Uganda is a land of extraordinary contrasts, a land blessed with outstanding beauty, rich in cultural history and biodiversity. Its reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country' is not only accredited to its likeable people, but also to its redevelopment as an eco-friendly environment, with the enlightened management of 10 national parks, and its introduction of eco-tourism projects. Uganda's star attraction is the endangered mountain gorilla, the bulkiest of living primates, and among the most amiable. Looking into the pensive brown eyes of these gentle giants, is as humbling as it is thrilling, especially when one realizes that fewer than 700 individuals survive, divided between Bwindi National Park and the Virunga Mountains.