In The Footsteps Of Uganda's Mountain Gorilla

Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, a tropical rainforest that is the natural habitat for habituated chimpanzee and 12 other primate species. Discover families of chimpanzee and red colobus monkey chattering and swinging through the ancient trees as you walk along the well-marked trails of the forest. Look above to see the towering forest giants that provide a majestic canopy for the 325 bird species. The next day, return for another guided walk and visit the Bigodi forest swamp, excellent for viewing more primates, birds and other forest animals. Ndali Lodge is perched on the rim of an extinct volcano. Since its demise, it has filled with water and has become the breathtaking Lake Nyinambuga. Ndali Lodge B L D

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park at Ishasha, pausing for a picnic lunch en route. The game densities in this remote section of the park are high - some of the largest herds of elephant anywhere in Uganda are found here. Discover prolific plains game, including topi, Uganda kob, buff alo, and hippo as well as predators. The lion population is very large here, and if you look closely you may see a very rare sight: lion that have learned to climb trees to escape the midday heat and insects. Ishasha Wilderness Camp B L D

A leisurely drive takes you up and out of the Rift Valley through the Kigezi Highlands of southwestern Uganda. The scenery is increasingly more breathtaking as you switch back up and down the hills. Your journey culminates in the mist-swathed mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp B L D

Only 700 magnificent mountain gorilla remain in the world, and you have the opportunity to track one of three habituated family groups. Multi-colored forest birds fly through the canopy as you walk through the brush, occasionally forging your own path, always anticipating an encounter. Experienced guides accompany you and use their knowledge of the gorilla's habits and information from the previous day to determine the group's whereabouts. It can take as little as half an hour or as long as all day to find a gorilla family that has been taught to tolerate the presence of humans for brief periods of time. Once the gorillas are located, you are permitted to observe them for a maximum of an hour - more than enough time to witness their behavior and the subtle social interactions that make up gorilla life. Your presence on a gorilla trek funds conservation efforts that contribute to the gorillas' continued survival in the wild. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp B L D

As you fly back to Entebbe, gaze at the huge vistas that belie Uganda's small size. Below, rolling ranchland soon gives way to dry scrub and gigantic wetlands, just before your final approach over Lake Victoria, the world's second largest freshwater lake. Once you arrive in Entebbe, transfer to your hotel for this evening's farewell dinner. Tomorrow, you have a choice of two activities. Travel by speedboat to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a program for orphaned chimpanzees run by the Jane Goodall Institute. The island in the middle of Lake Victoria is a natural tropical rainforest, but its 97 acres are not enough to provide long-term sustenance. As a result, staff members feed the chimps four times daily. You have an opportunity to observe and photograph them during the afternoon feeding. Alternatively, you may go whitewater rafting in Jinja at the point where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria and begins its journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Emin Pasha Hotel B L D

Board a homebound flight. B