Uganda
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A fabulous 12-day tour, packed with highlights - from Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and tracking for Chimpanzees at Kyambura Gorge, to boat trips at Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, and for Shoebill at Mabamba Swamp. Join us for the best of Uganda!Uganda is a small country straddling the Equator and one of the wildlife gems of the African Continent. With over 1000 species recorded, it has the highest concentration of birds in Africa and is the most accessible place to see the legendary Shoebill, one of the world's most bizarre birds. The misty peaks and fern-laden forests of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda's birding hotspot - are an apt setting in which to search for a host of Central African forest species, including many regional specialities and some exciting endemics. These mountains also offer what is perhaps the greatest of all wildlife experiences on Earth: the opportunity to come face to face with one of man's closest living relatives - the Mountain Gorilla - in its natural habitat. When tracking for them, a small party is a distinct advantage and we have therefore limited our group size to the optimum of 10 participants plus guides. *1 Other tour highlights not to be missed include the opportunity to track Chimpanzees in scenic Kyambura Gorge (the cost of chimp permits is included in our tour price); superb forest birding at Bwindi; mammal watching in some of Africa's finest National Parks; and three splendid boat trips - at Mabamba Swamp in search of Shoebill, along the Kasinga Channel at Queen Elizabeth National Park, with chances of African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek and Giant Forest Hog, and at Lake Mburo in search of African Finfoot and White-backed Night Heron. Uganda is now one of the friendliest and safest of all African countries to visit. With the devastating period of its political past long behind it, the country is in an active state of regrowth and renewal. The rejuvenation of the tourism industry here has been nothing short of phenomenal in recent years and all the prime birdwatching and wildlife areas now have rebuilt roads and comfortable accommodations. Our tour combines the best of Uganda's superb forests, savannas and wetlands to offer an incredibly rich and diverse mix of species. Lodgings are of a high standard everywhere - from top-end lodges in magnificent settings to comfortable permanent tented camps and hotels. Guide Callan Cohen has 20 years experience of African birding and leads most of our sub-Saharan Africa tours. He has birded extensively across the continent, including spending a total of more than five months in the field in Uganda. *1 NOTE: Gorilla trekking is optional. Permits are strictly limited in number and issued on a first-come, first served basis. Once the daily quota is sold, no further permits are available. Early booking advised! Accommodation: We use comfortable high quality hotels, lodges and tented camps, all with private facilities. Meals: All included in the price. Most meals taken at the lodges/camps. Some picnic lunches. Walking: Easy except for optional Gorilla tracking at Bwindi, which is variable and can be physically demanding according to where the animals happen to be (see main text). With the exception of our Chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge, please note that for safety, and due to the presence of wild animals, little walking is possible away from the lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes with rugged soles and good grip advised. |
Prices:
The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of return scheduled flights London-Entebbe, all accommodation, meals, surface transport (including boat trips as described), Chimpanzee tracking permit, entry fees to the parks, tips to local drivers/guides, airport taxes, map, bird & mammals checklist and services of the leaders.
The price excludes travel insurance, visa costs (£25), drinks and other personal expenses, and optional Gorilla Permit. *3 Please note that the Gorilla trekking is optional. The permit is for one day of Gorilla trekking and must be requested at time of booking (permit fees as above). Please note that the permits are 100% non-refundable. If you do not wish to participate in this, please let us know at time of booking. The cost of Gorilla Permits is determined by the Ugandan authorities. The current cost (summer 2011) is US$500 per person per trek, but prices may increase for 2012. We have no control over this and our office will invoice you the actual cost (in GBP) once the new price is known. Note that, just occasionally - and in spite of the best efforts of the local tracker-guides - the gorillas can prove elusive and are not seen. This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays. 
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Gorilla tracking: Please don't hesitate to call us to talk about Gorilla tracking if you are undecided. Do bear in mind that, just occasionally, and in spite of the best efforts of the skilled local tracker-guides, the Gorillas can prove elusive and are not seen. It is important to note that Gorilla permits are strictly limited in number and issued to tour operators on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the daily quota has been sold (often many months in advance), NO further permits are available for that day/s. January is one of the best months to visit - please do book early to avoid risk of disappointment! Insects: Mosquitoes are present throughout the tropics, but are generally not a problem on this tour. Bring repellent and dress accordingly, covering up with long sleeves and long trousers. Many of the accommodations we use do supply mosquito nets - but if you want to be guaranteed of one, then Callan always recommends purchasing/taking your own mosquito net for all travel in the Afrotropics. Leaders: Callan Cohen and Deirdre Vrancken Numbers: Max. 10 clients
Click here for a full, printable itineraryWhat you say:"Both Callan & Deirdre are superb guides and it was a delight to travel with them. Their organising ability was exceptional. The whole trip went so smoothly. Thank you to them both. " V.H.,Yorks. |
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