Uganda
AFRICA’S UGANDA: 10 DAYS OF BIRDS, WILDLIFE, GORILLAS, AND CHIMPANZEES
Despite its small size, the equatorial African nation of Uganda boasts an astonishing biodiversity. Earning the nickname “The Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is home to incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, and diverse cultures. The country. Twenty species of primates can be found within the country, among which are the closest living human relative–the Chimpanzee–and more than half the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Uganda’s spectacular reserves also support iconic East African wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, hyenas, leopards, hippos, and so much more! Uganda is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting 1070 bird species–more than half of all African species. Many of Africa’s most sought-after birds can be found here.
Uganda’s rich biodiversity and natural history is protected within dozens of reserves, including 10 national parks. These areas encompass diverse habitats, including scenic shores of Lake Victoria, luck rainforest, Albertine Rift montane forest, semi-arid plains, dry savanna, and various swamps and rivers including the majestic Nile River.
We invite you to join us for a 10-day exploration of Uganda’s incredible biodiversity–beginning with a plethora of avian species on the edge of Lake Victoria; then spotting wildlife on safaris and boat trips as we cross dry plains and savanna; and finally seeking iconic primates, elusive mammals, and endemic bird species in the lush forests of Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
WILDLIFE TARGETS AND HIGHLIGHTS
- The elusive and seemingly prehistoric Shoebill, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds
- Numerous species of East Africa’s most colorful birds, including bee-eaters, rollers, and kingfishers
- Iconic African savanna wildlife, such as giraffe, zebra, lion, baboon, water buffalo, hippo, hyena, leopard, elephants, and so much more
- The endangered and charismatic Mountain Gorilla; our closest relative, the Chimpanzee; and nearly 20 other primate species
- Highly desirable bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift
Key locations
Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park
Experience Highlights
- We will take a boat trip through Mabamaba Swamp–an extensive papyrus swamp where we will search for Shoebill as well as a host of other wetland birds.
- A safari through Lake Mburo where we will enjoy incredible moments with iconic wildlife of the African savanna.
- Up-close observation of family groups of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, an unforgettable and life-changing experience.
- Game drives and a boat trip inside the incomparable Queen Elizabeth National Park, an incredible preserve home to over 600 bird species and nearly 100 mammal species.
- Chimpanzee tracking within the dense jungle of Kibale National Park, providing a chance to observe these amazing primates–our closest relative.
More Details
Accommodations
The Boma Hotel (1 night), Rwakobo Rock Lodge (2 nights), Haven Lodge (1 night), Gorilla Mist Camp (2 nights), Mweya Safari Lodge (1 night), Chimpanzee Guest House (2 nights)
Weather and climate
As we travel around the country, we can expect daytime temperatures up to 85°F/29°C, dropping to as low as 50°F/10°C during the night and early mornings. Expect sunny, dry weather at lower elevations and humid, potentially rainy conditions as we head to higher elevations and into the forests (e.g. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest).
Tour Details
Note: 2 days of gorilla tracking!
Price: $6,440.00 per-person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $434.00
Included: In-country accommodations, ground transportation, tours, boat tours, chimpanzee permit, gorilla permit, meals, guide and entrance fees are included.
Not Included: Personal items such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gift shop, laundry, etc. are not included.
From: Uganda
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 8
Activity Level: Moderate
Deposit: 30% deposit is required to reserve, with remainder due at least 90 days prior to the beginning of this tour.
Travel insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. In the event that you need to cancel your trip due to medical or other reasons, this insurance will protect you.
Tour Leaders: James Adams and local guides/trackers
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!