Gourmet Birds Destinations, Dates and Details, 2008

UGANDA: FROM SHOEBILLS TO SUNBIRDS.
Provisional dates 7th to 27th February (to be confirmed). Uganda is twice the size of England yet has a bird list of 1200 species, making it, for its size, one of the most bird-rich countries on earth. In addition it offers some great mammal viewing, including the chance to see both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Several local companies now offer excellent birding safaris in this fascinating country, and I have done a great deal of research trying to find which one offers the best value for money, as prices vary hugely. I have settled on a small company based in Kampala which specialises in birding holidays. The itinerary takes in all of the country's premier birding sites and national parks, from Queen Elizabeth NP and Bwindi Forest, to Murchinson Falls and Kibable.
The inclusive cost of the 20-night safari is £2750, travelling in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a local guide/driver. Accommodation varies from the luxurious to basic where no other lodging is available (three nights, in Ruhiza and Semliki). Gorilla permits are not included - they are an additional US$500, but I'm assured that they are worth it. The Bwindi Forest, where the gorillas are to be found, also offers great birding, so is included in the itinerary even if no-one wants to track gorillas. Not included in the price is the cost of the return flight London/Entebbe, nor wine or laundry, while the SRS is an additional US$500. This safari will run with a minimum of three people and a maximum of six including me. (For comparison, Sunbird's 20-night Ugandan safari costs £5690 including flights, while Birdquest charges £4690.)
A full day-by-day itinerary is available on request.

Notes

• At this stage all the 2008 dates are provisional, depending on flights.
• Where possible the dreaded single room supplement has been abolished.
• All Gourmet Birds trips in Europe include wine at lunch and dinner.
• The maximum group size for any of these trips is eight people, plus leader (David). The minimum required to ensure the holiday runs is usually two.
• We do not arrange flights, but can give as much help as required with Internet bookings.
• For more details of any of the trips, contact David on 01359 269 657
• David's Nettlecombe bird courses for the Field Studies Council are 23-26 May and 4-11 August.