AFRICA | UGANDA & RWANDA 81 Lake Mburo National Park Lake Mburo is a small, attractive park, comprising rolling hills, grasslands and a large papyrus-fringed lake where shoebills occur but are seldom seen. Mburo is an extension of the Tanzanian plains with big herds of zebra, impala, eland and other ungulates. The park has 68 species of mammals including oribi and Bohor reedbuck. The park also has a good range of birds, with African fi nfoot and papyrus bushshrike amongst regular sightings. Mantana Tented Camp MID Situated inside the park on a small hill overlooking Lake Mburo this is a genuine bush experience with nicely furnished tents and private verandas. The wooded ridge, adjacent to the lodge, is great for birdwatching and is also home to a number of interesting small mammals. Ngamba Island This sanctuary in Lake Victoria near to Entebbe is home to orphaned chimpanzees, rescued from poachers, who have no hope of returning to life in the wild. Here, they can enjoy a free run of the island, safe from harm. Day visits can be arranged but there is also a tented camp here for visitors wanting to learn more about the sanctuary's aims and spend more time with the chimps. Trips out to the island will give visitors the opportunity to view the twice- daily feeding times and explore the island which is also home to over 120 species of birds and some 50,000 fruit bats! Ngamba Island Tented Camp MID This small camp comprises just four tents, each on wooden decks, with superb views overlooking Lake Victoria. Meals are hearty here and often include freshly caught lake fi sh. By visiting Ngamba you will be helping to support the orphaned chimpanzee project. You can even join a forest walk with a group of infant chimps, or become a Chimpanzee Caregiver for a day and help prepare the chimps' food and feed them. ( These activities are at an additional cost and must be pre- arranged.) Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com

Ethiopia 82 The World Heritage listed Simien Mountains lie in Ethiopia's northern region. This highland area which encompasses much of the region of Begemdir is one of dramatic scenery resulting from the erosion of basalt lava some 3,000 years old. From a wildlife point of view, there are three key mammal species of note here - Walia ibex, Gelada baboons and a small number of Ethiopian wolves. The area is also home to the gigantic lammergeier - the largest of the vulture species. Simien Lodge MID Situated at over 3,000 metres, Simien Lodge is a beautifully and sympathetically constructed lodge in the Simien Mountains National Park. It consists of 20 rooms and two safari suites. The lodge offers the highest standards of accommodation and food in the area. This is the highest lodge in Africa at an altitude of 3,260 metres above sea level. Gondar Between 1632 and 1855 Gondar served as Ethiopia's capital city and it remains one of the country's richest areas in terms of culture, history and natural beauty. There is plenty of Islamic and Christian infl uence in the architecture of the city which is built at around 2,500 metres above sea level. Gondar is also a city noted for its many castles which have been built over a period of 236 years by various emperors. Goha Hotel MID The Goha Hotel stands at the crest of a hill with a commanding view of the city of Gondar with its enchanting and mysterious castles. The hotel consists of 60 rooms and four suites. Ethiopia is a mythical land that is home to some of Africa's most magnifi cent mountain scenery and to a staggering array of wildlife and birds. 800 or more species of birds have been recorded here, 29 of which are endemic, and there are 80 species of large mammals. Amongst the most notable of the mammals is Gelada baboon, Walia ibex and the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf which survives in small pockets in both the Simien Mountains and the Bale Mountains. It is home to acacia woodland, pretty traditional villages, and of course this is where the Great African Rift begins so there is a string of beautiful, fl amingo- fringed Rift Valley lakes. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 My fi rst visit to Ethiopia was in 2009 and I was amazed by the scenery, wildlife and diversity of the country. As a wildlife destination, it has unique highlights, such as seeing Gelada baboons; a fantastic experience for anyone wanting something a little different. Chris Osborn, Senior Sales Consultant Simien Mountains