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SCHEDULED TOURS 2012/2013:

Tour Leader: Herbert Byaruhanga

Price includes all Accommodation and meals, transport and guiding fees, boat fees, park entrance fees, nature walks, Gorilla and Chimpanzee fees, and enough bottled water for drinking.

Price: from $ 3000

ITINERARY:

June 1, 2012/13: Arrival in Uganda for the Safari

From the source of the White Nile on Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Range, the montane forests of the Virunga volcanoes, harboring some of the last remaining Mountain Gorillas, to the extensive savannas around the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, Uganda is an equatorial country of astonishing contrasts. 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 the numerous spectacular endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley, currently impossible to find anywhere else. The huge bird list is all the more remarkable given the small size of the country (approximately equal to Great Britain), making it, arguably, the richest African birding destination.

This birding safari begins and ends in Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria. The safari is very diverse and visits most of the important National Parks around Uganda. After arrival at Entebbe International Airport, the next day we set out straight away to bird watching and seek the most iconic bird of the Safari – Shoebill bird! We'll spend a morning in the Mabamba Wetlands before heading west to beautiful Lake Mburo National Park for a two night stay. Continuing south and west we visit first Mgahinga National Park for two nights, arguably one of the more scenic parks, as well as an excellent place for birds in uganda. We then spend five days at two main locations in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visiting the Ruhija and Buhoma sections, where we have the chance for many birds endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Then driving through the "Neck" to the Gorilla resort for two nights, where we will spend a day trekking Mountain Gorillas. Although the Gorilla trek can be strenuous, staring into the eyes of a Mountain Gorilla from a few feet away is nothing short of a life-changing experience. About half the surviving Mountain Gorillas live within the boundaries of this national park, and to have the opportunity to meet these gentle giants and be part of their family group for an hour is a rare privilege indeed, and rated by many to be the greatest wildlife experience on the planet! The next portion of the trip heads north and visits a series of fabulous national parks in the northwest portion of the country, and offers the chance for many unique bird species, as well as some of the finest mammal watching in the country. First we travel to wonderful Queen Elizabeth National Park for two wonderful nights.

Here we take a famous boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lakes George and Edward, and is one of the most productive of birding excursions! From here we work further north to the Kibale National Park and a three night stay, and perhaps the best area in Uganda for primates. Here we will have the opportunity for tracking Chimpanzees, as well as birding in excellent forest where we will search for the rare Green-breasted Pitta. From here we'll move to one of the most productive birding areas in East Africa, and spend three nights at famous areas such as Budongo Forest the "Royal Mile," and Kaniyo Pabidi.

We will finish the tour in wonderful Murchison Falls National Park, perhaps the best park in Uganda for large game.
The tour will likely see more than 500 species of birds, which will include Shoebill, and a large percentage of Albertine Rift endemics, as well as a wide variety of representatives of many of the classic African families such as hornbills, barbets, bee-eaters, woodhoopoes, fabulous raptors, incredible water birds, and on and on! We will cover a multitude of habitats from lush rainforest, to wild savannahs, to dry acacia forests, to wetlands and swamps, to the shores of the incredible Nile River. The scenery is varied and arguably some of the finest in all of Africa, and the mammal experience would be great enough with chances for about 50 species, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and leopard, not to mention, of course, Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee.
The accommodations are excellent, and our guide Herbert is one of the more experienced local guides in Uganda. All in all – a trip of a lifetime!

June 2nd 2012/13: Birding Mabamba

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

June 3rd 2012/13: Birding to Murchison Falls Stay at Sambiya River Lodge

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.

June 4th – 5th 2012/13: Whole day birding

June 6th 2012/13: Birding to Budongo - Chimps and birding Stay at Masindi Hotel

We will have a full day spent birding some of the excellent sites around Budongo Forest Reserve. 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).

June 7th 2012/13: Bird watching in Budongo forest - Royal Mile.

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 Forest Headquarters is the only site in East Africa for the elusive canopy-dwelling Ituri Batis.. We stay at Masindi Hotel

June 8th – 9th 2012/13:

Birding to Kibale Stay at Mantana Tented Camp (Chimp tracking and birding)
After breakfast we drive south towards the Kibale area .This is a very long distance and we shall spend most of the day driving with less birding. If time allows we shall bird in the evening after arriving or just before we arrive at the Camp.
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.

June 10 – 11th 2012/13: Bird watching safari to Semliki forest. Stay at Vanilla Hotel

Semliki Forest represents the only example of Congo-Basin vegetation in Uganda. A large number of Guinea-Congo biome species reach their eastern limits here, which is one of the richest for forest birds in the country.

No less than 131 of the 144 Guinea –Congo forest Biome species have been recorded in Semliki Forest, as well as 31 Guinea Congo Biome species, and 39 others that are only known from Semliki antional park in Uganda. Other species such as White–tailed/Piping Hornbill (also recorded in Budongo forest reserve), Capuchin Babbler and Blue-headed, Crested flycatcher are now known from Mabira forest reserve, Semliki forest is close to the Mt. Rwenzori ranges, and the River Semliki meanders (forming ox-bow lakes in some places) along the western border down to Lake Albert and is surrounded by swamp where four Lake Victoria biome species, including Papyrus Gonolek and Caruthers's Cisticola are recorded. The site also has two restricted range species, and surprisingly, six Afrotropical highlands biome species; all widespread elsewhere. other interesting species include some of the continent's most spectacular and sought-after birds such as Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Black-wattled Hornbill and Lyre-tailed Honey guide.

June 12 -13th 2012/13: Birding safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This park is the second largest park in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. The melting glacier waters of the Rwenzoir Mountains create a vast wetland system comprising of two main lakes, George and Edward, as well as the connecting Kazinga Channel. Thousands of Hippos populate these lake shorelines. Open savannah dotted with Acacia and Euphorbia trees provide habitat for elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda Kobs and big herds of buffaloes. Ten primate species including chimpanzees are present. Among the many other animals seen frequently are giant forest hog, boasts or more bird species than any other park in Africa.
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 may 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.

Day June 14th – 18th 2012/13: Birdwatching to Bwindi forest of Uganda.

Bwindi is a bird watchers' haven, it holds 347 species of birds. The forest has 10 of the 26 globally threatened species in Uganda, five of which are vulnerable. It has 24 of the 25 Albertine Rift endemic species in the country and some, such as African Green Broadbill, Chapin's Flycatcher.

Bwindi has 76 of 144 Guinea –Congo forest biome species that occur in Uganda, recorded especially in the North sector. The site also qualifies for Afro tropical highland biome species with 68 of 86, and for the Lake Victoria biome with 4 of 12 species.

The park is blessed with 90% of all albertine rift endemics, difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa and seven IUCN red data listed species. An experienced birder watcher can identify over 100 species in a day.

Ruhiija is likely to be one of the highlights of any trip to Uganda with excellent birding in spectacular surroundings. Birds are both plentiful and easy to see; many species associating in mixed feeding flocks that are active throughout the day. An early start offers the best chance of finding the striking handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, western Green Tinkerbird, Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, red-faced woodland Warbler, Rwenzori batis, white–tailed crested Flycatcher and many more. Mubwindi Swamp is home to Dwarf Honeyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, Ruwenzori Apalis and African Hill Babbler (sometimes treated as a separate species from Rwenzori Hill Babbler), the rare and localized Grauer's Scrub-Warbler and Carruthers' Cisticola, including very difficult to see species Fraser's Eagle-Owl, African Green Broadbill, Grauer's Rush Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Grauer's Broadbills, Archer's Robin-chat, Eastern Mountain-Greenbul, Strange Weaver, Black-headed Waxbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Waller's Starling, Stuhlmann's Starling, Ludher's Bushshrike, Handsome Francolin and Montane Nightjar.

June 15th 2012/13: Whole day birding

June 16th 2012/13: Whole Day Gorilla tracking

June 17th 2012/13: Birding to Ruhiija

June 18th 2012/13: Whole day birding

June 19th 2012/13: Birding to Lake Mburo

We start after breakfast and continue birding to Lake Mburo National Park. We stay at Mantana Tented Camp. Special birds include Crested Francolin, Emerald spotted wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced Go-away –bird. Blue-napped Mousebird, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Green Wood-hoopoe, common scimitarbill, African Grey Hornbill, Spot-flanked Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Northern Black Tit, Chin-spot Batis, Greater Blue-eared starling and Marico sunbird, Coqui Francolin, Red-necked Spur fowl, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck's Courser, African Wattled Plover, Rufous-Naped lark, Rufous-chested Swallow, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Southern Red Bishop, Pennant-winged Nightjars.

June 20th 2012/13: Birding and Afternoon transfer to Entebbe/Kampala.

June 21st 2012/13: Departure