On arrival at Entebbe you will be met by the guide or a representative of the local agent. A transfer to the nearby accommodation is provided.

After a breakfast we depart heading northwards. We pass through Kampala, the capital of Uganda, as we drive to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. We arrive at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary just before lunchtime. This 7000 hectare private reserve was set up in 2004 with 6 rhinos, since then at least 9 baby rhinos have been born here. The sanctuary aims to work with the community to conserve the Rhino and support the reintroduction program. Currently this is the only place in Uganda where you find rhino. There were hunted and poached to extinction in 1982 in Uganda. The rhinos have 24hr surveillance from the anti-poaching team who work hard to ensure their safety in the sanctuary. On arrival we have an on foot rhino trek to see the Southern White Rhinos. We are taken by the well trained guides through the bush to where the rhinos are on the day of the visit. Here we get the opportunity to watch these magnificent, endangered animals in their natural habitat. A pretty awesome sight and extremely exciting - what a start to the trip! Leaving the park in the afternoon we continue our drive further north to Murchison Falls National Park. Overnight Murchison Falls National Park Drive time: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary approx. 4hrs / Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls approx. 2hrs 30mins

We have an early breakfast so that we can make the most of the best wildlife sighting conditions on our morning game drive in the park. Murchison Falls National Park is the largest, and one of the first parks in Uganda, it is also one of the most famous as the River Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge to produce the Falls. In the park we can see elephant, giraffe, buffalo, leopard, waterbuck, topi and lion, as well as several species of antelope (including the Uganda Kob) and bird species. On our game drive we travel through some beautiful and peaceful landscapes from sweeping savannah grasslands to the delta. We relax in the heat of the middle of the day and then in the afternoon we enjoy a 3hr boat journey on the River Nile to the splendid Murchison Falls. Along the banks of the river we hope to see elephant, giraffe and buffalo whereas in the river we may see the Nile Crocodile, hippo and several species of water bird. It is also possible that we see the rare shoe-billed stork on our boat journey this afternoon. In the late afternoon we return to our lodge. Overnight Murchison Falls National Park.

Today we have a long transfer as we drive to Kibale National Park, passing the Ugandan Rift Valley Escarpment. Much of our drive is along the savannahs and past various smaller parks and reserves as we head southwest parallel to Lake Albert. We pass many small villages and the countryside presents a rich tapestry of colours, from the vibrant dress of the local people to the varied greens and browns of the lush farmland and forest which we pass through. There are many roadside markets along this road and we will have the chance to stop off and meet the Ugandan people and check out the produce that is for sale. Tea and banana plantations are amongst the most important types of agriculture. We arrive in Fort Portal the last town before Kibale National Park where we check into our accommodation. Our accommodation is a guest farm outside of the town in very peaceful surroundings, here we stay in self-contained bungalows. The gardens include a mini rain forest which is home to a family of black and white colobus monkeys and grey vervet monkeys, there are also a large number of birds here. We spend a peaceful afternoon here, and after a swim in the pool you can take a little walk around the forest before some pre-dinner drinks with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Overnight outside Fort Portal. Drive time: Approximately 8 hours

After an early breakfast, we make the short transfer southwards through a beautiful tract of countryside, dominated by a string of spectacular crater lakes. It is just a 30 kilometre (20 mile) drive to the Kanyancu Reception Centre, our gateway to the Kibale Forest National Park, which is home to around a dozen different species of primates. There are black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus and galagos here. However, the main attraction of Kibale is its several hundred chimpanzees. After a briefing, we will set off for a 2 to 3 hour guided walk in the forest. The chimpanzees are usually to be found feeding at the top of one of the giant fig trees. Kibale Forest also has a relatively large population of elephants and incredible numbers of butterflies and birds. In the afternoon we visit and walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary home to many different species of the monkeys and some visiting chimps from next door Kibale. It is also a haven for birds, namely the splendid Great Blue Turaco - with its bright blue and yellow feathers, black mohican and yellow beak. Time permitting we have a community visit this afternoon. We walk through a local village and chat with the people and visit the school. We then transfer back to our accommodation near Fort Portal. Overnight outside Fort Portal.

We cross over the Equator (stopping for some photos at the sign) and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival in the afternoon we have a game drive and check into our lodge for the next 2 nights. Drive time: Approximately 2-3 hours

We have an early start today for a game drive in the park. Aiming to cover a cross-section of the park habitats, we should be able to see many of the most impressive wildlife species, notably; elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, topi, waterbuck, giant forest hog and Uganda kob. After a stop for lunch, we will take a trip by motor launch down the Kazinga/Mweya Channel (the natural waterway between Lake Edward and Lake George), which is an excellent way to get close to the rich animal and bird life. We can expect close encounters with hippos, crocodiles and elephants. It is said to contain the world's largest concentration of hippos in the world! Amongst the bird species are pelicans, saddlebill storks, African skimmers, fish eagles and the Ugandan national bird, the crowned crane. A tremendous experience and possibly a highlight of the whole trip! We then return to our lodge. Overnight Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After breakfast we check out of our lodge and drive to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here we arrive in Ishasha which is famous for its tree climbing lions. There are only 2 populations of lions who do this on a day-by-day basis, with the other in Lake Manyara NP in Tanzania. The reason they do it is unknown, some say to get away from the tsetse flies on the ground, others says to get away from the heat and find a breeze - however what we do know is that they are easier to find when they are in the trees than amongst the grasses! They are usually lazing around on the branches in the afternoon, snoozing or looking at the Kob grazing on the plains. Lions are such beautiful wild animals. They have such grace and presence, let's hope we'll see them here in the trees. We check into our hotel nearby. Overnight Ishasha. Drive time: Approximately 3hrs (not including game drive)

Known by the locals as the most beautiful place in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi actually means a 'place with many small birds'. Along the journey we pass many agricultural terraces which cover the Ugandan mountains in this area. This area is called 'Switzerland of Africa'. The lake is the second deepest in Africa. Depending on our stops along the way we have some time to relax at the accommodation. The accommodation here is superb, with a swimming pool overlooking the lake and a truly relaxing atmosphere. This is our base for our Gorilla Tracking….which we look forward to tomorrow. Overnight Bunyonyi. Drive time: Approximately 3 - 4 hrs

These days there are many things which are classified as 'once in a lifetime experiences' - but honestly, today really will be. Tracking the Mountain Gorillas must be one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. The trek will take between 2 to 6 hrs, and you should expect a tough day, but the rewards are huge. Once we have found the gorillas we spend some time quietly observing them, an hour can go very quickly. Our expert rangers will take us to the gorillas and give us details about them and the surrounding flora and fauna. To find the gorilla family group the guide will lead you to where they were the day before and then track them through the forest. As these gorillas don't follow paths the terrain can be rough and steep. It might also be wet and muddy - these gorillas may not make it easy for you - of course it can be a totally different experience, we just like to prepare you for the worst conditions. It will help to have long sleeves, long trousers and even gloves. Another tip is to bring some snacks and water in case it's a long walk. We have one hour with our gorillas once we have found them. Compared to the chimpanzees the gorillas are calm as the lie in the sun cleaning each other and eating bamboo. A magical experience. Overnight Bunyonyi.

Today we say farewell to Uganda and drive into Rwanda. It's around an hour's drive to the border. After completing the paper work, the first sign in Rwanda states "We warmly welcome you" with an iconic statue of a family of 3 gorillas. Rwanda is fondly known as the 'Land of Thousand Hills'. The landscape is pretty stunning as we continue our drive today. It's approximately another hour or so to our destination, the town of Ruhengeri/Musanze and then onwards to the next town of Kinigi. This area is the gateway to the Virunga Volcanoes National Park. The thick forest clad mountains form a beautiful backdrop to this African town. In the afternoon we can visit a market and perhaps do some souvenir shopping at the colourful stalls. Overnight Kinigi Drive time: Approximately 2-3 hrs

We have options today - the first is a second Gorilla Tracking experience (additional permit/cost required, see 'spending money'). Volcanoes National Park is 120 km square and part of the Virunga Conservation Area. Within this area there are around 380 mountain gorillas. Walk options differ from 3 to 8 hours. Again, accompanied by expert trackers we climb up into the bamboo zone and the terrain can be steep, muddy and involve bending and crawling through vegetation. If we decide that we would like to see something different today then we can visit the tombs of the famous gorilla researcher Dian Fossey. This is approximately a 2hr walk. Another wildlife option is to go to see the habituated Golden Monkeys - another rare and exciting sight. This is another tracking experience similar to the Gorillas, however usually the terrain is slightly easier. When we find the Golden Monkeys they are up in the trees and don't stay still - unlike the Gorilla families. If we are feeling very energetic we can walk up Mt Bisoke (3711m). This is a steep and potentially muddy ascent, around 6-8hrs walking. There is a crater lake at the top and spectacular views, although the summit is often surrounded by cloud. All optional activities today are at additional cost. Gorilla Tracking on this day requires pre-booking and places are limited. To avoid disappointment please book early. In the afternoon we transfer near to Gisenyi (1-2hrs) on Lake Kivu. This is an interesting town and a lovely place to spend our last night in this beautiful country of Rwanda. Overnight near Gisenyi. Drive time: Approximately 3 hrs

We have a day here to enjoy this beautiful place. We can take part in a boat ride, or even maybe take kayaks onto the lake. The fishermen leave in the late afternoon on their pretty boats on the lake, and as they row they sing. To be on the water when they do this is a great experience. During the day we can walk into the lakeside town of Gisenyi. We can visit the market, and maybe do some souvenir shopping of coffee or tea which Rwanda is famous for.

Transfer (approx. 3-4 hrs) to the capital of Rwanda, Kigali. We have a city tour of this busy, colourful town and our guide talks to us about the history from pre-colonial times to Rwanda today giving us an insight to the country’s eventful history. The attractive city is built over four ridges and the valleys in-between. We include the Genocide Museum. Later we have a single transfer to Kigali Airport.