Making Christmas tracks with gorillas

Travel to see the mountain gorillas and enjoy one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have. A lucky few have visited Uganda and Rwanda, and you can see the excitement in their eyes as they re-live the moment they came face to face with these amazing primates.

As one of the closest living relatives of humans, gorillas can spark imagination like few other animals. The fact that these magnificent animals are 98% genetically identical to humans makes it more shocking that they are so highly endangered, with only around 700 living in the wild.

The mountainous region of the Virungas in the heart of Central Africa is home to around half of the gorilla population. Here, under the bamboo and rainforest cover of the Parc National des Volcans is the perfect opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Learn about how gorillas live, their social dynamics and behaviours on a Gorilla Trek through the rainforest after visiting the Masai Mara and the spectacular wildlife there. Look out for lion, cheetah, zebra elephant and giraffe on a game drive, experience the Masai culture in a local village and be charmed by the children of the East Africa Mission Orphanage.

The 15 day ‘Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas’ tour starts from £1335 per person departing 26th December 2009, with confirmed gorilla trekking permits. The price includes 14 nights accommodation (11 nights camping, two nights tented camp, one night hotel), most meals, transport by safari vehicle and boat, an experienced leader on safari and specialised guide on the Gorilla Trek. Park fees and a gorilla permit are also included. A local payment of US$450 is payable locally. Flights are available from £609 per person.

For more information or to book online, visit imaginative-traveller.com.