Great game – Great Apes

A new game, free to mobile phone users, is the latest way to highlight the threat to Rwanda’s endangered Mountain Gorillas. ‘Silverback’ simulates the life of the gorillas and is the brainchild of designer, Ken Banks, in association with campaign group Flora and Fauna International (FFI). Although sitting in the comfort of their own home may seem riveting for some – why not stop playing games and join Dragoman Overland on their 21-night East Africa & Gorilla Encounter expedition, through Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, departing Nairobi 20th September 08.

Starting in cosmopolitan Nairobi, drop in at Arusha Snake Park in Arusha, which houses examples of virtually all East Africa's most venomous snakes before heading off to Ngorongoro Crater and the classic East African scenery of rolling grasslands in Serengeti National Park. On to Jinja, where in line with Dragoman’s ethos of responsible tourism, travellers spend time maintaining a school at their flagship community project. Here, travellers camp high above Bujagali Falls with magnificent views of the Nile River - adrenaline junkies have a chance to challenge some of the world’s most exciting white-water rafting.

Next, a boat trip to Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria to visit a Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Later, stay at Lake Bunyonyi and take a dugout canoe across the serene waters to visit Muko Forest and some of the local communities. Next up, for many the journey’s high point, Mountain Gorilla trekking in the stunning highlands of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The area currently has four habituated groups, the largest is the Susa Group (inhabiting Karasimbo Volcano), comprises 35 members including 3 silverbacks, the original group studied by Diana Fossie. Also endemic to the same bamboo habitat as the gorillas, is Africa’s rarest primate, the Golden Monkey, and treks can be organised to view the park’s two habituated troupes.

Cross back into Kenya and visit Elsamere, once the home of the Adamsons of 'Born Free' fame, but now a conservation centre. Here, travellers have the option to walk around a giraffe sanctuary at Crater Lake or take a guided Hippo Pool walking safari before returning to Nairobi and conclusion to the journey.

The tour costs £575 p/p plus kitty US$480 (£291) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (80%/20%) all camp meals, the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s one person crew and accompanying African camp master.

Gorilla Permits are additional, currently £295 p/p and need to be purchased at time of booking trip.

For more information, visit dragoman.com.