From the source of the White Nile on Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Range and the montane splendours of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, harbouring some of the last remaining Mountain Gorillas, Uganda is an equatorial country of astonishing contrasts. No other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats (all in an area approximately the size of Great Britain!), and this richness is reflected in its incredible bird list of over 1,000 species, making it arguably the richest African birding destination. Amongst these are many highly sought-after species such as the unique Shoebill and the numerous spectacular endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley. This highlights tour provides a comprehensive coverage of this incredible nation and, aside from the birds, it offers superb game viewing and the chance to track both Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees!
Please note: As we cannot guarantee the availability of gorilla permits, we suggest you book very early if you would like to purchase one for the optional gorilla trek. As of mid 2021, these permits are US$ 700 per person (non-refundable).
The listed Rockjumper leader may not accompany this tour unless a minimum of 7 guests are signed up. In the case of insufficient sign-ups, a professional and very experienced local guide will lead the tour instead.
Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, Nahan’s Francolin, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Papyrus Gonolek, Lühder’s, Many-coloured & Bocage’s Bushshrikes, Red-throated Alethe, Ituri Batis, Great Blue Turaco, Dusky & Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Blue Malkoha, Black Bee-eater, Blue-throated Roller, Grauer’s and Neumann’s Warblers, Fraser’s Rufous Thrush, White-tailed & Red-tailed Ant Thrushes, Lowland Masked & Mountian Masked Apalises, Afep & White-naped Pigeons, Red-chested Owlet, Grey-winged, Blue-shouldered & White-bellied Robin-Chats, Equatorial Akalat, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Magpie Mannikin, Kakamega and Ansorge’s Greenbuls, Jameson’s Antpecker
Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Giant Forest Hog, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Central African Red Colobus, Lion, Leopard
mid-altitude and montane rainforest, woodlands, acacia savanna, grasslands, wetlands, papyrus swamps
tropical with some rain expected, cooler in highlands
3 - 6 with 1 local leader / 7 - 10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader
moderate pace with some longer walks and drives
comfortable guesthouses and hotels
380+
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kazinga Channel cruise, African art
excellent
We asked for it, and we got it! This was a fabulous experience. Glen Valentine is a great leader. He has the ears of a cheerful bat, the eyes of a knowledgeable eagle, and the energy of a hummingbird. He is so happy to see the birds, we can't fail to be happy too. Our driver Hillary was a great asset to the trip. He is not only a great driver. He was unfailingly cheerful, very careful on our behalf. He knows his birds and mammals too! I am sure he could lead a good trip all by himself. Both Glen and Hilary used local guides and contacts to great effect. We always saw what was around to be seen with that added local expertise.
Daniel Danckwerts' fantastic field skills and knowledge, combined with his sense of humour and enthusiasm for showing as many birds as possible to all participants make him an ideal birding guide.
We so very much enjoyed traveling with you throughout Uganda, and now we know why it is one of your favourite destinations in Africa. Thank you for everything - your guiding, birding and organisational skills, your patience and your good company.
Hi David. Just to say that we couldn’t have had a better trip. The more I think about it, the more remarkable it was. We couldn’t have asked for better encounters with our target birds and the mammal experiences were memorable. Thanks!!! The entire entourage was impressed by your skills and leadership. I’m glad we could make this happen. Looking forward to future trips.
I was very pleased with Julian Parsons as our guide. He is an excellent birder and guide. The entire tour went as smoothly as one could expect, largely due to Julians work.
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Pricing notes : 2024 permit costs (per person): Gorilla = $800, Chimp = $250
Tour price (Per person): USD6,995 * GBP5,654 * EUR6,565 * AUD10,901
Single Supplement: USD720 * GBP582 * EUR676 * AUD1,122
Tour Leader: André Bernon
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Pricing notes : 2024 permit costs (per person): Gorilla = $800, Chimp = $250
Tour price (Per person): USD7,295 * GBP5,897 * EUR6,846 * AUD11,368
Single Supplement: USD690 * GBP558 * EUR648 * AUD1,075
Uganda - Highlights 2023 - August 2023
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas (Small Group) 2023 - June 2023
Uganda - Highlights 2022 - July 2022
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas (Small Group) 2022 - June 2022
Uganda - Whitlock 2022 - May 2022
Uganda - Highlights 2021 - July 2021
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas Exclusive I 2019 - June 2019
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas 2019 - June 2019
Uganda - Highlights 2019 - May 2019
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas II 2018 - June 2018
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas I 2018 - June 2018
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas II 2017 - July 2017
Highlights of Africa - Smith 2017 - May 2017
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas II 2016 - July 2016
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas III 2015 - July 2015
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas II 2015 - June 2015
Uganda - Birds & Gorillas II 2014 - August 2014
Uganda - Budget Birding 2014 - July 2014