Africa Encompassed

Day 1: Cape Town

Today is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. Accommodation for the duration of the tour is based on twin share, so you will also meet your 'room mate' today. Those who have booked a single room for their pre accommodation will no be transferred to a twin room. A pre-departure meeting will take place 6pm at the hotel. You may choose to eat at the hotel restaurant this evening or venture out to one of the many fine restaurants that Kigali has to offer (own expense). It is vital to re confirm any flights in to Rwanda. These schedules change regularly and often by more than a few hours. These must be checked to save any problems with your arrival.

Day 2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederburg

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) This morning we depart the heart of Cape Town for a short drive to Langa Township. In 1923 the Urban Areas Act was passed forcing black Africans to live in set locations. Langa, the first planned township to be created in the Cape Town region, was radically different to others in that it was planned to allow for maximum visibility of its residents by authorities, thereby enabling better scrutiny and greater control. We tour the township on foot and visit a variety of community projects, including a pottery/metalwork initiative that gives students skills and qualifications to enable them to find work and set up small businesses. We also see a condom manufacturer who has set up free HIV testings and condoms and AIDS awareness programs, in an effort to tackle the HIV issue on a local level. Other places visited include a beading workshop, a small apartheid museum and migrant labourers' quarters, which house up to three families per room. All these give us incredible insights into modern black township living that so many of South Africa's people still endure on a daily basis. To complete this amazing experience we enjoy lunch in the township and also have the opportunity to purchase locally-made arts and crafts, where 10% of all proceeds are reinvested back in the community. Leaving the township we head north to the Cederberg Region to set up for our first night of camping. We camp at either Ceres or Clanwillian, depending on the season.

Day 3: Gariep (Orange) River

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Travelling north, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged. After stopping for supplies at the mining town of Springbok we wind our way across a mountainous plateau to reach the Gariep River, which marks the border between Namibia and South Africa. Our campsite is situated on the banks of this river, on the South African side, where we enjoy great views across to Namibia.

Day 4: Fish River Canyon

(Driving time: approx 2½ hours not including time at border) This morning we have the option to take a canoe trip on the river and experience the harsh and arid scenery of the region. After lunch we cross the border into Namibia and travel to our campsite at Fish River Canyon. In a country of scenic superlatives, this canyon is perhaps the 'jewel in the crown'. Nearly 30 kilometres across and 160 kilometres in length, it is reportedly the second largest (and one of the least visited) canyon in the world. We walk along the rim and, in the late afternoon, watch the canyon walls change colour, as they are tinged with golden rays from the setting sun.

Day 5-6: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park

(Driving time: approx 7 hours on Day 5 and approx 3 hours on Day 6) Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert is probably the oldest desert on the face of this planet. The scenery in this harsh and primaeval area is spectacular to the extreme. We have a full day to explore the highest sand dunes in the world - some of which rise to an unbelievable 300 metres above the surrounding terrain. The effects of sunlight and the atmosphere combine to create a myriad of shades and hues on the sand dunes, so that the entire area seems to change complexion throughout the course of the day. Whilst in Namib-Naukluft National Park we watch the sunrise from the dune fields and then climb up one of these 'sand mountains' (hard work, but great fun) to watch the sunset. We also walk through this incredible landscape of dunes and shifting ridgelines and visit Sesriem Canyon. We have an option to take a walk from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, accompanied by our local guide. This specialist guide will give us an incredible insight into the geography and wildlife of the region, as well explain the unique lifestyle of the indigenous bushmen.

Day 7-8: Swakopmund

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving behind the beauty of the dunes we journey through canyons as we continue our way through the Namib Desert. This desert stretches 100 kilometres inland along the 2000 kilometre long Namibian coastline and provides a unique buffer between the harsh Atlantic coastline and the arid interior. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered since Cape Town. Our bungalow accommodation in Swakopmund will provide a welcome break from camping. There is a first-rate museum and aquarium to visit and there are also a number of optional activities, such as dune boarding and quad biking. Lunch is included on our drive to Swakopmund, but only breakfast is provided during our two-night stay in town. Some of the full-day activities include lunch, and there are many inexpensive cafes, restaurants and bars around town.

Day 9: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Driving north from Swakopmund we reach Cape Cross, where we witness the largest seal colony in Africa as a multitude of Cape fur seals bask in the sun on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is literally quite an experience for all the senses, including that of smell! Leaving behind the coast and the Namib Desert we reach our community campsite at Spitzkoppe. The 1728 metre high granite Spitzkoppe is remnants of an ancient volcano. Its distinctive shape has led to it being commonly referred to as The Matterhorn of Africa. One optional activity is a guided walk to Bushman's Paradise, but you are also free to spend time on your own exploring this beautiful area on foot. Spitzkoppe has long been of spiritual importance to the bushmen and an evening spent under a million stars will surely be one that etches itself into your memory.

Day 10-12: Etosha National Park - Bushmanland

(Driving time: approx 6 hours on Day 10 and 5½ hours on Day 12; game park drives variable) Leaving Spitzkoppe we travel past Namibia's largest mountain (Brandberg, measuring 2573 metres) on our way through a beautiful region known as Damaraland en route to Etosha National Park. Etosha is the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and one of the most impressive national parks in Africa, especially in the dry season. The pan is a vast shallow depression 139 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide and a number of permanent springs are located along its southern edge. We spend our time exploring the park on morning and afternoon game drives, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan, observing zebra, oryx, elephant and rhino. We may also find time for a swim in the heat of the day. It is a magical place and, for many people, the highlight of the trip. One night is spent in the Omatako Valley. Here we enjoy an evening of traditional dance and music with the San (Bushmen) people. There are also many optional activities here included guided walks, tracking skills and gathering bush foods and medicines.

Day 13: Rundu

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we leave Etosha and head north to Rundu, where we camp for a night. Here we visit the local school and church, as well as the woodcarvers of the Kavango tribe (time permitting). Whilst Gecko's donates money to the school you are welcome to bring donations of school equipment, such as pens and pencils etc to give to the school, which is then distributed to the children as required.

Day 14: Sepupa

(Driving time: approx 5 hours not including time at border) Leaving Rundu we head east parallel to the Kavango River, which forms a natural as well as political border between Namibia and Angola. After crossing into Botswana, we set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River and make preparations for our following day's delta excursion to the sounds of the hippos resting in the river.

Day 15-17: Okavango Delta - Katimo Mulilo

(Driving time: approx 5½ hours on Day 17 not including time at border) No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness of the Okavango Delta. Over the next two days we explore our surroundings on land and on the water. The real attraction here is the experience of travelling by mokoro (local dug-out canoe) and seeing how the people and animals share the wilderness, living as they have for hundreds of years. If we are lucky we may also have the bonus of seeing various antelopes and other animals in the area. We spend one night camping in the wild under the stars of the southern skies and experience the full majesty of the area, whilst the other night is spent on a houseboat on the waterways in the delta. A powerboat ride through the upper channels is a real highlight, as is the opportunity to take a walk though the village of the local Setswana people. On the third day we make our way back to Sepupa, cross back into Namibia and travel along part of the Caprivi Strip to reach Katimo Mulilo. For the two nights in the Okavango Delta you need to pack clothing and other personal items into a smaller overnight bag, as space is limited. There will be no access to showers and you will be away from the safari vehicle.

Day 18: Chobe National Park - Kasane

(Driving time: approx 1½ hours not including time at border) This morning we continue east along the Caprivi Strip before crossing back into Botswana. From the border we transit through a large part of the Chobe National Park en route to Kasane - our base for the next two nights.

Day 19: Chobe National Park

(Game drive times variable) This morning we head into the park with our local leaders, travelling in open 4WD vehicles. Known throughout the world as Africa's greatest elephant sanctuary, Chobe National Park is also home to a wide variety of other animals including Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo and many different species of antelope. In the afternoon we take a magical sunset boat trip along the Chobe River and watch elephant and other animals as they come down to drink - a great way to end our day! Tonight we have the option to rest at a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park. (own expense)

Day 20-22: Livingstone (Zambia)

(Driving time: approx 1½ hours not including time at border) We exit Botswana and take a short ferry ride across to the Zambian border, where we complete immigration formalities. Upon arrival in Livingstone we set up camp at our site located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River. Here your tour leader can assist you in arranging some of the many optional activities that are available in the area. There is much to choose from, including whitewater rafting, elephant riding safaris and game drives. In addition there is also time to view the falls themselves and explore the craft markets, as well as the town of Livingstone. No trip to southern Africa is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls and nothing quite prepares you for the awesome power of this natural phenomenon. At its peak, it is estimated that 5 million cubic metres of water pass over the cataracts every minute! Your tour leader will be on hand to assist you in arranging any optional activities.

Day 23-24: Lusaka - Chipata

(Driving times: approx 7 hours on Day 23 and 8 hours plus on Day 24) We leave Livingstone and travel to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia). Lusaka actually replaced Livingstone as capital of the then-colony in 1935. It is a cosmopolitan city with a population of just over a million people. After our overnight stop here we continue to Chipata, a good place to stock up on our supplies before heading out into the wilderness. There is a supermarket here and also a few places to change money. There is also an impressive mosque in town (entry is restricted to Muslims) and a collection of shops and markets. A popular buy is 'chitenje', which is a colourful traditional cloth wraparound similar to a sarong.

Day 25-26: South Luangwa National Park

(Driving time: approx 4 hours; game drive times variable) Our next stop is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa - South Luangwa National Park. Covering an area of 9050 square kilometres, it is home to an amazing concentration of wildlife. Its terrain includes dry shrublands, mopane forests and oxbow lakes, but the main feature is the Luangwa River. As we enter the park we cross the Luangwa River and will be immediately astounded by the incredible numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Our two nights here are spent camping at the Flat Dogs campsite and we enjoy two game drives (one morning and one evening) in open 4WD vehicles in search of wildlife. If we are very lucky, we may even see leopard. This park is off-the-beaten-track, so we are some of the privileged few as not many travellers get to explore this hidden 'gem'. One day that will change!

Day 27: Chipata

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) After our wildlife sojourn, we return to Chipata for an overnight stay. This is again a chance to replenish our supplies, change money, perhaps send some postcards and enjoy our last night in Zambia before continuing our overland journey the next day to nearby Malawi.

Day 28-29: Senga Bay (Lake Malawi)

(Driving times: approx 5 hours on Day 28 and 5 hours on Day 29) We leave Zambia and cross into Malawi, a hilly country with the picturesque Lake Malawi dominating its eastern flank. Previously known as Lake Nyasa, this lake is the southernmost part of the Great Rift Valley and is the third largest as well as the second deepest in Africa. It is also home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world. We stop for our first two nights in Senga Bay, a relaxing spot and a good place to partake in a range of optional watersports activities. There is also a large curio market here where we can test our bargaining skills (essential!) and buy some of the famous Malawi chairs and other wood carvings. A short walk out of town to Mpatsanjoka Dambo may enable us to see hippos as well as some of the numerous waterbirds.

Day 30-31: Chintheche - Chitimba (Lake Malawi)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Chintheche is situated in the northern half of Lake Malawi, about 40 kilometres south of Nkhata Bay. A windy road takes us there and on the way we can see rubber plantations and blue monkeys are often sighted on the side of the road. The town has a number of shops and there are many optional activities available here, including wind surfing, sailing, mountain biking and horse riding. We also have the option to visit a local village community and school during our time here to gain an insight into Malawian daily life. Located on the edge of Lake Malawi is the chilled out town of Chitimba where we will spend our second night in this reigon.

Day 32: Iringa

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) We leave Malawi and enter Tanzania before continuing to Iringa, where we camp at an old farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in the southern highlands. This campsite was voted as having the best showers in all of Africa! The area is fertile and hilly and is known for its vast tea estates and banana plantations.

Day 33: Baobab Valley - Dar es Salaam

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) On our way towards the coast we stop at Baobab Valley, where we get to take photos of these unique trees which grow to more than 1000 years old! We then continue to Dar es Salaam, the former capital of Tanzania before the capital was officially moved to Dodoma in 1996. With over 2.5 million people, it is still the country's largest city and main administrative centre. We spend a night here - a chance to experience a large African city before catching the following morning's ferry to Zanzibar.

Day 34: Stone Town (Zanzibar)

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We say goodbye to our overland vehicle for four days and catch a ferry for the 1½ hour crossing to the famous spice island of Zanzibar, where we spend our first night in the evocative and historic Stone Town. In Stone Town allow yourself time to wander through the many cobbled laneways, take in the architecture and appreciate the famous Zanzibar doors. The market is a sea of colour and noise and offers a great insight into the lives of the friendly local people. An optional Spice Tour starts with a brief tour of the historical sights in Stone Town, before visiting the Slave Museum, the ruins of the Sultan's Palace and then travelling inland to the famous spice plantations. Here you learn about the many spices and fruits grown on the island, as well as their medicinal and culinary uses. A traditional lunch caps of this great half-day tour. Another great option in Stone Town is getting out to Prison Island. A local motorised dhow is hired and you are taken to the nearby Prison Island, where you enjoy excellent views back to Stone Town. On the island you can swim and snorkel (which you cannot do in Stone Town itself), as well as observe the giant tortoises that inhabit this island. Stone Town also offers great shopping and eating opportunities. Craft markets sprawl out of doorways and down alleyways. Wooden products, paintings and soapstone carvings are just some of the wares on sale. There are many little restaurants that are worth a try and the Night Market offers a great (and cheap) dining experience - the Zanzibari pizzas are quite unique and the banana and chocolate pizza is a real treat. With satellite links and air-conditioned internet cafes that stay open late into the night, there is no reason for not catching up with news from home via email.

Day 35-37: Nungwi (Zanzibar)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) The next three days are spent on the idyllic north coast at the beachside village of Nungwi. This is located at the northern tip of the island and is a major place for construction of dhows (traditional Arabic sailing vessels). Here we also experience white sandy beaches and a warm tropical sea, making it a great place to chill out and relax. Our days in paradise are sure to prove a most welcomed break in the midst of our long overland adventure.

Day 38-39: Dar es Salaam - Pangani

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours; driving time: approx 8 hours) We catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland, where we are reunited with our truck. We then journey north to Pangani. Our camp is located near the village Mombo at the foot of the Usambara Mountains. From the camp-site we have a spectacular view of the mountains.

Day 40-41: Arusha - Mto Wa Mbu

(Driving time: approx 5 hours on Day 40 and 2 hours on Day 41) Arusha, also known as the Safari Capital of Tanzania, throbs with activity and you can expect to see several safaris heading off - or returning after a week in the bush. Here, we set up on the outskirts of the town. Our campsite is located at Meserani Snake Park & Masai Museum. The Snake Park is home to a variety of snakes common to east Africa, from the black mamba to the African python, as well as monitor lizards, tortoises and crocodiles. The adjoining Masai Museum centres around the culture, customs and dress of the Masai tribes. The Meserani project works closely with the local community, providing antidote treatment for snake bites and other basic health service, free of charge, to the local Masai communities. This afternoon we take a leisurely drive to the colourful and vibrant market town of Mto Wa Mbu. The town has a great curio market, as well as a fresh produce market. Alternatively you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the campsite.

Day 42: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) Taking a break from our overland vehicle once more, and bidding farewell to our driver and cook for the next three days, we transfer into 4WD vehicles for our expedition into Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Serengeti National Park. Departing Mto Wa Mbu, we stop on the top of the Rift Valley escarpment for an incredible view out over Lake Manyara before continuing westward to our next destination. At the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the crater, which is a volcanic caldera some 20 kilometres wide that contains an abundance of wildlife and bird life. Ngorongoro is often referred to as a microcosm of Africa, with forest and grasslands, as well as freshwater and soda lakes. We transfer into Land Rovers and head down to the crater floor, where we spend the morning exploring this outstanding wildlife sanctuary. The crater is home to several black rhinos and, with luck, we may have the opportunity to seeing some of these highly endangered animal. (National park regulations stipulate that vehicles are only allowed a maximum of six hours in Ngorongoro Crater.) After an exciting visit to the crater we continue the great plains of the Serengeti. These massive grasslands seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, and even beyond! Over a million wildebeest roam through the park, along with a multitude of antelope species and significant populations of lion and cheetah. We spend two days exploring the plains on game drives as well as checking out the rocky outcrops, or 'kopjes', which are a favourite resting spot for the predators. We spend two nights camping inside the park - perfectly situated for the opportunity to hear the night time serenade of the African savannah. Please note that the campsites in Serengeti National Park are national park campsites and have no shower facilities. These are the only public campsites available and the facilities are basic in the extreme. There are no fences surrounding the campsites and wildlife is free to roam at leisure. The toilets are pit toilets and are not cleaned regularly. You will need to purchase bottled water at your own expense for this part of the tour. However the opportunity to camp in the middle of the Serengeti Plains is a real highlight and an experience that you are unlikely to forget.

Day 43: Serengeti National Park

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus - game drive times variable) Home to massive numbers of grazing animals and also various predators, Serengeti National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Today we will start around sunrise for a morning game drive and follow that up later on with an afternoon game drive, as the animals tend to be more active in the cooler hours of the day. We will usually return to camp during the hotter hours in the middle of the day, where we get to enjoy a hearty meal, relax and maybe take a siesta. Depending on wildlife movements and opportunities for sightings, our drive could sometimes be a continuous one that last all day and involves returning to camp in the late afternoon.

Day 44-45: Arusha - Nairobi

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus on both days) We enjoy an early morning game drive, before heading back to break down camp. We then traverse the southern part of Serengeti National Park, before heading back to our Arusha campsite where we are reunited with our overland vehicle, driver and cook. A last evening in Tanzania presents an opportunity to go check our some of the bars and pubs of Arusha. The Aussie-owned jazz bar called Stiggy's is a particular treat! The morning sees us traverse the 'wildlife corridor' between Arusha and Nairobi. At Namanga border post, we cross into our fourth and final country, Kenya.

Day 46: Nairobi

We spend a day in the cosmopolitan capital of Nairobi. Here we have free time to make optional visits to some of its fine attractions. The Karen Blixen Museum is located in the home of the Danish writer who wrote an autobiography was turned into an award-winning film, 'Out of Africa'. The Langata Giraffe Centre enables you to feed endangered Rothschild's Giraffe. The National Museum tells the Kenyan story. You may choose to eat at the hotel restaurant this evening or venture out to one of the many fine restaurants that Nairobi has to offer. The famous restaurant Carnivore is certainly a place of pilgrimage for all meat-lovers! (own expense).

Day 47-48: Masai Mara National Reserve

(Driving time: approx 7 hours; game drive times variable) Leaving Nairobi we travel down into the Great Rift Valley and the Masai Mara region, where we spend two nights and enjoy a full day's safari. As dusk falls we may see a variety of animals in the vicinity and listen to the sounds of the African night from our camp. We explore the park on morning and afternoon game drives and witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabit this area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful and, with luck, we may spot lion or cheetah keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephant, giraffe and eland are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. Whilst in the region, we also have the time to experience some of the Masai culture and you may choose to take an optional visit to a local village, where you may experience the dancing and singing for which the Masai are renowned.

Day 49: Lake Naivasha

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) This morning we depart the Masai Mara and head to the nearby freshwater Lake Naivasha, where we set up camp on the banks of the lake. Tonight we can fall asleep to the sound of grunting hippos! This afternoon is at leisure to take in one of the optional activities of the area. You may choose to visit Elsamere, the former home of writer Joy Adamson of 'Born Free' fame, and learn about her life and work, before enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea. Alternatively you can take a cycling tour into Hell's Gate National Park, to try game viewing on two wheels! Another great option is a nature walk in Crescent Island Sanctuary to see just how close you can get to the resident animals such as giraffe, zebra and wildebeest, on foot. Please note that these activities will be offered if time permits. Time may be reduced according to road conditions and hours of daylight (season).

Day 50: Lake Naivasha - East Africa Mission Orphanage

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we have time for another optional activity in Lake Naivasha before lunch. We then travel to the town of Nakuru to stock up on supplies before reaching the East Africa Mission Orphanage, where we 'bush camp' on its farmland. There are only be basic facilities here (pit toilets and no showers), but the cause is certainly an exceptional one! This afternoon we will be able to meet the children and this evening we share dinner with them at the orphanage. They love to practice their English skills and also are excited to know more about the world - be warned they will have lots of questions for you over dinner! The East Africa Mission Orphanage looks after more than 100 children ranging in age from just a few days old to 15 years of age. The complete needs of the children, including full school education, are provided for by the orphanage. This orphanage is actually the result of the dream of one family, who arrived in Kenya in 1997 with nothing more than two suitcases each. It is a charitable institution, registered with the Kenyan Government for the purposes of caring for the thousands of homeless orphans, who would end up either dying a premature death through malnutrition, walking the streets in search of food or turning to prostitution as a means of survival. The orphanage is taking up the challenge to reach out to these children before they have to fend for themselves out in the streets. We are proud to help support the efforts of this family and their incredible orphanage, and is excited to be able to take clients right into the orphanage itself!

Day 51: Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage

(Game drive times variable) This morning we travel to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park for a full day of game driving. Lake Nakuru is particularly noted for its populations of white and black rhino, Cape buffalo and the elusive leopard. Many other animals abound here including the Masai giraffe, which is often sighted quite close to the many roads in the park. Lake Nakuru is one of several soda lakes in the Rift Valley. Rich in algae, it attracts large quantities of flamingos and at times the surface of the lake resembles a moving carpet of pink feathers. In the evening we return to our camp in the orphanage.

Day 52: East Africa Mission Orphanage School - Kericho

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we spend time with the children of the orphanage in their classrooms. We get to sit in on class with the children and join some of them in their lessons. The children are taught by paid, qualified local teachers, according to the curriculum of the Kenyan school system. However they also receive the additional benefit of having all their classes conducted in both English and Swahili, which assists them to learn English fluently. After packing up camp, we bid farewell to the children of the orphanage and head up to the western highlands, which is the agricultural heartland of Kenya. Vast tea plantations cover the region around Kericho and our campsite is located in the midst of an actual plantation. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to learn more about the tea industry in Kenya and how the crop is cultivated.

Day 53-54: Jinja (Nile River)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) A long drive of 350 kilometres takes us from the Kenyan Highlands to the Ugandan Riverina. Leaving Kericho we cross the equator into the northern hemisphere before passing through Kisumu and getting our first sighting of Lake Victoria. From there the road continues onto Busia border post - one of the busiest in east Africa. We then continue past lush banana and tea plantations before reaching Jinja, located at the point where Lake Victoria empties into the Victoria Nile, which merges with the Albert Nile to later become the White Nile River. John Hanning Speke proclaimed Jinja to be the source of the Nile in 1858, but this was disproved in 2004 and the true source of the Nile is now accepted to be a small stream in Nungwe, Rwanda. We spend two nights camped at Bujagali Falls, on the banks of the river. This is a spectacular spot, situated on a section with raging rapids, forested islands and an abundance of bird life. These falls have become east Africa's adventure centre and we can be enticed by optional activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, horse riding and quad biking.

Day 55: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Entebbe

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) We leave the Nile River and retrace our path to Lake Victoria before circling part way around the lake to Entebbe. At Entebbe we travel by boat to Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria, where we visit a chimpanzee sanctuary. Covered by rainforest, this island is home to 39 orphaned chimpanzees and here we have the opportunity to observe these cheeky primates close to their natural habitat. We suggest you arrange a packed lunch from your hotel the night before, as only drinks and dry snacks only are available on the island. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and swimming gear. After leaving Ngamba Island we head on to our campground at Entebbe.

Day 56-57: Queen Elizabeth National Park

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) From Entebbe we journey on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a stunning reserve that covers almost 2000 square kilometres and includes an array of habitats. On arrival we embark on an afternoon game drive in search of some of the 100 different types of mammals and over 600 different species of birds that have been identified in the park. This national park certainly has one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world! We spend two nights camped in the Mweya area, located on the edge of the Kazinga Channel. The following morning is spent game driving, whilst our afternoon is set aside for enjoying a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Whilst rhino, giraffe, zebra and impala are not encountered here, the other main species are all present along with some rare ones such as Ugandan kob, sitatunga, giant forest hog and topi. The afternoon's boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is a highlight for all, but especially so for birdwatchers. Many species can be sighted including the bizarre looking shoebill (or whale-headed) stork, which stands over one metre in height! The Kazinga Channel is said to contain the world's largest concentration of hippoptamuses, but interestingly not many crocodiles!

Day 58: Ruhengeri

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) This morning we leave Queen Elizabeth National Park for the long drive to Rwanda. Our drive to Kabale reveal glimpses of rural Ugandan life and we are sure to be greeted by many 'waves' from the children on the roadsides along the way. The drive from Kabale to Kisoro is only 80 kilometres, but takes about three hours as we have to negotiate two mountain passes. From Kisoro we reach the border and cross into Rwanda, the 'Land of 10,000 Hills'. After completing immigration formalities we enter a new world, switching to driving on the right hand side of the road and hearing French being spoken, as it is the predominant language in Rwanda. Travelling to our campsite we catch glimpses of the endless mountain ranges and enjoy breathtaking views, which the country is renowned for. We spend the next two nights on the outskirts of Ruhengeri.

Day 59: Parc National des Volcans (Gorilla Trek) - Ruhengeri

This morning we check in at the headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans for our gorilla trek. The Parc National des Volcans cover an area where a chain of volcanoes link to form a natural border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bamboo and rainforest covers the slopes of the park, providing the perfect sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. After a brief safety talk we set off with our guide in search of these magnificent apes. Our guide is fluent in English and will pass on information to us that will ensure we understand more about the gorillas and how they live. The gorilla families may either be close or further afield and they may also be on the move, whilst we are trekking. Be prepared for what can be a long and tough climb in damp and humid conditions, and our guides may have to use their machetes to cut paths for us to pass through. We are likely to get within metres of the family we are tracking and will be able to spend an hour observing these magnificent primates. Please note that gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases and you should advise your guide if you are suffering from a cold or anything similar. It would be irresponsible to risk the health of even one of the last 700 remaining mountain gorillas that are still living in their natural habitat. Returning to base we travel back to our campsite, where we have the chance to relive the events of the day over a well-earned meal.

Day 60: Kigali

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Leaving Ruhengeri we begin our two hour drive through verdant, rolling hills of Rwanda as we travel south-east to the capital, Kigali. Our final activity is a visit to the Genocide Memorial, recently opened in 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Whilst this disaster occurred as a result of a complex series of factors, it can only be seen as an absolute tragedy to Rwanda and its people. Time spent at this memorial will be an emotionally moving and important way to understand the sheer courage and resilience of people of this beautiful, tiny nation. Our tour comes to an end after our visit to the memorial. Please note that accommodation for tonight is not included, but can be booked separately If you are flying out of Kigali today, you should not book your flight to depart prior to 1.45pm. It is also vital to re confirm any flights out of Rwanda. These schedules change regularly and often by more than a few hours. These must be checked to save any problems with your departure. Transfers to Kigali Airport are also available at additional cost.

Tour Grade: Active

These trips involve some activity and occasional hard travelling days. Accommodation can sometimes be quite basic. Physical preparation is important and a flexible, open-minded approach is essential. On treks you may be hiking up to six hours a day through steep terrain, sometimes at altitude, and a good level of physical fitness is required.