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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 * GBP5,820 * EUR6,902 * AUD11,441

Single Supplement: USD520 * GBP421 * EUR499 * AUD827

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 Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve 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 our tour culminates in the extensive savannahs of the 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

DIFFICULT: This is a high-intensity “mega” tour designed for passionate listers and serious birders who enjoy a fast-paced schedule. Due to its demanding nature, it’s not recommended for avid photographers, inexperienced birders, or anyone with mobility or health limitations.

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

Daniel Danckwerts
CH - Uganda 2019

Our Rockjumper guide, Daniel Danckwerts, was super. He was focused on getting us onto the birds especially but was personable and handled logistics and details to make our experience the best it could be. He was enthusiastic, kind, and engaging.

Daniel Danckwerts
AM - Uganda 2019

Firstly, I want to express my amazement at the skills and knowledge of your guides, including Daniel Danckwerts. I cannot imagine how they become so proficient in the birds of several different countries! Daniel also seemed to have good organisational skills. Daniel was also respectful and professional with the group, and we all liked him.

Daniel Danckwerts
JH - Uganda 2019

Daniel Danckwerts' fantastic field skills and knowledge, combined with his sense of humour and enthusiasm for showing as many birds as possible to all participants make him an ideal birding guide.

André Bernon
LL, Uganda 2018

Amazed at how Andre Bernon was able to keep going, stay focused, and go about his task of finding the species so professionally. We missed very little, and had some great experiences with many of the primates, especially the Gorillas, and so many birds, with Shoebill and African Finfoot being stand out moments.

David Hoddinott
WM & TB, Uganda 2019

We so very much enjoyed traveling with you throughout Uganda, and now we know why it is one of your favourite destinations in Africa. Thank you for everything - your guiding, birding and organisational skills, your patience and your good company.

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