Northern Carmine Bee Eater / Scharlachspint

Straw Coloured Fruit Bat / Palmenflughunde

Lions In Euphorbia / Löwen In Kandelabereuphorbie

Mountain Gorilla / Berggorilla Oder östlicher Gorilla

Grauer's Green Broadbill / Grauer Breitschnabel Oder Afrikanisch

Eastern Plantain Eaters / Binden Lärmvogel

Bell's Hinged Tortoise / Glattrand Gelenkschildkröte

Abyssinian Ground Hornbill / Nördlicher Hornrabe

Black & White Casqued Hornbill / Grauwangen Hornvogel

Red Bellied Or Black Headed Paradise Flycatcher / Senegalparadie

White Bellied Bustard Or Korhaan / Weißbauchtrappe

Yellow Throated Longclaw / Gelbkehlpieper

Yellow Throated Leaflove / Gelbkehlbülbül Oder Gelbkehl Uferb

White Headed Woodhoopoe / Weißmaskenhopf

Uganda 2024: Shoebills, Gorillas & Chimpanzees

July 2024
Experience a small-group guided tour in Uganda with expert English-speaking guidance, German translation services, and a trilingual birding leader.

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Uganda 2024: Shoebills, Gorillas &…

Group size

Maximum 7 participants
Booked: 1
Places available: 6

Overview

his itinerary encompasses some of Uganda’s most beautiful habitats, from lush rainforest and wild savannah to wetlands and swamps, and has been carefully designed in collaboration with renowned local Uganda experts.

The journey begins and ends in Entebbe, Uganda’s only international airport, on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The western part of the country, with the richest selection of different bird species, is dedicated to intensive birding, butterflies and of course the observation of the African typical mammals. The west is home to many endemics of the Northern African Rift / Albert Rift and some species from the Congo jungle. So we see all kinds of coastal forest and savannah birds, but also highly interesting occurrences like tree-climbing lions and sheep.

The nature walk in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens alone will captivate you. Belonging to the pelican family, the eponym of this trip is the shoebill – a marvel of evolution; which we will visit right at the beginning of the trip in the Mabamba swamps. In the Bwindi rainforest we take part in the world-famous gorilla trekking, where we also observe numerous other very interesting primates; here, by the way, the permits are guaranteed! Of course, the forest elephants and giant forest pigs in Queen Elisabeth National Park are not missing either. We also want to look for chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale by means of trekking (hiking with tracking).

The experience with rare mammals, endless and colourful butterflies, fascinating reptiles and the magnificent bird species will of course also delight you at Murchison Falls / Kabalega Falls, where the Nile draws beautiful landscapes between Lake Albert and Lake Victoria!
In the Budongo Forest we will fill more memory cards with bird species of the Ituri Region (Congo), also a destination of former royal families, who had their fill of this richness of species.

Highlights

Accommodation

All lodges have been tested and provide you with the necessary comfort of standard middle-class accommodations with en-suite bathrooms. All accommodations are strategically located to optimise excellent observations and ensure proper route logistics for travel and sightseeing throughout Uganda.

Map

Overview

Days 1 & 2 - 15 & 16.7.2024

Arrival and bird watching at Entebbe Botanical Garden and first Shoebill venture

Days 3 & 4 - 17 & 18.7.2024

second Shoebillventure in Mabamba Wetland and species exploring in Lake Mburo National Park

Days 5 & 6 - 19 & 20.7.2024

Gorillas and birds in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Days 7 & 8 - 21 & 22.7.2024

Buhoma Mountain Trail mit artenreicher Avifauna, wunderbarer Waldlandschaft und Chamäleonsuche

Days 9 & 10 - 23 & 24.7.2024

Queen Elizabeth National Park, the second-largest national park in Uganda, boasting over 100 mammal species and 620 bird species.

Days 11 & 12 - 25 & 26.7.2024

Chimpanzee trekking! In Kibale, there are 13 different primate species! Particularly interesting, in addition to the chimpanzees, are the L'Hoest's monkeys and the black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Day 13 - 27.7.2024

"Royal Mile" - Abundance of Species! Even appreciated by the royal family, which is why this exposed stretch of the forest is called the Royal Mile.

Days 14, 15 & 16 - 28, 29 & 30.7.2024

African mammals, palms, and bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park, including boat trips to the waterfalls and encounters with many animals.

Days 17 - 31.7.2024

Murchison Falls & Departure

Detailed itinerary

Accommodation pre-checked:

Days 1 & 2

15 & 16.7.2024

2 overnight stays @ Airport Guest House

inclusive:

All Meals
Boat / Canoe Trip in the Mabamba Swamps

Arrival, Bird Watching at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and First Shoebill Expedition

The Entebbe Botanical Garden is located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, practically on the equator, covering an area of 40.7 hectares. This habitat is home to a variety of dragonflies, butterflies, and a multitude of birds (over 206 species).
Mantled guerezas, green and red-tailed monkeys, can be spotted in the trees and are very tame. Of course, observing intelligent grey parrots, superb sunbirds, the impressive great blue turaco, and brightly coloured birds like double-toothed barbets and black-headed gonoleks is inspiring. We also take pleasure in the vibrant agamas and, hopefully, fruit bats.
On the shores of Lake Victoria lies a wetland area protected by the local community, known as the Mabamba-Kamengo Wetland. Using a relatively large canoe, we glide through the papyrus swamp landscape to observe and photograph the extraordinary shoebill.

Days 3 & 4

17 & 18.7.2024

2 overnight stays @ Rwakobo Rock Lodge

inklusive:

All Meals
Boatcruise on Lake Mburo
Game Drive in the National Park in search of topis, eland antelopes, Nubian giraffes, anubis baboons, dwarf mongooses, and other mammals

Shoebill in the Mabamba Wetlands and many Species in Lake Mburo National Park

The shoebill is an extremely impressive and quite large bird from the pelican family, undoubtedly one of the most coveted sightings for many naturalists.
Lake Mburo National Park covers an area of 260 km/2 and boasts a distinct fauna compared to other reserves. It is the only national park that encompasses an entire lake. The park is nestled in gentle hills and open grassy valleys, with four other smaller lakes within its boundaries. Interestingly, it is home to the Bohm’s zebra, a steppe zebra with contrasting stripes.
In this area, we encounter an abundance of unique bird species, but we are particularly excited to spot the namesake of our company, the “Yellow-throated Leaflove,” as well as the papyrus gonolek and the African finfoot, among others.

Days 5 & 6

19 & 20.7.2024

2 overnight stays @ Broadbill Forest Camp

inklusive:

All Meals
Gorillatrekking inclusive Permit

Gorillas in „Bwindi Impenetrable Forest“

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda, stretching across the flanks of the Albert Rift, the northernmost part of the East African Rift Valley. It generally lies at a high altitude and is consequently cooler, with temperatures that can drop to 9 degrees Celsius.

We are excited to encounter the Jackson’s chameleon, along with numerous beautiful butterflies, frogs, and bats. Perhaps we will even find the Handsome Spurfowl, which is worth seeing just for its name alone.

The African Bird Club ranks forest bird watching in Bwindi as the number one experience in Africa!

Early on, we embark on a challenging trek into the jungle. Finally, we come face to face with the forest gorillas, an experience of a lifetime! It’s a wonderful experience to gaze into the eyes of these gentle giants, observing them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities.

Days 7 & 8

21 & 22.7.2024

2 overnight stays @ Buhoma Community Haven Lodge

inklusive:

All Meals

Buhoma Main Trail

The forest walks in Bwindi are filled with diverse life, and you find yourself in an exhausting, non-stop mode of observation amidst this incredibly fertile forest landscape. The local guides have hundreds of sights in mind, and time and again, you focus on a new bird species, a type of monkey, delicate plants, massively impressive trees, magnificent ferns, and butterflies.
The hope of spotting the Angola pitta, red-eyed wattle-eye, black-crowned waxbill, common bristlebill, and the elusive Kivu ground thrush should inspire us to explore the forest thoroughly.

Days 9 & 10

23 & 24.7.2024

2 overnight stays @ Queen Elisabeth Bush Lodge

inklusive:

All Meals
Game Drives in the National Park
Boat Cruise in the National Park on the Kazinga Channel

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, the second-largest national park in Uganda, is one of the most sought-after destinations in Uganda due to its diversity, boasting over 100 mammal species, 620 bird species, and a daily observation record of 296 bird species.
Among the numerous bird species, we will specifically search for the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector, which is truly sensational as these lions have developed this unique behaviour.
Of course, the forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis – you have seen L. africana with us in Namibia), giant forest hogs, Uganda kob, and the elusive side-striped jackal are equally fascinating and worth observing.
With the massive backdrop of the Ruwenzori Mountains, the photo opportunities are simply perfect. And, of course, we won’t miss the boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, a wide, 32-kilometer natural channel in Uganda that connects Lake George and the larger Lake Edward.

Days 11 & 12

25 & 26.7.2024

2 overnight stays @ Kibale Forest Camp

inklusive:

All Meals
Chimpanzee – trekking, inclusive Permit

Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park

The Bigodi Wetland is a community-based conservation initiative by the local population of Uganda. Here, we will go on an intensive bird and butterfly watching walk.
Interestingly, Sitatungas (water kudus) inhabit this area, otters can be spotted in the waters, and even the otherwise elusive bushpig can be found here.

In Kibale, there are 13 different primate species! Besides chimpanzees, the L’Hoest’s monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys are particularly interesting.

We will visit the chimpanzees through an active “Chimpanzee Trekking.”

The bird photographer hopes to capture images of the Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-spotted Nicator, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, not to mention various raptors.

Day 13

27.7.2024

1 overnight stay @ Masindi Hotel

inklusive:

All Meals

Those who haven’t yet discovered the world of butterflies will quickly develop an enthusiasm for “flying flowers” here! You won’t want to move on from this place, as the remarkable butterfly experience will keep your cameras locked onto your eyes.

„Royal Mile“ in Budongo Forest

The Budongo Forest is a wildlife reserve adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda, known for its incredible biodiversity. Even the royal family appreciated its value, which is why this exposed stretch of the forest is called the Royal Mile.

You are already familiar with rock hyraxes from Namibia; now, you will see rainforest tree hyraxes. Among various monkey species, we look forward to encountering diademed monkeys.

Of course, there are hundreds of bird species to see here as well, including the Red-tailed Bristlebill, White-thighed Hornbill, Black-and-White-casqued Hornbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, and African Dwarf Kingfisher, which are sure to convert even those who are not dedicated birdwatchers.

Days 14, 15 & 16

28, 29 & 30.7.2024

3 overnight stays @ Fort Murchison

inklusive:

All Meals
Game Drives in the National Park
Boat Trip to the Bottom of Murchison Falls
Boat Trip on the Victoria Nile to Lake Albert

African Mammals, Palms, and Bird Watching in Murchison Falls National Park

As we journey through Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, we will actively seek out rare bird species such as the Mocking cliff chat and various cliff-dwelling birds. The Butiaba Escarpment is both scenically captivating and full of ornithological surprises.

While in the park, we will target smaller animals and birds for observation, but amid the beautiful Borassus palm savannahs, we will undoubtedly see many savanna elephants, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and, of course, a variety of antelope species like Jackson’s hartebeest and Uganda kob.
Among the almost overwhelming new sightings, we particularly hope to observe the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and, above all, the Pel’s Fishing Owl.

An evening game drive is on the agenda. The atmosphere on these drives is unique (weather-dependent, as always on the equator), and we’ll enjoy sightings of the tiny fat mouse, white-tailed mongoose, Bunyoro bushbaby, and perhaps even a leopard or spotted hyenas. You can hear the calls of the nine different nightjars everywhere, and we will track them down and illuminate them for photography.

Day 17

31.7.2024

Day room @ Airport Guest House

Note:

Since most flights to Europe depart in the late afternoon with various layovers, we have not included an overnight stay here to avoid extended waiting times.

Caution regarding flight booking:

The departure flight should be scheduled no earlier than 4:00 PM, as we will only arrive in Murchison at 1:00 PM. Otherwise, we would be happy to book another overnight stay for you in Entebbe!

Murchison Falls Drive to Entebbe and Departure

Today, we will visit the Murchison Falls on the upper side and then continue our leisurely journey to Entebbe.

Indicative prices for 2024

Participants	per Person
2 Persons	$ 12'837.00
3 Persons	$ 10'100.00
4 Persons	$ 8'632.00
5 Persons	$ 7'881.00
6 Persons	$ 7'323.00
Single room supplement	$ 650.00

Services included

Transport in travel- and safari-friendly four-wheel drive Toyota Landcruiser
Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
Window seat / individual seat for each participant
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
Activities as indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees to the national parks and sights in the itinerary, including local fees and ranger fees.
trilingual tour guide Albert Voigts
Very good and well-known local nature - tour guide (English)
Drinking water
Permit and entrance to the gorillas (worth U$ 700,- & guaranteed)
Permit and entrance to the chimpanzees (worth U$ 200,- & guaranteed)

Services not included

We are happy to answer frequently asked questions in advance

Why Uganda, you are Namibia specialists, aren't you?

We are also enthusiastic about other countries and accompany the trips there as “tour leaders”. We have recommended specialists on site with whom we work together.

Uganda is dirty and unsafe, is that right?

Uganda is now politically calm and tourism is growing strongly. Unfortunately, Uganda has traffic chaos on bad roads and populated areas are polluted, but we will only visit the paradise corners where the world is “still all right”.

Can you combine Uganda with Namibia... as both are in Africa?

Theoretically, yes, as regular flights from Entebbe land in Walvis Bay via Johannesburg. However, you should plan at least 2 weeks for each country.

Do you also offer other countries in Africa?

Yes, please subscribe to the newsletter. We have a lot planned and are in the process of building the necessary connections.

An offer especially for you! Just let us know your change requests on the last page of the form.

Fill out non-binding request for 'Shoebill, Gorilla & Chimpanzee

This Safari was last updated on 30. November 2023 @ 15:58.

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