An airport transfer from Entebbe to your accommodation is the beginning of the adventure. Uganda is hailed as 'Africa's friendliest country' and on arrival it will soon become obvious how true this is. Kampala is the capital of Uganda and since 1986 the constantly improving economy and relative political stability have enhanced the attractiveness of Uganda as a tourism destination.

Although officially this day is set aside for everyone to explore Kampala, most people use this day to take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island.

This non-profit eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for the orphaned chimpanzees that are the sad result of the illegal bush-meat trade. Ngamba Island is situated 23km from Entebbe (near Kampala) in Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) manages the project and as only one third of their operating costs are covered by visitors' fees. All interested parties are encouraged to join 'Friends of the Sanctuary' if they choose to.

Should the weather be unfavourable and the lake too rough for this excursion, there are many other activities available in Kampala.

Optional Activities: Ngamba Chimpanzee Excursion, Kampala Markets

Lake Bunyoni is a small but attractive lake with steep sides and abundant birdlife. Ringed by mountains, Lake Bunyoni is best known for its dense otter population and beautiful scenery. On this tour you make use of this beautiful spot to relax and spend the night before the final drive to the Gorillas.

The gorilla is one of your closest living relatives with over 95% similarity in your DNA. The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary, it is widely assumed that there are only 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work, as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, which should ensure the future of the mountain gorillas.

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited, you require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where you actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible, you choose to make use of the National Parks in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Any one of the following National Parks could be used: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Volcano National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (DRC).

The forest area that the mountain gorilla inhabits is split between 2 sections. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park forms 330 square kilometres of forest area in Uganda. The Virunga Volcano region is located on the border between DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. The Virunga Volcano region is home to the other 3 National Parks, which are Mgahinga, Volcano and Virunga, and is approximately another 300 square kilometres in size. The gorillas themselves are split into 2 divided populations.

Should you not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda, the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC. You will be informed about this beforehand. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders.

The Ugandan Wildlife Authority manages the availability and issuing of all permits to visit Uganda's gorilla populations. 6 People are permitted per trek per day and a total of 18 people can be taken in to Bwindi, while 6 people are allowed for Mgahinga. There are only 4 family groups of Gorillas that can be visited - 3 groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, (Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura) and only 1 (Nyakagezi) in Mgahinga National Park.

The Rwenzori Mountains rise majestically above Lakes Edward and George. In literature and during the explorative period of Africa these 'Mountains of the Moon' have stirred the imagination of many a prospective explorer. Many game species are to be found in this mainly wetland park including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog and the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. The 1995 square kilometres of exceptional bio-diversity contain over 600 species of birds and nearly 100 mammals. Game is best viewed from the water and you recommend a sunset river cruise on the Kasinga channel.

When looking at some maps of Uganda it is possible to become confused as several of the National Parks and lakes have changed their names more than once since independence in 1962, and not all maps have been updated. Queen Elizabeth National Park was called the Ruwenzori National Park for many years until it returned to the colonial name. Meanwhile the Ruwenzori Mountains to the north of Queen Elizabeth National Park became Ruwenzori National Park in 1991.

Optional Activities: Kasinga Channel Sunset Cruise

This afternoon you return to Kampala and you will be transferred to Entebbe for your flight.