In the heart of East Africa, beneath the equator, lies a country like no other… a land of jungle-covered volcanic peaks whose stunning beauty inspired Winston Churchill to refer to it as “the Pearl of Africa.” This is Uganda, and within its borders, several ecoregions come together to create a lush landscape that teems with life. With over 1,000 species of birds, 300+ mammals, and more than its share of reptiles, amphibians and butterflies, Uganda is a biological treasure-trove that is sure to thrill both the novice and advanced naturalist. Add to this the fact that Uganda has more species of primates than any other country on the continent—including wild populations of Chimpanzee and Mountain Gorilla—and one can understand why a visit to this country is truly unforgettable.

On this 14-day tour, we’ll visit a number of the country’s finest protected areas, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale, and Queen Victoria national parks. The avifauna of this region is one of the richest in the world, home to such charismatic species as the African Spoonbill, Goliath Heron, the Giant and African Pygmy Kingfishers, and the highly sought-after Shoebill. Africa is the land of megafauna as well, and this trip will not disappoint. Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, and a myriad of Antelope species will all be seen and experienced on this African journey.

We hope you’ll join us on this incredible journey through one of the most enchanting countries in the world, and experience a part of Africa that few ever have.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

We arrive in Uganda at Entebbe. After a brief introduction, we'll enjoy a night of rest at our hotel near the airport.

Day 2

We'll head west in our Land Rovers this morning to Mabamba Swamp. Our goal is to see Uganda’s most famous avian resident: the Shoebill. We'lll make a special effort to get views of the Shoebill and other water birds by paddling through the channels via small boats.

Day 3

After breakfast, we'll drive west to our lodging at Lake Mburo National Park. We’ll check in then do a game drive through the park. This is the only location in Uganda to see southern savanna avian species such as Red-faced Barbet and the Tabora Cisticola. This park will also yield a variety of mammals, including Impala, Waterbuck, Topi, Bushbuck, Burchell’s Zebra, Cape Buffalo, and more.

Day 4

Another exciting day exploring Lake Mburo National Park, including a tour by boat on the lake, to look for waterbirds like the African Finfoot.

Days 5 and 6

Reaching the far southwestern corner of Uganda, we'll look for birds and wildlife in the ethereal mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park over the course of two days. This area is the best place to sight elusive Albertine Rift Endemic birds, including the highly localized Handsome Francolin, Grauer's Rush Warbler, African Green Broadbill, and many more.

Days 6 and 7

Departing in the morning, we head out to bird the famous Mubwindi Swamp Trail through the Bwindi Forest. This area is the best place to sight elusive Albertine Rift Endemic birds, including the highly localized Handsome Francolin, Grauer's Rush Warbler, African Green Broadbill, Archer's Robin-chat, Dwarf Honeyguide, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and many more. We are also likely to encounter more primates in this forest, such as the beautiful L'Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys, and the distinctive Black and White Colobus Monkey.

Days 7 and 8

We'll take these days to go on hikes through the beautiful montane forest to search for Mountain Gorillas. We should have opportunities to see this amazing animals up close. This is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Days 9 and 10

On Day 9, we head out after breakfast for Queen Elizabeth National Park, for what will be another full day of traveling and birding. Over these two days we'll go on mutliple game drives through the acacia woodlands and savanna habitats. We'll also take a wonderful boat tour on the Kazinga Channel. We hope to find birds like Zitting Cisticola, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Double-toothed Barbet, Sooty Chat, African Moustached Warbler, and White-winged Tits. We'll have excellent chances at seeing big game like Elephants, Hippos, Cape Buffalo, Uganda Kob, and Giant Forest Hogs.

Day 11

After breakfast, we’ll load the Rovers and begin our journey northeast to Kibale National Park. Drive time will depend on the number of birding stops we make, but the scenery offers a wonderful glimpse into rural life in Uganda.

Day 12

We'll venture into the Kibale National Park forest to look for wild Chimpanzees and other primates today. In the afternoon we'll enjoy some great birding in the local forest. Some species we hope to see include White-spotted and Red-crested Flufftails, African Blue Flycatcher, Joyful Greenbul, Brown-backed Scrub Robin, and Purple-headed Starling.

Day 13

Today is a big travel day to get back to Entebbe. The drive should take about 6 hours, but we will be traveling over new ground offering fresh scenery. We plan to arrive in Entebbe in time to check into our hotel and enjoy a little relaxation by the pool.

Day 14

After final goodbyes to each other and the wonderful country of Uganda, We head home today.

START DATE: February 19, 2023

DURATION: 14 days

GROUP SIZE: Up to 12

TRIP FOCUS: Birding and Wildlife

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground transportation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Excursions and park fees
• Guiding services

YOUR GUIDE

A true lover of the natural world, Steve Robertson has been a student of nature his entire life. First, as a little boy, who caught every creature he could for the mini zoo he kept in the garage, then later as an adult, leading scientific research expeditions into some of the most remote regions of the world, searching for rare species in such places as Tasmania, Madagascar and the upper Amazon Basin. With degrees in Wildlife Biology, advanced biology & education, Steve has worked in the field of Environmental Education for over 30 years. From 1998 to 2017, he served as the Education Director for the Audubon Society of Portland, creating a number of innovative programs including International Ecotours, a program that has won hundreds of accolades from around the country. During his time with Audubon, Steve personally designed and led Ecotours to over 20 countries, spanning six continents.