A tiny landlocked country supporting more than 1000 species, Uganda deserves its reputation as “birders’ Eden”. A short trip here to soak up the bizarre and mind-blowing Shoebills at Murchison Falls, or Albertine Rift endemics at Bwindi National Park, is incredibly rewarding, while the chance to come face to face with Africa’s most noble beast, the mountain gorillas, is probably the most touching experience any wildlife enthusiast could hope for. Uganda is a superb destination for rain forest fanatics and those in search of the rare and elusive gorillas.
In terms of size, Uganda is the richest country in Africa for birds. It has an excellent infrastructure and a great diversity of habitats, from the papyrus-fringed swamps of the Lake Victoria Basin, through both lowland and highland forests of the Albertine Rift and north to the Guinea Savannah. Uganda could soon rival Kenya as the most visited country in Africa. Eco-tourism has been positively encouraged for the last decade. Below is a typical tour that includes both gorilla trekking and bird watching in the Pearl of Africa.
A PRIVATE GORILLA SAFARI ITENERARY
Day 1:Kampala – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
On arrival at Entebbe International airport, your private Charter plane will fly you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi is home to the few remaining mountain gorillas. Bird life and primate life in Bwindi is quite superb, and there is an incredible variety of flora. Bwindi is the Bird watchers haven! It holds 348 species of birds and supports 24 of 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda; and seven red data book species. Once continuous with the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes (Dian Fossey’s stomping ground), Bwindi is now an ecological island, surrounded by cultivation on the rich volcanic soils.
Should you have the energy this afternoon, take a guided walk on the Munyaga River trail, which is an ideal short walk. This trail leads to three delightful crystal clear waterfalls, and there is a profusion of tree ferns, epithytic ferns, orchids and Bwindi’s colourful array of butterflies. Here you may also see birds and primates from the forest edge. Overnight at Gorilla Forest camp/ or Volcanoes camp (FB)
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest
You will rise relatively early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla tracking. Report to the ranger station at 08.00 am where the guides will take you through the bush, slashing at the undergrowth, parting thick creepers, to track gorillas. This trek can take from half an hour to five hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. You sit in the forest among the gorillas listening to them grumble at each other and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the silverback. It is amazing to think that there are only 650 or so of these creatures left in the world!
If you have the afternoon free, how about a guided village walk – see how the Ugandans live, visit a local bar and meet the local medicine man! Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or Volcanoes camp (FB)
Day 3: Return to Bwindi Forest
Following a relaxed breakfast your guide will drive you to the Kayonza airstrip where you will you will meet your private charter to Entebbe International airport. A guide / representative will meet you on your arrival and show you to your outbound flight.