Uganda..

Eugene Thomas Cunningham
Oct 23
29 min read

10 Days Uganda Birding Phography Safari experience..

Uganda is a truly wonderful place that will capture anyoneís heart as soon as they step off the plane. Youíll be greeted with wide white smiles from the locals and also greeted by an exceptional amount of wildlife! Uganda is one of the few countries where not only can you witness the Critically Endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural environment but also where you can see an Endangered Chimpanzee troop in the wild. Uganda also (luckily for us birders), is home to a huge bounty of bird life! Uganda has only one true endemic bird species, the Fox Weaver, but donít let that fool you, it is also blessed with having an impressive 23 endemic Albertine species as well as having over 1082 bird species in total! Itís also the best place in the world to see the prehistoric and fascinating looking Shoebill ñ one for any birders wish list! No country beats Uganda when it comes to bird watching. Within just 241,040 km≤, there are more than 1084 bird species that have been recorded. The country has varied environments where you can go birding; savanna grasslands, swamps and wetlands, tropical rain forests, mountainous places, and more. While in Uganda, you can even see a good number of birds just from your courtyard! On a single birding safari through Uganda, you can see over 600 birds ñ this is terrific!

One of the best places on earth that has a huge collection of animals in Africa. This is because of the terrain that includes rich savannah grasslands, deserts, rain forests, wetlands, and a lot more. Uganda being the Pearl of Africa makes it an ideal place to be close to nature and if you love birds, why donít you go on bird watching in Uganda. Uganda is one of the best birding destinations in the world. With over 1065 bird species condensed in a small country, Uganda is a rewarding destination. While other East African Countries are famous for wildlife safaris, many naturalists would affirm that Uganda offers an experience that is more diverse, exceptional, and breath-taking. There are a billion reasons as to why one should bird in Uganda; the numbers speak for themselves. More than 1065 bird species are found in Uganda. There are many varied habitats that can be reached in a day and many different birds are spotted. Itís not uncommon for a week-long itinerary to produce a trip list for less than 500 bird species. Rare birds such as the Shoebill can be easily spotted in Uganda, Uganda being so close to the equator, there is little difference in temperature year round with no real winter or summer. However, the hottest months, Ugandaís ësummerí are in the months of January to February when the average daytime range is 24-33∞C (52-91∞F) with peaks of up to 40∞C/104∞F in the far north. The south has two Wet seasons: from mid- September to November and March to May. The Dry season from December to February means only that it rains less and the gorilla parks remain fairly wet during these months. The second Dry season ñ from June and July ñ is considerably drier. Still, with 1,000 to 2,000mm (39.4-78.7in) of rain every year, it can rain at almost any time. The north, including Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley, has one continuous Wet season from March to November and a more obvious Dry season from December to February.

Tour starts from: Entebbe International Airport

Trip End in: Entebbe International Airport

Number of Days: 9 Days

Number of Nights: 8 Nights

Tour starting date:

Tour ending date:

Tour Type and Focus: Shoebill, Birding & Mammals

Type of Accommodation: Mid-range/Luxury

Number of Rooms: 1 Single

Tour Pace: Easy

Physical Difficulty: Easy

Photographic Difficulty: Easy

Number of Clients: 01

Type of Vehicle: 4x4 Wheel Extended Landcruiser Jeep

TOUR COST IS: US$4700 Per Person

Highlight mammals

Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, Hippo, White Rhino, Giraffe, Topi, Spotted Hyena, Elands, Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzee, giant Forst Hog, Blue Monkeys, De Brazaís Monkey, Patas Monkey, Bush Buck, Nile Crocodiles,

Habitats covered

Equatorial forest, Wetlands, Savannah, Highland Forest, Albertine Rift Mountains, Semi-arid Scrubland, Lakes, Cultivated Lands, Woodland,

Rift Valley Endemic Birding Photography | Bird Watching Photos | Wildlife and Scenery

This tour is set to cover the unique habitats of the Uganda the Pearl of Africa. These habitats are home to the regionís most unique and restricted-range species. We intend to cover the great Albertine rift for the montane forests birds and other wildlife, the mid elevation birds at Budongo Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable, Mabamba Bay Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Although, there will be montane habitat coverage, the pace should be generally easy.

Key Bird Species

Special Bird Species on this Exciting Uganda Birding Dream Photography: Shoebill, Pelís Fishing Owl, African Finfoot, Red-throated bee eater, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Papyrus Gonolek, Narina & Bar-tailed Trogon, Handsome francolin, Black bee eater, saddle-billed stork, Egyptian plover, Northern Carmine bee eater, Great Blue Turaco, Rossís Turaco, Crested Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Grauer,s Broadbill, Green-breasted Pitta, warbler, chubbís cisciticola, banded prinia, mountain masked apalis, chestnut-throated apalis, collared apalis, stripe-breasted Tit, Grey cuckoo shrike, Sharpeís Starling, Regal sunbird, Strange weaver, dusky Twinspot, yellow bishop, black-throated seed-eaters, Shelly;s Crimsonwing, African piculet, African pied hornbill, Black dwarf hornbill, Black-casqued hornbill, Black-throated coucal, Blue-billed malimbe, Blue-breasted kingfisher, Blue-headed flycatcher, Capuchin babbler, Chestnut-breasted nigrita, Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk, Congo serpent eagle, Crested malimbe, Eastern bearded greenbul, Fiery-breasted bush-shrike, Forest scrub robin, Grantís bluebill, Hartlaubís duck, Lowland akalat, Lyre-tailed honeyguide, Maxwellís black weaver

Day 1

Exciting Shoebill at Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After early morning breakfast at the Hotel, we shall drive to Mabamba It is a beautiful papyrus swamp located near Lake Victoria and luckily is only a short drive away from Entebbe. Itís one of the very best places in the world to see the incredible and prehistoric Shoebill ñ one for any birderís wish list! It truly is a sight to behold that wonít be forgotten quickly. This exquisite habitat is also home to stunning species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, White-throated Bee-eater, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Red-chested Sunbird, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Black Crake and Swamp Flycatcher among many many more! This is a must for any birder that has one day or even half a day to spare. We kick off our very first day of this Uganda Birding Tour at a Papyrus Swamp for a good chance of seeing the elusive Shoebill. Weíll also be on the lookout for any other interesting species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Duck, Common Greenshank, White-winged Warbler, Swamp Flycatcher, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Malachite Kingfisher, Carrutherís Cisticola, African Green Pigeon, Bronze Mannikin to name a few!

Bird Highlights at Mabamba Bay Swamp;

Shoebill

African Pygmy Goose

African Marsh Harrier

Blue-headed Coucal

Purple Swamphen

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Birding En-route

After Mabamba we shall proceed to Equator where we shall have stopover for hot Lunch at the selected Tourist Restaurant and then proceed through Masaka. This drive is a memorable one with a fantastic view of the dry rolling hills of Ankole with their signature long horned cattle just besides the roads.

Water Experiment at Equator Crossing Line at Kayabwe

Here at the Equator, where a few experiments will be done some of which include; stepping one foot in the southern hemisphere and another foot in the northern hemisphere; then we repeat the water experiment, as you drive through this region, you will be amazed and impressed by the remarkable scenery that unfolds in sight, arriving at the lodge to check in for an overnight.

LODGESTATUS NO. OF CLIENTS TYPE OF THE ROOM NUMBER OF NIGHTS MPOGO SAFARI LODGE FULL BOARD 2DOUBLE STANDARD ROOM

Day 2

Morning Birding experience in Lake Mburo national Park

After breakfast, drive to the park for the excellent wildlife photographs and the compact jewel. There are well presented wildlife at only 370Kms2. The park is small compared to other savanna national parks in Uganda. Being a home to surprising wildlife such as Impalas, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, baboons, vervet monkeys, Common Elands, Zebras, Topis, Buffaloes, Klipsringers, and many colorful birds such as black-headed gonolek, grey-headed kingfishers and may others, and the only national park in Uganda that has Impalas, you enjoy the beauty of these whispers of the wild. After game drive, return to the lodge for lunch.

SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT

Morning Boat Cruise in Lake Mburo National Park

The boat moves along the shores of Lake Mburo as you sit back ready with your camera to photograph the gifting wildlife. This trip is two hours and very engaging especially when you spot Crocodiles and Hippos. You can also spot herons, African Fish Eagles, Pelicans, and perhaps the African Fin Foot and the leisurely boat cruises on to Lake Mburo. Species to look forward to are the White-backed Night-Heron, African Finfoot, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, Northern Brown-Throated Weaver, Striated Heron, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Common Squacco Heron, Pied Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture, Black Crake, White-faced Whistling Duck, Knobbed-billed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Red-faced Barbet, Black-collared Barbet, Crested Barbet, Long-tailed Cisticola and Brubru among many others.

After wards, proceed for the evening game drive will give you an opportunity to explore and photograph the attractions of this whispers of the wild in its natural state for the best memorable eye to eye wildlife in Uganda, birding experience is great where you will be able to see birds such as African hoopoe, Black-headed gonolek, Veraux Eagle Owl, Saddle-billed stork, Greater blue-eared starling, double-toothed barbet, Hammerkop and the sunset here is perfect. Afterwards return to the lodge for overnight.

LODGE STATUS NO. OF CLIENTS TYPE OF THE ROOM NUMBER OF NIGHTS MPOGO SAFARI LODGE FULL BOARD 01 STANDARD DOUBLE ROOM

Day 3

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After Boat Cruise in Lake Mburo National Park we shall Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park after early morning breakfast with stopover for birding en-route birds expected to be seen here includes; Speckled dove, eastern grey plantain eater, secret Ibis, black-headed heron, black kite, grey parrot, village weaver, long-tailed purple starling, broad-billed roller enjoy the breath taking scenery of the green terraced hills and snake like roads of this Region, the drive along this route is amazing and impressive by the remarkable scenery that unfolds in sight. The terraced hills gradually give way to the cascading hills that seem never to end on these snake like roads which will definitely impress you as you drive through this region of Kigezi You also enjoy the cold interior with spectacular Tea Plantations could also be good spot for birding.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is famously known as Africaís number one birding spot. Sometimes, the Grey-capped Warbler, Dusky-brown Flycatcher, White-necked Raven and Straw-colored Fruit Bats around the parking lot attract your attention. Driving through this beautiful forested area is a special count, you will possibly see the huge-billed White-necked Raven; this is a cool-looking raven for sure; they have this very huge and thick-looking bill on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable possibly do a few stops to look for Albertine Sooty Boubou, Rwenzori and Black-faced Apalises. We also hope to get better looks at the Mountain Yellow Warbler, Banded Prinia individuals as they skulk in the undergrowth, White-browed Crombec, Brown-capped and the endemic Strange Weaver, Northern Puff-back, Mountain Illadopsis, Red-throated Alethe, Dohertyís and Lagdenís Bush-shrikes and many more to richen our list endemics list, Common Waxbill, Grey-crowned Crane. When we enter Bwindi Impenetrable forest, we shall stop to look for Dohertyís Bush-shrike and Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo to add on the list.

LODGE STATUS NO. OF CLIENTS ROOM TYPE NO. OF NIGHTS RUSHAGA GORILLA HAVENS LODGE FULL BOARD 01 STANDARD WITH FANTASTIC VIEW

Day 4

Gorilla Trekking & in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

After early morning breakfast drive to the briefing point with your packed lunch, this is usually a big day, we anticipate for the big one! Mountain gorilla trekking is such a highlight even on birding tours. After breakfast, you will go to the information office for a proper briefing on how to behave amidst Mountain Gorillas and family allocation.

This activity may take anywhere between an hour to eight, so a reasonable degree of fitness is required. It is a beautiful experience to stare into the eyes of these gentle giants; watch them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities. It is indeed a ìonce in a lifetimeî experience that will linger. Each encounter is different and has its rewards, but you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the young frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display.

The Park gives you an opportunity to discover the secrets in this mist and fog covered hillsides which is blanketed by one of Ugandaís oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest gorilla tracking. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from them as they eat, rest, play and bond with their young ones. The gorilla tracking starts at 8:30 am. The tracking lasts from few hours depending on the location of the gorillas as they freely range in the impenetrable forest and tours are limited to only 8 people per group.

When done with gorilla tracking activity, there is a high chance that you will be happy to go out for more restricted-range and Albertine Rift endemics. In this case, you will do a leisurely walk to the community secondary forest. You will look for Barred and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Grauerís Warbler, Black-tailed oriole, the very skittish Luhderís Bush-shrike while they make their way through the vines, Gray Cuckoo-shrikes, weíll be searching for rare Albertine endemic species as well as looking for beautiful forest species such as the Regal Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Ludhers Bush-shrike, Petits cuckoo-shrike, Bar-tailed Tragon, White-tailed crested-flycatcher, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Elliotís Woodpecker, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Willcockís Honeyguide, Xavierís Greenbul, Kivu Groundthrush, Graureís Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, Shelleyís Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, White-browed Crombec, White-naped Raven, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Sharpís Starling, Mountain Masked Apalis and Rwenzori Apalis among many many more!

sunbird, Superb sunbird, collared sunbird, pink-footed puffback, white-necked raven, mountain oriole, western black-headed oriole.

LODGE STATUS NO. OF CLIENTS ROOM TYPE NO. OF NIGHTS RUSHAGA GORILLA HAVENS LODGE FULL BOARD 01 STANDARD DOUBLE WITH FANTASTIC VIEW

Day 5

Transfer to Ishasha and birding through Ruhija the eastern Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Park gives you an opportunity to discover the secrets in this mist and fog covered hillsides which is blanketed by one of Ugandaís oldest and most biologically diverse and here we shall be gifted with more of restricted-range and Albertine Rift endemics. In this case, you will do a leisurely walk to the community secondary forest. You will look for Barred and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Grauerís Warbler, Black-tailed oriole, the very skittish Luhderís Bush-shrike while they make their way through the vines, Gray Cuckoo-shrikes, weíll be searching for rare Albertine endemic species as well as looking for beautiful forest species such as the Regal Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Ludhers Bushshrike, Petits cuckoo-shrike, Bar-tailed Tragon, White-tailed crested-flycatcher, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Elliotís Woodpecker, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Willcockís Honeyguide, Xavierís Greenbul, Kivu Groundthrush, Graureís Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, Shelleyís Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, White-browed Crombec, Whitenaped Raven, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Sharpís Starling, Mountain Masked Apalis and Rwenzori Apalis among many many more!

Birding Photography at the Forest Mubwindi Swamp in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After early morning breakfast we shall go to Mubwindi Swamp with a professional local Bird Guide Specialist from Ruhija who will help us locate all these birds on our list, we shall play callers and birds here do respond very well

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is famously known as Africaís number one birding spot. Sometimes, the Grey-capped Warbler, Dusky-brown Flycatcher, White-necked Raven and Straw-colored Fruit Bats around the parking lot attract your attention beautiful forested area is a special count, you will possibly see the huge-billed White-necked Raven; this is a cool-looking raven for sure; they have this very huge and thick-looking bill on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable possibly do a few stops to look for Albertine Sooty Boubou, Rwenzori and Black-faced Apalises. We also hope to get better looks at the Mountain Yellow Warbler, Banded Prinia individuals as they skulk in the undergrowth, White-browed Crombec, Brown-capped and the endemic Strange Weaver, Northern Puffback, Mountain Illadopsis, Red-throated Alethe, Dohertyís and Lagdenís Bush-shrikes and many more to richen our list endemics list we shall play callers and birds here do respond very well Special Birds Highlights Includes; - Bar-tailed Trogon - Yellow-bellied Wattle Eye - Black-billed Turaco - Rufous-sided Broadbill - Black bee eater - Green Broadbill

Special Birds Highlights Includes;

- Bar-tailed Trogon

- Yellow-bellied Wattle Eye

- Black-billed Turaco

- Rufous-sided Broadbill

- Black bee eater

- Green Broadbill

Special Birds Include; - Black-billed Turaco - Bar-tailed Trogon Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is famously known as Africaís number one birding spot. Sometimes, the Grey-capped Warbler, Dusky-brown Flycatcher, White-necked Raven and Straw-colored Fruit Bats around the parking lot attract your attention. Driving through this beautiful forested area is a special count, you will possibly see the huge-billed White-necked Raven; this is a cool-looking raven for sure; they have this very huge and thick-looking bill on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable possibly do a few stops to look for Albertine Sooty Boubou, Rwenzori and Black-faced Apalises. We also hope to get better looks at the Mountain Yellow Warbler, Banded Prinia individuals as they skulk in the undergrowth, White-browed Crombec, Brown-capped and the endemic Strange Weaver, Northern Puffback, Mountain Illadopsis, Red-throated Alethe, Dohertyís and Lagdenís Bush-shrikes and many more to richen our list endemics list, Common Waxbill, Grey-crowned Crane. When we enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, we shall stop to look for Dohertyís Bush-shrike and Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo to add on the list.

While here in Bwindi Impenetrable national Park, birds expected to be seen and photographed includes, African blue flycatcher, White-tailed blue flycatcher, red-chested sunbird, Regal sunbird, Yellow-flanked Tinker bird, Brown Barbet, African Olive Pigeon, White-napped Pigeon, western bronze-napped pigeon, Rwenzori Turaco, Great blue turaco, black and white casqued hornbill, thick-billed cuckoo, dusky longtailed cuckoo, chattering Yellowbill, common swift, mattled spinetail, Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, Cinnamon-chested bee eater, White-throated bee eater, western green tinkerbird, yellow throated tinkerbird, speckled tinkerbird, Grey-headed barbet, Spot-flanked barbet, green-breasted pitta, African Pitta, cape wagtail, mountain wagtail, bronze sunbird, green-headed sunbird, scarlet-tufted sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, scarlet-chested sunbird, Superb sunbird, collared sunbird, pink-footed puffback, white-necked raven, mountain oriole, western black-headed oriole. The Park gives you an opportunity to discover the secrets in this mist and fog covered hillsides which is blanketed by one of Ugandaís oldest and most biologically diverse and here we shall be gifted with more of restricted-range and Albertine Rift endemics. In this case, you will do a leisurely walk to the community secondary forest. You will look for Barred and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Grauerís Warbler, Black-tailed oriole, the very skittish Luhderís Bush-shrike while they make their way through the vines, Gray Cuckoo-shrikes, weíll be searching for rare Albertine endemic species as well as looking for beautiful forest species such as the Regal Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Ludhers Bushshrike, Petits cuckoo-shrike, Bar-tailed Tragon, White-tailed crested-flycatcher, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Elliotís Woodpecker, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Willcockís Honeyguide, Xavierís Greenbul, Kivu Groundthrush, Graureís Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, Shelleyís Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, White-browed Crombec, Whitenaped Raven, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Sharpís Starling, Mountain Masked Apalis and Rwenzori Apalis among many many more!

Transfer to Ishasha - Queen Elizabeth National Park & Birding En-route

Transfer to Ishasha the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After over a week of montane forest birding, you will have to leave these fantastic locations and head to the Great East African rift valley. You will bird through Ishasha which is the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park and have a wonderful time working on our woodland and open country birds again. On sunny days, the sky here is excellent for observing some raptors many of which may have seen earlier. Most likely to be new should include Gabar Goshawk, White-headed and Lappet-faced Vulture, Rufous-breasted Sparrow-hawk and Banded Snake-Eagle. White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Olive Woodpecker, Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill-babbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Northern Puffback, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Thick-billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Variable Sunbird, Wallerís Starling, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, just to mention but a few.

The Area can be an excellent spot for, Common Waxbill, Grey-crowned Crane, Variable Sunbird, Thick-billed Seed-eater and we shall stop to look for Dohertyís Bush-shrike and Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo to Handsome francolin, Black bee eater, add to our new birds of the day. The LíHoestís and Blue Monkeys are among the new primates we should find for our continuously growing mammal list, drive through Ruhija-Butogota-Kihiihi-Ishasha.

This drive is long but rewarding enjoy your journey while driving on the winding snake-like roads that shyly pass at the lips of the cliffs looking out for birds such as black bee eaters, red-throated wryneck, mountain wagtail, Tooro olive greenbul, white-starred robin, olive thrush, Cassinís grey flycatcher, red-faced woodland warbler, Grauer,s warbler, chubbís cisciticola, banded prinia, mountain masked apalis, chestnut-throated apalis, collared apalis, stripe-breasted Tit, Grey cuckoo shrike, Sharpeís Starling, Regal sunbird, Strange weaver, dusky Twinspot, yellow bishop, black-throated seed-eaters, and primates along the way and provide expansive views across the plains of Western Rift Valley to the west, drive through tea plantations and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National park with stopover for the best photographs along the way you will drive through the Impenetrable forest before connecting to the open plains at the extreme end of the rift valley wall. Normally at this time of the trip, desire to see the big game will be high, you will be having good chances for African Bush Elephants, Leopards and the tree climbing Lions of the remote Ishasha the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The experience here is great. Driving here is long, but full of scenic attractions arriving in the evening to check in at the lodge.

Birding & Wildlife Photography in Ishasha

Plains of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park the medley of wonders and the vast savannah of Africa is the perfect setting for a classic African safari experience. With the breathtaking and majestic sceneries across entire mountain spectrum. Visit the vast open spaces full of oddities and secrets that are elastic thread of Natural wonders where we shall begin our safari into African wilderness the way Nature intended, to see the wild residents emerge for a drink from the busy waterhole as the sun begins to rise over the iconic bush veld scenery. It will be the one that will engage all our senses from the very first moment Sparked to life when we first hear the distant roar of a lion, the laugh of a hyena in the morning, or the song of a thousands of cicada beetles at midday, then experience the high lightening of these sense when we first spot a rare leopard hidden in a tree or feel the ground vibrate as a herd of elephants cross right in front of us, or hear the gentle and peaceful antelopes the Uganda Kobs as they whistle in alerting the other group members with their well painted-hears about the suspicion that the enemy could be watching their movement. Soon we shall feel that this world moves at its own speed, and to witness it be part of it is something you wonít forget.

Coming this close to nature is a vivid reminder of why we have always been inspired by the untouched wild. Photograph the attractions a poetry wrapped in beauty. Explore and witness the miracles of the dry landscapes, fertile valleys, drive to river Ishasha where we shall see the plentiful of hippos resting in the waters as they lean on each other, witness these wildlife enjoy breathtaking experience, stop somewhere at the designated point for your picnic lunch before proceeding with our evening game drive where we expect to see evening wipes as the animals becomes active to graze in this open savannah grassland expected to be seen includes, Herds of huge dark Elephants, several herds of African Buffalo, Lions resting up on the fig trees, Leopards, Uganda Kobs, Spotted Hyenas, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Topis and many others. We shall explore all the wildlife spotlight areas of Ishashaís best Safari

LODGE STATUS NO, OF CLIENTS ROOMING NUMBER OF NIGHTS ENGIRI GAME LODGE FULL BOARD 02 PRIVATE DOUBLE ROOM

Day 6

Morning Game Drive and Birding in Kasenyi Plains

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Ugandaís most popular savannah reserve and has the widest variety of wildlife of any Ugandan park. The variety of habitats includes grassland savannah, forests, wetlands and lakes. This provides the setting for an extensive range of large mammals and primates. Four of the Big Five are present (rhino are absent)

African hobby, Ayresís hawk-eagle, Black-rumped buttonquail, Broad-billed roller, Caspian plover, Collared pratincole, Common sand martin, Crab-plover, Great blue turaco, Great white pelican, Grey-winged robin-chat, Palm-nut vulture, Pink-backed pelican, Red-chested sunbird, Rufous-bellied heron, Spotted redshank, Western banded snake eagle, White-backed night heron, White-winged tern, Yellow-bellied wattle-eye, Yellow-throated cuckoo

Species to look forward to include Grey-backed Fiscal, Red-winged Pytilia, Short-tailed Eagle, Red-capped Lark, Flappet Lark, Palm-nut Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Ruppellís Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Long-crested Eagle, Black-bellied Bustard, Crowned Plover, Red-and-yellow Barbet and Pin-tailed Whydah, Saddle-billed Stork to name a few! The time spent in this truly incredible park will be one that is not forgotten in a hurry! Plains of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park the medley of wonders and the vast savannah of Africa is the perfect setting for a classic African safari experience. With the breathtaking and majestic sceneries across entire mountain spectrum. Visit the vast open spaces full of oddities and secrets that are elastic thread of Natural wonders where we shall begin our safari into African wilderness the way Nature intended, to see the wild residents emerge for a drink from the busy waterhole as the sun begins to rise over the iconic bush veld scenery. It will be the one that will engage all our senses from the very first moment Sparked to life when we first hear the distant roar of a lion, the laugh of a hyena in the morning, or the song of a thousands of cicada beetles at midday, then experience the high lightening of these sense when we first spot a rare leopard hidden in a tree or feel the ground vibrate as a herd of elephants cross right in front of us, or hear the gentle and peaceful antelopes the Uganda Kobs as they whistle in alerting the other group members with their well painted-hears about the suspicion that the enemy could be watching their movement.

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

After early Morning breakfast at the lodge experience early morning beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park tends to start with a lovely sunrise, if we have a clear day, you should expect it. The Kasenyi side is most preferred in this section of the park; this is because it offers excellent lekking grounds for the Kob. Game viewers drive their first thing in the morning and birders too, love it a lot for its open grasslands and sparsely distributed thickets that provide perfect microhabitats for quite shy birds. It also offers the best chances for birds like Verreauxís Eagle-Owl, Rufous-napped, White-tailed, Red-capped and Flappet Lark, African and Jacksonís Pipit. These four larks mentioned, are a significant target when starting this morningës drive. We should see Temminckís Courser, Black-crowned, Senegal and Wattled Lapwings, Kittlitzís Plover, Yellow-throated Longclaw, White-backed Vultures, Ruppellís Griffon and others soring the sky, Black-chinned and Black-faced Quail-finches, and also observe Kob lekking ground activity. Keeping up with the game birding tradition, you will scan openings, thickets and Euphorbia Candelabrums for Lions. Euphorbia Candelabrum is a cactus-like plant that dominates this part of the park.

Enjoy the seventy two huge round basins scattered across the equator evidence of the Albertine Rift, bubbling volcanic past. Visit the Queenís Pavilion, and faces in view of the enormous craters, circular lakes, the rift valley, the escarpment all in-front of the mighty backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains to Kasese town Set against the backdrop of serrated Rwenzori Mountains, you enjoy the beautiful sceneries, virtually guaranteed herds of Buffalo, Elephants, and Antelopes. Afterwards, drive back to the lodge for lunch bef. This scenic view will be punctuated and combined with spectacular landscape and views of Rwenzori ranges

Afternoon Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

After lunch, you will do an afternoon boat ride on the Kazinga channel. This 40 km natural channel connects two major lakes in this park; Lake George and Lake Edward. Because of the significant wildlife activity at the banks of the channel, we only cover a less than 4km distance, and this takes us to Lake Edward for a turning point. This boat ride typically targets congregations of birds and big mammals when they come down to cool off during the heat of the day.

We should get good looks at fishing African Spoonbill, a few African Skimmer, Gull-billed and White-winged Terns, a few shower birds depending on the season and these should include Curlew Sandpipers, Common, Marsh and Wood Sandpipers, Common Greenshank, Ruff, Little Stint, Ruddy Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Three-banded Plover, and Common Snipe. Other good birds to expect to see include four Gulls; Lesser Black-backed, Heuglinís, Slender-billed and Grey-hooded Gull, both Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Yellow-billed, Marabou and Woolly-necked Storks, our first of the many Red-throated Bee-eaters and many more. If we choose to go out for a short evening drive,

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park & Birding En-route

Transfer to Kibale National Park, shortly after arriving at your accommodation we shall check in and have lunch, relax as we wait to o for evening swamp walk. You will proceed for the swamp walk at the sanctuary which is a community-based initiative and one of the most successful few in the country. With your site guide from the community, you should go around and through the papyrus looking for White-spotted Flufftail, Hairy-breasted, Yellow-spotted and Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-and-White Shrike-Flycatcher, Joyful Greenbul, Blue-throated Roller, White-collared Oliveback, Spurb Sunbird and a Shinning Blue Kingfisher.

The walk also being famous for primates, we should see Uganda Red Colobus which are threatened in this region for being preyed on by Common Chimpanzee (remember to learn from our guide, why?). The Uganda Mangabey, Olive Baboon, Mantled Guereza, LíHoestís and Blue Monkey are also very likely to show up and after wards drive back to the lodge for overnight.

LODGE STATUS NO, OF CLIENTS ROOMING NO. OF NIGHTS CHIMPANZEE FOREST LODGE FULL BOARD 011 PRIVATE DOUBLE ROOM

Day 7

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

After early morning breakfast at the lodge drive to Kanyanchu Visitor center for proper briefing and registration to get set for this ritual. Kibale National Park is the best travel destination for chimpanzee tracking in East Africa and can best be defined as the loveliest and most varied of all tropical rain forests in Uganda. It is christened the primate capital of the world because it hosts 13 species of primates including the chimpanzee (Manís closest relatives- sharing over 98% DNA). It has 1450 chimpanzees, and these represent Ugandaís largest population of this endangered primate species.

Chimp trekking runs twice daily, at 8 AM and 2 PM. The habituated chimp community here is very relaxed and sightings are often excellent, but you might find that several trekking parties converge on one chimp group. For this reason, Kibale can feel crowded compared to other chimp trekking sites, especially in the morning (which is busier than the afternoon)

In this forest, you will look for the Chimps and also do an early start for the Green-breasted Pitta. This Pitta is one of Africaís most difficult birds to find!

Kibale is one of the best places in Africa to see a diversity of primates. Chimps are the biggest attraction, but large troops of olive baboon often pose along the main road and the fringing trees shake with red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, Ugandan red colobus and Uganda mangabey. Less common are LíHoestís monkey and blue monkey. Elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion inhabit or occasionally visit Kibale (which shares a border with Queen Elizabeth National Park), but sightings are unusual.

Kibale supports a range of habitats over different altitude zones. The tropical forest on the Fort Portal plateau changes to savannah in the Albertine Valley floor in the south. The forest has suffered less from logging in the past compared to some other forests in the country. It is therefore still relatively pristine and home to some very big mahoganies, figs and other hardwood trees.

After Chimpanzee Tracking we shall drive back to the Lodge relax and here we can do the after birding at the Lodge in the gardens which has lots of birds attracted to flowers, fruits and insects

In this forest, you will look for the Chimps and also do an early start for the Green-breasted Pitta. This Pitta is one of Africaís most difficult birds to find! The time we should spend in the forest looking for the Pitta, we will also look for White-throated Greenbul, Crowned Eagle, Thick-billed Honeyguide, Brown-chested and Fire-crested Alethe, Crested Guineafowl, Western Black-headed Oriole, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-throated Roller, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Blue Malkhoa, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Western Nicator, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Bronze-napped Pigeon, Yellow-mantled Weaver, Lesser Honeyguide, Red-chested Owlet and African Wood-owl among others. At the world famous Kibale National Park. Renowned as ëThe Primate Capital of the Worldí for its incredible primate population ñ 1450 individual chimpanzees and 13 species of primates overall, but the best part is that it holds an impressive bird list of 335 species! In the morning, weíll be on the lookout for species such as the Shining Blue Kingfisher, Blue- breasted Kingfisher, White-browed Robin-chat, Red-chested Sunbird, White-Headed Saw-wing, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Black Bee-Eater, Blue Malkoha, White-chinned Prinia, Speckled Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Abyssinian Groundthrush, Dusky Crimsonwing, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Purple- breasted Sunbird to a name a few!

Once contact is made, you can spend an hour observing their behaviour, with your trekking guides providing more context on what you are seeing and how the chimps behave! Here you will be able to take nice photos of Chimpanzee

Birding at the forest margin in Kibale National Park

we can do the after birding at the Lodge in the gardens which has lots of birds attracted to flowers, fruits and insects

This Pitta is one of Africaís most difficult birds to find! The time we should spend in the forest looking for the Pitta, we will also look for White-throated Greenbul, Crowned Eagle, Thick-billed Honeyguide, Brown-chested and Fire-crested Alethe, Crested Guineafowl, Western Black-headed Oriole, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-throated Roller, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Blue Malkhoa, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Western Nicator, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Bronze-napped Pigeon, Yellow-mantled Weaver, Lesser Honeyguide.

Red-chested Owlet and African Wood-owl among others. At the world famous Kibale National Park. Renowned as ëThe Primate Capital of the Worldí for its incredible primate population ñ 1450 individual chimpanzees and 13 species of primates overall, but the best part is that it holds an impressive bird list of 335 species! In the morning, weíll be on the lookout for species such as the Shining Blue Kingfisher, Blue- breasted Kingfisher, White-browed Robin-chat, Red-chested Sunbird, White-Headed Saw-wing, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Black Bee-Eater, Blue Malkoha, White-chinned Prinia, Speckled Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Abyssinian Groundthrush, Dusky Crimsonwing, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Purple- breasted Sunbird to a name a few!

Renowned as ëThe Primate Capital of the Worldí for its incredible primate population ñ 1450 individual chimpanzees and 13 species of primates overall, but the best part is that it holds an impressive bird list of 335 species! In the morning, weíll be on the lookout for species such as the Shining Blue Kingfisher, Blue- breasted Kingfisher, White-browed Robin-chat, Red-chested Sunbird, White-Headed Saw-wing, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Black Bee-Eater, Blue Malkoha, White-chinned Prinia, Speckled Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Abyssinian Groundthrush, Dusky Crimsonwing, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Purple- breasted Sunbird to a name a few!

LODGE STATUS NO, OF CLIENTS ROOMING NO. OF NIGHTS CHIMPANZEE FOREST LODGE FULL BOARD 021 PRIVATE DOUBLE ROOM

Day 8

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park & Birding En-route

After early morning breakfast transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, here you will do the longest drive of the trip; is seven birding-drive hours away from Fort Portal. Depending on what will be missing on your list.

The few stops we should do along the way, are for a lunch stop and adding some very likely birds like Yellow-shouldered and Red-collared Widowbird, Brown Twinspot, Red-backed and Brown-backed Scrub-Robin. You will stop over en-route at the selected Hotel/Restaurant for Lunch in Hoima. After here we shall drive directly to Murchison Falls National Park

Viewing the top of Murchison Falls

When we arrive at the top of Murchison Falls where the park is bisected by the Victoria Nile. You will see below the boat trip along this atmospheric river brings you to the base of Murchison Falls, where the water squeezes through a narrow gorge before cascading down into the Devilís Cauldron. Even more impressive is the view of this deafening cascade from the Top of the Falls. North of the river, a cover of rolling grassland is dotted with tall borassus palms. South of the river, the main habitat is dense woodland with forest patches.

We shall create time for the top of the Murchison Falls. These very dramatic falls are arguably the worldís most powerful. The bottom of the falls is great but the top is quite something! This is where the worldís longest river squeezes through a very narrow cleft of about eight feet and drops for a straight forty feet down! We never plan to miss this adventure on any of our tours that get to this part of the country and here we shall scan and photograph the rock pranticoles after here drive back to the lodge for overnight.

LODGE STATUS NO, OF CLIENTS TYPE OF THE ROOM NUMBER OF NIGHTS PAKUBA SAFARI LODGE FULL BOARD 01 STANDARD WITH FANTASTIC VIEW OF THE RIVER

Day 9

Birding & wildlife Photography in Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast in Paraa Safari Lodge, we shall explore the savannah of Murchison Falls, the drive has the potential of adding good birds to your list, I will list a few of them; Brown-backed Woodpecker, Black and Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, White Helmet-shrike, Yellow-billed Shrike, Red-winged and Orange-winged Pytilias, Bat-hawk, Beaudouinís, Short-toed and Brown Snake-Eagles, Abdimís Stork, Thick-billed Cuckoo, Green-backed Eremommela, Bar-breasted Firefinch, White-shouldered Black-Tit, White-browed Sparrow-weaver, Singing Cisticola several other residents and

The tour continues to Ugandaís largest national park, which is also at the lowest elevation amongst all other parks.

While and after leaving Masindi town, we will scan the trees for Purple Starling. When we approach the escarpmentís thickets and wooded acacias, we will look for birds typical to this habitat. Northern Red Bishop, Beautiful Sunbird, White-fronted Black-Chat, Bronze-tailed, Violet-backed, and Lesser Blue-eared Starlings Whistling and Foxy Cisticola, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Black-faced Waxbill, Cliff Chat, Spot-flanked, Martial Eagle, Black-billed Barbet and hopefully acceptable looks at the shy Dusky Babblers.

As we continue with our drive, you will stop and scan spots for Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Shelleyís Rufous Sparrow, Cut-throat, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Swallow-tailed and Red-throated Bee-eater, Northern Crombec, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Dark-chanting Goshawk, the very localized White-rumped Seed-eaters and many more.

Evening Game Drive in Buligi Areas

The evening drive that is on the plan, places us in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Imagine a spot where you are only surrounded by wildlife, a dark sky with only stars and the moon to pick out with no surrounding light pollution. It is basically living your favourite wild animalís moment. This is also one of the favourite moments for some of our Avian Safaris guides. Depending on the season, we hope to find a few nightjars like Swamp, Slender-tailed, Long-tailed, Square-tailed, Standard-winged, Pennant-winged, Plain and European Nightjars, Grayish Eagle-owl. New mammals to look out for should include, White-tailed and Marsh Mongoose, Bunyoro Grass Rabit, Leopard, Blotched Genet, Slender Gerbils, Fat Mice, Spotted Hyena, among others.

We should find Speckle-fronted Weaver, Red-necked Falcon, Red-headed, Cardinal and Red-billed Queleas, Denhamís Bustard, Black-headed Lapwing, Spotted Thick-knee, and the critically endangered and uncommon White-headed Vulture. Swallow-tailed and Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Red-throated bee eater, Cinnamon-chested bee eater, European bee eater, , Banded Martin, Scarce Swift, Senegal Coucal, blue-headed coucal, White-browed coucal, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Purple swamphen, Tawny Eagle, Heuglinís Francolin, black-bellied bustard, Pale and Gambaga Flycatcher, Senegal Thick-knee and seasonal migrants. Our mammal list will aim for African Lions, the graceful Rothschild Giraffe, Lelwelís Hartebeest, Oribi, Side-striped Jackal, and the shy Bohor Reedbuck, the northern part of the park and you will possibly be rewarded with a Good views of Heuglinís Francolin, a central African endemic on this day you will aim at finding some specialties of the Southern Sudan stretch and new lovely mammals that show up during an African safari.

LODGE STATUS NO, OF CLIENTS TYPE OF THE ROOM NUMBER OF NIGHTS PAKUBA SAFARI LODGE FULL BOARD 01 STANDARD DOUBLE WITH FANTASTIC VIEW

Day 10

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After early Morning breakfast from our home we shall drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Via Masindi town, this route has a lot of attractions and it will take us through Kaniyo-Pabidi the eastern part of Budongo Forest and here we shall be expecting to see animals such as Olive Baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-taled monkeys alongside different speciaes of birds arriving at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where we shall go for tracking of the southern White Rhino which were declared extinct in Uganda by 1983. Later, through conservation efforts, the white Rhino finds its birth again.

This is the only place in Uganda where you can find Rhinos in the wild. Along with the Rhinos, there are other wildlife that roam this sanctuary. They include animals such as: Bushbuck, Olive Baboons, Velvet Monkeys, Warthogs, Black and White Columbus monkeys, Uganda Kob, Waterbucks, Bush backs, Hippos, Pangolins, Mongoose, snakes and different species of birds such as; saddle beaked stork, shoe bills, and Grey crowned

Here at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary you will enjoy the tracking of the southern White Rhino which were declared extinct in Uganda by 1983. Later. This is the only place in Uganda where you can find Rhinos in the wild. Along with the Rhinos, there are other wildlife that roam this sanctuary. They include animals such as: Baboons, Velvet Monkeys, Warthogs, Black and White Colobus monkeys, Uganda Kob, Waterbucks, Bush backs, Hippos, Pangolins, Mangoose, snakes and different species of dry country birds such as cassinís hawk eagle, common kestrel, grey kestrel, helmeted guinea fowl, scally francolin, grey crown crane, brown parrot, grey parrot, bare-faced go away bird, African grey hornbill, red-chested cuckoo, African cuckoo, African emerald cuckoo, Buffalo weavers return to Kampala for overnight. After Tracking Rhinos at Ziwa we shall have lunch at Kabalega Dinners

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport with stop over en-route for lunch at the selected Tourist Hotel/Restuarant, then after Lunch transfer to Entebbe international Airport to check in for the flight

Please contact Eugene on +353 860563255 for further info regarding tour dates..

Uganda..

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