Africa Encompassed Northbound

Day 1: Cape Town

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every other corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, Cape Town is a very easy city to spend some extra time in. 

Days 2-3: Western Cape/Orange River

Leaving Cape Town behind, travel up the Western Cape and spend the night on a working farm (290 km, approx 8 hrs). Pass through Namaqualand, famous for its wildflowers that spring up from the end of July to mid-September. Flowers like daisies, gazanias and cinerarias are the most popular. Arrive at the beautiful Orange River, the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. It takes about an hour to exit South Africa and enter Namibia, and we then head for our camp on the banks of the river (540 km, approx 9 hrs). Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg mountain range in Lesotho and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa. The Orange River is responsible for transporting diamonds and creating the deposits that can be found along the Namibian coast. 

Day 4: Fish River Canyon

This morning there's a chance for an optional canoe adventure on the beautiful Orange River - a great way to discover the beauty of this region. Head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon (270 km, approx 4-5 hrs). At 500 metres deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. There are remarkable photographic opportunities here. Tonight's camp has showers and flush toilets. 

Days 5-6: Sesriem/Bush Camp

This is a long driving day towards the fabled dunes of Namibia (520 km, approx 10 hrs). Wake before dawn and scramble to the top of these dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes are just incredible and provide a spectacular setting for our brunch. The most famous part of the Namib Desert is its vast dune fields, the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon. This canyon was formed when the Tsauchab River carved a gorge 30 metres into the gravel deposits about 15 million years ago. It's thought that this river once flowed to the Atlantic Ocean but its course was blocked by the encroaching sand dunes. Now the river flows out to the dune fields that stretch for hundreds of miles up the coast, and dries up in a clay pan at Sossusvlei. The dunes are stunning, with magnificent red/orange tones from the brightly coloured sands. They are the highest in the world and home to a plethora of animal life. Jump in the back of a pickup truck for a trip to Sossusvlei (approx 30 minutes each way). Here you'll experience the hidden and amazing mysteries this area contains. 

Days 7-9: Swakopmund

Continue on to the town of Swakopmund (360 km, approx 9 hrs). Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an example of the extraordinary German culture that's found in all major settlements in Namibia. It's worth wandering around the town to admire the beauty of the Germanic architecture and take advantage of some excellent souvenir shopping. We have plenty of time here to go dune-bashing by quad bike, sand boarding or even skydiving over the town and surrounding desert. Here you can spend lively evenings in the town's many good restaurants and fun bars. Our accommodation here is in bungalows. These accommodate 6 people each and share bathroom facilities. 

Day 10: Spitzkoppe

Travel to Spitzkoppe (290 km, approx 6 hrs). Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the eerie Atlantic Coast. Visit one of the most stunning areas of Namibia, the wild lands around the mountain of Spitzkoppe - 'the Matterhorn of Namibia'. The mountain, which is 700 million years old, is 1987 metres (5857 ft) high. Although you shouldn't attempt climbing to the top, there are some excellent hikes and guided walks throughout the area, rich in plant life and with some amazing bush paintings. This is a place to get away from it all and to appreciate the stunning harsh beauty of this sparsely populated country. Bush camp for the night in the midst of this remote region and have the chance to witness the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises as the landscape takes on remarkable oranges and reds. 

Days 11-12: Etosha National Park

Travel to Etosha National Park (480km, approx 9 hrs). Etosha National Park is home to a wide range of Southern Africa's wildlife, including all the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The wildlife is prolific and Etosha has every right to proclaim itself as one of the world's pre-eminent wildlife areas. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores. We stay at two different campsites in the park - Namutoni and Okaukuejo. Okaukuejo Camp is particularly spectacular as it overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night. 

Day 13: Grootfontein/San Bushmen

Travel to Grootfontein and spend the night near a Bushmen homestead (315 km, approx 6 hrs). Take the opportunity to go out tracking and gathering with the San Bushmen. Spend some time with them and listen to the stories and songs of these fascinating people, presented in their unique "clicking language". The Bushmen are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia having inhabited Southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 San live in Namibia, but only 2,000 of them still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and ecology, living in harmony with their environment. Our bush camp tonight is very basic - drop toilets and no showers. 

Days 14-15: Rundu/Bagani Community Camp

Head north on a straight drive to the town of Rundu (285 km, approx 5 hrs). Leaving Rundu behind, drive to Bagani where we spend the night (340 km, approx. 6-7 hrs). 

Days 16-17: Okavango Delta

Drive across the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle (the narrowest part of the delta) to Seronga, where we leave our vehicle and join our transport for the journey into the delta (140 km, approx 4 hrs). Formed by the Okavango River as it flows from the highlands of Angola down to a basin on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta is unlike anything else in the world. The river has no outlet from the desert and spreads out into thousands of small streams to form a wilderness that is totally unspoilt. The 16,000 sq km maze of wetlands is a wonderland of clear meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with a diversity of flora and fauna that includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants and the big cats. However, it's not for the game that we come as it can't always be found. The delta is about exploring one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems. Boarding boats out into the swamps, travel to Gao Island to meet our mokoro team and to begin exploring the Okavango Delta. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along through the meandering waterways by a local tribesman. Reeds and lily pads line the streams, and birds startled by the mokoros rise out of the long grasses. Punting along, the peace of the delta may be shattered by the deep grunting of hippos. Out in the middle of a wilderness area, on the first night you'll camp on an island away from civilisation. Continue our trip around the delta and then return to Gao Island before heading to the relative civilisation of Umvuvu Camp with its (usually) hot showers and small bar. 

Day 18: Bagani Community Camp

Return to Bagani for the night where we have time to relax and take part in the various activities that are available at this charming place. Various boat trips, fishing or hikes are possible from Bagani. Our camp has flush toilets and cold showers. 

Days 19-20: Chobe National Park

Bagani to Chobe National Park is quite a long drive, but it's well worth it (430 km, approx 8 hrs). Enter Botswana at Goma border which is also the gateway to the park. Botswana's first national park, Chobe, is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions which come down to drink. Take a cruise down the Chobe River - one of the best ways to enjoy the park's animals. Enjoy an early morning game drive and get up close to the wildlife, hopefully spotting lions, buffaloes, birds and of course elephants. Our camp is outside of Chobe National Park and has flush toilets and hot/cold showers. 

Days 21-23: Victoria Falls

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi (115 km, approx 3 hrs). Visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls are an impressive raging torrent. The spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. It's no wonder that the local name Mosi oa Tunya means the 'smoke that thunders'. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. Our campground is centrally located in the town of Victoria Falls, the perfect place to use as a base for the vast array of activities on offer in the area. Upgraded accommodation is available, please ask at reception. Tonight we will share dinner together to bid farewell to those who are leaving us here in Victoria Falls and to welcome our new group members who will be joining us for the remainder of our trip. Responsible Travel Note: During your visit to the Victoria Falls area you may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We recommend that Intrepid travellers bypass this activity as it is contrary to Intrepid's Responsible Travel guideline stating that we 'actively discourage the participation of Intrepid groups in activities which exploit animals - wild or domestic.' Professional wildlife conservation organisations, including Born Free and the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), advise that habituating lions to humans can shorten their life and may result in lion-human conflict issues. While there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards lion research, we feel that the negative impacts on the lions' rehabilitation far outweigh this. 

Day 24: Hwange National Park

Head towards Hwange National Park (190 km, approx 3-4 hrs). Stopping en route to visit the Painted Dog Conservation Group for an insight into the plight of the African Wild Dog. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park's elephant population is one of the largest in Africa. Explore the park in open 4x4 vehicles. Stay within the park at one of its campgrounds with shared facilities. 

Days 25-26: Bulawayo

Travel to Bulawayo (360 km, approx 5-6 hrs). Known locally as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city and has a very interesting historical past. We will have the afternoon free to explore the city, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore local markets, chat with a local or perhaps find a game of football or rugby to watch. Get up early and venture out to explore the Matobo National Park. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. In Bulawayo, stay in a campground with shared facilities - upgrades are available. 

Day 27: Masvingo

A short drive takes us to Masvingo (360 km, approx 5-6 hrs) Masvingo is the oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe and the perfect base to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Spend the afternoon exploring the ruins. Great Zimbabwe is the national monument the country is named after. A Unesco World Heritage site, the ruined city was first constructed in the 11th century and is thought to be a royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch. Our campground in Masvingo has shared facilities. 

Day 28: Harare

Travel to Harare (320 km, approx 5-6 hrs). Harare is Zimbabwe's capital city and also its largest. Arriving in time for lunch we have the afternoon to explore the city on our own or relax at our campground. There is plenty to see and do, you might want to head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and explore the shops and markets. 

Days 29-30: Blantyre/Lilongwe

Our next two days will vary depending on the local conditions and border crossings. With approximately 800 km to cover - along with two border crossings to negotiate - travel from Zimbabwe, down the Tete Corridor into Mozambique, before finally arriving in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe. Lilongwe is the political capital of Malawi with a population of just under a million people. Situated on the Lilongwe River, it's a great place to soak up some Malawian culture with lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Depending on where we spend the night before, we should have the afternoon to explore the town and its many markets and shops. We have a chance to go to the bank and connect to the internet - a short taste of city life, before we head out bush again. Our campground in Lilongwe has shared facilities. 

Days 31-32: Lake Malawi

Travel for approximately 7 hours (350 km) from Lilongwe to Lake Malawi. Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, canoe and net makers, and fish traders all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is of a fisherman in his bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. We head away from the commercialism and crowds and enjoy a few days on the lake's more peaceful beaches. As well as chilling on the beach and participating in the many optional water activities on offer, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians, easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. Our campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore of Lake Malawi. 

Days 33-34: Chitimba/Iringa

Drive 235 km (approx 5-6 hours) to our camp in Chitimba. Set up camp on the northern shores of Lake Malawi. The following day is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands. Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by (530 km, approx 9-10 hrs). Set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. 

Day 35: Dar es Salaam

Heading for Dar es Salaam on the coast, travel through Mikumi National Park. The journey today is 560 km which will take approximately 13 hours of drive time. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi National Park is home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards. It's Tanzania's third largest national park. Although we don't take an off-road safari into the depths of the park, a good selection of the wildlife that resides in Mikumi can usually be seen on our way through to the southern Tanzanian highland town of Iringa. The camp is on the grounds of a hotel and has flush toilets and showers. Feel free to jump in the ocean and have a swim. 

Days 36-38: Zanzibar

Catch a ferry to the 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar (approx 90 mins). Our first night is spent in the exotic port town of Stone Town in a basic inn with double/twin-share rooms. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town. The best way to see this exotic port town is on foot, exploring the bazaars, shops, mosques, palaces, courtyards and myriad intricate alleyways. When the sun is setting, why not enjoy a sundowner from a bar overlooking the seafront before trying one of the island's local seafood curries at one of the town's many restaurants. Enjoy a tour of the inland plantations where Zanzibar's famous spices grow. First, discover the sights of old Stone Town, where you will hear a history of the slave market and delight in a local meal. Next, you will drive to the spice plantations where you'll receive a guided tour and the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, as well as teas made with these spices. At the end of the day there will also be an opportunity to buy some of the locally grown spices. On our second and third days here we head to the northern beaches and enjoy white sand and sparkling blue sea - the Indian Ocean at its best. Try snorkelling and diving, eat sumptuous seafood, or simply relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. 

Day 39: Dar es Salaam

Reboard the ferry and return to the beach outside Dar es Salaam. 

Day 40 Marangu

Leaving the beach behind, it's a long travel day, climbing high on to the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the village of Mshiri (560 km, approx 10-13 hrs). Camp in the grounds of the Marangu Hotel, a beautiful turn-of-the-century farmhouse set in 12 acres of delightful tropical gardens. Upgrades are available on request and the hotel also has a great bar and pool. 

Day 41: Mto Wa Mbu

Rise and shine early and on a clear day you'll be greeted with unforgettable views of Kilimanjaro. Take a walking tour of Mshiri Village, the base for the Village Education Project, and witness the day-to-day life of the Chagga people, long established as crop-growers on the fertile slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Walk around their shamba (farm) and have the chance to sample the local Chagga food, which is very filling. For more information on the Village Education Project visit www.kiliproject.org. Visit nearby waterfalls and stop to admire the view of the plains below. If the weather is clear, get a view of Kilimanjaro - the magnificent snow-capped mountain and Africa's highest peak at 5,895 m (19,340 ft). After an early lunch, head towards Mto Wa Mbu where we camp for the night (450 km, approx 8-9 hrs). 

Days 42-43: Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti National Park

Wake up very early and leave our truck behind, putting our camping and personal gear into (6-person) jeeps and heading out for our two-day excursion. From Mto Wa Mbu, we descend to the floor of the famous Ngorongoro Crater and make the most of our safari here - we spend between four and five hours exploring this area. A huge, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round and the photographic opportunities here are unrivalled. Departing the crater in the afternoon, head for the gates of the Serengeti and arrive at our camp in the early evening. The following day, enjoy a full day game drive in the Serengeti. The wide, open plains of the Serengeti - green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators - are perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses and dotted with acacia trees, the plains get their name from the Maasai word Siringitu - 'the place where the land moves on forever'. Game viewing in the Serengeti is amazing and as you camp out at night, don't be surprised to hear lions in the distance as you recount your wildlife sightings from the day. In normal circumstances, we would expect to see the Big Five during our stay in the Serengeti. For an unforgettable experience, you might like to do an optional sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see 'Important Notes'), you'll be picked up and driven to the launch site where you receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You'll then float over the Serengeti as the sun comes up gaining an overview of the immensity of the Serengeti, seeing the abundance of wildlife in their early morning activity and sometimes descending to tree height for amazing wildlife photography opportunities. Upon landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast before being returned to your accommodation. You'll notice many Maasai villages in the region of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. While it's of course fascinating to visit different cultures, past experience has shown that these villages exist primarily as businesses. You'll be charged an entry fee of approx US$20 and the Maasai will try very hard to sell souvenirs to you. While many clients still enjoy the experience, others have found it artificial and uncomfortable. We would very much prefer that Intrepid clients choose to bypass this activity as we feel it negatively impacts the Maasai culture and your perception of this culture. Unfortunately, the tourist village business is such a high earner that we have been unable to find an 'Intrepid' Maasai experience in Tanzania, which is disappointing for all. 

Day 44: Arusha

Leave the Serengeti behind and head towards Arusha (150 km, approx 2-3 hrs), stopping en route at Mto Wa Mbu to jump back on board our truck. A small village community, Mto Wa Mbu offers an excellent way to get a close-up look at life in an African town away from the main tourist trail. Tonight we will camp a camp ground on the outskirts of Arusha where we will enjoy our final dinner together. 

Day 45: Nairobi

Set off early, heading for the border with Kenya and on to Nairobi (390 km, approx 9-10 hrs). Nairobi - which takes its name from a Maasai phrase meaning 'place of cool waters' - has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, while markets and shops have most things you could want or need, as well as various arts and crafts from the region. Stay in a simple hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and en suite bathrooms. Tonight we will share dinner together to bid farewell to those who are leaving us here in Nairobi and to welcome our new group members who will be joining us for the remainder of our trip. 

Day 46: Lake Nakuru

Drive north-west past great views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita to Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley (170 km, approx 3-4 hrs). Stop along the way in the town of Gilgil where we'll learn more about one of our foundation projects, the Kariandusi School Community Project. This project was started with the aim of improving rural schools and educational opportunities for disadvantaged rural children. Then head to the Saidia Children's Home Project. This project isn't just about the children - they also have a 'Grannie' project which helps elders too. More info is on their website: www.saidia-gilgil.org.uk/. Lake Nakuru National Park's small and compact area, based around a flamingo-filled lake, makes it a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours many rhinos and will be the best chance to get a great picture of these magnificent beasts. Arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Tonight's campground is beautifully located - but it's very basic, having drop toilets and basic showers. 

Days 47-47: Eldoret/Kampala

Up early this morning, we only have tea or coffee before going back into the park for a morning game drive. Return to camp for brunch before driving to Eldoret (200 km, approx 5-6 hrs). One of Kenya's fastest growing towns, Eldoret is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners due to its high altitude. Camp on the outskirts of Eldoret. Cross the border into Uganda and travel on to its capital city, Kampala (390 km, approx 8-9 hrs). Kampala is the capital of landlocked Uganda. With a population of over 30 million, it's one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. It's a country of great cultural diversity and in recent years has been one of the most progressive in the region in terms of health education relating to HIV. Once the heart of the Buganda Kingdom, Kampala is a bustling city spread over several hills and valleys. It's a great place to wander around on foot, exploring its many markets and shops. Camp on the outskirts of the city. 

Days 49-50: Kibale Forest National Park

Travel to Kibale Forest National Park (350 km, approx 6-7 hrs). The most accessible of Uganda's major rainforests, Kibale Forest National Park is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world, with twelve different species recorded. The main attractions are the park's 500 chimpanzees, which have been habituated to human visitors. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. We'll take a 2-4 hour walking safari that gives us the amazing opportunity to watch the way the chimps feed, climb trees, respond to humans and care for their young ones. It's a phenomenal experience and a real highlight. This is a guided walk through thick hilly jungle. You'll need to take water bottles, raincoats, good walking boots and perhaps a walking stick. There's plenty for you to see and do in this beautiful area, including walks to villages, tea plantations, rivers, lakes or just relaxing around the campsite. Camp in a basic campground that has showers and flush toilets. 

Day 51: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park and take a game drive on our way to the camp (200 km, approx 5.5 hrs). Queen Elizabeth National Park is beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Edward and George. During our time in the park we hope to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, well-known for pelicans, eagles and other wonderful birdlife, as well as its healthy population of hippos. Stay at a basic camp on the grounds of a lodge which has drop toilets and basic showers. 

Day 52: Lake Bunyonyi

Travel on to Lake Bunyonyi (250 km, approx 6-7 hrs). Located in the south-west of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi - meaning 'place of many little birds' - is home to some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. If time allows, one of the best ways to admire the landscape is from on the lake itself by hiring a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). They can be hard to master at first but great fun. Our campground has flush toilets with basic showers. 

Days 53-55: Gorilla Trek

Cross the border into Rwanda and travel toward Ruhengeri, via Kigali (200 km, approx 6-7 hrs). Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is a great place to explore on foot - from its market areas to the infamous Hotel Rwanda. Visit Kigali's very moving genocide memorial. We may visit the memorial on the way to Ruhengeri or on our return. Ruhengeri is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. We allow two days for gorilla visits as you are assigned a trekking group/time on your permit. The group may be split up into different trekking groups during the day, or even over two days, depending on the time of permit issue and group size. There is a maximum group size of eight on each gorilla visit. This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla. No more than eight per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals. Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. When you are waiting for, or have completed, your gorilla visit, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Ruhengeri. Stay in dormitories at a local church mission. 

Day 56: Lake Mburo

Travel to the border with Uganda where we'll complete the border formalities. It's possible for most nationalities to purchase a re-entry visa at this land crossing but please check before travelling. Then head to Lake Mburo (420 km, approx 9-10 hrs). The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks. Camp on the shores of the lake at a stunning location surrounded by wildlife. The campground is beautifully located - but very basic, having drop toilets and basic showers. 

Days 57-58: Jinja

Before breakfast we have a two-hour guided walking safari through the Lake Mburo National Park allowing us to see some of the animals and spectacular birdlife. Travel from Lake Mburo to Jinja via Kampala, stopping en route at the equator (340 km, approx 7-8 hrs). Jinja is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda. Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, this is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller who wants to do something really worthwhile in a beautiful area. Camp at a scenic riverside retreat with showers and flush toilets. 

Days 59-60: Eldoret/Nairobi

Begin the journey back to Nairobi, making an overnight stop in the cheese town of Eldoret along the way (300 km, approx 7-8 hrs). Continue on to Nairobi early the next morning (370 km, approx 7-8 hrs). On arrival in Nairobi we'll be dropped at our finishing point hotel. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but we are able to book you additional accommodation in Nairobi. Please ask at time of booking. Important: Please don't book any international flights until after 9pm this evening.