Tour Leader: Jan Pienaar
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change* 2025 permit costs (per person): Gorilla = $800, Chimp = $250
Tour price (Per person): USD8,295 * GBP5,963 * EUR6,854 * AUD12,426
Single Supplement: USD780 * GBP561 * EUR645 * AUD1,168
From the papyrus swamps of Lake Victoria, home to the legendary Shoebill, to the rich forests of Kibale alive with Chimpanzees, and the montane slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where Mountain Gorillas still survive, Uganda offers a remarkable array of landscapes and wildlife experiences within a compact area. The lush savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, complete with tree-climbing lions and a Kazinga Channel cruise, contrast with the rolling acacia woodlands of Lake Mburo, ensuring a superb variety of birds and mammals. Few countries in Africa can match such a blend of wetlands, tropical forests, and open plains, and this richness is reflected in Uganda’s astounding bird list of over 1,000 species. Highlights of this journey include the unique Shoebill, a wealth of Albertine Rift endemics, and the unforgettable opportunity to track both Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees – all while enjoying excellent game viewing in some of East Africa’s most beautiful reserves.
Please note: We cannot guarantee the availability of gorilla or chimp trekking permits, early booking is recommended to secure these permits. Permits costs are set by the Ugandan government and are non-refundable.
Shoebill; African Fish Eagle; Blue-breasted, Black & Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters; Bronzy, Regal, Superb, Red-chested, Orange-tufted & Gree-headed Sunbirds; African Pygmy Goose; Papyrus Gonolek; Great Blue & Ross’s Turacos; Grey Parrot; Narina & Bar-tailed Trogons; African Emerald Cuckoo; Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher; Many-colored, Doherty’s & Lühder's Bushshrikes; Narrow-tailed & Chestnut-winged Starlings; Bateleur; Western Bronze-naped Pigeon; Petit’s Cuckooshrike; Red-headed Lovebird; Greater Honeyguide;
Mountain Gorilla*; Chimpanzee*; Ugandan Red Colobus; L'Hoest's Monkey; Grey-cheeked Mangabey; Guereza; African Elephant; African Buffalo; Rothschild's Giraffe; Uganda Kob; Southern Bushbuck; Common Hippopotamus; Black-fronted & Yellow-backed Duikers; Plains Zebra; Banded & Common Dwarf Mongooses. (*Optional)
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 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.
Suitable for most birding / wildlife interest levels. Our Relaxed series of tours are designed to focus on having an enjoyable holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. Where possible; we have reduced or removed long drives, single night stays and poor/rustic accommodation. We have also sought to reduce or remove difficult hikes, narrow/muddy trails and otherwise oppressive environmental conditions. Early starts and night birding are mostly optional, and we will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking species. These tours are not suitable for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated photographers.
Variable. Modern & comfortable at most sites.
Forest birding is moderately difficult. Gorilla trekking can be challenging, dependent on location of family groups.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kazinga Channel cruise, African art
Average to good. Forest photography has typical lighting challenges. Better lighting in savanna areas. No dedicated hides.
Daniel Danckwerts was an excellent guide, incredibly keen and always friendly, positive and helpful. His knowledge of birds and their lifestyles was fantastic.
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.
Daniel Danckwerts is an excellent guide, very skilled at finding and identifying birds, very energetic, and clearly dedicated to helping all the clients see the birds. He is a good conversationalist, knowledgeable on many subjects and very enjoyable to bird with. I would happily go on future tours with him.
This tour more than met all our expectations: in terms of sightings, accommodations, leadership, and magnificence of the country. Of course, we knew David Hoddinott, and knew he would be superb. We'd highly recommend Rockjumper's Uganda tour, we loved it and appreciate David's expertise and leadership.
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.
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