Bird Uganda Safaris

Fees $5,800 per person Sharing
Minimum 4 persons
Maximum 12 persons
Deposit $ 600.
The prices include All accommodation and meals, in the best accommodation at every site, All transport in Comfortable 4WD specially made truck with enough leg room, airport transfers, all nature walks, boat rides, chimpanzee tracking fees, and enough bottled water for drinking.
Gorilla Tracking is arranged on request and is not included in the above fees. A one das permit is $500 Per person. Please get in touch with us for this arrangement in your are interested.
10% of total cost will be paid to ABA after the trip has been fully paid for 14 days before the start of the trip.



Uganda has been described as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and was regarded as the most beautiful and potentially the richest country in East Africa. From the source of the White Nile on the huge papyrus-fringed Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Rwenzori Range, the luxuriant montane forests of the Virunga volcanoes, harbouring some of the last remaining Mountain Gorillas, to the extensive savannas around the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, Uganda is an equatorial country of substantial contrasts and variety. No other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats and this richness is reflected in its incredible bird list of over 1000 species. Amongst these are many highly sought after birds, such as the unique Shoebill and numerous spectacular endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley, that are currently impossible to find anywhere else. This huge bird list is all the more remarkable given the small size of the country (approximately equal to Great Britain or the state of Oregon), making it probably the richest African birding destination. Uganda straddles the equator and borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Tanzania. We will be accompanied throughout by Herbert Byaruhanga, Managing Director of Bird Uganda Safaris. He is a founder member of the Uganda Bird Guides Club, Uganda Safari Guides Association and Uganda Birding Association. He is currently the Chairman of the Uganda Safari Guides Association and General Secretary of Uganda Bird Guides Club. A keen and accomplished birder and bird-guide himself, he is accredited by Birdlife International's partner, Birdlife South Africa and is Chairman of the African Bird Guide Trainers Association. Has a degree in Tourism from Makerere University Kampala, he has a Higher Certificate of Education, Diploma in Tourism, Certifcate in Tour Guiding and Certificate in Advanced Motoring. He is member of American Birding Association and a regular exhibitor at the ABA conventions, Member of the African Bird Club, and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RSPB.

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, Uganda.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet up with Herbert Byaruhanga and his team. Depending on time and stamina levels, we can transfer to our accommodation and rest and/or visit the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens (an excellent birding spot to get started on arrival). The Entebbe Botanical Gardens established in 1898 are situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria virtually on the equator. With an annual rainfall of 60” and at an altitude of 3750’, the gardens cover just 100 acres, but have easy trails offering some quite special birds. We will look especially for Palm-nut Vulture, Open-billed Stork, Scaly Francolin, Tambourine Dove, Giant Kingfisher, Great Blue & Ross's Turacos, White-headed & Double-toothed Barbets, Red-headed Lovebird, Broad-billed Roller, Pied & Black-and-white Casqued Hornbills, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Angola Swallow, Splendid Glossy Starling, Black-headed Gonolek, Red-chested Sunbird, Grey-capped Warbler, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Brown Twinspot, Black-headed Bush-shrike and, Slender-billed, Overnight Lindsay Cottages.

Day 2: Birding Mabamba for Shoebill.
Early breakfast, then out to nearby Mabamba Wetlands on the shore of Lake Victoria. This is one of the few remaining swamps in the country protected by the local communities - an extensive papyrus swamp with its labyrinth of channels and lagoons, classified as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and home to several pairs of Shoebills, Uganda’s most famous avian resident. This charismatic species, the only representative in its family, is certainly amongst the most sought-after birds in Africa and we’ll make special efforts today to find it by paddling through the channels by boat. There will of course be a good selection of classic East African waterbirds: Pink-backed Pelican, Long-tailed Cormorant, Goliath Heron, African Fish-Eagle, African Marsh-Harrier, Yellow-billed Duck, African Water Rail, Allen's Gallinule, Malachite Kingfisher along with slightly more local species such as Long-toed Plover, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Blue-headed Coucal, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Swamp Flycatcher, White-winged & Papyrus Yellow Warblers. Other areas in and around Entebbe/Kampala may produce African Open-billed Stork, Grey Kestrel, Eastern Grey Plantain-Eater, African Green Pigeon, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher – maybe the rare Weyn’s Weaver. We will continue on to Masindi in the later afternoon. Overnight at Masindi Hotel.

Day 3: Budongo & Kanio Pabidi.
We will have a full day spent birding some of the excellent sites around Budongo Forest Reserve Kanio Pabide and Murchison Falls National Park. There should be a good mix of widespread species and more local specialities such as White-crested Turaco, Chestnut-crowned Eremomela, Yellow & Grey Longbills, Olive-bellied Crombec, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Little Green Sunbird, Crested Malimbe and Red-headed Bluebill among others. Kanio Pabidi is a well-known section of protected primary forest where we will concentrate our efforts today. Here are many other special birds with a West African origin: White-thighed Hornbill, Blue-breasted, Dwarf & Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, Yellow-crested & Brown-eared Woodpeckers, Yellowbill, Western Black-headed Oriole, Yellow-spotted, Hairy-breasted & Yellow-billed Barbets, Green Hylia, Buff-throated, Black-throated & Black-capped Apalises, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, the elusive Lemon-bellied Crombec, Crested & Red-headed Malimbes various forest starlings among others. Several species are more easily found at Kanio Pabidi, particularly the very local Puvel’s Illadopsis. We will also be in prime area for a wide range of primates such as Blue & Red-tailed Monkeys and Black and white Colobus - and if lucky Chimpanzees (this area is home to Uganda's largest population of Chimpanzees). We will continue in late afternoon to Murchison Falls National Park (Kanio Pabide is within its boundaries).crossing River Nile. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day 4 Murchison Falls National Park.
This National Park is Uganda's largest and famous for its big game, spectacular scenery and the falls for which the park was named. Abundant Hippos, Crocodiles, Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda Kob and Waterbuck can be seen along with occasional Lions and Patas Monkeys. More importantly for us is another good chance of finding Shoebill. Amongst a huge variety of widespread African bird species in the wetlands and various dry savanna and open woodland habitats are more special birds: African Finfoot, Stanley’s Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, Rock Pratincole, Bat Hawk, Little Sparrowhawk, Bruce’s Green-Pigeon, Red-necked Falcon, Senegal Thick-knee, Long-toed Plover, Blue-headed Coucal, White-crested Turaco, Heuglin's Francolin, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Blue-spotted and Black-billed Wood Doves, Blue-breasted, Madagascar, Red-throated and Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters, Broad-billed & Abyssinian Rollers, Piapiac, Black-billed & Double-toothed Barbets, Moustached Grass-Warbler, Marsh Tchagra, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Black & Black-winged Red Bishops, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Whistling, Siffling & Singing Cisticolas, Broad-tailed, Red-winged & Red-winged Grey Warblers, White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike, Black-headed Gonolek, White-fronted Black-Chat, Sooty Chat, Copper & Olive-bellied Sunbirds, Brown Babbler, Black-headed Batis, Slender-billed & Compact Weavers, Black-bellied and Bar-breasted Firefinches and African Quailfinch, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, White-rumped Seedeater, and Cabanis’s Bunting. We spend the whole morning on a game drive on the northern bank of River Nile in the Delta area. Lunch at the Lodge. Afternoon launch / boat trip to the bottom of the falls. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day 5 -6 : Escarpment and Budongo – Busingiro and Royal Mile. We start after breakfast and cross the Nile birding along the escarpment and afternoon birding Budongo Busingiro section. The following day we’ll be at Budongo’s famous Royal Mile by early morning - a wide forestry track considered by many to be the country’s premier forest birding locality. This is the best place in Uganda for Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, and Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. There are many confusing forest greenbuls to test us including Spotted, Xavier’s, White-throated, Red-tailed & Honeyguide Greenbuls. Canopy flocks support Yellow-mantled Weaver, Rufous Thrush and Uganda Woodland-Warbler. Undergrowth alongside the track holds numerous skulkers including Scaly-breasted, Brown & Pale-breasted Illadopses, Fire-crested Alethe, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush, Red-tailed Ant-Thrush, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Yellow Longbill and Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher. We will keep an eye on any openings in the forest canopy as Cassin’s and Crowned Hawk-eagles, Cassin’s and Sabine’s spinetails, and White-throated Bee-eater are all possible. The area around the Park Headquarters is the only site in East Africa for the elusive canopy-dwelling Ituri Batis. Overnight at Masindi Hotel

Day 7: To Kibale National Park.
After breakfast we drive south towards the Kibale area. This is the longest distance driving on this trip. If time allows we shall bird in the evening after arriving or just before we arrive at the forest. We may have time for birding the forest before we check in at Ndali Lodge.
Kibale is an extensive National Park, c760 sq.km, at an altitude of c.4,000’, protecting a large block of rainforest that offers excellent birding. It harbours the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa and is famous for its Chimpanzees. Superb birds and primates combined with easy access, a good infrastructure and a variety of interesting activities make this forest a “must-see”. Bird life in Kibale is magnificent and prolific with over 335 species recorded: African Crowned-Eagle, Afep Pigeon, Red-winged Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, Narina Trogon, Black Bee-eater, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, African Pitta, Grey-winged Robin-chat, African Broadbill, Willcock's & Thick-billed Honeyguides, Cassin's Honeybird, Mountain Wagtail, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Petit's Cuckoo-Shrike, Joyful & Honeyguide Greenbuls, Banded Prinia, Masked Apalis, Black-and-white Flycatcher, Pink-footed Puffback, Chestnut-winged Starling, Superb, Green-headed & Green-throated Sunbirds, Dark-backed Weaver are all possible specials of the area. Overnight at Ndali Lodge.

Day 8: Birding Kibale National Park.
After an early breakfast we’ll head for the Park visitor center to assemble for the briefing before Chimpanzee tracking. Kibale with its towering forest has a well-established Chimpanzee-tracking program with a high success rate. Other primates that may be found include Red & Guereza Colobus, Olive Baboon, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, L'Hoest's Blue, Vervet and Red-tailed Monkey. Bush Pig and Buffalo, Bushbuck, Blue, Harvey's and Peter's Duikers are other shy inhabitants of the forest interior. A morning walk through the forest combines chimp trekking with a selection of forest birds. In this excellent medium-altitude forest we’ll search for the many dazzling sunbirds this area supports. Bird parties hold the magical Black-throated Apalis, Forest Robin, Dusky-blue Flycatcher and African Shrike-flycatcher amongst illadopses and alethes, Black-bellied Seedcracker inhabits the forest edge, while the canopy holds malimbes. Gray-throated, Yellow-spotted & Yellow-billed Barbets, White-naped & Afep Pigeons, Red-chested Owlet and White-headed Wood-hoopoe.
After lunch we’ll probably bird the forest along the main road, looking out for species like Crested Guinea Fowl, Narina Trogon, African Emerald Cuckoo, Grey Parrot, Sabine's Spinetail, Black-billed Turaco, White spotted Flufftail, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Red-tailed Ant-Thrush, Blue-shouldered Robin-chat and more. Overnight at Ndali Lodge. Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After breakfast we drive to Kihingami wetland or Sebitoli section of the forest before we continue to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes us along the foothills of the mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains) by Kasese, and crossing the Equator as you get close to Lake Kikorongo. This Park is another with some of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world. Its varied habitat of open savannah, dense papyrus swamps and lakes, makes it one of the richest parks in Africa. Game in the park includes Elephant, a profusion of Hippos, the elusive Giant Forest Hog and handsome Uganda Kob, with occasional Lion and Leopard. Much of the journey will be a game-drive and provide good birding in an open East African Savanna setting. Look out for raptors, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Red-necked Spurfowl, Barbets, Tinkerbirds, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Red-chested Cuckoo, Lesser Striped Swallow, Black-lored Babbler, Grey-backed Fiscal-Shrike, Common Fiscal, Sunbirds and more. We will arrive at our accommodation by late afternoon for a two-night stay. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 10: Birding and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We will have optional early morning birding around the lodge grounds, returning for breakfast. We’ll probably do a morning game drive/birding after breakfast, returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we take a good-sized launch for a two-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Mammals will be prominent here. Species we have a good chance of finding are Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyaena, African Elephant, African Buffalo, Giraffe, Uganda Kob, Common Bushbuck, Hippopotamus, Common Warthog and the spectacular Giant Forest-Hog, the largest and undeniably ugliest pig on earth. There are many other key bird species in the area: White-faced Whistling & Knob-billed Ducks, African Spoonbill, Open-billed & Saddle-billed Storks, Collared Pratincole, Water Thick-knee, Spur-winged & African Wattled Plovers, African Skimmer, Martial Eagle, Gabon & Slender-tailed Nightjars, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Common Quail, Malachite Kingfisher, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Black Bee-eater, White-tailed Lark, Fan-tailed Grassbird, Black-headed & Papyrus Gonoleks, Winding & Carruther's Cisticolas, Red-chested & Scarlet-chested Sunbirds, Swamp Flycatcher, Grey-capped & White-winged Warblers, Yellow backed & Slender-billed Weavers, Papyrus Canary. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 11: Birding to Bwindi National Park.
If conditions allow, we will drive through the extensive southern Ishasha section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Savanna bird and mammal species are likely to be seen, and we may be fortunate in sighting the famous tree-climbing Lions of this area. The elusive Scaly Francolin is another species that we hope to find on this route. Finally, we will reach the headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at Buhoma, where we will be based for three nights. The Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to approximately half of the world population of 600 Mountain Gorillas. This vast reserve offers arguably the most productive montane forest birding in Africa and supports 23 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species. Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighbouring Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is now an ecological island within a sea of human cultivation and therefore of immense conservation importance. Buhoma lies in the valley of the Munyaga River at 5100 feet and is flanked by steep, forested hills. Excellent forest birding, not least the prospect of numerous rare and localised Albertine Rift endemics, makes this a true birding Mecca. We will stay at a Gorilla Forest Camp, a brand-new luxurious tented camp located within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The dining and bar area command excellent views of the forest. Each tent is of Selous style, with two queen-size beds, vanity area and en suite private forest-view bath and shower, where we can relax in the unique forest surroundings. This camp is acknowledged to be the most luxurious in Uganda.Overnight Stay at Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 12: Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
From our comfortable base, we will depart for an optional gorilla trekking adventure. We will make a trek to visit habituated the family groups of Mountain Gorilla. Spending an hour with these gentle giants is, without a doubt, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on Earth. We will spend the balance of our time here birding the trails leading out from the camp. Species we will search for include Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo; Bar-tailed Trogon; Dusky Tit; Kivu Ground-Thrush; White-bellied Robin-Chat; Equatorial Akalat; White-tailed Ant-Thrush; Red-throated Alethe; White-bellied Crested- Flycatcher; White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher; Gray-green Bushshrike; Northern Double-collared Sunbird; Blackbilled Weaver and Magpie Mannikin. High exposed perches in the open forest are favored by African Goshawk; the dazzling Black Bee-eater; Blue-throated Roller; Sooty Flycatcher and forest starlings including Waller’s, Stuhlmann’s and Narrow-tailed. One of Bwindi’s star avian attractions is the diminutive, pitta-like Neumann’s Warbler, a vocal yet very secretive bird! Other under-storey birds we hope to see include displaying African Broadbill; Banded Prinia and the handsome Black-faced Rufous-Warbler. The mid-storey and canopy supports Elliot’s and Tullberg’s woodpeckers; Cabanis’, Shelley’s and Ansorge’s greenbuls; the strange Grauer’s Warbler and White-browed Crombec. The rare Jameson’s Antpecker may also been seen probing under moss on dead branches or gleaning warbler-like in the canopy. Overhead, Scarce Swifts forage over the forest. Birding at Buhoma is a truly magical experience. Other wildlife that we may be fortunate enough to find here include the huge Yellow-backed Duiker, Guereza Colobus; L’Hoest’s; Blue and Red-tailed monkeys; Chimpanzee and several species of squirrels including Fire-footed Rope, Carruthers’ Mountain, Ruwenzori Sun and Red-legged Sun Squirrel.

Day 13: Birding to Ruhija through the "NECK" of the forest.
Key species on the way include: Mountain Wagtail, Red-tailed and Shelley's Greenbul, Cassin's Flycatcher, Black Duck, Banded Prinia, Grey-throated Barbet, Common Buzzard, Tree Pipit, Chin-spot Batis, Black-billed Turaco, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-tailed Greenbul, and we should come across Bee-eaters including Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Many-coloured Bush-shrike, Ayres's Hawk-eagle, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Narina Trogon, Honeyguide Greenbul, Red-throated Alethe, Gray Apalis, African Shrike-flycatcher and Red-headed Malimbe; and in areas of dry fern vegetation, we expect to watch the Dusky Twinspot. Overnight stay at the Researcher’s Hostel.

Day 14: Birding to Mubwindi Swamp.
After breakfast we head for a whole day birding to the Mubwindi Swamp. The 4km trail to Mubwindi Swamp drops from 2350m to 2050 m and is the best place for some of the most difficult to find of all rift endemics including Grauer's (African Green) Broadbill, the beautiful Regal Sunbird, and Archer's Robin Chat. Mubwindi Swamp is home to Dwarf Honeyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Apalis and African Hill Babbler (sometimes treated as a separate species), Rwenzori Hill Babbler, the rare and localized Grauer's Scrub-warbler and Carruthers' Cisticola, very difficult to see species include Fraser's Eagle-Owl, African Green Broadbill, Grauer's Rush Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Grauer's Broadbill, Archer's Robin Chat, Eastern Mountain-Greenbul, Strange Weaver, Black-headed Waxbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Waller's Starling, Stuhlmann's Starling, Ludher's Bush-shrike, Handsome Francolin and Montane Nightjar. Evening transfer to White Horse Inn Kabale Town. Overnight Stay at White Horse Inn Kabale

Day 15: To Lake Mburo National Park:
After breakfast continue to Lake Mburo, arriving in the afternoon with a game drive in the park. There is a superb wetland and Acacia savanna sanctuary. Birding here is a delightful experience, with superb scenery and a markedly different fauna to other reserves. This is the best place in the country to see game animals such as Eland as well as Zebra, Topi, Impala, and acacia-associated birds. The lakes within the park attract Hippos, Crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as Sitatunga, plus much rarer Roan, Leopard, Hyenas and Jackals. There are plenty of more typical East African savanna birds to keep us busy: Pink-backed & Great White Pelicans, African Darter, White- winged Tern, Banded Snake-Eagle, African Fish Eagle and maybe African Finfoot. We’ll be looking out for Augur Buzzard, Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Spot-flanked Barbet, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Black-headed & Papyrus Gonoleks, White-winged Warbler, Red-headed Lovebird, Ross’s Turaco and Red-faced Barbet. Lake Mburo’s woodlands are the northern-most example of the southern savanna system and home to several species at the edge of their range. Most sought-after is the Red-faced Barbet, known only from remote north-eastern Tanzania, Rwanda and here Overnight at Mihingo Lodge.

Day 16: To Kampala – Entebbe. We begin after breakfast with game drive and a boat ride on the Lake Mburo searching for the African finfoot and white backed night heron. Later after lunch, we drive to Kampala. Stay at Lindsay Cottages.

Day 17: Departure Day. There are also chances of birding the Botanical Garden near Entebbe for Afternoon departures.

CLIMATE: The mean minimum and maximum annual temperatures range from 8° - 35°C respectively. Much of the country receives between 1,000 and 1,500 mm of rainfall per annum. The south of the country has two rainfall peaks in April - May and October - November. This pattern however becomes less marked towards the North. June is after the rains and before the dry season which begins in July. So we are expecting mainly dry, warm, sometimes hot weather (mid 70-80?). In the higher areas evenings can be much cooler, with cool misty mornings when temperatures may be down to mid 50s. There is always the chance of an occasional thunder-shower. Generally, the temperatures and climate are considered pleasant and comfortable.

CLOTHING:
Depending on weather, heat, and your susceptibility to the sun, you could bring a mix of T-shirts and long-sleeved and lightweight blouses or shirts. Similarly, it is OK to wear shorts in most situations, but light-weight, washable trousers (especially those that convert into shorts by unzipping legs) are recommended. We will be at altitude for much of the tour, so evenings and early mornings could be chilly. A light sweater/sweatshirt for cooler evenings and a light, easily packable rain shell are advised. Neutral colours (greys, tans, and khakis) are most appropriate for forest birding. Easily washable, quick-drying clothes are useful. There will be walking on forest trails and the optional gorilla trek can be strenuous, so some ankle-supporting walking shoes with a good grip are advised. Bring a sunhat and sunglasses. Casual clothes are adequate throughout: leave fancy jewelry at home!

VISAS: Visas are required for UK and USA citizens. It is supposedly possible to obtain them on arrival, but probably a safer bet to obtain them before you leave. The two page form can be downloaded from the Uganda High Commission website and printed out.

INSURANCE: Participants are expected to purchase their own travel insurance from their insurance agents at home.

CURRENCY: Currency is the Ugandan Shilling. There will be opportunities to exchange small amounts of dollars at lodges. Many places (including souvenir and gift shops) will accept US dollars and a few lodges accept credit cards. Bills with years reading 1999 and below are not acceptable in the banks of Uganda.

TRANSPORT: The vehicles are specially extended and adapted 4WD Landcruisers and/or Landrovers. These have a driver/guide and spare seat in front, with 3 rows of 2 seats at the rear, giving plenty of room and a window for everyone. They will have "pop-up" tops.
EQUIPMENT: A small daypack for carrying your essentials in the vehicles on game drives and on walks is essential. You should bring all the camera equipment and spare batteries and film you need (especially if still using slide film), as these can at times be difficult and costly to purchase. There should be good photographic opportunities. Bring a small torch/flashlight as some lodges don’t use electricity or may run on generators that may be switched off in the middle of the night.
HEALTH: Bottled and purified water is available throughout. It is supplied during the day’s activities and is available for purchase with evening meals. You will need sunscreen and a small amount of insect repellent (though mosquitoes hopefully won’t be too bad in the dry season?). Though food hygiene and quality is generally good, you may want to bring whatever remedy you prefer or are prescribed for upset stomach. Moist towelettes can be a pleasant way of keeping refreshed and clean en route. Lodges do have emergency medical kits and some lodge shops stock basic, well-known drugstore remedies for headaches, painkillers etc. However, participants should bring their own supply of any medical/pharmaceutical items they need or have prescribed, as these may not be available.

MISCELLANEOUS:
Departure Tax – None currently. Electricity - 220/240 volts; plugs may be round or square 3-pin, fused or unfused Language - English is the official national language, Ganda or Luganda is the most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages and Swahili is also spoken Time - 10 hours ahead of USA ( San Francisco) Time and 3 hours ahead of GMT.

ACCOMMODATION: Our accommodation are upscale according to Uganda Standard. g Upscale Lodges Include Mweya Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge Gorilla Forest Camp, Mihingo, and Lindsay Cottages. Mid range is Masindi Hotel.:

Lindsay Cottages: This is one of the newest accommodations in the area, located about 30km from the Airport and commanding a panoramic view of Lake Victoria. The lodge is run by Dr. Joseph Kibuyaga, who lived in the U.S. for 36 years. He has turned Lindsay Cottages into a modern holiday resort each room with its own character.

Masindi Hotel: Masindi Hotel in Masindi is the best available and described by the Bradt Guide in their “Moderate” category as a large, rambling colonial-era building dating to 1923. It lies in attractive wooded grounds. Rooms have recently been refurbished, so the general appearance is very new, freshly painted, clean and comfortable, with mosquito nets, en suite shower and toilet, power points, fans, a much improved restaurant with a faster, more efficient and better chef. A tour-leading colleague commented that he was ”well impressed with his stay last year... it runs as a good as any three star hotel”.

Paraa Lodge: Paraa is inside the Murchison Falls National Park. Paraa runs its hotel a bit like Mweya, very impressive structure, flawless service and clean and comfortable rooms, 4-5 star hotel style. It was rebuilt in 1997, using many local materials. Large and luxurious en suite rooms each have a balcony facing the river. There is a large swimming pool.

Mweya Safari Lodge: Located on a peninsula within the heart of the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park, is probably the most luxurious lodge in Uganda. The rooms are very comfortable, with fans, AC, en suite showers and toilets, power points and “all mod cons”. There are impressive vistas from balconies over the National Park. The lodge itself is perched on a ridge overlooking Kazinga channel and from here a constant stream of game is always visible. Food is buffet style and superbly prepared and presented...the hotel runs like a 4-5 star hotel. The Bradt guide says: “One of the most beautifully situated lodges in Uganda and one of the plushest. The 49-room lodge was recently described as the “Sheraton in the bush”.

Mihingo Lodge: A peaceful and luxurious retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Situated on over 230 privately-owned acres, it features ten rooms which are built on wooden platforms and stilts, covered by a thatched roof. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms, including hot and cold running water, showers, and flush toilets. Each luxury tented room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge's property, enabling guests to enjoy the tranquil environment in complete seclusion. Placed in varied settings, some rooms are situated in a forest setting, some with a lake view, and some on rock outcrops. The dining area is a large thatched structure built from rocks, the wood of dead olive trees found on the land, and native grasses. Below the dining area, a swimming pool stretches out from the rocks and seems to disappear into the vast landscape beyond where there is a water-hole and salt-lick.