There's an extension to Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest to see Red-Collared Mountain Babbler and to Northern-Western Uganda to explore the birds of Mabira, Murchison Falls and Budongo's famous Royal Mile. Scroll down for the leaflet with tour details.
Uganda offers over 1000 species, the highest concentration of birds in Africa, and is the most
accessible place to see the legendary Shoebill. To find it, we'll embark a small boat and explore the vast swamps of Lake Victoria.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with its misty peaks and fern-loaded
forests, is an amazing biodiversity hotspot that hosts 24 of Uganda's 26 Albertine Rift endemics. It also offers one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth: the opportunity to come face to face with one of our closest relatives, Gorilla, in its natural
habitat. Our tours allow a day for those who wish to track gorillas, while others can do the extra birding.
At lower altitude, pitta-like Short-tailed
Warblers and Kivu Ground Thrushes skulk
in the mossy undergrowth. African Grey Parrots
fly overhead while Chimpanzees shriek from deep
in the forest. Higher up, the cloud-swathed Virunga volcanoes (of
Dian Fossey fame) loom in the distance. Here we'll search for the
near mythical African
Green Broadbill and Grauer's Rush Warbler.
It is even suggested that at least one undescribed species might
even be lurking in the park!
The forests of Kibale National Park host one of Africa's most desired species: the very secretive Green-breasted Pitta. On our tours, we allow three mornings to search for it. Our success rate is second to none, with all participants having seen the bird on all our Uganda Specials Tours. See the trip reports here.
Michael Mills grew up "in the bush" in the Kalahari and Kruger National Parks where his parents were carnivore researchers. His incredible focus, dedication and ability to locate and show people Africa's toughest birds is probably unequalled on the continent.
Michael has led dozens of tours in Southern, East, Central, West and North Africa and his experience in locating birds on just the softest of calls or briefest of views impresses those who have travelled with him (see Client Comments).
There is seldom a tour where Michael doesn't make an interesting discovery such as finding a new species for a country or record an undescribed bird call (and he has published these in the scientific literature).
Not only is Michael one of our principal leaders, but he also helps extensively with scouting and planning our most challenging itineraries.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful trip to Uganda.
You were both so kind, attentive and incredibly knowledgeable. ...
you gave us a memorable experience and we shall always remember
your delightful company which we hope we will enjoy again one day.'
RC, Cambridge, UK
'Many thanks
again for a wonderful trip to Uganda... You looked after us so well
and there were many memorable moments: the gorillas, the chimps
and the red-tailed monkey, the red colobus trek through the swampy
forest, the butterflies, the crater lake drive and all the birds.
...
It was fascinating being able to spend time watching the mammals,
particularly the young chimps with the red-tailed monkey, and I
really appreciated Deirdre's font of knowledge about them all. There
were some stunning birds as well and the butterflies provided a
welcome relief from Greenbul identification!.' JK, Sheffield,
UK
For keen birders and mammal enthusiasts. Designed
to see as many as possible endemic birds, but while on the walks
we spend a lot of time looking for other wildlife such as mammals
(including several species of primates) and butterflies. We
can also customise any itinerary to suit to the keen birder,
the wildlife enthusiast or both.
Photography
Many participants on our trips are amateur wildlife photographers.
And when we get excellent views of a bird or mammal, some time
is usually spent watching and photographing it. However, this
is not a photographic tour and once the majority of the people
have felt that they have absorbed the animal or bird to their
satisfaction, then we move on in search of the next encounter.
Thus, while the photographic opportunities
are very good, the group will only occasionally wait for somebody
who wants to spend even longer getting better photos.
Fitness
A small degree of fitness is required. The few walks are generally
in relatively flat areas with occasional small inclines. The
terrain during the optional gorilla tracking can never be predicted
and can be very steep.
Timing
Most of our Rwanda tours take place
during December - January or July - August.
Climate
Cool at night in the highlands, warm to hot in the lowlands.
Comfort
A good standard of accommodation in guest houses, lodges and
small hotels.
Transport
We travel by minibus or four wheel drive vehicle.
Group Size
Maximum 6 participants on the Uganda and Rwanda birding tours in July.
Your booking can be secured with a booking form and deposit. You will receive confirmation and our tour information pack with practical information on what to expect and how to prepare for the tour. The balance is due 150 days before the tour. Contact us to enquire about availability.
About Birding Africa
Birding Africa is a specialist birding tour
company customising tours for both world listers and more relaxed
holiday birders. We combine interests in mammals, butterflies, dragonflies,
botany and other natural history aspects and will guide you to Africa's
and Madagascar's most diverse birding destinations. Our guides'
knowledge of African birds and birding areas is our greatest strength
and together we have rediscovered species, shared exciting observations
with the birding community and had a fun time exploring our home
continent. We've even written two acclaimed guide
books on where to find Southern Africa's and Madagascar's best
birds. Birding is more than our passion, it's our lifestyle, and
we are dedicated to making professional, best value trips filled
with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. Since 1997,
we've run bird watching tours
in South Africa and further into Africa for individual birders,
small birding groups and top international tour companies. We've
run Conservation Tours
in association with the African Bird Club and work with and consult
for a number of other top international tour companies and the BBC
Natural History Unit.
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill photographed during one of our Uganda Murchison extensions. © 
Gorilla at Bwindi on our Uganda Birding Tour © Callan Cohen.
