Uganda ……..4th to 19th February 2012

Birds & Gorillas

Situated on the Equator between the East African savannah, the rainforests of West Africa and the semi-desert of the north, Uganda has an amazingly rich birdlife of over 1,000 species, and there is probably nowhere with a greater variety of primates. Foremost amongst these are the Gorillas that are found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and there will be a chance for us to spend a day tracking these magnificent creatures through the dense vegetation. It is often possible to approach to within only a few metres of these essentially gentle and docile animals, an experience guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. During our exploration of some of Uganda’s beautiful lakes and forests more than 400 bird species are possible, including some of the Albertine Rift Endemics and the bizarre Shoebill.

Days 1 & 2: Scheduled flights via Amsterdam arriving in Entebbe mid-evening. On Day 2 we visit the nearby Botanical Gardens for a superb introduction to Ugandan birds on the shores of Lake Victoria. We will hope to see Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, a variety of sunbirds and, at the water's edge, Orange and Slender-billed Weavers, Abdim's and Open-billed Storks. We also visit the nearby Wildlife Education Centre, which also has a good selection of birds and, if time permits, Entebbe sewage pond.
Overnights - Botanical Beach Hotel, Entebbe.

Day 3: Early morning start for visit to Mabamba swamp for our first chance to see Shoebill. Amongst other wetland species in the area should be African Jacana, Purple Swamp-hen, White-faced Whistling Duck, African Pygmy Goose and a variety of herons and egrets.
Overnight - Kampala.

Day 4: An early start for the long journey to Mbarara, birding on the way at several sites, notably Lake Mburo National Park.
Overnight - Lake View Hotel, Mbarara.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest of the country, birding on the way and on arrival. This is regarded as probably the richest forest in East Africa in terms of its wildlife.
Overnight - Lake Kitandara Luxury Tented Camp.

Days 6 & 7: Two full days in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We will walk the Waterfall Trail along the Munyaga River and the Muzabajiro Loop trail. There will also be the option to track Gorillas, a unique experience which may involve a strenuous climb but which should result in us seeing these very special animals at close range. The birding here is superb and we will be looking in particular for some of the Albertine Rift endemics such as Kivu Ground Thrush, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler and Strange Weaver.
Overnights - Lake Kitandara Luxury Tented Camp.

Days 8 - 10: On Day 8 we drive via Inshasa to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, where almost 600 bird species and 100 mammal species have been recorded. We take an afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, where possible birds include the more familiar Greenshank and Wood Sandpipers alongside Saddle-billed Stork, African Skimmers, Pink-backed and Great White Pelicans, Goliath Heron, Grey-headed Kingfisher and a host of others. We shall also explore the Kasenyi Track and Maramagambo Forest.
Overnights - Mweya Lodge.

Day 11: After an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, we depart for the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to look for Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and Blue-throated Roller. At Kibale National Park there are many rainforest birds and the greatest concentration of primates in East Africa.
Overnight - Kibale Safari Lodge.

Day 12: Early morning visit to Kibale National Park, home to many rainforest birds and the greatest variety and concentration of primates in East Africa, including Chimpanzees. We then continue our journey north towards Murchison Falls.
Overnight - Masindi.

Day 13: We start the day with a visit to Budongo Forest Reserve where the famous ‘Royal Mile’ promises some of the best forest birding in the country. Amongst the many species we hope to see are Yellow-crested Woodpecker, African Dwarf Kingfisher and Black-winged Oriole. Later we will cross the River Nile by ferry into Murchison Falls National Park.
Overnight - Paraa Lodge.

Day 14: Another good chance to see Shoebill this morning as we take a boat trip along the Nile. As well as Crocodiles and Hippos, we can expect a good variety of wetland species, possibly including African Skimmers, Little Bittern, African Fish Eagle and Rock Pratincole. In the afternoon/evening, there will be a game drive into the National Park where birds to look for include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, White-crested Turaco and several raptor species. We may also see African Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, several antelope species and possibly Lion.
Overnight - Paraa Lodge.

Day 15: Transfer to Entebbe for the evening flight home. We arrive in UK early on the morning of Day 16

Tour ref: AA1231

Cost: £3,995
Deposit: £500
Single Room Supplement: £340

Leaders: June Taylor/ Peter Dedicoat & Local Guide

Max. Group: 10 plus Leaders

Includes:
Economy class scheduled return flights (UK-Entebbe-UK), accommodation based on twin occupancy, all meals, ground transportation in Uganda, entrance fees to reserves and national parks and services of leader and guide.

Excludes:
Travel insurance, Gorilla Permits, airport departure tax, drinks and items of a personal nature