UGANDA

Gorillas and Shoebills…. need we say more!

ITINERARY

LAKE MBURU

On arriving in Entebbe we will head straight to Lake Mburu, our base for the first night. En route, we should see Long-crested Hawk-Eagles, Lilac-breasted Rollers, Marabou Storks and Hooded Vultures. Pied Hornbill and Ross's Turaco occur as we enter the park and we could find Trilling and Whistling Cisticolas, the first of several members of this difficult-to-identify family.

Bare-faced Go-away-birds, Nubian Woodpeckers, Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrikes and Senegal Plovers live among spectacular mammals such as Defassa Waterbuck, Tsessebe and Burchell's Zebra. The pedigree Ankole cattle belonging to the royal family are also found here. The night inside the park is spent at a comfortable tented camp.

BWINDI

The next day we will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a three night stay. We will visit the higher elevation forest at Ruhija, one of the world's great natural treasures and providing home to various endemic birds. Ten species of primate here include the beautiful L'Hoest's Monkey and Blue Monkey and, of course, the magnificent Mountain Gorilla.

Bwindi is the most reliable site in the world to see them. Gorilla trekking involves a hike to their feeding areas where they can be watched from just a few feet away. Exchanging a glance with one of these creatures is probably one of the most magical experiences in the animal kingdom! Tourist revenue is vital to the Gorillas' survival. Our money provides education and medical facilities for the locals who are proud of the park and welcome tourists. Villagers are actually giving part of their farmland back to nature, to increase Gorilla and bird habitats. Uganda is one of those countries where you feel that conservation is working for both people and wildlife.

We will spend the following day searching for birds along trails leading to the waterfall. We hope to see Rwenzori Sunbird, Long-tailed Barred Cuckoo, White-starred Robin, African Blue Flycatcher, Lhuder's Bush Shrike, and Green and African Broadbills. On our recce, a male of the latter species was seen displaying by flying in a tight circle, his wings creating a rapid loud buzzing. The Black Bee-eater is a forest specialist regularly found along a forest stream near our lodge.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

On day six we transfer to Mweya Lodge overlooking the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth NP. We can watch Elephant and Buffalo drinking, and Hippos grazing the lawns at night. Swamp Flycatchers, Heuglin's Robins and Little Weavers nest in the hotel grounds. For safari veterans, this is the best place on earth to see the shy Giant Forest Hog!

Uganda Kob Antelope rut among scenic volcanic craters, and in turn provide food for the famous tree-climbing lions. Crowned Cranes have a dancing ground here, Black-bellied Bustards rasp from termite mounds and Kurrichane Button Quail creep through the grass where White-winged Widow display.

The Maramagambo Forest and Chambura Gorge are home to several species that have remained isolated in this gorge for centuries. African Emerald Cuckoo, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Asfep Pigeon, Blue-breasted Kingfisher and Purple-headed Starling may be seen as we spend a morning Chimpanzee-tracking with forest guides. Despite claims made by others, the Shoebill Stork is rare here but we may locate one. Our chances are far greater at Murchison Falls.

African Skimmers flock with thousands of terns. Swamp Warbler, Baglafecht Weaver and Saddle-billed Storks are seen from a boat ride, while Pied Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle are abundant!

Papyrus swamp bird specialities are a target, including Papyrus Gonolek, one of the brightest of African birds, Papyrus Canary and Carruthers' Cisticola.

Transferring to Massindi for two nights, we spend the next day birdwatching in Budongo Forest, an area also rich in butterflies and primates. Over 350 species of birds recorded include Scaly-breasted Illadopses, Fire-crested Alethe, Yellow-browed Cameroptera, Ituri Batis and Black Sparrowhawk. The next day we will head to Murchison Falls National Park, for a stay of three nights.

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

This beautiful area beside the River Nile has plenty of big game and is the best site to find the amazing Shoebill Stork. On Phil's first visit he became spellbound by this enormous grey bird with dark human-like eyes set in a massive head dominated by a boat shaped bill! He found four among the water hyacinths here and another while driving to Kampala!

During a boat ride to Murchison Falls, we should see Nile Crocodile, African Jacana, Rock Pratincole and African Wagtail. Chin-spot Batis, Black Crake, Carmine and Red-throated Bee-eaters feed by the lodge overlooking the river. We also saw Blue-headed Coucal, Buff-bellied Warbler, Giant Kingfisher, Grey-crowned Negrofinch and Beautiful Sunbird here. A Bat Hawk regularly hunts the golden Egyptian Bats in the evening.

On day 15 we will drive back to Kampala, where we will spend the last night before our return flight home.

VEHICLES, GUIDES & PACE A 4X4 safari vehicle provides everyone with a window seat. Our leader and a Ugandan birdguide are assisted by local guides in the parks where specialist knowledge is essential. Daytime temperatures can be high, so early morning and late afternoon excursions are made to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities.

During the heat of the day we will take it easy, resting, relaxing, or perhaps using the time to travel to the next hotel. Most parks with large animals only allow viewing from a vehicle. Basic fitness is all that is required, as walking will be over short distances at a relaxed pace with frequent stops to look at birds. There is some uphill walking.

Gorilla hiking involves a strenuous, steep uphill walk in hot humid conditions, rewarded by about one hour with the Gorillas. The length of the walk is dependent on where the animals are that day. On rare occasions Gorillas can be seen from the lodge, so no two days are alike. Good physical fitness is required. There is the opportunity to change your mind before trekking begins and get your permit fee refunded. It is also possible to return escorted to the lodge part way through the trek, but without getting your permit fee refunded. If you are unsure about trekking conditions, please discuss it with us over the phone.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Full-board accommodation is provided with one night at Mantana Tented Camp, Lake Mburu, three nights at Gorilla Safari Camp, Bwindi, four nights at Mweya Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP, two nights at Massindi Hotel, three nights at Paraa Lodge, Murchison Falls and one night at the Hotel Africana, Kampala. Hotels and lodges are all very pleasant with comfortable rooms. At Lake Mburu and Bwindi, accommodation is in comfortable permanent tented camps. All rooms and tents have en-suite facilities. Lunch is usually packed, or taken at the accommodations.

PRICE INCLUDES ….. Full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, birdwatching excursions with expert leader, transport, park entrance fees, return flights to Entebbe and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Personal items, alcoholic drinks, laundry, tips, etc. The optional Gorilla trekking permit must be confirmed at the time of booking.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return flights from London Heathrow to Entebbe, using the scheduled services of British Airways. Outbound flight departs mid-evening, return flight arrives back mid-afternoon. Connecting shuttle flights are available on this tour for £60 return (due at time of booking), from Manchester and other regional airports. Gorilla permits sell quickly so, to guarantee one, we strongly recommend you book as soon as possible.

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