After a friend visited Uganda in 2002 and he showed us his bird and Mammal list we Just had to go!. So few of us from Sydney, Australia, arrived in Entebbe (unlike our Luggage) to be met by a cheerful smiling Herbert Byaruhanga, a man we had read and heard much about. we planned to spend few weeks with Herbert and his network of Guides searching "The Pearl of Africa" for birds Mammals. We certainly weren't disappointed.

Our itinerary took us to sites around Kampala, including Mabamba swamp, Entebbe Botanical gardens and Mabira Forest. We then traveled to Budongo Forest and the famous "Royal Mile", Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Finally Lake Mburo National Park.

In all we saw 520 species of birds and 64 Mammals. Herbert and his colleagues showed us all our "must see" birds and mammals including 5 shoebills, numerous African grey parrots, 6 African finfoots, Spotted and Red chested fluftails, and for me so many Abyssinian ground hornbills.

The mammal list was just as exciting with gorillas at Ruhiija and Buhoma, Chimps at 4 locations, forest elephants, "countless", other Primates (there were 15 in all) and spectacular mass herds in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. Who can see 64 mammals in any country anyway?

Herbert's vehicle throughout was an A/C 4WD Toyota minibus. It was more than comfortable with a sunroof that allowed good viewing at night for spotlighting. Herbert and his contacts were very personable, cheerful and above all incredibly talented. They all knew their local birds ( including the nesting sites) intimately. Our accommodation was comfortable and considering our budget and the accommodation provided did all they could to make us happy.

It was very clear that Herbert was well Known and well regarded by all locals including importantly, National park staff. He even has a network of rangers who know the local birds.

Although our primary interest in travelling to Uganda was the diversity of wildlife we were treated with great Uganda people. They were full of smiles, friendly greetings and very natural. We didn't feel like tourists.

The weather as great, the insects almost non-existant and the food nutritious and above all able to be eaten anywhere we went without making us sick.
We can wholeheartedly recommend Herbert Byaruhanga of Bird Uganda Safaris Ltd to any prospective customer. He exceeded our already high expectations.

Please contact me on Email: steveas@tpg.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it.