Uganda Birds and Gorillas.
Highlights:
Date: January 15th to 29th 2011
No of participants : Min 6 Max 12
Targets:
450 Bird Species
40 mammals
50 Butterflies
Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees
Tour Leader: Herbert Byaruhanga and a network or site guides.
Type of accommodation: Mid range with ensuite rooms
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 adventure begins and ends in Entebbe near the shores of Lake Victoria. The tour starts right away with the search for the rare Shoebill, the most iconic bird of any birding tour! Thereafter, we proceed to north towards Murchison Falls national park, where we have a game and birding drive and a launch trip to the bottom of the falls. Prepare to be dazzled by the diversity of birdlife and the wealth of mammals in this largest and most scenic of all Uganda parks. From there, we bird through kanio Pabide, one of the excellent sites in Budongo Forest Reserve. If lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the primates that live within this forest. We also have chance to bird the famous Budongo Royal Mile! From there we proceed to Kibale forest national park for an unforgettable experience of chimpanzee tracking and birding. The tour then leads us to Queen Elizabeth national park where we shall spend 2 wonderful nights. This is the second largest national park and has diverse wildlife. We shall have a game drive and a take a boat cruise on the spectacular Kazinga Channel, a strip of water that joins Lakes Edward and George. From there we proceed to the dense and supposedly impenetrable forest of Bwindi, Buhoma section for 2 wonderful nights. Here we have a chance for the Albertine endemics. You will also have the chance to track habituated groups of the 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! We wind up our Uganda adventure by visiting Lake Mburo national park where we spend one night in this small but scenic national park. Thereafter we have a birding and game drive as we procedd out of the park heading towards Entebbe airport arriving in good time for your evening departure flight.
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 so 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 lodging and meals are designed to beautifully enhance your stay in Uganda. All in all – a trip of a lifetime!
Jan 15th: Arrival. Stay at Cassia Lodge for 2 nights (www.cassialodge.com)
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet up with Bird Uganda Safaris professional bird guide. 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, Brown-throated¸ Golden-backed, Orange & Yellow-backed Weavers.
Jan 16th: Birding Mabamba for the Shoebill. Back to Cassia Lodge for dinner and overnight
Early breakfast, then out to Mabamba Wetlands about 50km west of Entebbe area on the shores 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.
Jan 17th: Birding to Murchison Falls National Park. Stay at Sambiya River Lodge for 2 nights (www.sambiyariverlodge.com)
Murchison Falls national park is Uganda's largest and it is 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 the 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.
Jan 18th: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Launch Trip to the bottom of the falls.
Jan 19th: Birding through Budongo Kanio Pabide. Stay at Masindi Hotel for 2 nights (www.masindihotel.com)
At the break of dawn, after a very early breakfast, we bird through Kanio Pabide, one of the excellent sites around Budongo Forest Reserve. There should be a good mix of widespread species and more local specialties 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 Pabide 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 Akalat. 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)
Jan 20th: Whole day birding the 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 Park Headquarters is the only site in East Africa for the elusive canopy-dwelling Ituri Batis.
Jan 21st: Birding to Kibale. Stay at Nature Lodges for 2 nights.
(www.naturelodges.biz)
After breakfast we drive south towards the Kibale area. This is a long distance and we shall spend most of the day driving with less birding. If time allows we shall bird in the evening at the forest edge or around the Nature Lodges upon arrival. We may have time for birding the Rift Valley escarpment looking out for Vinaceous Dove, Black-billed Barbet, Cliff-chat, Foxy Cisticola, Red-winged Pytilia and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver. Birding here and en-route should continue to produce species not found elsewhere in East Africa and more akin to West African rainforest: Western Banded Snake-Eagle, Great Blue Turaco, Lizard Buzzard, Red-Chested Swallow, Joyful Greenbul, Masked Apalis and Green-headed Sunbird.
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.
Jan 22nd: Whole Day birding and Chimp tracking.
After an early breakfast we’ll head off to the forest for your chimpanzee tracking adventure. 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 near-vicinity of the lodge and the main road, looking out for species like Crested Guinea Fowl, Narina & Bar-tailed Trogons, 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.
Jan 23rd: Early start for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stay at Simba Safari Camp for 2 nights. (http://www.ugandalodges.com/lodges/simba/)
After breakfast we transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This Park is yet 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. 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.
Jan 24th: Whole day in the park.
This day, we have a morning game and birding drive as we explore more of this vast savannah park. Later after lunch, we take a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel where you expect to see a wealth of mammals lining the banks, including schools of hippos, elephants and numerous birds.
Jan 25th: Birding to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Stay at Buhoma Community Bandas for 3 nights.
Start Early for Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Depending on weather and road conditions, we may drive through Ishasha section famed for its tree climbing lions. Alternatively we may drive through the beautiful sceneries of Rukungiri district. Bwindi is generally at a higher altitude and therefore is cooler. Temperatures range between10 - 18 ° C. Forest birding at Bwindi ranks the best in Uganda and Africa as well. It is home to over 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics present. Special birds include Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Grauer's Warbler, Banded Prinia, Black-faced Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Ashy Flycatcher, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Chapin's Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, cassin's Grey Flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, White-bellied Crested-flycatcher, Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Mountain Illadopsis, African Hill-Babbler, Dusky Tit, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Grey-headed Sunbird, Mackinnon's Fiscal, Sooty Boubou, Pink-footed Puffback, Doherty's Bush-shrike, White-naped Raven, Montane Oriole, African Golden Oriole, Stuhlmann's Starling, Narrow-tailed Starling, Waller's Starling, Strange Weaver, Brown-capped Weaver, Black-billed Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Magpie Mannikin, Yellow-crowned Canary, Thick- billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, African Green Broadbill, Shelly's Crimsonwing, Oriole Finch, Mountain Buzzard, Ayre's Hawk-eagle, Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Wood-Owl, Rwenzori Nightjar, Scarce Swift, Bar-tailed Trogon, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Black Bee-eater, (Western) Bronze-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Owlet, Tullberg's Woodpecker, Elliot's Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Western Green Tinkerbird, African Green Broadbill, Lagdens Bush Shrike, Petit's Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Archer's Ground Robin, Toro Olive-Greenbul, Ansorge's Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat, White-bellied Robin-chat, Olive Thrush, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Grauer's Rush-warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Neumann's Warbler and Red faced Woodland-Warbler.
In addition to this excellent birding spot in Africa, Bwindi is home to the most sought after cousins of human beings, the mountain gorillas. Other mammals among others include Ruwenzori and Yellow-backed Duikers and L'Hoest Monkey.
Jan 26th: Whole day birding on the main trail.
We will spend the entire day 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. 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.
Jan 27th: Gorilla tracking
On this day, we set off early, with packed lunch, to the park headquarters for a briefing prior to Gorilla Tracking. This is the most exciting lifetime experience of all time! The gorillas are gentle animals and it is an unforgettable experience to photograph them as they interact. It is a wonderful experience to stare in to the eyes of these gentle giants; watch them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities. It is indeed a “once in a lifetime” experience that you must never miss. Each encounter is different and has its own rewards; you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display.
Jan 28th: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park. Stay at Arcadia Cottages for 1 night. (www.arcadiacottages.net)
After breakfast we drive eastwards towards Lake Mburo National Park – 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.
Jan 29th: Early morning Game Drive and continue to the airport for evening departure.
CLIMATE: The temperatures will generally be warm to hot and rain may be experienced despite the fact that we will be travelling during the dry season. It may however, be cool in some places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
CLOTHING: Recommended for the field is light-weight, neutral-colored clothing that can be easily rinsed out and quickly dries (cottons or cotton blends) is recommended for the field. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help protect you from insects, thorny plants, and sunburn. Shorts will be appropriate for some occasions; long pants that convert into shorts by unzipping the legs are generally very useful and popular. A sweater or jacket is useful for cooler nights and early mornings.. You should also bring raingear, including a small umbrella. Strong-soled shoes or hiking boots are essential, as we will spend a good amount of time on our feet. Dress is casual throughout. Laundry service will be available regularly during the tour, which should help you in deciding what to pack. Making use of laundry service means you will not need to bring as many items of clothing as you would otherwise. Note that it this service is not included in the cost. Alternatively, to lighten your load, you may consider bringing some clothes you have planned to discard. These can be worn on tour and left behind; they will be well received by local communities or our local guides.
CURRENCY: The Uganda Shilling is the national currency (at time of writing the exchange rate is approximately 2,100 Uganda Shillings to US$1). ATM machines are readily available but in a few places.. Thereafter only cash can be changed once on safari. Larger bills ($50 and $100) attract a significantly better rate of exchange than smaller bills or Traveler’s cheques. Uganda Shillings can be changed back to US Dollars at the airport on departure. US Dollars cash notes MUST be dated 2001 or newer and must be in good condition.
DOCUMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months after your departure is required to enter Uganda as well as a yellow fever vaccinations certificate. Visa can be obtained upon arrival in Entebbe (cost at time of writing is $50.) For more information check with Ugandan consulate/embassy for instructions.
It is very important that your passport and traveler's checks be on your body at all times. We caution against carrying these items in your backpack or purse. Like anywhere in the world this precaution is very important.
EQUIPMENT: You should pack a pair of binoculars in good repair, along with a belt pack or backpack (for carrying books, sunscreen, extra film, etc.). As a precaution, it is a good idea to pack your binoculars, a change of clothing, toiletry items, medication, and travel documents in your airline carry-on bag.
If you have a scope and wish to bring it, you are encouraged to do so. You will want to pack an alarm clock, a water flask or canteen, a strong flashlight, a washcloth, film and batteries for your camera, and between-meal snacks such as trail mix. A small daypack for carrying essentials in the vehicles on game drives and bird walks is useful. Insects are generally not a problem. Bring your preferred insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen. You should also bring a supply of indigestion and diarrhoea medicines in case they are needed.
HEALTH: It is important to note that modern medical facilities and prescription drugs in the developed world are not common in Uganda, so you should be in reasonable health to consider this tour. Although food hygiene and quality is excellent and we rarely experience any serious stomach problems, you may want to bring the remedy you prefer or are prescribed for an upset stomach. Moist towlettes are useful for keeping refreshed and clean during travelling and before packed lunches.
If you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the tour safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.
Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry into Uganda by all: Malaria is present, including the chloroquine-resistant strain; most areas are at risk. There have been some recent changes in recommendations for malaria prophylaxis. Mefloquine (Lariam) is now the drug of choice in areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is found. A single dose should be taken one week before the start of the tour, continued throughout the tour, and for four weeks after its conclusion. Mefloquine is available by prescription only, and may not be suitable for those using cardio-vascular medication; consult your physician.
MISC:
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Departure Tax - none
- Electricity - 220-volt AC, with British type 13-amp 3-prong plugs.
- Language - English is the official language and widely spoken.
- Time - Uganda is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
SAFETY: Uganda is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in East Africa. Petty crime is minimal. The Bwindi killings in 1999 gave Uganda a bad reputation; however a strong military presence in the area has ensured that no further incidents will reoccur. Ugandan people are incredibly welcoming, polite and friendly.
SUGGESTED READING: The following recently published book provides an accurate, complete and up to date reference to all the birds of Uganda:
Stevenson, Terry and John Fanshawe. A Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Academic Press, 2001.
Other books worth considering
Birds
Byaruhanga, A., P. Kasoma and D. Pomeroy. Important Bird Areas in Uganda NatureUganda, 2001. An important addition to BirdLife International’s IBA series.
Rossouw, J.D. and M. Sacchi. Where to Watch Birds in Uganda Uganda Tourist Board, 1998. This highly recommended and superbly illustrated book provides detailed information on the birds and birding sites of Uganda.
Sinclair, I and P. Ryan. (2003) Birds of Africa south of the Sahara, Struik Publishers. A monumental achievement covering most of Africa, well illustrated with good maps, and easily carried in the field. There are many newly described and split species illustrated here.
Van Perlo, Ber. Birds of Eastern Africa. Princeton University Press, 2001. The compact size of this book is now its only advantage as it is greatly surpassed in every other respect by the previous tome.
Zimmerman, Dale A., Donald A. Turner and David J. Pearson. Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999. This well illustrated and informative book covers 85% of Uganda’s bird species. This book is no longer as useful since the publication of the Stevenson and Fanshawe book. It has also been published in a smaller, paperback edition.
Mammals
Estes, Richard D. (1993) The Safari Companion, a Guide to Watching African Mammals Chelsea Green Publishing Company. A fascinating book if you are interested in learning more about mammal behaviour.
Kingdon, Jonathan. The Kingdon Fieldguide to African Mammals Academic Press, 1999. This excellent book covers all of Africa’s mammals. Larger mammals (squirrel size and larger) are covered to species level and smaller mammals to genus level. This is the recommended mammal book.
Stuard, Chris and Tilde Stuard Southern, Central and East African Mammals: A Photographic Guide. Chelsea Green, 1998. A useful and compact fieldguide to most of the mammals we are likely to encounter.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Channing, Alan. Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa. Comstock, 2001. A useful field guide which illustrates many species likely to be encountered in Uganda, although its coverage does not extend to Uganda.
Spawls, Stephen, Kim Howell, Robert C. Drewes and James Ashe. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa Academic Press, 2001. A superb and comprehensive but rather bulky guide to all the species of reptiles occurring in Uganda.
Plants
Blundell, M. Wild Flowers of East Africa (Collins Photo Guide). HarperCollins, 1999. A recommended photographic field guide.
Dharani N. Field Guide to the Common Trees and Shrubs of East Africa Struik, 2002. A newly published guide to the more common trees and shrubs found in East Africa.
General
Finlay, Hugh, M. Fitzpatrick, M. Fletcher and N. Ray (5th Edition). East Africa Lonely Planet Publications. 2000. An excellent general reference work to travelling in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
TIPPING: Tipping (restaurants, porters, drivers, local guides) is not included on this tour. Note that this is a new culture in Uganda. Porters for Gorilla tracking are tipped US $ 20 per person per day. Drivers and Tourist drivers are tipped $5 per person per day. Other than the Gorilla tracking porters, tipping remains optional.
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Bird Uganda Safaris Ltd
