A Dozen Days with Gorillas, Lions boat trips and more.

This is an example of a tailored trip which includes not only Gorilla tracking, but tree climbing lions and golden monkeys too.

Day 1

On arrival at Entebbe Airport you’ll be welcomed by your safari guide. A short briefing on the great African adventure before you you will set off on the southbound road around mid morning. On the way you’ll have the chance to see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator, and even barter at the roadside markets. After you descent into the Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will arrive at either Mweya or Jacana lodge where you will start full board for three nights.

Day 2

In the crisp early morning you can enjoy a game drive to seek out wildlife, before returning to the lodge to shade from the heat of the day and then you will head out once more on an evening game drive. The game here is very seasonal, the Kasenyi plains are home to tree climbing lion and the Mweya peninsula offers a dense variety of animals.

Day 3

This morning you might like to enjoy an excursion to the Kyambura Gorge to track the fast and elusive chimpanzees, one of our closest relations. The chimp population unpredictable and although sightings can’t be guaranteed your guides are most likely to find them and the walk is enchanting. Alternatively you might like to take a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. After lunch enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink.

Day 4

This morning you will transfer to Bwindi Lodge via Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You can either journey through Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lions or drive through the cultivated expanses before arriving at Bwindi Lodge where you will stay for three nights full board.

Day 5

This morning you’ll head out to see the gorillas with your gorilla tracking guide. Your walk up the steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is well worth the effort as watching these knowing mammals is amazing. An inspiring moment! Hiking like this in Bwindi requires some stamina as it can take most of the day, and although the trek isn’t always steep, it is arduous so a degree of physical fitness is best.

Day 6

Today you have the option to go gorilla tracking again or you can go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys, for a stroll around the Lodge or for a community walk.

Day 7

This morning you’ll leave for Mgahinga. You may have the opportunity to make a brief stop at the Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and the beautiful terraced hills, before you arrive at Mount Gahinga Lodge where you will stay for two nights on full board.

Day 8

Another day of gorilla tracking is an option but this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo or for a little more exertion you can climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, or go for a leisurely nature walk or visit golden monkeys in Mgahinga.

Day 9

Either relax or walk near the Lodge before transferring to Rwanda after lunch. In Rwanda you will transfer to Virunga Lodges where you stay for three nights full board.

Day 10

This morning you will head out on safari to track the gorillas with your guide in Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest slopes of the Virungas is a completely magical experience. Ideally you would want to reach the gorillas and spend an hour with them and return in time for lunch. However sometimes these primates are elusive and gorilla tracking can take a whole day especially if the slopes are wet and muddy. Once you reach them though your effort is a distant memory.

Day 11

Today you have the option to go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans or to visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera.

Day 12

In the morning after breakfast you will leave for Kigali. If time permits you may enjoy a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the genocide memorial after which you will transfer to the airport.

This itinerary is available from £ 4,281 per person sharing a twin room, it is full board and includes all land transfers, guiding chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit (more can be requested at time of booking). The itinerary excludes international airfares and taxes which can be booked directly with Opulent Africa.