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Uganda - Relaxed

© Purple-breasted Sunbird by David Hoddinott
Uganda - Relaxed 2027

10 Jan 2027 - 23 Jan 2027 (14 days)

USD8,295 - Spaces Available

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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 * GBP6,392 * EUR7,362 * AUD12,942

Single Supplement: USD780 * GBP601 * EUR692 * AUD1,217

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.

Top Birds

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;

Top Mammals

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)

Habitats Covered

mid-altitude & montane rainforest, woodlands, acacia savanna, grasslands, wetlands, papyrus swamps

Expected Climate

tropical to hot with some rain expected, much cooler in highlands

Max Group Size

10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader

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.

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.

Accommodation

Variable. Modern & comfortable at most sites.

Ease of Birding

Forest birding is moderately difficult. Gorilla trekking can be challenging, dependent on location of family groups.

Other Attractions

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kazinga Channel cruise, African art

Photographic Opportunities

Average to good. Forest photography has typical lighting challenges. Better lighting in savanna areas. No dedicated hides.

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
DD, Private Uganda

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.

Glen Valentine
DH, Uganda 2022

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.

David Hoddinott
HJ - Uganda 2019

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!

Daniel Danckwerts
AM - Uganda 2019

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.

Daniel Danckwerts
HR & LR - Uganda 2019

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

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