From the source of the White Nile on Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Range, the montane forests of the Virunga volcanoes, harbouring 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 (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 birds, including the unique Shoebill and the numerous spectacular endemics of the Albertine Rift Mountains. 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: We cannot guarantee the availability of gorilla or chimp trekking permits, early booking is recomended to secure these permits. Permits costs are set by the Ugandan government and are non-refundable.
The listed Rockjumper leader will not accompany this tour unless a minimum of 6 guests are signed up. In the case of less 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 & Bocage’s Bushshrikes; Red-throated Alethe; Ituri Batis; Great Blue Turaco; Blue Malkoha; Black Bee-eater; Blue-throated Roller; Grauer’s & 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 & Ansorge’s Greenbuls; Jameson’s Antpecker.
Mountain Gorilla; Chimpanzee; Forest Hog; African Elephant; African Buffalo; Lion; Leopard; Spotted Hyaena; Rothschild's Giraffe; Common Hippopotamus.
mid-altitude & montane rainforest, woodlands, acacia savanna, grasslands, wetlands, papyrus swamps
tropical to hot with some rain expected, much cooler in highlands
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader
moderate pace with some longer walks and drives
comfortable guesthouses & hotels
moderate with some challenging species
380+
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kazinga Channel cruise, African art
good
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.
Firstly, I want to express my amazement at the skills and knowledge of your guides, including Daniel Danckwerts. I cannot imagine how they become so proficient in the birds of several different countries! Daniel also seemed to have good organisational skills. Daniel was also respectful and professional with the group, and we all liked him.
Amazed at how Andre Bernon was able to keep going, stay focused, and go about his task of finding the species so professionally. We missed very little, and had some great experiences with many of the primates, especially the Gorillas, and so many birds, with Shoebill and African Finfoot being stand out moments.
Daniel Danckwerts was an excellent guide, incredibly keen and always friendly, positive and helpful. His knowledge of birds and their lifestyles was fantastic.
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.
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Pricing notes : 2024 permit costs (per person): Gorilla = $800, Chimp = $250
Tour price (Per person): USD6,995 * GBP5,584 * EUR6,527 * AUD10,655
Single Supplement: USD720 * GBP575 * EUR672 * AUD1,097
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 * GBP5,824 * EUR6,807 * AUD11,112
Single Supplement: USD690 * GBP551 * EUR644 * AUD1,051
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