Malcolm Wilson has spent 8 years in Uganda and established the country's first bird observatory in Queen Elizabeth NP where he researched Palearctic migration. He ran a nationwide bird guide-training program and is a consultant to the Wildlife Conservation Society currently working on the Albertine rift endemic area in the forests of Congo and Rwanda.
Ian Davidson was born in Johannesburg sometime midway through the last century. Apart from a few years spent training as an entomologist in the Natural History Museum in London, he has been based Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1988 he joined Wilderness Safaris and led groups principally into Botswana and Malawi, and later ventured into Kenya and Tanzania, Gabon and Cameroon in West Africa. While his primary interest is birds, he has extensive knowledge in the entomological, botanical and general zoological fields and has written over 40 scientific papers on entomological and bird-related subjects. On a more popular level his publications include "Southern African Birds - a photographic guide" co-authored with Ian Sinclair, and a multi-lingual guide "Birds of the National Parks of South Africa" both published by Struik publishers. Since "independence" he has led a number of tours for South African based tour operators to Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and in the forthcoming tours include Ethiopia and United Arab Emirates. |
|
Ian's favourite birding spots in Africa are the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda and Mt Kup in the Cameroon.
Uganda was enthused about by Winston Churchill who described it as "the pearl of Africa". Indeed, at one time Uganda's parks were deemed as amongst the best in Africa. Celebrated for its fine scenery as well as its abundant wildlife, Uganda was once a prosperous nation - that was before it was despoiled by the regimes of Amin, Obote and Okello. Uganda is now making a brave effort to restore its deserved reputation as a world class eco-tourist destination. With over 1000 bird species, including most of the 28 rift valley endemics it is fast becoming a popular destination for African birding.
We can tailormake any length of safari but our 12-15 day trip is designed for general birders who are keen to see a possible 400 plus species including some of the Albertine rift endemics. Guests must be keen, fairly fit and prepared for some early starts and long days in the vehicle, and be prepared to walking in steep areas of high altitude. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to half the worlds Mountain Gorilla population, said to be around 350 individuals. You will have the opportunity to trek for these rare primates as well as forest walks for birding. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has a bird list of over 380 species including most of the Albertine Rift endemics.
Prices for tour guided by Ian Davidson available on request.
Please note that rates are on application only.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Arrive Entebbe, transfer to the Lake Victoria Hotel. Day in Entebbe familiarising with the birds in the area. We can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens where we may find Orange and Golden-backed Weavers, Pied Hornbill, Ross's Turaco, Snowy-headed Robin-chat, Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Gymnogene and perhaps and African Goshawk or a Shikra. Overnight Lake Victoria Hotel (B&B).
Day 2 - Drive west into the Uganda Highlands , stopping en route in the Mburo area for some of the acacia woodland specials. Overnight in Kabale area at Bushara Island Camp on Lake Bunyoni or White Horse Inn. Full Board.
Day 3 - Early today we head to Buhoma via Ruhija in the upper sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, stopping en route to bird possibly seeing some of the Albertine rift endemics. Overnight luxury tented camp at Buhoma. Full Board.
Day 4 - 5 - Two days in the forest for optional Gorilla tracking and/or a walk in the Forest for birds or primates. From the primate viewpoint Mountain Gorilla, L'Hoests Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Black-and-White Colobus, Chimpanzee and the strangely named Potto are all recorded here. Overnight as above. Full Board.
Day 6 - Today we head for Jacana Lodge in the Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha (road and weather conditions allowing) where the tree climbing lions may be seen, Optional afternoon walk in the Maramagambo Forest. Overnight Jacana Safari Lodge. Full Board.
Day 7 - A full day in the QENP including a boat cruise on the Kasinga channel and exploring the Kikeorongo area, where Shoebill are seen. Overnight Jacana Safari Lodge. Full Board.
Day 8 - Today we travel to our tented camp near Kibale Forest, with an afternoon walk looking for primates and birds along the road and forest trails. Opportunity for a night walk, where primates, including potto may be seen. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 9 - After some early morning birding, we head north, a six hour drive to Masindi. Overnight at Masindi Hotel, a convenient stop over near the birding areas. Full Board.
Day 10 - From here we visit the Budongo Forest and the famed Royal Mile and Wanseko en route to Nile Safari Camp, Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park. This is Uganda''s largest park (some 3840 sq kms) and is home to Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Oribi, the big cats and apart from this is well known for its birds including the much sought after Shoebill Stork. Full board.
Day 11 - A day exploring this magnificent park including a private afternoon launch trip where we will spend time searching for Shoebill, African Skimmer, Rock Pratincole, Long-toed Plover and Red-throated Bee-eaters. Full Board.
Day 12 - Today we leave Murchison after breakfast for Entebbe via the Top of the Falls area where we explore the area and watch the whole of the mighty Nile river forced through an 8 metre gap and into the pools below the falls. Transfers to airport for onward flight arrangements. Full Board.
|
