This morning we explore Kampala and area. We visit the Kasubi Royal Tombs, burial place of the Buganda kings and now a United Nations world heritage site. We visit the Uganda Museum to view the collections of historical and cultural items as well as exhibits on the country’s animals and plants. We also see the Ndere Centre, Rubaga Cathedral and Namirembe Cathedral - both of which are more than 200 years old. We visit the Mashriqui-Adhkar Bahia Temple, the new Gaddafi mosque and the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine Namugongo. Second of 3 nights in Kampala. Emin Pasha Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

This morning we make a stop at Mabira Forest to explore the largest forest in Central Uganda. Before we reach the town of Jinja we pass the Owen Falls Dam, Uganda’s main source of hydro electricity. Nearby we visit Bujagali Falls and the source of River Nile. This afternoon we drive back to Kampala with a stop at the 7 metre high Sezibwa Falls. This is an important cultural site for the local Buganda people. Third of 3 nights in Kampala. Emin Pasha Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Today we drive northwards through the famous Luweero Triangle and landscapes of acacia woodlands and fertile plantations to Murchison Falls National Park. On arrival we walk to the top of the waterfalls. Here the Victoria branch of the River Nile is forced through a narrow gap in the rocks only 7 metres wide before plunging down ferociously 43m/130 feet to the rift valley below, spraying off a mist which creates its own rainbows. On the drive and ferry crossing from the top of the falls to our game lodge we have a good chance of seeing animals such as elephants, hippos and buffalos grazing along the banks of the Nile. The setting is magnificent with the Congo Blue Mountains in the distance. First of 2 nights at Murchison Falls National Park. Paraa Safari Lodge or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Before breakfast this morning we take a game drive in the park on the northern bank of the Nile where we hope to see buffaloes, Uganda kobs, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, hyenas, jackals, Cape buffalos, lions, leopards, hartebeests, oribi, warthogs and various species of antelope. After our game drive we return to our lodge for a late breakfast and then have time to relax before lunch. After lunch we take a boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls, viewing various birdlife (including the rare Shoebill Stork), Nile Crocodiles, waterbuck and hippos as they enjoy the waters of the Nile. It is on this boat trip that you will fully appreciate the magnificence of the falls. Later in the day you can join us on an evening game drive when we hope to see some of the shy night animals. Second of 2 nights at Murchison Falls National Park. Paraa Safari Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

This morning we report to the park headquarters of Kibale National Park at Kanyankyu where we will be briefed by a park ranger who will accompany us as we track chimps in Kibale Forest. This is a mature hardwood forest habouring 13 species of primates and a vast variety of birds and butterflies. Kibale Forest has the highest number of primates in Africa including red, black and white Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys and baboons. Kibale has a population of more than 1,400 chimpanzees. Our forest walk provides a high possibility of seeing and hearing a large number of chimps and other primates crashing around through the trees. We should be able to get several close-up views of man’s closest cousin - the chimpanzee. Watch out also for other primates like the Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Pottos or even Bush Babies. Birdlife is also fabulous, with over 300 species recorded in the forest. After this fascinating experience we return to Fort Portal in time for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Karambi Tombs of the Toro royal family. We also visit the Royal Palace – home of the youngest monarch alive. The current king of the Batoro people was crowned when he was only 3 years old! Second of 2 nights in Fort Portal. Mountains of the Moon Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

After breakfast we leave for Queen Elizabeth National Park. As we enter the park this afternoon we enjoy game viewing of warthogs, bushbucks, buffalos, Uganda kobs, elephants, leopards and maybe the tree climbing lion which is only found here in Queen Elizabeth NP. First of 2 nights at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Mweya Safari Lodge or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Those who wish to join our pre-breakfast game drive have the opportunity to observe buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, Uganda kob, warthog, jackal, lion, and hyena and with luck the giant forest hog or even a leopard at a time of day when many animals are at their most active. After lunch we will drive to the park headquarters where we will take a 2 hour boat trip to the point where Lake Edward in the east joins Lake George in the west, forming the Kazinga Channel. We should be able to see elephants, hippos and buffaloes as well as water birds like the Greater flamingo, pink-backed pelican, papyrus canary and the martial eagle. We will most likely see plenty of crocodiles basking in the sun. Second of 2 nights at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Mweya Safari Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast we drive to Lake Katwe to see salt mining using traditional methods – a rare sight in this day and age. Later we leave English-speaking Uganda and drive to Volcanoes National Park in French-speaking Rwanda. First of 2 nights at Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla Nest Lodge or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

After a hearty breakfast we report to the park headquarters for a briefing from a park official who will address us on gorilla tracking rules. When we meet these giant apes we will spend some time watching them play, feeding and taking care of their young. Second of 2 nights at Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla Nest Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we drive to Kigali, the Rwandan capital, and then on to Akagera National Park. First of 2 nights at Akagera National Park. Akagera Game Lodge or similar. Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast we enjoy a lake circuit game drive which takes us to different lakes where we may surprise buffaloes and elephants drinking. We also hope to see rare bird species such as the Egyptian goose and fishing eagle. We enjoy a picnic lunch in the park after which we have an upland game drive as we exit the park. We will most likely view wildlife like impalas, zebras, bush bucks, water bucks, topis, Oribis, baboons, giraffes, cape elands and so many others. We also have a good chance to see golden monkeys. Second of 2 nights at Akagera National Park. Akagera Game Lodge or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

This morning we leave the park and drive to the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, for a city tour, including the Genocide Memorial at Gisozi and the National Museum for an insight into this tiny country’s turbulent history. Overnight in Kigali. Serena Kigali Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast leave Kigali and travel through rolling, green hills before crossing back into Uganda where we drive to Kabale and make our way to beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. The name of the lake means “little birds.” Here we can swim and enjoy some birding before dinner. The surrounding hills are the home of the Bakiga people who are cultivators by tradition. First of 2 nights at Lake Bunyonyi. Arcadia Cottages or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Spend the entire day enjoying this birders’ paradise. We take a canoe ride around some of the islands in this stunning area. Lake Bunyonyi is reputed to be one of the deepest lakes in Africa. There are no fish in the lake but it does contain a large population of freshwater crayfish. We also visit a local Batwa community. Second of 2 nights at Lake Bunyonyi. Arcadia Cottages or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast we drive via Mbarara town to Lake Mburo National Park. This afternoon we take a boat trip on Lake Mburo to view the vast variety of birdlife such as the Papyrus Gonolek, Brown-faced Lapwings, Caruthers’ Cisticola, the extraordinary White-winged Warbler and the Bare-faced Go-away bird. Chances are high that we will also encounter large pods of hippos and view some of the park wildlife like eland, topi, and impala taking a drink from the lake. Overnight at Mihingo Lodge or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

After breakfast we walk to the nearby salt lick. A strategically-located wooden platform offers a chance to see at least 4 different species of animals such as hyenas, leopards, jackals, buffaloes, lions, warthogs, zebras, impalas, Topis and eland at any one time as they come to lick the salty soil. Leaving Lake Mburo, we drive back to Entebbe, just outside Kampala. En-route we stop for photos on the Equator and to visit the royal drum makers. Overnight outside Kampala. Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

We have a relaxing day on the shores of Lake Victoria in preparation for our long flights home. After a late start, we visit UWEC (Entebbe Zoo.) The animals here are either orphaned or have been taken from hunters. This is a wonderful opportunity for close-up photos of the animals. We also visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This evening we transfer to Entebbe Airport and fly overnight to Europe.