Bangladesh - Masked Finfoot & Cachar Bulbul Expedition 2028

01 Feb 2028 - 10 Feb 2028 (10 days)

From USD4,395 SPACES AVAILABLE

(**Prices can vary depending upon the cabin of choice and time of booking**)

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Tour Leader: André Bernon

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Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop

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Tour Price (Per person): (GBP3,413 * ZAR73,835 * CAD6,402 * AUD6,438)

Single Supplement: (GBP2,326 * ZAR50,316 * CAD4,363 * AUD4,387)

From the forested hills of eastern Bangladesh to the vast tidal wilderness of the Sundarbans, this compact yet highly rewarding tour explores some of the country’s finest and most atmospheric birding habitats. Dense tropical forests, quiet rivers, sprawling wetlands and an immense maze of mangrove-lined waterways provide refuge for a superb selection of South Asian specialities, including several species that are difficult to see anywhere else.

Foremost among our targets is the Critically Endangered Masked Finfoot, one of Asia’s rarest and most enigmatic birds, for which the Bangladeshi Sundarbans remain the world’s most important stronghold. Other mouth-watering possibilities include the elusive White-eared Night Heron, magnificent Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mangrove Pitta, Buffy Fish Owl, range-restricted Cachar Bulbul, secretive White-cheeked Partridge, Blue-naped Pitta, Red-headed Trogon and Great Slaty Woodpecker, alongside a colourful supporting cast of hornbills, barbets, woodpeckers, pittas, babblers and kingfishers.

Our time aboard a comfortable houseboat in the Sundarbans adds an adventurous dimension to the tour as we explore narrow creeks and tidal channels by small boat in search of birds and other wildlife. Ganges River and Irrawaddy Dolphins, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Leopard Cat and Fishing Cat are all possible, while the ever-present chance, however remote, of encountering a Bengal Tiger adds further excitement. Join us for a fascinating birding journey through one of South Asia’s most underrated and rewarding destinations.

Top Birds

White-cheeked Partridge; Red Junglefowl; Grey Peacock-pheasant; Masked Finfoot; Grey-headed Lapwing; White-eared NIght Heron; Buffy Fish Owl; Indochinese Roller; up to 6 Kingfisher species; Great Slaty Woodpecker; Blossom-headed Parakeet; Blue-naped & Mangrove Pittas; Cachar Bulbul; Orange-headed Thrush; Siberian Rubythroat; Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker.

Top Mammals

South Asian River & Irrawaddy Dolphins; Asian Small-clawed Otter; Leopard & Fishing Cats; Western Hooloick Gibbon; Phayre's Leaf Monkey; Capped Langur; outside chance of Bengal Tiger

Habitats Covered

Extensive mangroves, estuaries, coastal mudflats, coastal forest, tropical forest

Expected Climate

Hot and humid with chance for rain.

Max Group Size

Up to 12 with 2 Tour Leaders

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Moderate, though target focussed. Suitable for most birding and wildlife interest levels.

Accommodation

Comfortable. Several nights spent on a live-aboard houseboat with basic facilities.

Ease of Birding

Moderate

Number of Species Expected

150-170 speices

Other Attractions

Sundarbans (Asia's most extensive mangrove forests). The tour is specifically concentrated to see the Critically Endangered Masked Finfoot, a species that is unlikely to be seen outside of this remote area of Bangladesh.

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good

What our clients say about us

Stephan Lorenz
YB, China - Southeast in Winter 2026

We chose our China SE in Winter 2026 tour because Stephan is the guide ! Like all the trips we went with him before, we had a great time with him and the team members. Stephan was professional, knowledgable, persistent, energetic and caring. We would definitely tour with him again, in the very near future, we hope !

Robert Wilcox
JM, Guatemala - Specialities of Central America 2026

Tour was wonderful. Loved everything. Very well organised and super localities. Anna is a superstar, she was invaluable

Dušan Brinkhuizen
LG, Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola I 2026

Excellent tour. Accommodations were as good as could be expected given the isolated areas we needed to reach to see all the endemics. We saw them all. Dusan and the two local guides were exceptional at finding the birds and getting us on them. The vehicle fit our purpose, the luggage trailer was a great idea, and our driver Jose was very professional.

Quinton Paul Josop
DB, India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats (Small Group) 2026

The tour structure and arrangements were first class. Leaders were very good and quite knowledgable. I thought Paul was energetic a d really on the birds. Would gladly travel with him again. It was great fun and we got nearly every endemic on the trip. Great fun!!

Robert Williams
EW, Guyana - Birds & Wildlife (Relaxed) 2026

What a great experience! Everything was as you told us in the pre-departure literature, so we were well-prepared. Rob was an excellent tour leader. His vast experience in conservation, core knowledge of birds and bird behavior, and his enthusiasm was generously shared with the group. He modeled proper trail behavior and made sure that everyone “saw the bird”. The local guides were top-notch and took good care of the group. I also learned so much from the better birders in the group. Highly recommended!

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Route Map

Tour Route Map