Uganda & Rwanda72Mgahinga in Uganda's south-western corner is part of the Virunga Conservation Area that straddles Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the park is dominated by three extinct volcanoes. Habituated groups of mountain gorillas are the big draw here, but the park also supports buffalo, elephant, leopard, serval and around 180 species of birds. It is also possible to track a habituated group of golden monkeys. Mount Gahinga Lodge MIDThe lodge, which consists of nine thatched cottages, nestles in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes, on the edge of the park. The journey here itself is exhilarating as you drive through spectacular mountain scenery and look across endless terraced slopes to emerald-green crater lakes far below. Parc National des Volcans, RwandaParc National des Volcans is 120 square kilometres and is also part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area, which contains around 380 increasingly rare mountain gorillas. Here, for some 20 years, Dian Fossey carried out pioneering studies of gorilla behaviour. The fi lm 'Gorillas in the Mist', released three years after her untimely death, resulted in a world-wide audience quickly becoming aware of the importance of her conservation efforts. Apart from gorillas, the park is home to 76 mammal species and activities (apart from gorilla-tracking), include nature walks, climbing the Visoke Volcano, trekking to the Karisoke Research Centre, visiting local communities, observing habituated golden monkeys or simply relaxing in camp!Virunga Lodge MIDVirunga Lodge is set on a stunning hillside with breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. Its eight cottages accommodate a maximum of 16 people. The rooms are comfortably furnished and all have en-suite facilities.Seeing gorillas is one of the greatest experiences in the wildlife world. Being so close to something so human, and yet so gentle and powerful, is a truly humbling experience. Uganda and Rwanda are different from any other African safari destination - they harbour a great variety of mammals and birds which are simply not found elsewhere in east or southern Africa; the major forests here are easily accessible and this makes them unbeatable countries for seeing woodland animals. From the forest's most famous inhabitants - the mountain gorillas, to chimpanzees and golden monkeys. Uganda, of course, also has more conventional game-viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls which are home to many of the mammals that you would expect to see in East Africa's more famous wildlife destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania.Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, UgandaBwindi is one of Africa's most extensive belts of primary montane forest with an exceptional altitudinal variation (from 1,200 metres to 2,800 metres) which ensures unique fl ora and fauna. Mountain gorillas are undoubtedly the prime attraction. Over 300 live in the park, and two of the family groups have been successfully habituated to allow human approach. In addition, L'Hoest's monkey is a speciality of the lower level forest and the rare golden monkey is occasionally encountered at higher elevations. Amongst the bird species you may hope to see are African goshawk, augur buzzard, western bronze-naped pigeon and olive long-tailed cuckoo.Bwindi Lodge MIDBwindi Lodge overlooks the primeval forest. Amid the many noises of forest life, it is the perfect place to experience the magic of this wild place. It has eight spacious wooden cottages all with en-suite facilities.Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge HIGHThis lodge consists of eight stone-built bedrooms. There is an attractive and spacious central lounge area with some excellent Ugandan-commissioned art adorning the walls, and the main balcony has far-reaching views across the forest to Rwanda and the Virunga's.Buhoma Lodge MID Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is situated within the national park, less than fi ve minutes walk from the start of the gorilla trekking point. The lodge has eight comfortable cottages each with its own private verandah, affording wonderful views of the forest canopy.73Fact!There is no doubt that seeing a gorilla face-to-face is a life-changing experience. However, tracking gorillas through the forest requires patience and stamina (especially in Bwindi, where much of the tracking is done over extremely arduous terrain). Sometimes the trackers fi nd the gorillas within an hour, but it may take up to eight hours of tracking off-trail in thick jungle in order to fi nd them. Steep slopes, intense humidity and regular rainfall add to the challenge, but the exhilaration of a close encounter makes it all worthwhile. Access is always limited to an hour for the gorillas' wellbeing. And remember to book early, gorilla permits are in short supply and cost changes frequently.Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.comAFRICA | UGANDA & RWANDA