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Uganda - Northeast: Kidepo Valley

© Shoebill by Adam Riley
Uganda - Northeast: Kidepo Valley 2026

04 Dec 2026 - 17 Dec 2026 (14 days)

USD7,195 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Julian Parsons

Tour price (Per person): USD7,195 * GBP5,749 * EUR6,919 * AUD11,081

Single Supplement: USD520 * GBP415 * EUR500 * AUD801

Northeastern Uganda is rarely visited, and in birding terms even less known of. Whilst very different to the more traditional tours focussed on birds, gorillas and chimpanzees, this tour will mostly traverse the drier, arid areas bordering Kenya.

We’ll start off as most tours do, cruising the Mabamba Swamp for the enigmatic Shoebill before visiting Mabira forest for a collection of Guinea-Congo Forest biome specialities. Then it is off the beaten track proper, taking in Soroti for Karamaja Apalis and the rarely recorded endemic, Fox’s Weaver. Then it is the afro-montane forests of Mount Elgon for Jackson’s Spurfowl, before culminating in the extensive savannahs of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park, home to many of Africa’s key megafauna species.

This is the less tamed part of Uganda that few birding and wildlife enthusiast have yet visited. It promises to deliver vast numbers of birds and mammals, but also exquisite landscapes and encounters.

 

Top Birds

Fox's, Weyns’s & Orange Weavers; Karamoja Apalis; Shoebill; Jackson's & Clapperton Spurfowl; Gambaga Flycatcher; Red-tailed & Yellow-lored Bristlebills; Tit-Hylia; Abyssinian Ground Thrush; Black-collared Apalis; Abyssinian Crimsonwing; Waller's Starling; Stone Partridge; Rufous Chatterer; Abyssinian Roller; Hunter’s Sunbird; Black-breasted Barbet; Fox Kestrel; Pennant-winged & Freckled Nightjars; White-crested & Great Blue Turacos; Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat; Forest Robin; Dusky Crested Flycatcher; Brown-chested Alethe; Scaly-breasted Illadopsis; Black-bellied Seedcracker; Red-headed Bluebill; Forest Wood Hoopoe;

Top Mammals

Sitatunga; Guereza; Roan; African Elephant; African Buffalo; Northern Bushbuck; Northern Giraffe; Cheetah; Hartebeest; Waterbuck; Kob; Lion; Leopard; Crested Porcupine.

Habitats Covered

swamp, marsh, grasslands, savannah, forest, woodland

Expected Climate

tropical with some rain expected, cooler in highlands. Lowlands are hot to very hot.

Max Group Size

10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking
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WARNING: This tour involves strenuous activities and is intended for experienced adventurers. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, please check out our [Explore Relaxed Tours]

Forest birding is moderate to demanding, some long travel & birding days, moderate trails. Remote, rarely visited parts of Uganda with limited tourist infrastructure.

Accommodation

Variable. Modern & comfortable lodges & ensuite safari tents at most sites with a few simple lodges.

Ease of Birding

Forest birding is moderate to demanding, several low-density species that may require repeated effort. Open savanna & woodland is easier.

Photographic Opportunities

Average to good. Forest photography has typical lighting challenges. Better lighting in savanna areas. No dedicated hides.

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
PM & SM, Uganda

This tour more than met all our expectations: in terms of sightings, accommodations, leadership, and magnificence of the country. Of course, we knew David Hoddinott, and knew he would be superb. We'd highly recommend Rockjumper's Uganda tour, we loved it and appreciate David's expertise and leadership.

Julian Parsons
PK, Uganda 2023

I was very pleased with Julian Parsons as our guide. He is an excellent birder and guide. The entire tour went as smoothly as one could expect, largely due to Julians work.

Nigel Redman
IB - Uganda 2022

Nigel was a great guide, and very enjoyable to work with, as well as being very knowledgeable about the subject matter, not only the birds!

Daniel Danckwerts
HR & LR - Uganda 2019

Daniel Danckwerts was an excellent guide, incredibly keen and always friendly, positive and helpful. His knowledge of birds and their lifestyles was fantastic.

David Hoddinott
DD, Private Uganda

Hi David. Just to say that we couldn’t have had a better trip. The more I think about it, the more remarkable it was. We couldn’t have asked for better encounters with our target birds and the mammal experiences were memorable. Thanks!!! The entire entourage was impressed by your skills and leadership. I’m glad we could make this happen. Looking forward to future trips.

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