With over 1000 species, Uganda
offers the highest concentration of birds in Africa and is the most
accessible place to see the legendary Shoebill.
The misty peaks and fern-loaded
forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda's birding hotspot,
are an apt setting to search for Albertine Rift endemics.
Furthermore, these mountains offer perhaps one of the greatest wildlife
experiences on earth: the opportunity to come face to face with
one of our closest relatives, Gorilla, in its natural
habitat.
Offering 24 of the 26 Albertine Rift endemics recorded in Uganda,
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, spans an ecotone from Buhoma's
lowlands to Ruhiza's highlands. At Buhoma, pitta-like Short-tailed
Warblers and Kivu Ground Thrushes skulk
in the mossy undergrowth. African Grey Parrots
fly overhead while Chimpanzees shriek from deep
in the forest. At Ruhiza, the cloud-swathed Virunga volcanoes (of
Diana Fossey fame) loom in the distance. Here we'll search for the
near mythical African
Green Broadbill and Grauer's Rush Warbler.
It is even suggested that at least one undescribed species might
even be lurking in the park!
Uganda is one of the friendliest
and safest African countries to visit. After its devastating political
past, the country is regrowing and renewing, developing tourism
infrastructure and regaining positive attitude of its people.
Join us on our Uganda Specials Tour to Bwindi, Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National
Parks, to see Green-breasted
Pitta, African
Green Broadbill and Shoebill. Add on the extension
tour to Rwanda's
Nyungwe Forest, to see Red-Collared Mountain Babbler, and to Northern-Western Uganda to explore the birds of Mabira, Murchison Falls and Budongo's famous Royal Mile. Download the itinerary.
Featured
Leader: Michael Mills
Michael recommends: This tour
is well suited to world listers and keen birders with a sense of
adventure.
Michael
grew up in the Kalahari Gemsbok and Kruger National Parks
and has travelled extensively in Africa, Asia, South America
and Antarctica. He obtained a Masters degree in Conservation
Biology and continues conducting bird research, particularly
in Angola.
Besides birds, he has a strong
interest in mammals, particularly in small carnivores and African
primates.
** Single room
supplement.
* Cost per person sharing a room. This includes: Birding Africa tour
leader, Birding Africa printed booklet with species lists, activities
as indicated on the itinerary, road transport, guide fees, entry fees
for the parks, reserves and botanical gardens, full board accommodation
and drinking water on the bus.
Not included: international flights, drinks, tips, and items of a
personal nature are not included.
Airport transfers and accommodation before and after the tour can
best be arranged directly with the recommended hotel - we will email
you the contact details.
What
participants say...
Thank you so much for such a wonderful trip to Uganda.
You were both so kind, attentive and incredibly knowledgeable. ...
you gave us a memorable experience and we shall always remember
your delightful company which we hope we will enjoy again one day.'
RC, Cambridge, UK
'Many thanks
again for a wonderful trip to Uganda... You looked after us so well
and there were many memorable moments: the gorillas, the chimps
and the red-tailed monkey, the red colobus trek through the swampy
forest, the butterflies, the crater lake drive and all the birds.
...
It was fascinating being able to spend time watching the mammals,
particularly the young chimps with the red-tailed monkey, and I
really appreciated Deirdre's font of knowledge about them all. There
were some stunning birds as well and the butterflies provided a
welcome relief from Greenbul identification!.' JK, Sheffield,
UK
For keen birders and mammal enthusiasts. Designed
to see as many as possible endemic birds, but while on the walks
we spend a lot of time looking for other wildlife such as mammals
(including the more than 10 species of primates) and butterflies.
We can also customise any itinerary to suit to the keen birder,
the wildlife enthusiast or both.
Photography
Many participants on our trips are amateur wildlife photographers.
And when we get excellent views of a bird or mammal, some time
is usually spent watching and photographing it. However, this
is not a photographic tour and once the majority of the people
have felt that they have absorbed the animal or bird to their
satisfaction, then we move on in search of the next encounter.
Thus, while the photographic opportunities
are very good, the group will only occasionally wait for somebody
who wants to spend even longer getting better photos.
Fitness
A small degree of fitness is required. The few walks are generally
in relatively flat areas with occasional small inclines. The
terrain during the optional gorilla tracking can never be predicted
and can be very steep.
Timing
Most of our Uganda tours take place during December - January
or July - August.
Climate
Cool at night in the highlands, warm to hot in the lowlands.
Comfort
A good standard of accommodation in guest houses,
lodges and small hotels.
Transport
We travel by minibus or four wheel drive vehicle.
Group Size
Maximum 10 participants on the Uganda & Rwanda birding tours in July/August.
Your booking can be secured with a booking form and deposit. You will receive confirmation and our tour information pack with practical information on what to expect and how to prepare for the tour. The balance is due 150 days before the tour. Contact us to enquire about availability.
About Birding Africa
Birding Africa is a specialist birding
tour company customising tours for both world listers and more relaxed
holiday birders. We combine interests in mammals, butterflies, dragonflies,
botany and other natural history aspects and will guide you to Africa's
and Madagascar's most diverse birding destinations. Our guides'
knowledge of African birds and birding areas is our greatest strength
and together we have rediscovered species, shared exciting observations
with the birding community and had a fun time exploring our home
continent. †We've even written two acclaimed guide
books on where to find Southern Africa's and Madagascar's best
birds. Birding is more than our passion, it's our lifestyle, and
we are dedicated to making professional, best value trips filled
with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. Since 1997,
we've run bird watching tours
in South Africa and further into Africa for individual birders,
small birding groups and top international tour companies. We've
run Conservation Tours
in association with the African Bird Club and work with and consult
for a number of other top international tour companies and the BBC
Natural History Unit.
Gorilla at Bwindi on our Uganda Birding Tour © Callan Cohen.
