Overview

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 & Chimp permits, we suggest you book very early if you would like to purchase them. As of mid-2022, these permits are US$ 700 per person for Gorilla trekking and US$ 200 per person for Chimpanzee trekking (these permits are non-refundable)

The listed Rockjumper leader will 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.


*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour Facts Top Birds
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
Top Mammals
Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Giant Forest Hog, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Central African Red Colobus, Lion, Leopard
Habitats Covered
mid-altitude and montane rainforest, woodlands, acacia savanna, grasslands, wetlands, papyrus swamps
Expected Climate
tropical with some rain expected, cooler in highlands
Max Group Size
3 - 6 with 1 local leader / 7 - 10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader
Tour Pace & Walking
moderate pace with some longer walks and drives
Accommodation
comfortable guesthouses and hotels
Number of Species Expected
380+
Other Attractions
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kazinga Channel cruise, African art
Photographic Opportunities
excellent
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials

Daniel Danckwerts was an excellent guide, incredibly keen and always friendly, positive and helpful. His knowledge of birds and their lifestyles was fantastic.

David, I need to thank you again for the birding experience in Uganda. The mammals were spectacular, not to be missed, but it was really the birding that blew my mind. It is with a mixture of gratitude, wonder and definitely humbleness having been shown these birds by someone so 'awesome' that I say thank you again. It was so much fun for me. I was elated and still am when I think about Uganda. As they say, it was priceless.

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.

Our Rockjumper guide, Daniel Danckwerts, was super. He was focused on getting us onto the birds especially but was personable and handled logistics and details to make our experience the best it could be. He was enthusiastic, kind, and engaging.

The tour with David Hoddinott was excellent and made a deep impression on us!! My feeling is that David liked it all, too, and we had lots of fun plus lots of birds, including the targets!! Super! I got my most essential targets (19!), A-M got hers [about 100 new targets (!!)] and David also got a lifer and apparently also a second African- or Uganda-new. One great experience for us was to see his joy (and the driver´s joy) when David got his lifer (Ring-necked Francolin!). They together performed a fantastic performance to celebrate the event! Thanks for all you and Rockjumper have done for my wife and me during our Uganda trip for us with Rockjumper - tailor-made! All Great!

Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2023 DEPARTURES
2024 DEPARTURES
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