Uganda Highlights

Eastern Gorilla © Dion Hobcroft

A spectacular wildlife experience in one of the most bird-rich countries of Africa; Chimpanzees, Mountain Gorillas, and the remarkable Shoebill, as well as hundreds of other special and exotic birds, including possibilities for several Albertine Rift endemics, and numerous Palearctic migrants.

Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the bird-rich West African jungle. Where else but in this impossibly lush country can one observe Lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track Chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon—and the next day, navigate tropical channels teeming with Hippopotamus and huge Nile Crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a Mountain Gorilla? Certainly, Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plains antelope.

This tour is designed for people who would like a comfortable highlights package to this fascinating country. While the focus is on Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the Shoebill, we will witness a huge diversity of birds and mammals. 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 hornbills, parrots, kingfishers, bee-eaters, turacos, bustards, trogons, hornbills, and an array of dazzling sunbirds and weavers leading the charge.

Uganda is safe and delightfully friendly. As a country it has undergone astonishing 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.

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 good to very good; cool to hot conditions; dry season tour, but with some rain possible to likely.

Shoebill © Dion Hobcroft