking as referred to in clause 4 below so that we can advise.

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d) the person making the booking warrants that he/she is at least 18 years old and has full authority to enter into a contract on the basis of these conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the Organization sends a confirmation invoice to the client who makes the booking or their authorized travel agent. It is at this point that a contract between the Organization and the client comes into existence. For bookings made via our website, any acknowledgement of your booking request we send to you in the meantime is not a confirmation of your booking. Before your booking is confirmed and a contract comes into force, the Organization reserves the right to increase or decrease tour prices. Please see “Vacation Planner” section. The Organization reserves the right to decline any booking at their discretion. If you book via our website, we will communicate with you by e-mail. You must accordingly check your e-mails on a regular basis. We may also contact you by telephone and/or post if we cannot, for whatever reason, contact you by e-mail. Certain documents may need to be sent by post. References in these conditions to “send” and “in writing” or similar include communication by e-mail. You should contact us by e- mail if you need to do so for any of the reasons mentioned in these booking conditions (for example, to request an amendment).

4. PAYMENT FOR YOUR TOUR

The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges, must be paid to the Organization not later than 30 days before departure. For certain tours, full payment must be received at an earlier stage before the start of your tour. You will be advised at the time of booking when this is the case. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Organization reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled by the client and cancellation charges will apply. Monies paid to an agent acting on behalf of the Organization for tours operated by the Organization are held for the client until the client receives written confirmation of the acceptance of a booking. Thereafter, these and any other monies are held by the agent on behalf of the Organization

5. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING

Changes are subject to availability. Please note, an additional administration fee may be charged

6. IF YOU CANCEL YOUR BOOKING

Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. a) 30-20 days before departure – 30% c) 19-14 days before departure – 60% d) 14-8 days before departure – 90% e) Less than 7 days – 100%

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It is strongly recommended that full insurance is taken out which includes cover, under certain circumstances, against the loss of deposit or cancellation charges. It is strongly recommended that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out which includes cover against cancellation charges. Depending on the reason for the cancellation, you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of the insurance policy. All claims must be made direct to the insurance company. In the event of the cancellation of a booking where the client is liable to pay to the Organization cancellation charges in excess of the amount already paid to the Organization at the time of cancellation, the client cannot transfer or add these charges to another booking or use any amounts paid to us in relation to the cancelled booking by way of part payment for another booking. Part cancellation of a booking may result in additional costs being payable by the remaining clients.

7. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT

Should the client have a complaint about any of their tour arrangements, the client must tell the Organization’s representative at the time. It is only if the Organization and the relevant supplier know about problems that there will be the opportunity to put things right. Failure to complain on the spot may result in the client’s ability to claim compensation, if applicable, from the Organization being extinguished or at least reduced. If the client’s complaint cannot be resolved on tour they should notify the Organization in writing within 28 days of their return from tour.

8. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS

Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid, acceptable passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey and tour. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal gear etc.) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the Organization. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry all required documentation. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly

9. TRAVEL AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Clients are responsible for effecting sufficient personal travel insurance. Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients while on a tour organized by the Organization. Clients together with their personal property including baggage are at all times solely at their own risk. Protection for at least US$100,000 emergency medical evacuation plus US$100,000 medical expenses is mandatory. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance and ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel Insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate benefits. Clients making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in their tour. Whether clients

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choose to obtain Travel Insurance through Travel Agents or through their own independent arrangements, the clients must satisfy themselves that any such insurance is what they require and clients should arrange supplementary insurance if need be.

10. IMPORTANT: LIABILITY INSURANCE

Limited insurance is held by the operator. The client acknowledges and accepts that there may be no policy covering the Organization’s liability to its clients for death, injury, damage or loss occurring anywhere in the world. The client also specifically acknowledges that with respect to passenger accident liability cover this cover may be very limited or may not exist at all. The client acknowledges that the Organization has taken reasonable steps in safeguarding its liability. Although the Organization does hold various insurances this booking condition states that the client must assume he/she is not covered by any Organization insurance policy, including all liability insurance, for death, injury, damage or any other loss.

11. TOUR PARTICIPATION AND CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY

Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Organization’s employees, tour leaders and agents while on tour with the Organization. If in the opinion of any such person(s) or any other person in a position of authority (such as, for example, a guide or hotel manager), the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or during a tour is endangering or appears likely to endanger the health or wellbeing of the client or any third party (including any other clients of the Organization) or the safe, comfortable or happy progress of the tour, the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. Where a client is excluded, the Organization will have no further responsibility towards them (including any return travel arrangements) and we will not meet any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the exclusion. In the case of ill health, the Organization may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act (including, for example, causing any damage) the client may be excluded from the tour and the Organization shall cease to have responsibility to/for them as above. No refund will be given for any unused services.

When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be made direct to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier or to us as soon as possible. If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. You will also be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us and all costs incurred by us (including our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions. You should ensure you have appropriate travel insurance to protect you if this situation arises. If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your active participation in your tour or the tour arrangements of any other person or have any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability (including any which affect the booking process), please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the proposed tour and/or making the booking. In any event, you must give us full details at the

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time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your active participation in your tour or the tour arrangements of any other person develops after your booking has been confirmed.

12. SURCHARGES

The Organization reserves the right to alter the price of any tour and forward an amended invoice. Any price increase will normally be notified more than 4 weeks before departure.

13. IF WE CHANGE YOUR TOUR

While the Organization will do its best to operate all tours as advertised, it reserves the right to change and correct errors in any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in this brochure and/or on our the website at any time before or after your booking is confirmed. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a significant change. If a significant change has to be made, the Organization will inform the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is time before departure. A significant change is a change made before departure which we can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your tour. If advised of a significant change before departure the client will have the choice of accepting the changed arrangements (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the Organization (paying or receiving a refund in respect of any difference in price) or cancelling the tour with a full refund of all monies paid to us. No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available where a change is a minor one. We regret we cannot meet any visa, vaccination or similar costs in the event of any change or cancellation by us. Similarly, as you are advised only to book fully flexible connecting transport and other arrangements (such as pre or post accommodation) which can be cancelled or changed without charge, we cannot pay any cancellation, amendment or other charges you may incur in relation to any arrangements which you have to change or cancel as a result of any change to your tour. Very rarely, we may be forced by “force majeure” (see clause 14) to change or terminate your tour after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away.

This is extremely unlikely but if this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result.

14. FORCE MAJEURE

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any injury, damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of “force majeure”. In these conditions, “force majeure” means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include

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whether actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, disease, fire and all similar events outside our control.

15. OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

Clients bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the possible risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours, treks or expeditions featured in our at their own volition. Due to political and cultural differences, as well as generally tougher physical conditions, travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo involves risks other than those we take in our daily lives. Moreover Virunga National Park is located in a region that is often troubled by unrest. The Organization and the tour operators it works with place extreme importance on the safety of clients. It is important, however, that clients realize that they are responsible for making themselves aware (through State Department advisories, Government Tourist Offices and other sources of information) of the risks involved, and are responsible for making their decisions accordingly. No refund will be made for any unused services which are included in the price. The Organization shall not be liable for any delays, deviations or omissions from any tour caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, nor for any direct or indirect consequences thereto. The Organization shall not be liable to compensate clients for associated expenses incurred as a result of their booking. The Organization’s contractual obligations consist of using our reasonable skill and care in selecting the suppliers and other third parties who will provide or arrange the services which make up your tour. We will have no responsibility or liability for the actual tour services, for any other services or facilities provided or arranged by any supplier(s) or other third party, for the act(s) or omission(s) of any supplier or other third party or for any of their employees, agents, suppliers or subcontractors or any other person(s) in any way connected with the tour services. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim. The services which make up your tour are provided subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier or other third party concerned. The Organization accepts no liability for any action or activity undertaken by the client arranged independently of the Organization while on tour.

Without limitation, the Organization will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following: -the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the client(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your tour and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or force majeure (see clause 14 above). Regardless of any wording used by us on our website, in any advertising material or elsewhere, we only promise to use reasonable skill and care in selecting third parties who will provide or arrange the services which make up your tour as set out above and we do not have any greater or different liability to you. Without prejudice to clause 2, where any law other than D.R. Congolese law is found to apply to your contract with ICCN or to any claim you may make, the Organization is entitled to rely on and to the benefit of all limitations and exclusions of liability available in accordance with the applicable law to the fullest extent permitted as if the same were written into these conditions and expressly formed part of the client’s contract with the Organization.

Please bear in mind that standards of, for example, safety, hygiene, and quality may vary throughout the destinations, services and transport your tour involves and may be lower than or different to those applicable

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in your home country. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with the local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided whether or not they complied with the laws and regulations of your home country.

Clients are responsible at all times for their own personal possessions and for ensuring their security and safe-keeping. The Organization has no liability for any lost, damaged or stolen personal possessions and clients must ensure they have adequate and appropriate personal travel insurance to protect the same. For all claims which do not involve death or personal injury or personal possessions, if we are found liable to you on any basis, the maximum amount we will have to pay you is twice the price of the tour (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total to Virunga National Park unless a lower limitation applies to your claim. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your tour and you have been able to prove failure on our part to exercise reasonable skill and care in selecting the suppliers and other third parties responsible for your tour arrangements. We cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you. Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any” stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you if we are found liable to you on any basis will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotelier concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question were that claim made against it (for example, the Warsaw Convention 1929 as amended or in amended and the Montreal Convention 1999 for international travel by air and/or for airlines within operating license granted by an EU country, the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability N0889/2002 for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention 1974 for international travel by sea and the Beme Convention Concerning International Carriage by Rail 1961 (COTIF) as amended for international travel by rail). Please note: where a carrier or hotelier would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the carrier or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. Copies of the applicable international conventions and regulations are available from us on request.

16. AIRLINES

International airlines are subject to international air conventions limiting their liability, the limitations of liability are contained on the reverse side of airline tickets and form part of the terms and conditions of any contract with the client.

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17. LATE BOOKINGS

We emphasize the importance of making a booking at the earliest opportunity, because of the small group nature of our tours. For bookings received within 30 days of departure the Contract between the Organization and the Client comes into existence once full payment has been made and received by Virunga National Park.

18. BROCHURE / WEBSITE / ADVERTISING MATERIAL ACCURACY

The information contained in our brochure, on our website and in our other advertising material is believed correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing or publication. However, errors may occasionally occur and information may subsequently change. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen tour (including the price) with us or your travel agent at the time of booking.

19. 2012 PRICES

Dates, prices (including travel insurance premiums) and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2012 may be subject to change.

ISSUE DATE: April 2011 Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) Registered Office: P.O. BOX 868 13, Avenue Papa Iléo Kinshasa-Gombe Democratic Republic of Congo

EXPRESS WAIVER OF ANY RIGHT TO SEEK CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXPEMPLARY DAMAGES

Regardless of the situation or circumstance giving rise to claim, you waive any right to seek consequential, punitive or exemplary damages against the Organization, its owners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, subcontractors and employees, for any reason whatsoever.

Tourism in Virunga National Park is made possible with the assistance of the European Union