Hard-core Birding trip in Uganda - 20 days
Group size: This trip will be limited to 6 participants. Tour Leader: Herbert Byaruhanga Herbert is the managing director of Bird Uganda Safaris. He is based in Kampala the capital of Uganda, but he spends most of his time guiding, and on occasion, training guides both in Uganda and Rwanda. Herbert is amongst the first Ugandans to undertake a bird guides training course in South Africa, accredited by BirdLife International. He founded the Uganda Safari Guides Association – an umbrella association for all the guides in the country, and founded Uganda Bird Guides Club. Herbert has done birding throughout Uganda and Rwanda, South Africa, UK, and USA (Arizona, Chicago, North California, Texas, Louisiana, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Bangor Maine). Herbert holds a Degree in Tourism Management from Makerere University Kampala. His knowledge has been gained through numerous field trips, where he has observed and studied birds and their behaviour, conducting numerous research studies on the birds and wildlife of Uganda with Nature Uganda (a BirdLife International Partner in Uganda). With an incredible list of over 800 species of birds that he has observed in Uganda, the broad-smiling Herbert is so enthusiastic to share his birding and wildlife exploration experiences with other participants while on tour. Tour Prices The costs for the tour are as follows: 2 persons sharing accommodation: US$5,950 per person. 4 persons sharing accommodation: US$4, 600 per person 6 persons sharing accommodation: US$4, 160 per person Single room supplement: US$400 An international tour leader will be offered a 10% discount. The prices include all meals, bottled drinking water, accommodations in upscale and mid range hotels, lodges and Safari Camps as stated in the itinerary, ground transportation during the trip, chimp tracking permit and services of the local tour leaders. It does not include all flight charges, passport and visa fees, airport departure taxes, gorilla permit, alcoholic drinks, phone calls, laundry, or/and other items of a personal nature not mentioned above. Optional tipping of waiters and waitresses in restaurants, porters, and driver guides, local or site guide is not included on the quotation of this trip. Gorilla tracking is optional. Those interested in tracking Gorillas will pay an extra US$500 per person. Gorilla tracking It involves an all day excursion and the trekking can be quite arduous, so a good level of fitness is required. It can last from 20 minutes to hours in a day. On occasion the Gorillas prove elusive but often can be found within an hour by the tracker guides. This will be an optional excursion and those not wishing to go can spend time looking for the excellent birds around the lower trails in company of a local bird guide. Tour Sign-Up
To signup for this trip, please contact the Bird Uganda office. You will be required to pay a deposit of 30% of your total charge for this tour. The payment arrangements will be posted to you upon your confirmation. Full fee is due 60 to 90 days prior to the tour departure date. Currency
The Uganda Shilling is the national currency (the exchange rate ranges between 1,600 to 1800 Uganda Shillings to US$1) depending on the Forex Bureau that you go to. The rate of exchange tends to be higher as you go far away from the city centre. Credit cards are used in a few places, including some of the Lodges where we shall be staying. ATM machines are not readily available except in city centre at Barclays Bank and bank of Baroda. Travelers’ cheques can be changed for Uganda Shillings at Entebbe airport on arrival. Thereafter only cash can be changed once on safari. Larger notes of US$50 plus attract a considerably better rate of exchange than smaller notes of say US$1, 5, 10 and 20. All the notes must be dated 2000 or newer and must be in good condition. Uganda Shillings can be changed back to US Dollars at the airport on departure or in any forex bureau. Travel requirements
A valid passport and a tourist visa are required for United States and Canadian citizens traveling to Uganda (valid for at least six months after your departure). Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Entebbe at a cost of US$50. Yellow fever vaccinations certificate is also required though not mandatory. Citizens of other countries should check with their consulate/embassy for instructions. Safety and security
Uganda is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in East Africa. Crime rates are minimal compared to the neighboring countries. A strong military force is in all the protected areas that we shall be visiting. You will be welcomed by the broad smiles of Ugandan people who are considered to be the most hospitable in East Africa. General Notes
This tour does not require a high level of fitness but participants should be in good general health as much of the forest birding will be done on foot and may require walking for several hours in a day. However those intending to do a gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest must be fit. The activity generally involves several hours of strenuous walking on steep slopes, sometimes off-trail. The chance of finding the gorillas is estimated at 99%, this is well achieved with the help of tracker guides. We use extended and comfortable 4WD Land cruisers with open roof hatches to maximize birding and observing other wildlife as well as allowing photography opportunities. Uganda climate if tropical and rains are unpredictable; however most of the walkways in forested parks are narrow, sometimes steep and slippery. Some roads connecting to different national parks are dusty; if you believe this will inconvenience you, then we advise you to carry with you a dust mask. In order to have the best of this trip, we will be waking up very early on most of our mornings, and on some days spending long hours in the field. Some places can be hot, but it is considerably cold in some parts of south western Uganda – Ruhiija the high altitude section of Bwindi. We carry bottled water for drinking throughout the trip. Water used for showering, brushing teeth or making ice in the lodges and hotels is always boiled or otherwise sterilized. All the hotels and lodges that we shall be using are very cautious about the meals that you are served. Please notify us of any dietary problems in order for us to post your specifications to the respective residential. It is important that you carry insect repellants to avoid mosquitoes and other insect bites, or/and take malaria prophylaxis one to two weeks before departure from your home country. Although food hygiene and quality is excellent and we rarely experience any food poisoning cases, you may want to bring the remedy you prefer or are prescribed for an upset stomach like indigestion and diarrhea medicines. Responsibility For trip cancellation policy and other issues regarding responsibility, please refer to http://birduganda.com/content/view/62/132/ Other Electricity - 220-volt AC, with British type 13-amp 3-prong plugs. Language - English is the official language and widely spoken. Time - Uganda is EST +8hrs and GMT +3hrs Recommend Readings 1. Stevenson, Terry and John Fanshawe. A Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. (Academic Press, 2001) 2. Van Perlo, Ber. Birds of Eastern Africa. (Princeton University Press, 2001) 3. Rossouw, J.D. & M. Sacchi. Where to Watch Birds in Uganda. (Uganda Tourist Board, 1998) 4. Byaruhanga A., P. Kasoma & D. Pomeroy. Important Bird Areas in Uganda. (NatureUganda, 2001) Mammals 1. Kingdon, Jonathan. The Kingdon Field guide to African Mammals. (Academic Press, 1999) 2. Stuard, Chris & Tilde Stuard Southern, Central and East African Mammals: A Photographic Guide. (Chelsea Green, 1998) Reptiles and Amphibians
Spawls, Stephen, Kim Howell, Robert C. Drewes and James Ashe. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa. (Academic Press, 2001) Plants 1. Blundell, M. Wild Flowers of East Africa - Collins Photo Guide. (Harper Collins, 1999) 2. Dharani N. Field Guide to the Common Trees and Shrubs of East Africa, (Struik, 2002)
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival. This is an optional day for birding depending on the time of arrival. Some may choose to rest while others may go for birding in an around Entebbe or Kampala. Stay at Lindsay Cottages. This one of the best accommodations around Kampala and Entebbe. It is ideal for birders due to its rich habitat in the sourroundings. Day 2 Birding to Mabamba Wetland and afternoon transfer to Lake Mburo National Park After an early breakfast, we commence our trip by driving to Mabamba Swamp, 50km west of Kampala. Stop en route at Mpigi Swamp for papyrus rarities. Open your eyes for a White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-backed Weaver, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Blue-headed Coucal, and other swamp specialities. At the swamp, most of the birding is on a canoe, paddled by our local site guides. Look for the Shoebill both in the sky and down on the marsh. Also watch for the Swamp Flycatcher, African Purple Swamphen, African Water Rail, Common Moorhen, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, African Pygmy Goose, White-faced Whistling-duck, Squacco Heron, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Winding Cisticola, Goliath Heron and Black Crake. Stay at Mihingo Lodge for 2 nights. It is a peaceful and exclusive retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. It features ten rooms which are built on wooden platforms with stilts, covered by a thatched roof. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views, including hot and cold running water, showers, and flush loos. Each luxury tented room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge's property, enabling guests to enjoy the tranquil environment in complete seclusion. Placed in varied settings, some rooms are situated in a forest, some with a lake view, and some on rocky outcrops. Day 3 Whole day birding and game drive in the park.  Brown-chested Lapwing The park contains an extensive area of wetland. It harbours several species of mammals including Zebras, Impalas, Elands, Topi and Buffaloes. The bird population is rich, including Green backed woodpecker, African Finfoot, Brown-chested Plover, Southern Ground Hornbill, Spot-flanked, Red-faced and Black-collared Barbets; White–winged Warbler, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Carruthers Cisticola, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Oxpecker and Northern Brown-throated Weaver. Day 4 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Buhoma
Today, we shall spend most of our day driving to Bwindi. Bwindi Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to approximately half of the world endangered population of Mountain Gorillas. This vast reserve offers arguably the most productive montane forest birding in Africa and supports 23 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species. Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighbouring Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is now an ecological island within a sea of human cultivation and therefore of big conservation importance. Buhoma lies in the valley of the Munyaga River at 5100ft and is bordered with steep, forested hills. Excellent forest birding, not least the prospect of numerous rare and localised Albertine Rift endemics, makes this a true birding paradise. We stay at Gorilla Resort. Gorilla Resort is a brand-new, most luxurious tented camp in Uganda, strategically located to command excellent views of the Bwindi forest. The tented camp contains stylish tents, with queen-size beds, vanity area and en-suite private forest-view bath, shower rooms and dining, where relaxation in the unique forest surroundings is guaranteed. The camp has been constructed and built to the highest standards whilst retaining harmorny with the local surroundings. It is designed in local materials and craftsmen that blend with nature. Day 5 Whole day birding in the Park. Forest birding at Bwindi ranks the best birdwatching in Uganda and Africa as well, as having been voted as number one hot spot in Africa. It is home to over 23 highly-localized Albertine Rift endemics. Special birds include Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Grauer's Warbler, Banded Prinia, Black-faced Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Ashy Flycatcher, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Chapin's Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Rwenzori Batis, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, White-bellied Crested-flycatcher, Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Mountain Illadopsis, African Hill-Babbler, Dusky Tit, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Grey-headed Sunbird, Mackinnon's Fiscal, Sooty Boubou, Pink-footed Puffback, Doherty's Bush-shrike, White-naped Raven, Montane Oriole, African Golden Oriole, Stuhlmann's Starling, Narrow-tailed Starling, Waller's Starling, Strange Weaver, Brown-capped Weaver, Black-billed Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Magpie Mannikin, Yellow-crowned Canary, Thick- billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, African Green Broadbill, Shelly's Crimsonwing, Oriole Finch, Mountain Buzzard, Ayre's Hawk-eagle, Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Wood-Owl, Rwenzori Nightjar, Scarce Swift, Bar-tailed Trogon, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Black Bee-eater, (Western) Bronze-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Owlet, Tullberg's Woodpecker, Elliot's Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Western Green Tinkerbird, African Green Broadbill, Lagdens Bush Shrike, Petit's Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Archer's Ground Robin, Toro Olive-Greenbul, Ansorge's Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat, White-bellied Robin-chat, Olive Thrush, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Grauer's Rush-warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Neumann's Warbler and Red faced Woodland-Warbler. Day 6
Gorilla tracking This morning, after breakfast at the Lodge, we shall assemble at the park offices for the briefing for this historic event. Gorilla tracking is a very captivating activity; it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. It can be a challenging activity, therefore ensure physical fitness. Eight people are permitted per group per day. It can last from 20 minutes to hours in a day. On occasions the Gorillas prove elusive but often can be found within an hour by the tracker guides. Day 7 Birding to Queen Elizabeth National Park Today, we shall start early after breakfast and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Due to the unpredictable rain seasons that sometimes make the roads impassable, we may either drive through Ishasha sector populary known for climbing lions or drive through the beautiful scenaries of Rukungiri district. The Park which is named after the Queen of England who visited it in 1954, is the second largest national park in Uganda. In terms of diversity this park ranks best in birding Uganda with over 610 species recorded, and a one day record of 296 species. Hard-core birders will be treated to special birds of this park that include Harlequin Quail, Blue Quail, Small (Common) Buttonquail, African Crake, White-winged Warbler, Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Papyrus Gonolek, Amur Falcon, Ovampo Sparrowhawk. Lowland Akalat, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Shoebill, Black Bee-eater, Caruthers's Cisticola, Terek Sandpiper, Secretary Bird, and Temminck's Courser. Mammals include African Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Leopard, Lion, Ugandan Kobs, Side-striped Jackal, Baboons, Chimpanzees, Bush and Water Bucks, Warthogs, Giant Forest Hogs to mention but a few. We shall check into Mweya Safari Lodge later in the day. Day 8 Whole day game drive and birding drive in the park, Boat trip on Kazinga Channel After breakfast we set out for a whole day game and birdwatching drive in the park. Later in the afternoon you have an exciting boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. This is a narrow neck of water that connects Lakes George and Edward, with excellent photographic opportunities for waterside birds and abundant Hippopotamus. Amongst the birds you are likely to encounter include African Skimmer, Striated Heron, African Spoonbill, Water Thick-knee, Three-banded Plover, Marsh, Green, Wood and Common Sandpiper, Gray-headed Gull, Plain Martin Lesser Swamp-Warbler and Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Day 9 Birding Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura gorge to Kibale forest
After an early breakfast, we head for Maramagambo forest. A few specialties at Imaramagambo forest include the Yellow-bellied and Jameson's Wattle-eyes, Black Bee-eater, White-tailed and Red-tailed Ant-Thrush, Brown and Grey-chested Illadopsis, Shinning Blue Kingfisher, Brown-eared Woodpeckers, Narina Trogon, Least Honeyguide, Grey Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, and the African Finfoot. The trail through the forest leads past a bat cave, which is rather impressive, and if we are lucky we may come across a Python that lives in the cave and feasts on the bats. Later in the afternoon, we drive to Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge. Day 10 Chimp tracking and birding After an early breakfast we drive to Kibale National Park vistor center for briefing and chimp tracking. The activity may last for a few or long hours. The forest is home to 13 primates of Uganda. Birding in the afternoon along the main road may be productive. Depending on the weather predictions, birding Bigodi wetland is also productive with riverline forest birds. Kibale National Park is a good site for a number of birds that are hard to find elsewhere including Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Cabanis's Greenbul and Joyful Greenbul as well as White-spotted Flufftail, Dusky and Olive Longtailed Cuckoo, Lesser Honeyguide, Blue-shouldered Robin Chat, White-chinned Prinia, Grey Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera and White-collared Oliveback. Day 11 Whole day birding in the forest. After breakfast, we have another chance for birding in the forest. The results of the previous day will help us to chose either birding Sebitoli Section or birding Kanyancu area. Stay at Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge. Day 12 Birding to Budongo forest Take a long drive to Budongo arriving Budongo area late in the afternoon. If time allows there may be chances for birding along the way at Busingiro Section of Budongo forest. Stay at Masindi Hotel Day 13 Whole day birding the Royal Mile A short birdwatching drive from the Hotel at dawn will take us to one of the best of Uganda's birdwatching spot, the Royal Mile. This is the Uganda's historically known leisure spot for the traditional King, hence the name Royal Mile. Here the forest has been cut back a few metres along the sides of the main trail, which makes it a particularly good viewing area in this excellent forest. Special Birds Uganda in Budongo include White-thighed and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills, Yellow-spotted and Yellow billed Barbets, Western Black-headed Oriole, along with Red-tailed and Blue Monkeys. Overhead, Sabine's and sometimes Cassin's Spinetails soar over the clearings. As we walk quietly along the trail,Red-tailed Ant-Thrushes skulk in the shadows, as do Red-tailed Bristlebill, Scaly-breasted, Pale-breasted and Brown Illadopsis. Greenbuls are ever a challenge and include Cameroon Sombre, Slender-billed, Honeyguide and Spotted, whilst other regular species are Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Green Crombec, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Buff-throated Apalis, and both White-breasted and Grey-headed Negrofinches. Lower down we should see Chocolate-backed and African Dwarf Kingfishers. White-spotted Flufftails and the elusive Nahan's Francolin. Other possibilities here are Great Sparrowhawk, Cassin's Hawk-eagle, Crested Guineafowl, Tambourine Dove, Grey Parrot, African Emerald and Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoos, Yellowbill, White-throated Bee-eater, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird,Yellow-spotted Barbet, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Dusky Tit, Western Nicator, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Forest Robin, Black-throated and Black-capped Apalis, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Brown-crowned Eremomela, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Sabine's and Cassin's Spinetails, Wilcock's Honeyguide, Yellow and Grey Longbills, Jameson's Wattle-eye, Blue-throated Brown and Little Green Sunbirds, Rufous Flycatcher Thrush, Yellow-mantled Weaver, Red-headed Malimbe and Uganda Woodland Warbler, Ituri Batis. Day 14 Whole day birding the Budongo; Busingiro Section Day 15 Birding to Murchison Falls National Park  Carmine Bee-eater After breakfast, you drive northwards to Murchison Falls National Park birding through the Escarpment. Special birds include Cliff Chat, Yellow fronted tinkerbird, Grey headed Bush Shrike, Singing Cisticola, African Finfoot, Namaqua dove, Green Winged Pytilia, Red Backed Shrike, Crested Francolin, Black Headed Bush Shrike, Northern and Black winged Red Bishops, Black Bellied Firefinch, Black faced Waxbill and March Tchagra. We either cross River Nile and stay at Para Safari Lodge or stay at Nile Safari Camp. Days 16 &17 Birding on the northern bank, Launch trip to the bottom of the falls, top of the falls and Nile Delta We start birding after an early breakfast. Depending on the information available from our site guides, We may choose to take a boat along the Victoria Nile or game drive to the delta. Special birds to look for include Shoebill, Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller and Ground Hornbill, Pied Kingfishers, Red-throated Bee-eaters, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Senegal Thick-knee, Water Thick-knee, Black-headed Lapwing, Long-toed Lapwing, Little Bittern, Osprey, Red-necked Falcon, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Vinaceous Dove and Grosbeak Weaver. Other specials include Buff-bellied Warbler, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Bar-breasted Firefinch, Red-winged Grey Warbler, Spotted Morning-Thrush, Marabou Stork, Red-throated Bee-eater, Silverbird, Beautiful Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver and White-rumped Seedeater, Pels Fishing Owl, White Crested Turaco, Vinaceous Dove, Senegal Thicknee, Bruce,s Green Pigeon, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver, Carmine Bee-eater, Night jars(Pennant-winged &Standard-winged), White rumped canary etc. Day 18 Birding the south of the River and Budongo Kanio Pabide After an early breakfast, we bird through the woodland southwards to Budongo Forest at Kanio Pabide section. Birding in the forest and along the Masindi Road is satisfactory. Special birds at Budongo here include, Rufous sided broadbill, Puvell’s illadopsis, Red tailed ant thrush, Yellow and Grey Long bills, Whistling Cisticola, Black Bishop, Red headed and Red Billed Quelleas, Magpie Mannikin, Blue Throated Roller, Yellow Billed Shrike, Pigymy Sunbird, and the forest is home to chimpanzees. We stay at Masindi Hotel. Day 19 Birding to Kampala. Stay at Lindsay Cottages Day 20 End of the birding trip / Departure.
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