UGANDA – ENDEMIC FOX’S WEAVER, KIDEPO NP & MURCHISON FALLS NP
Fox’s Weaver used to be a myth – most attempts to see it, particularly around Lake Bisina, amounted to nought. Recently it has become a lot more accessible in Pian Upe NP – good whistling thorn habitat hosts this species as well as the localised nominate subspecies of Karamoja Apalis.
We start the first morning at Mabamba Swamp, looking for the majestic Shoebill – thereafter we transfer to Mabira Forest, where we shall do some birding that afternoon and the following morning.
We then continue northeast to Pian Upe – with some roadside birding en route, overnighting before our day in this fantastic reserve.
Recommended timing of the trip is January to February, which means there will be a host of migratory birds present too, such as Grasshopper Buzzard & Heuglin’s Wheatear as well as the Palearctic species.
After a fun day at Pian Upe we overnight and transfer to Kidepo NP in the North East of the country. Birding en route can produce some great species such as Fox’s Kestrel, Steel-blue Whydah, Abyssinian Roller, White-billed Buffalo Weaver, Rufous Chatterer, Chestnut Weaver, etc.
After splitting the journey at Moroto, we’ll spend two nights at a lodge overlooking Kidepo NP – prime position to get to the park early and look for the main target, Black-breasted Barbet! This is Africa’s largest barbet and sports a monster cream coloured bill. Other juicy species include White-crested Turaco, Jackson’s Hornbill, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Clapperton’s Spurfowl, Abyssinian Scimitarbill etc.
We then transfer to Murchison Falls NP – staying at a comfortable lodge on the north side of the Nile River. Although the mammals are plentiful, Cape Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Defassa Waterbuck, and of course the chance of some special cats, we will be on the lookout for special birds. In the early morning we’ll be on the lookout for Standard-winged Nightjar, the days may produce Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, a variety of vultures, Red-throated Bee-eater, Red-winged Grey Warbler, Spot-throated Barbet, etc
We spend two nights here before transferring back to Entebbe.
Cost of trip from TBA (single supplement TBA)
Includes
- Accomodation & meals
- Transport
- Mineral water
- Local guide and Bustards Birding Tours leader
- Excursions as described above
Excludes:
- Items of a personal nature
- International flights
- Medical tests that may be required
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities