Primates and Parrots in Uganda and Rwanda

Many naturalists claim that Uganda and Rwanda offer experiences that are richer and more diverse than the great wildlife safari destinations of Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana. Mountain Gorillas are the featured species of these countries, and you will have the necessary permits to see them up close. But there is so much more.  The valley of the upper Nile, the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and many smaller sanctuaries protecting lakes, rain forests, and volcanic landscapes hold more species of plants, primates, birds, and other animals than any comparable region on the continent.

Our goal on this trip is to explore and understand this richness in the company of an exceptional naturalist guide, Paul Tamwenya. Paul knows virtually all of the birds by vocalization and sight, and has superb vision for finding distant mammals.  He is a charismatic leader who is known and respected throughout Uganda and Rwanda. In two weeks, you will sample all the major habitats of Uganda and Rwanda. 

Our emphasis will be on seeing and photographing as many birds and animals as possible, but we will also enjoy the hospitality of many friendly people representing different tribes who will be your hosts.  Expect early morning starts, opportunities to explore on foot, and small comfortable hotels and lodges located close to interesting natural areas.  Most tourists visiting Uganda and Rwanda focus just on the locations where chimps and the Mountain Gorillas occur.  We will have several chances to see the gorillas close up (see Will's 2009 Gorilla Video), but the main emphasis will be active exploration of your naturalist-guide’s favorite sanctuary haunts species of birds and other animals.

Join Kirsten Williams, JOURNEYS Africa Destination Specialist, on the February 2014 departure of this trip.