UGANDA: Pearl of Africa

A multitude of habitats converge in Uganda, yielding incredible contrasts and huge diversity of species. This small, equatorial country links the savannah plains of Kenya with the lush rainforests of the Congo, providing a uniquely accessible experience in East Africa.

A cruise along the Victoria Nile yields stunning views of the powerful Murchison Falls, and opportunities to observe crocodiles, hippos, rock pratincoles, kingfishers, waterbirds and more. The tranquil waters of papyrus-lined swamps host Uganda’s oddest-looking bird, the rare and elusive Shoebill. The wide open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park support a wide variety of avian species, predators and prey, including Uganda’s national bird, the Grey-crowned Crane, and the stately Uganda Kob, of which numerous herds are found roaming the savannah. We’ll see Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, rhinos, Buffalo and herds of antelopes too. The country’s lush rainforests pulse with a rich variety of bird species including Great Blue Turaco, Grey Parrot, Black Beeaters, Green Broadbill, hornbills, cuckoos and sunbirds. Stunning colorful butterflies abound - Red Glider, Blue Mother-of-Pearl, and fast flying charaxes. The largest concentration of primates is found in Kibale Forest, including colobuses, mangabeys and Chimpanzees, our main target. Tracking through the dense undergrowth of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of Mountain Gorillas is surely the experience of a lifetime, providing a major highlight of our trip.

ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrive in Kampala

Day 2
Transfer to Mabira Forest for afternoon birding.

Day 3
Bird Mabira Forest in the morning then transfer to Masindi.

Day4
Whole day birding at the Royal Mile at Budongo.

Day5
Transfer to Murchison Falls via Kanio Pabidi.

Day6
All day at Murchison Falls National Park with game drives and boat-ride on the Nile.

Day7
Drive to Masidi via the escarpment and Busingiro of Budongo.

Day8
Drive to Kibale NP birding en route.

Day9
Birding and Chimpanzee tracking in the forest.

Day10
Morning birding in the Bigodi swamp, then transfer to Queeen Elizabeth NP.

Day 11
Full day at Queeen Elizabeth NP with game drives and boat-ride on Kazinga Channel.

Day12
Transfer to Bwindi impenitrable forest via Ishasha sector.

Day13
Gorilla tracking or Birding in Bwindi.

Day 14
Gorilla tracking or Birding in Bwindi.

Day 15
Transfer to the Ruhiza section of Bwindi, birding enroute.

Day 16
Whole day birding in Ruhija sector.

Day 17
Transfer to L.Mburo NP birding enroute.

Day 18
Whole day birding and game drive in the Mburo NP.

Day 19
Transfer to Entebbe following morning birding in the park.

Day 20
Transfer to the Airport and fly out.