The Pearl of Africa

Day 1. Depart for Entebbe via Nairobi

Day 2. Lake Mburo National Park, 1-night [B, L, D]

Lake Mburo is a relatively small, but attractive park, comprising rolling hills, flat bush and grasslands, and a large papyrus-fringed lake where Shoebills occur but are seldom seen. Mburo is an extension of the Tanzanian plains with big herds of zebra, impala, Eland and other ungulates. The park has 68 species of mammals in total, such as Oribi, Burchell's Zebra, Impala and Bohor Reedbuck. Rarer, but present, are Roan Antelope, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and jackals. The park also has a good range of birds, with African Finfoot and Papyrus Bushshrike among the regular sightings.

Day 3. Bwindi, 2-nights [B, L, D]

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in south-western Uganda is one of Africa's most extensive belts of primary montane forest. Its exceptional altitudinal variation (rising and falling from deep river gorges and low hills at 1,200 metres to high forested ridges at 2,800 metres) ensures a unique range of flora and fauna, in particular birds and primates. Mountain Gorillas are undoubtedly the prime attraction. Over 300 (half of the world's population) live in the park, and two of the family groups living close to the park headquarters at Buhoma have now been successfully habituated to allow human approach. Each day, 10 visitors, split into two parties, are allowed access to these gorillas for up to an hour's viewing - often in exceptionally dense cover.

In addition L'Hoest's Monkey is a speciality of the lower level forest and the rare Golden Monkey is occasionally encountered at higher elevations. Like all rainforest inhabitants, these mammals and all of the birds are very difficult to see, and birdwatching in such an environment requires stealth and patience. Amongst the species you may hope to see are African Goshawk, Augur Buzzard, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo plus a selection of woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers and sunbirds.

Bwindi Lodge is a newly built eco-lodge overlooking the primeval forest. Amidst the many noises of forest life, it is the perfect place to experience the magic of this wild place. It has eight spacious wooden cottages all with ensuite facilities. It is an hour's flight from Entebbe, a long day's drive from Kampala or six hours' drive from Kigali.

Day 5. QE2 National Park, 2-nights [B, L, D]

Near to Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kyambura Gorge, where dense tropical forest harbours a large family of habituated Chimpanzees, Red-tailed, and Black and White Colobus Monkeys and a good selection of forest birds, including Black Bee-eater - a 'special' bird to see for those with a keen interest in birding! Walks through the forest here will often come across the fast moving, noisy and elusive Chimpanzees as they swing through the canopy above. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable, but the walk is always enchanting.

Day 7. Semliki Wildlife Reserve, 3-nights [B, L, D]

The 500 square kilometre Semliki Valley Reserve is set in the basin of the Western Rift Valley. Its diverse range of habitats of riverine forest, woodland and savannah, results in Chimpanzees co-existing with Elephants, Lions, Cape Buffalo and Leopard. In fact, Semliki which is quite unique, is the oldest protected area in Uganda - the savannah is criss-crossed by shining river valleys, and the escarpment, the edge of the Western Rift Valley, plunges into Lake Albert. The area is rich in birdlife too with some 400 recorded species and includes such specialities as Shoebills, Carmine Bee-eaters, Scops, and Pearl-spotted Owls.

The only accommodation in the park is the luxurious Semliki Safari Lodge. This small private tented lodge is nestled on the crest of the Wasa River valley. Staying at the lodge you will have the opportunity to enjoy both day, and night game drives, go Chimpanzee tracking at dawn and dusk, and explore Lake Albert by boat. Each en-suite tent has a private veranda with a stunning panoramic view.

Day 10. Kampala, 1-night [B]

Day 11. Depart for the UK via Nairobi [B]

Day 12. Arrive home