A close encounter with the gentle gorillas of the Rwandan rainforest is an extraordinary African experience that will stay with you a lifetime - and it's just one of the many wildlife spottings this unforgettable African overland adventure has to offer. Roam the verdant plains, rainforest, papyrus-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands of Kenya and Uganda to spot lions, rhinos, chimpanzees, antelope, hippos, leopards, flamingos and more in their natural habitats. Winston Churchill famously dubbed this beautiful countryside the Pearl of Africa, and you'll quickly understand why.

*Important - This adventure costs £840 for 2012 departures.  It also has a local kitty payment of approx USD$1210.   You also need to budget for approx USD$160 for meals not included (depending on departure dates).

Meet Rwanda's noble mountain gorillas, Track playful chimps in Kibale Forest, Help out the Kariandusi School Trust Project, Spot a shy antelope in acacia woodland, Experience peaceful wilderness in Lake Mburo National Park, Cruise into hippo heaven in the Kazinga Channel, Marvel at swirling rapids near Bujagali Falls, Spot the Big Five in the remarkable Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In order to ensure your Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits an extra deposit (GBP400 per person) will apply at time of booking. This additional deposit is on top of the usual GBP150 per person paid at time of booking and will be credited to the final balance of your booking. Please note your deposit is non refundable.

Day 1: Nairobi

Get ready for an animal-spotting adventure.

Day 2: Lake Nakuru

Meet local children and their families at the Kariandusi School Trust Project, which helps disadvantaged rural kids stay in school. Lend a hand with a learning or construction project.

Day 3-4: Eldoret/ Jinja

Rise early for a dawn safari by the lake and perhaps spot an endangered rhino. Cross the border into Uganda to camp in gorgeous surroundings near Jinja.

Day 5-6: Kibale Forest National Park

Watch the resident chimpanzees squabbling, playing in fruit trees and caring for their young. Wander through the surrounding tea plantations to see villages, rivers and lakes, or simply kick back at camp in the grounds of an old colonial bungalow, and take in the peaceful mountain views.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Embark on game drives to try to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and antelopes. Cruise the Kazinga Channel between Lake Edward and Lake George, where pelicans and fish eagles soar and hippos wallow.

Day 8: Lake Bunyoni

Hiring a traditional dugout canoe and gliding across the lake's surface is a fun way to enjoy some of Uganda's most amazing scenery.

Day 9-11: Gorilla Trek

In the mist-shrouded hills of Rwanda's green heart, a very special experience awaits. Accompanied by a guide and trackers, hike through rugged terrain to come face-to-face with a family of rare mountain gorillas. The sight of these gentle mountain giants is unforgettable. When not tracking gorillas, explore the steamy rainforest and glimpse its other animal inhabitants.

Day 12: Lake Mburo

These acacia woodlands shelter leopards, jackals, hyenas and dozens of antelope species. Nearby, hippos and crocodiles cruise the papyrus-fringed lake. Discover magnificent animals on walking safaris through this secluded park.

Day 13-14: Jinja

Visit Bujagali Falls and perhaps try whitewater rafting on the Nile's frothing waters. There's also time to browse for last-minute souvenirs.

Day 15-16: Eldoret/ Nairobi

Passing through Eldoret once more, perhaps snack on some of the town's famous cheeses on the way back to Nairobi, where the adventure ends. 

If you have any questions on this amazing adventure or would like the Full Trip Notes sent over (itinerary, what to pack, arrivals/departures etc) then just get in touch on 0845 121 1996 or email team@madventurer.com