Gorilla treks and rafting in Uganda

The east African country of Uganda offers some of the rarest sights and experiences in the world.

Opportunities for active holidaymakers include intense white water rafting on the River Nile and the chance to come face to face with wild mountain gorillas.

The southern region of Bwindi contains some of the last remaining wild gorillas and tourists can trek through the dense undergrowth for an encounter with the great apes.

The trek can last four hours each way, depending on where the animals are, but the first sight of fur amongst the greenery will quickly dispel any fatigue.

Staying in contact with the gorillas only lasts for an hour at a time, but the experience is breathtaking. It is possible get very close to these incredible apes, gazing in awe at a silverback while its young scamper through the undergrowth.

Be warned though, the trek can be unpredictable. There is no money-back guarantee if you do not get to see any gorillas as they are wild animals and therefore must be tracked anew each day.

However the probability is that you will be successful and find yourself having an unforgettable experience.

Treks can be organised through several companies such as Escape Tours and Safaris, African Pearl Safaris and Jenman African Safaris.

Uganda also offers adrenaline seekers a chance to make their way down grade five rapids along the stunning River Nile.

Rafting companies Nile River Explorers and Adrift take amateur groups down 12 major rapids on the river, with no previous experience required.

Both offer a full day of rafting including food and transport, costing about $85 for the day.

The two companies differ slightly, with NRE using smaller rafts, meaning they offer a slightly more extreme river experience, which suit some holidaymakers more than others.

Despite the fact no experience is required, these rapids are not to be taken lightly, with grade three rapids more than capable of flipping a raft and several grade five rapids to get through over the course of the day.

However this is all part of the fun and the relaxed, experienced and charming experts who take the tours put everyone at ease and accidents are very unlikely if you are sensible and follow instructions.

Kayakers follow alongside the rafts and the skills they display on the rapids is something worth watching in itself.

The trip will truly make you appreciate the power of the river and the sheer scale of the white water on offer puts most other destinations to shame - this is an experience that anyone interested in rafting will not want to miss.

The adrenaline-fuelled experience on the water, coupled with the incredible surroundings will feel like a bargain at any price.

For more information on what Uganda has to offer, see the official tourism website, which has several links to really get the most out of a trip to the country.

Nicholas Edmondson