Uganda: Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Shoebills

Shoebill © Anne-Marie Harris/Macaulay Library

A spectacular wildlife experience in one of the most bird-rich countries of Africa; Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the remarkable Shoebill headline a long and enticing list of exotic birds and mammals.

Located in the Nile Basin in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a beautiful country where savannas, rainforests, lakes, and volcanic highlands converge. It is also among the world’s premier destinations for birds and wildlife. Where else but in this impossibly lush country can one observe Lions prowling the open plains in the morning and on the same day track Chimpanzees through the jungle undergrowth in the afternoon? Where else but here can one navigate tropical rivers teeming with Hippopotamus and huge Nile Crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a Mountain Gorilla? Offering experiences like these and more, Uganda is perhaps the ultimate safari destination.

Arranged exclusively for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this very special departure presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience Uganda, the country Winston Churchill called the “Pearl of Africa.” Hosting this trip will be Ian Owens and Mary Guthrie from the Lab. Guiding our activities will be Barry Lyon from Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, a respected organization with a long history of collaboration with the Lab, and Herbert Byaruhanga and local guides from Bird Uganda Safaris.

This trip is designed for those who seek a highlights-style tour of this fascinating country. While observing Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the Shoebill are priorities, we will witness a huge diversity of birds and mammals. Starting in Entebbe, we will trace a circuit through the southern and western portions of the country, visiting some of the most famous and best-known destinations in East Africa including Lake Victoria and the national parks of Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls. We have chances to see both Leopard and Lion, and we will encounter herds of African Elephant, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Cape Buffalo, Zebra, and a tremendous diversity of hoofed mammals and primates. The birding is extraordinarily diverse with parrots, kingfishers, bee-eaters, turacos, bustards, trogons, hornbills, and an array of dazzling sunbirds and weavers leading the charge. Beyond our field excursions, we will also learn about the biodiversity significance of East Africa’s equatorial rainforests and how the Lab’s work may contribute to their preservation.

Uganda is safe and friendly. As a country it has undergone substantial changes in recent decades. Infrastructure improvements to the roads, lodges, and development programs for the local guides have made wildlife touring in Uganda one of the best experiences possible in the natural history world.

This trip is bound to be a superb birding and wildlife experience. But it’s more than that, too: this singular natural history event is a chance to see old friends and make new ones, to learn the latest from the Cornell Lab, and to enjoy an amazing adventure in the heart of East Africa.

While Cornell is pleased to facilitate travel opportunities for its alumni and friends with tour operators that specialize in high-quality educational travel, please be aware that Cornell does not conduct, manage or operate these travel experiences, or act as an agent for travelers interested in tours. Tour operators and travelers are responsible for making their own safety decisions concerning this travel, and, as a facilitator between travelers and the tour operators with whom travelers make arrangements for completing travel, Cornell’s role and liability are strictly limited.

Specific tour operator and national health and safety protocols will apply to each trip, and travelers should review all protocols and trip terms and conditions, including terms and conditions regarding cancellations, refunds, health and safety, and insurance prior to making a reservation. Cornell is not responsible for changes to trips or travel arrangements or for losses or additional expenses resulting from travel.

A highlights tour that includes several long days in the field (we can cater for shorter options on several hikes), some lengthy drives, and moderate walking; optional hike to Gorillas is typically moderately strenuous, but with porters available to assist where needed and in carrying gear; accommodations and food good to very good; cool to hot conditions; dry season tour, but with some rain possible to likely.

Eastern Gorilla ©Dion Hobcroft