Uganda - In Search of the Shoebill

Tour Code: UGA01

A 10-day birdwatching tour visiting Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks, as well as Mabamba Swamp in search of Shoebill. Optional extensions available to the Royal Mile and Budongo Forest or Bwindi National Park for the Mountain Gorillas.

10 days from
£4,795 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£4,145

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Highlights

Summary

Uganda is a spectacular country of misty mountains, lush forests and extensive papyrus-fringed lakes. It is home to over 1,000 species of bird and an abundance of other wildlife. We begin deep within the Mbamba Swamps, one of the best places in all Africa to see the unique and enigmatic Shoebill. Lake Mburo is our next stop, before we move to the open, Elephant-dotted plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lush forests of Kibale offer a fitting finale to the main tour and the opportunity to trek for Chimpanzees, plus enjoy Great Blue Turaco, Black Bee-eater and many other fabulous birds. No visit to the ‘Pearl of Africa’ is complete, however, without a trek in search of the Mountain Gorillas in the Impenetrable Forest at Bwindi, one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in the world. An extension to Budongo Forest is also available.

Spectacular scenery
Shoebill, African Finfoot, Black Bee-eater and many other special birds
Up to 350 species of bird (if choosing Budongo Extension)
Trek for Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
Enjoy a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes Edward & George
Black and White Colobus, Blue Monkey & other primate species
Extend your tour to Budongo Forest & the Royal Mile
Optional extension to trek for the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi National Park
Expertly guided by our local Ugandan ornithologists

Grading

Grade A

Described by Winston Churchill as the pearl of Africa, Uganda is a small landlocked country supporting more than 1000 bird species, reflecting its diversity of habitats and transitional point between the East African savannah, the West African rainforest and the semi-desert to the north. Uganda has a lot to offer the wildlife enthusiast and is happily rising in popularity following years of political turmoil. Tourists are welcomed and are increasingly being catered for all over the country, indeed Uganda is now one of Africa’s most friendly destinations.

This birdwatching tour packs in some of Uganda’s finest and most diverse birdwatching sites including Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest National Parks as well as Uganda’s best Shoebill location, the Mabamba Wetlands. The tour uses the best located lodges and hotels to optimise birdwatching potential, which are simple, and occasionally luxurious, in nature. The equatorial climate in Uganda remains stable all year round, with slight seasonal variations in rainfall. Most of Uganda is on a plateau at 900 - 1,800 metres above sea level. It is comfortably hot most of the time and rain showers are common, but do not hinder the birding. Average daytime temperatures are in the mid 20's Centigrade. These climatic factors also help to explain why all visitors are struck by just how green, fertile and beautiful Uganda is, which again is reflected in its abundant bird life.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Depart London.

Day 2

Entebbe

Day 3

Lake Mburo

Day 4

Mbarara

Day 5/6

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 7/8

Kibale

Day 9

Entebbe

Day 10

Fly London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
A mix of comfortable lodges, hotels and permanent tented camps. All rooms have private facilities.
Food:
All meals are included in the tour cost, with the exception of the evening meal in Entebbe on day 9.

Reviews

Jude Ainomugisha was an excellent birding guide. We saw the Shoebill catch and consume a sizable lungfish! I'd never been birding in equatorial Africa so saw many new-to-me birds and animals. I was very happy with the accommodation and food and travel arrangements worked well.
V.J. Gloucestershire, Oct24
Having a close view of the Shoebill was fantastic. The Hot Springs at Semliki were a total surprise and great to see. The Primate Lodge at Kibale took away our muddy shoes and gave them the best clean they had ever had. One of my shoes had started to lose the sole at the toe and was returned mended after it had been cleaned. Now it will not have to be thrown away. On the drive back to Entebbe we stopped to see Chimpanzees in trees beside the main road.
R.M. Cambridgeshire, Oct24
The guides Jude Ayinomugisha (especially) and Gerald Tumwekwase were extremely good: both excellent naturalists and thoroughly professional in dealing with logistics and so on. And they worked exceptionally hard! It was a superb trip and I saw more or less everything I had hoped for, bar green breasted pitta for which I think I'll have to return in June or July. I had a wonderful time. Excellent in all respects.
N.B. Suffolk, Oct 18

This holiday was centred around seeing many of the exciting birds of central western Uganda and succeeded in its aim during a relatively short 7 days in the country. Our guide and driver was enthusiastic and made sure we were always on the lookout for something new, including some species only otherwise seen in the Congo basin. The food and lodging was safe and comfortable, respectively, with a good supply of all important bottled water at all times.
D.W. Lanarkshire

Our guide was superb throughout. His knowledge of birds was immense and he was always cheerful, kind and helpful... a well thought out and arranged holiday.
N.R. Dublin

An excellent well-organised trip. The trip leader, Jonnie and driver, Emmy, were exceptional in their service and presence. The leader in particular, displayed huge knowledge and was extremely helpful to us as rank amateurs. Mburu Camp was excellent - a wonderful place. Mweya Lodge was also exceptional.
S.R. Dublin

The service from the Naturetrek staff was excellent, and mailings were prompt. The flights could hardly have been better - punctual and with the expected level of service. The planned range of habitats visited provided opportunities to find a good number of birds, mammals and other wildlife. The trip leader, Hamlet Magabi, was excellent. He was able to communicate his knowledge and enthusiasm very well. Uganda is a very beautiful country and it was good to have had the opportunity to visit it in the company of group members who readily shared their sightings with everyone.
M.D. Kent

Johnnie and Emmy worked really hard to find the birds for us and made sure we all had good views. Emmy, being able to whistle the calls of a great number of species was also very helpful in drawing out those elusive and skulking birds. Johnnie and Emmy are great ambassadors for Uganda and its wildlife. If you have a passion for African birds, I would recommend this trip.
R.G. Norfolk

For a week's holiday I felt that the itinerary was good as it gave us three different habitats with their correspondingly different birds. The guide Emmy Gongo was a brilliant birder and an excellent person, hardworking, personable and a great sense of humour.
I.C. Yorkshire

The leader was outstanding – not just a terrifically expert birder but a delightful companion and with impressive inter-personal skills.
Anon. London

Thank you Naturetrek for a great holiday, and many thanks to Emmy Gongo who was an excellent and knowledgeable leader.
A.H. Warwickshire

Emmy is an excellent birder and trip organiser and very personable. All the staff at the venues from waiters to receptionists to forest rangers were very helpful and pleasant; excellent tourism. A beautiful country and stunning wildlife. Uganda has clearly changed a lot since the years of troubles; despite much deforestation there are still some beautiful bits of forest left and some excellent national parks. The parks were very under-booked; I would advise anyone thinking of an African nature holiday to consider Uganda - there is so much to see and local people are so welcoming and reliable.
D.N. Kent

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 15th Feb – Mon 24th Feb FULL £4,795

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,145

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£775

Sat 25th Oct – Mon 3rd Nov 4 £4,795

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,145

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£775

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 14th Feb – Mon 23rd Feb 6 £4,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,295

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£795

Sat 24th Oct – Mon 2nd Nov 6 £4,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,295

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£795

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Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.
We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
What can I expect?

An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
Outstanding value for money
Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
Enviable bird lists
Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities

Who are these tours best suited to?

Keen & active birders – whether expert or making their first visit to a country or continent
People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour

Where can I go?
Naturetrek's selection of birdwatching holidays includes many South and Central American countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama.
In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:

Endemics of Western Australia
Argentina's Mar Chiquita
Birds of Brazils Atlantic rainforest
Colombia – home to the world’s richest avifauna
Sri Lanka’s endemic birds

 
 

 
Our specialist recommends...




"I’d recommend our ‘Nepal’ holiday visiting Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Reserve, and ‘India – Bharatpur & Chambal’ within Asia. Try ‘Ecuador – Cock-of-the-rock’ for a superb introduction to Andean birding, while, if you want a bit of luxury, the accommodation we use on our ‘Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park’ tour is top class.” 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager

 
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:

India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears 
A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert

Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.

Our specialist recommends...




"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager

  
All Mammal Watching Tours
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Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!