Fixed date Birdingpal tours for small groups
around the world.
Australia - November 09 to 21, 2014
Cameroon - November 08 to 21, 2014
Colombia - August and November 2014
Georgia - September 08 to 19, 2015
Germany - October 12 to 15, 2015
India - Nov. 30 to Dec 9, 2014 and Feb. 29 to March 09 2015
Kenya - August 08 to 23, 2014 and October 01 to 15, 2014
Spain - May 5 - May 17, 2015 and May 26 - June 7, 2015
Uganda - Jan 02 - 16 2015
Australia November 09 to 21/14
Your local guide Peter Waanders
Birding in Australia.
DAY 1
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Adelaide early in the morning. We will follow the coast north, where we look for the rosinae race of Slender-billed Thornbill and the rosina race of White-browed Scrubwren. At Port Augusta we visit the Arid Lands Botanical Gardens where we will encounter our first White-winged Fairy-wren, Chirruping Wedgebill, Rufous Fieldwren and Redthroat. A nearby coastal lake usually has Banded Stilt. We will arrive at Mt Lyndhurst, on the edge of the Strzelecki desert, later in the day and will search for Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, another SA endemic, as well as Inland Dotterel, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Chirruping Wedgebill and Rufous Fieldwren. We stand a good chance of finding our second species of Grasswren here, Thick-billed Grasswren.
At sunset we proceed to the Lyndhurst Hotel, a typical outback pub with basic facilities but lots of character. Overnight Lyndhurst (basic, clean rooms with shared bathroom facilities; Meals included: L, D).
DAY 2
We depart around sunrise for another visit to Mt Lyndhurst where we search for any species still needed. Well explore the endless open stony plains of the Strzelecki desert which are traversed by mostly dry watercourses. Expect species such as Budgerigar, Red-backed Kingfisher, Crimson, Orange and Gibber Chat. We'll have a picknick lunch at a billabong (waterhole) with coolabah trees after which we bird our way back to Lyndhurst, looking for Inland Dotterel, Cinnamon Quail-thrush and Black-breasted Buzzard.
Overnight Lyndhurst (basic, clean rooms with shared bathroom facilities; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 3
Today we'll travel south past the spectacular rock formations of the Gammon Ranges and enter the Flinders Ranges, an impressive range of steep hills and soaring rock formations on the edge of Australia's outback. Mid-morning we proceed along creekbeds and through narrow gorges cut deeply into geological layers that date back 800 million years. Here we search for Elegant Parrot and Grey-fronted Honeyeater. We visit the fossil site of the Ediacaran fauna, which lived a little before the great explosion of multicellular life at the beginning of the Cambrian Period. Here were also likely to encounter the endangered Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby. Later we search the spinifex-grass covered slopes for the elusive Short-tailed Grasswren, a recent split from Striated Grasswren and one of SA's endemics. We will certainly see plenty of Red, Western Grey and Euro Kangaroos.
Overnight Wilpena Pound Resort. (Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 4
Early mornings in the outback can get pretty chilly as we check nearby rocky outcrops for Southern Scrubrobin and Grey-fronted Honeyeater. We will leave the picturesque Flinders Ranges and drive south, through the historic copper mining township of Burra, and search nearby Bluebush plains for Redthroat, Black-eared Cuckoo, Brown & Rufous Songlark and Inland Thornbill. Later in the day we reach Australia's largest river: the Murray. Here we visit a breeding colony of Regent Parrots and check a few wetlands for waterbirds including crakes, rails and Freckled Duck.
Overnight Waikerie (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 5
We depart very early in the morning for the drive of less than an hour to Birds Australia's Gluepot reserve, home of the critically endangered Black-eared Miner. We arrive at Gluepot around sunrise. The next three or four hours is when Gluepot's critical species are most active. While the sun rises over centuries-old mallee eucalypts and sand dunes covered in spinifex grass, we look for Malleefowl, Red-lored Whistler, Gilbert's Whistler, Hooded Robin, Southern Scrubrobin, Black-eared Miner, Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren, White-browed Treecreeper and Major Mitchell Cockatoo. As the bird activity slows down, so do we, and focus on species such as Chestnut Quail-thrush, Crested Bellbird, Splendid Fairy-wren and Striped Honeyeater. Depending on conditions we may also look for White-winged Triller, Pied and Black Honeyeater and Crimson and Orange Chat. From one of the bird hides that overlook a watering through, we have a chance of seeing the eastern race monarchoides of Regent Parrot and many of Gluepot's 10 species of Honeyeater. We leave the reserve late in the afternoon to be back at your accommodation in Waikerie around dusk.
Overnight Waikerie (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 6
Today we'll say goodbye to our 6-day Highlights tour members, who will bird their way back to Adelaide. We are joined by those participants wishing to do only the second 6-day period and head in the opposite direction to arrive at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park mid-morning. The vast expanses of Mallee scrubland with Spinifex (porcupine) grass here are home to the endangered Mallee Emu-wren. These elusive yet beautiful birds will take some time to track down, but in the process we stand a good chance of coming across Major Mitchell's (Pink) Cockatoo and more Regent Parrots. In the afternoon we proceed to Deniliquin; birding along the way we hope to come across species such as Grey-crowned Babbler and Diamond Firetail.
Overnight Deniliquin (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 7
Full day birding around Deniliquin. We'll start early in the morning.There will be a few hours break for lunch and a rest, and sometime in the afternoon we'll set off again for further birding and after dark, spotlighting for Plains-Wanderer. The species is in a family of its own and is almost extinct. The birds are rarely seen during the day and therefore the evening will be spent searching for them using spotlights. Other species targeted today include Australian Bittern and Painted Snipe (both depend on the amount of water around) plus other good species like Superb Parrot, Painted Buttonquail, and depending on seasonal conditions Painted/Pied/Black Honeyeater, Black Falcon, Australian Spotted Crake etc.
Overnight Deniliquin (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 8
We drive south from Deniliquin and visit various red-gum and box-ironbark woodland sites along the way, picking up birds like Diamond Firetail, Speckled Warbler, Painted, Black-chinned, Fuscous & Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Flame, Scarlet & Eastern Yellow Robins, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Pallid Cuckoo, Painted Button-quail, Little & Musk Lorikeets, Dollarbird, Leaden Flycatcher, etc, before reaching the Great Ocean Road.
Overnight Port Campbell (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 9
This morning we'll make our way around the spectacularly scenic Great Ocean Road, looking for Rufous Bristlebird, Southern Emu-wren, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo, Satin Bowerbird, Blue-winged Parrot, King-Parrot, Olive Whistler, Tawny-crowned, Yellow-faced & Crescent Honey-eaters, Forest Raven, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Rose & Pink Robins, Bassian Thrush, Grey (White) Goshawk, Brush Bronzewing, Black-faced Cormorant, Hooded Plover, Striated Fieldwren, seabirds, etc. as well as Koala and Swamp Wallaby.
Overnight Werribee (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 10
We'll head to the Western Treatment Plant, one of Australia's premier waterbird sites, hoping to find birds like Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Black-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Red-capped Plover, Hoary-headed Grebe, Australasian Gannet, Pied, Little Pied, Great & Little Black Cormorants, White-winged Black-Tern, Fairy Tern, Pink-eared, Blue-billed and Musk Duck, Australian Shelduck, Cape Barren Goose, Red-necked Avocet, Australian Spotted Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Blue-winged Parrot, Striated Fieldwren, Horsfield's Bushlark, Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo, Golden-headed Cisticola, Swamp Harrier and Black Falcon.
Overnight Healesville (Motel; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 11
We commence the day birding the wet hill forests around Healesville where we hope to pick up Superb Lyrebird, Pilotbird, Red-browed & White-throated Treecreepers, Large-billed & White-browed Scrub-wrens, Eastern Whipbird, Rufous Fantail, Satin Flycatcher, Golden Whistler, Lewin's Honeyeater, Pied & Grey Currawongs, Brush Cuckoo, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, Brown & Striated Thornbill and Silvereye. We head to Melbourne airport in the afternoon where your guide will drop you off in time for your flight to Hobart, Tasmania (included in price).
Upon arrival in Hobart we will be joined by our Tasmanian guide. We'll drive a little way south and take the ferry to Bruny Island. From the ferry we'll look out for Black-faced Cormorant and Kelp Gull. Along the way we are likely to come across Tasmanian Native-hen and Green Rosella. Tonight we will observe Little Penguin and Short-tailed shearwater rookeries, as both species arrive after dark on their way to their burrows.
Overnight Bruny Island (Cottage style with own rooms with shared bathroom facilities; Meals included: B, L, D).
DAY 12
All day birding at Bruny Island for all Tasmanian endemics. We commence the day with an early morning birdwalk at Inala, a privately owned 500 acre wildlife sanctuary which now has a conservation covenant placed on it specifically to protect threatened birds such as Forty-spotted Pardalote, Swift Parrot, Grey Goshawk and Wedge-tailed Eagle. Bird species species you are likely to see include the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote, Strong-billed, Black-headed and Yellow-throated Honeyeaters, Tasmanian Native-hen and possibly Swift Parrot. Later in the day we'll explore the other habitats Bruny Island has to offer, from coastal beaches where there is a chance of Hooded Plover, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers and Kelp Gull to rainforest areas to search for Scrubtit and Tasmanian Thornbill. Also a good chance to see some interesting flora, including Tasmanian endemic species and Gondwana relics.
Overnight Bruny Island as per last night; Meals included: B, L, D).
TOUR ENDS.
The next morning after breakfast (included) you'll be transferred back to Hobart airport. Please dont book flights departing before 11am this morning.
Price per person AU$5900 in double occupancy (minimum 3 pax - maximum 8 pax)
Including: accommodation and all meals, based on double or twin-share occupancy.
Not included: drinks and personal expenses.
You can do the first 6 days only (our Highlights tour) or the second 6 days only (ask for price).
For further information and details please contact Peter 
Cameroon November 08 to 21
Your local guide Benji Jayin Jomi
Birding in Cameroon.
Itinerary
Douala-Edea-Campo-Nyassoso-Bamenda-Oku-Buea-Limbe–Douala.
DAY 1
Arrival at Douala international airport, reception by guide, brief description of Cameroon, proper explanation of tour, dinner and night at Foyer du Marine.
DAY 2
Early wake up, birding on the Douala, Yaounde high way on some ponds and River Sanaga for the early part of the day. Expected to see Hartlaubs Duck, Persuses Cliff Swallow, African Skimmers, Grey Pratincole, Black Bee-eater. Continuation to Campo Ma’an National Park for the Picathartes in the evening and return to where we spend the night in a local accommodation.
DAY 3
Early wake up and go birding for the whole day in the Campo Ma’an National Park and return in the evening, dinner and night in a local accommodation.
DAY 4
Early wake up, breakfast and drive to Nyassoso while birding on the way. Arrive by evening, dinner and night at
an Inn.
DAY 5
Early wake up, breakfast and go birding for the whole day on Mount Kupe on the Max’s trail and return by evening. Expected to see; Naked-faced Barbet, Red-chested Goshawk, Black Cuckoo, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Least & Cassin's Honeyguide, Many-coloured Bushshrike, Red-eyed and Pink-footed Puffback, Verreaux's Batis, Honeyguide Greenbul, Black-capped, Black-throated and Masked Apalises, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Forest Starling, Chattering Cisticola and Pale-fronted Negrofinch and more.
DAY 6
Early wake up and drive to the Bakossi Mountain for birding, expected to see, Spotted Greenbul, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Brown-Crowned Eremomela, White-Spotted Flufftail, Emerald Cuckoo, Black-throated Apalis, African Harrier Hawk, Red-Eyed Puffback, Yellow Longbill, Red-Necked Buzzard, Mount Kupe Bush Shrike, Purple-throated Cuckoo-Shrike, Grey Parrot, Yellow Breasted Boubou, Grey-headed Broadbill, Bar-Tailed Trogon and many more.
Return to Nyasoso, dinner and night.
DAY 7
Early breakfast and drive to Bamenda via Lake Awing for birding stop for some of the endemics like Bannermann’s Turaco, Banded Wattle eye, Yellow Breasted Boubou etc. Check in to Ayaba Hotel, dinner and night.
DAY 8
Early birding to the Mankon secret forest in the morning for the Bamenda Apalis, Narina’s Trogon. Return for
lunch and continue in the afternoon for birding in Baba II Village, where we may be luck to see the
Green-breasted Bush shrike and return in the evening, dinner and night.
DAY 9
Breakfast and drive to Oku while birding on the Sabga Hills and Lake Oku, check in, dinner and night.
DAY 10
Early break fast, go birding on Mt. Oku for the whole day, return in the evening, dinner and night. Bannermann’s Turaco, Banded Wattle–eye, Bannerman’s Weaver are top endemics to look for.
DAY 11
Birding on the drive to Buea for Mt.Cameroon, where the night will be spent at Capitol Hotel.
DAY 12
Early wake up and go birding the whole day on Mount Cameroon. Expected to see African Hill Barbler, Mount
Cameroon Francolin, Yellow-billed Turaco, Fernandopo Olive-back, Mount Cameroon Speirops, Yellow Breasted Boubou, Mountain Robin-chat, Mountain Saw-wing, Western Mountain Greenbul and others. Return by 4.00pm and drive to Limbe where the night will be spent at the Miramare Hotel.
DAY 13
Early birding in the Limbe Botanic Garden, expected species are Western Bluebill, Giant Kingfisher, Long-tailed Cormorant, Carmelite Sunbird, Palm-nut Vulture, Violet-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-casqued Hornbill, Green Turaco, Western Reef Egret, African Grey parrot and more.
DAY 14
Early birding and relaxation at the beach, evaluation of tour and drive to Douala for departure. End of tour.
Price per person US$2.450.00 in single occupancy (minimum 6 pax).
US$2.800.00 per pax for minimum 4pax in single occupancy.
Included in tour: English/French speaking guide, vehicle (4wheel), driver, entrance fees, porters, all meals, water, accommodation and camping fees where necessary.
Not included in tour: International flight, travel insurance, other drinks (wine, whisky, beer, coffee), photo camera/video fee (At the Botanic Gardens), tips at birders discretion and airport departure tax.
For further information and details please contact Benji
Colombia July, Agust and November 2014
Your local guide Pablo Flórez
Birding in Colombia.
NORTHERN AND CENTRAL COLOMBIAN ENDEMICS BIRDING TOUR
This tour focuses on Colombian endemics and other specialities, visiting the hottest birding destinations. Enjoy 21 days in northern and central Colombia with top guides. 600-680 species are possible on this tour, including around 52 endemics, 85 specialities and 15 antpitta species!!! This is a special tour made for birders who want to see the highest number of quality species possible in Colombia. Our efficient itinerary involves safe and easy access areas and easy to moderate birding. The tour necessarily operates on a tight schedule and includes some fairly long drives and 3 local flights between different IBAs in order to find as many specialities as possible. The tour begins with a short visit to the Eastern Andes around Bogota and then goes on to stay at the beautiful Dorado Lodge (in the Santa Marta Mountains, which boast the highest concentration of endemics of any region in South America!) and then takes in the dry scrub in Guajira, Magdalena Valley, the Nechí watersheds and finish in the fantastic Western and Central Andes.
ITINERARY
Day 01 - Meeting day.
The participants will meet the guide at Bogota at Hotel Casona del Patio. Dinner included. Night Bogota.
Day 02 - Chingaza National Park and Guasca.
We will start our trip looking for some stars birds like Brown-brested Parakeet (E), Bronze-tailed Thornbill (NE), Coppery-bellied Puffleg (NE), for Blue-throated Starfrontlet (NE) and Mattoral Tapaculo (E).
We’ll also spend time looking for Golden-crowned Tanager, Andean Pygmy Owl, Ocellated Tapaculo, Rufous-browed Conebill (NE), Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Black-collared Jay, Rufous Antpittta, White-capped Tanager and Spectacled Prickletail. In the late afternoon we’ll try for Bogota Rail(E), Spot-flanked Gallinule and Noble
Snipe near Guasca.
Night Bogota.
Day 03 - La Florida wetland and Flamencos Santuary (Guajira Peninsula).
At early morning we´will go to La Florida wetland (close to the airport). Here the principal targets are: Apolinar´s Wren (E), Silver- throated Spinetail (E), Bogota Rail (E), Subtropical Doradito, Rufous-browed Conebill (NE). Then at 11 am. we will take our flight to Santa Marta City. We’ll then start our drive 2.5h to La Guajira peninsula to visit the Flamencos Santuary on the Camarones town, where we end our day with some cool stuff like hopefully including: White-whiskered Spinetail (NE), Slender-billed Inezia (NE), Northern Scrub Flycatcher (NE), Vermilion Cardinal (NE), Orinoco Saltator and many others. We’ll aim to end the day with some Rufous-vented Chachalacas!
Night at hotel Barbacoas in Ríohacha City (30 min drive from our birding area).
Day 04 - Flamencos Santuary and Road to Barranquilla.
Today will be devoted to seeking out a set of species unique to the desert habitats of Colombia and Venezuela. We will search on the dry scrub for Chestnut Piculet (NE), Russet-throated Puffbird (NE), White-whiskered Spinetail (NE), Slender-billed Inezia (NE), Northern Scrub Flycatcher (NE), Vermilion Cardinal (NE), Tocuyo Sparrow (NE-rare), Pileated Finch (NE) and Glaucous Tanager (NE). We will check salt water lakes, beaches and mangroves for American Flamingo and Scarlet Ibis. At noon we’ll start our drive to El Dorado lodge 5h with some birding stops and lunch on the way near Tayrona National Park before we start our drive to the beautiful and comfortable El Dorado lodge (1950 m).
Night at Dorado lodge.
Day 05 - El Dorado Reserve.
We will spend the day birding the excellent habitat along this forested road on the way looking for species such as Blossomcrown (E), Rusty-headed Spinetail (E), White-tailed Starfrontlet (E), Streak-capped Spinetail (NE), White-lored Warbler (E), Santa Marta Brush-finch (E),White-tipped Quetzal (NE), Yellow-billed Toucanet (NE),
Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, (E), Gray-throated Leaftosser, Coopery Emerald, Golden-breasted Fruiteater (NE), Santa Marta Tapaculo (E), Band-tailed Guan (NE), Black-hooded Thrush, Black-headed Tanager, Rusty-breasted Antpitta.
Night at El Dorado Lodge.
Day 06 - San Lorenzo Ridge- El Dorado Reserve.
.
Today we will focus on the endemics and other specialities that are found only at the top of the road (2600 m). Birds we may see today include Santa Marta Parakeet (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), Santa Marta (SM) Bush-Tyrant (E), Brown-rumped Tapaculo (E), SM Antpitta (E), the newly discovered SM Screech Owl (E), SM Rufous Antpitta (E ssp), SM Mountain-Tanager (E), Yellow-crowned Whitestart (E), SM Warbler (E), and many others quality species like Andean Condor and Solitary Eagle.
In the late afternoon it will time to enjoy the fantastic feeders around our cabins. Black-fronted Wood Quail, Santa Marta Antpitta (E), White-tailed Starfrontle (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), Santa Marta Woodstar (E), Lazuline Sabrewing, Blue-naped Chlorophonia are some of the nice stuff, that could keep us busy.
Night at El Dorado Lodge.
Day 07 - Minca.
We’ll spend the full day in Minca looking for SM Sabrewing (E), SM Foliage-gleaner (E), Golden-wing Sparrow, Sooty-capped Hermit, Venezuelan Tyrannulet, Military Macaw, Royal Flycatcher, Lance-tailed Manakin, Black-chested Jay (NE), Rufous-breasted Wren, Rufous-and-white Wren, Golden-fronted Greenlet (NE), Rosy Thrush-Tanager, and Thick-billed Seed-Finch.
Night Sierra Sound lodge or Hotel Minca.
Day 08 - Salamanca and travel to Río Claro.
Very early we will look for the endemic Chesnut-winged Chachalaca on the road to Barranquilla. Next we’ll move on to Salamanca Nationla Park search for Saphire-bellied Hummingbird (E), Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Franklin's Gull, Marbled Godwit, Black Tern, Wilson's Plover, White-cheeked Pintail, Bicoloured Conebill and Bronze-brown Cowbird (an isolated race sometimes treated as a separate species).
In the afternoon we’ll catch our flight to Medellín and drive 3h to Río Claro area (Magdalena valley).
Night Río Claro.
Day 09 - Río Claro Reserve (400-700 m).
We will spend the whole day on the reserve trails, where targets include: Antioquia Bristle-tyrant (E), Sooty Ant-Tanager (E), White-mantled Barbet (E), Magdalena Antbird (E; recently split from Dull-mantled), Beautiful Woodpecker (E), Grey-cheeked Nunlet, Brownish Twistwing, Olivaceous Flatbill, Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo, Scarlet-browed Tanager, Saffron-headed Parrot (NE), Southern Bentbill, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Long-tailed Woodcreeper, Striped Manakin, Rufous Mourner, and Black-faced Antthrush. We’ll finish the evening watching the phenomenal Oilbirds.
Night Río Claro.
Day 10 - Drive Río Claro-Piha Reserve.
Early birding at Rio Claro. Then we have a 6.5 hour drive, but we will make some interesting birding stops in route to look for Northern Screamer, Pacific Antwren, Scrub Tanager and many others.
Night at the Piha Reserve Lodge.
Day 11 - Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve.
This relatively new Proaves Foundation reserve is very interesting for birders, and the comfortable lodge set right in the middle of the action is an added bonus. Sought-after birds on the reserve include 3 recently-discovered species. Chestnut-capped Piha (E), Parker’s Antbird (E), Stiles Tapaculo (E) plus Multicolored Tanager (E), Black-and-gold Tanager (E), Purplish-mantled Tanager (NE), Chestnut Wood-Quail (E), Red-bellied Grackle (E), Colombian Chachalaca (E), White-mantled Barbet (E), Scaled Fruiteater, White-tipped Sicklebill, and Lanceolated Montlet. In addition we will look for other possibilities like Greenish Puffleg, Western Emerald, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Barred Hawk, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Moustached Puffbird, Red-headed Barbet, Brown-billed Scythebill, Rufous-rumped Antwren, White-bellied Antpitta, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Sooty-headed Wren, Golden-winged Manakin, Wing-barred Piprites, Black-billed Peppershrike, Scarlet-and-white Tanager, the splendid Indigo Flowerpiercer (NE), Wattled Guan and others.
Night at the Piha Reserve Lodge.
Day 12 - Piha Reserve and drive Jardin.
After the early birding at the Piha reserve we will drive to Medellin and Jardin. We will bird an area close to Medellín known as La Romera, where our main targets will be Red-bellied Grackle (E) and Yellow-headed Manakin (NE). We then drive to Jardin (3h) and spend the late afternoon birding close the town. We’ll finish the day at a nice Cock of the Rock Lek.
Night in picturesque Jardin.
Day 13 - Jardin and Yellow-Eared Parrot Reserve.
Jardín is one of the one of most beautiful towns of Colombia. We’ll enjoy superb birding between 1900-3000m asl, where we have a good chance to find one of the area’s most special birds, the critically endangered Yellow-eared Parrot (E). Other prized species here include Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Munchique Wood-Wren (E), Tanager
Finch, White-capped, Red-hooded, Golden-crown and Saffron-crowned Tanagers, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Golden-fronted Whitestart, Barred Fruiteater, Citrine Warbler, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, Mountain Cacique and Golden-rumped Euphonia.
Night in Jardin.
Day 14 - Cauca Valley Río Blanco Reserve.
We’ll make an early 1h and 15min drive to start searching for Apical Flycatcher (E), Grayish Piculet (E) and the just descrived Antioquia Wren(E). We then start our 4h drive towards Manizales. Late birding on Río Blanco Reserve. Weather permitting, we’ll try some owling for White-throated Screech-Owl and Rufous-banded Owl.
Night in Rio Blanco Lodge
Day 15 - Río Blanco.
This reserve, located on the western slope of the Central Andes, includes good cloud forest between 2100-2700m. There are a number of great birds in Rio Blanco, including Masked Saltator, Rusty-faced Parrot, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Dusky Piha, Ash-colored and Ocellated Tapaculos, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Sharpe’s Wren, Smoky Bush-Tyrant and Scaly-naped Parrots. The reserve also features the most amazing antpitta feeders anywhere, which attract 6 antpitta species: Brown-banded (E), Bicoloured, Chestnut-crowned, Chestnut-naped, Undulated and Slate-crowned Antpittas, as well as other shy birds like Grey-browed Brush-Finch (split from Stripe-headed) and Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush.
We just spend the day working diferent trails and feeders. At 6:00 pm we will descend to Manizales city (30 min drive) to have a nice dinner and get our room in the comfortable Casa Galvez Hotel.
Day 16 - Páramo NP Los Nevados (3200-4000 asl).
This area of paramo is a very special site for a number of scarce hummers, including Bearded Helmetcrest (NE), Black-thighed (NE) and Golden-breasted Pufflegs, Mountain Avocetbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Purple-back Tornbill, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam and Buff-winged Starfrontlet. Other cool birds include the fantastic Crescent-faced Antpittta (NE), Rufous-fronted Parakeet (E), Paramo Tapaculo, White-browed Spinetail, Black-backed Bush Tanager, Golden-crown Tanager, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Black-collared Jay, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Paramo Seedeater, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Black-eared Hemispingus, and Plushcap.
Night Hotel Casa Galvez..
Day 17 - Paramo Ruiz National Park Nevados and drive Montezuma.
Morning working on the treeline and montane forest, hoping to clean up all the specialties that the fantastic central Andes offer. After lunch, drive to the mythical Montezuma Road (4.5h), where we’ll stay in a much
improved but still relatively basic lodging at the Montezuma Farmhouse.
Day 18 and 19 - NP Tatama (1300-2000 asl).
This site can produce some really impressive birding, and in our opinion is one of the very best sites in the whole of Colombia. It’s a paradise for tanagers!! Possibilities include two difficult Bangsia species, Gold-ringed (E) and Black-&-gold Tanagers (E), plus Crested Ant-Tanager (E), Purplish-mantled, Glistening-green, Multicoloured (E), Lemon-spectacled, Bush Tanager, Rufous-throated, Metallic-green, Silver-throated and Flame-faced Tanagers plus Yellow-green (NE - rare) and Yellow-throated Bush-Tanagers.
Other superb birds seen at the site include Munchique Wood-Wren (E), Black Solitaire (NE), Buffy Tuftedcheek, Fulvous-dotted Treerunner (NE), Choco Vireo (NE), Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl (NE), Toucan Barbet (NE), Bicoloured Antvireo, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Solitary Eagle, Ornate and Black Hawk-Eagles, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow-breasted Antwren, White-headed Wren (NE), Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Olivaceous Piha, Olive Finch, Uniform Treehunter (NE), Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-collared (NE) and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias.
And yes, there are hummingbirds! We’ll look for Empress Brilliant (NE), White-tailed Hillstar, Brown Inca (NE), Velvet-purple Coronet (NE), Violet-tailed Sylph (NE), Purple-bibbed Whitetip and Purple-throated Woodstar. The Montezuma Road is also home to Nariño (NE), Choco (NE) and the newly discovered Alto Pisones (E) Tapaculos!! We will spend the two nights at the Montezuma Farmhouse (a simple but clean homestead located very close to some of the best birding spots.) The owners here are directly involved in the birding-conservation business, and the friendly welcome from our hosts is matched only by the tastiness of the food!
Day 20 - Montezuma and drive Otun-Quimbaya.
We will have a full morning in Montezuma, looking for missing species. After lunch, we’ll drive to Otun-Quimbaya (4 h) with an important birding stops on the way to look for the Yellow-head Brush-Finch (E) and the rare Yellow-head Manakin (NE). Time permitting, we’ll do some late day birding at the Otun–Quimbaya Santuary and night excursion to try for the rare Colombian Screch Owl.
Day 21 - Otun-Quimbaya (1800-2200m).
Otun features a charming lodge, surrounded by subtropical forest, and many of its special birds can be found just a short walk from our rooms. We will search here for Cauca Guan (E), Chestnut Wood-Quail (E), Grayish Piculet (E), Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Wattled Guan, Black-winged Saltator, Torrent Duck, Metallic-green Tanager, Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Green-fronted Lancebill, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Streak-capped Treehunter, Cerulean Warbler, and others.
In the late afternoon (5:00 pm) we’ll take a fligh Pereira-Bogota. Night at Casona del Patio hotel-Dinner. End of the tour.
Tour 1. Northern and Central Colombia
Leg A: 12-19 July. Bogota, Santa Marta Mountains and Guajira Peninsula.
Leg B: 19 July till 3 August. Western and Central Andes plus Magdalena and Cauca Valley
Prices:
Leg A: US$2100 per person double occupancy (min 3 PAX and Max 8 PAX ) including 2 local flights
Leg B: US$2450 per person double occupancy (Min 3 PAX and Max 8 PAX) including 1 local flight.
Combo Leg A and B US$4250 per person double occupancy 21 days/21 nights.
Tour 2. Colombia lowlands
Leg A: 3-10 Augugust. Mitu Amazonia lowlands
Leg B: 11-15 August. Choco lowlands -Bahía Solano-Utria national Park and Nuqui.
Prices:
Leg A: US#2000 per person double occupancy (Min 4 PAX and Max 7 PAX)
Leg B: US$1400per person double occupancy (Min 3 PAX and max 7 PAX)
Combo Leg A and B US$3230 per person double occupancy. 21 days/21 nights.
Tour 3. Northern and Central Colombia
Leg A: 23-30 November. Bogota, Santa Marta Mountains and Guajira Peninsula
Leg B: 30 November till 12 December. Western and Central Andes plus Magdalena and Cauca Valley
Prices:
Leg A: US$2100 per person double occupancy (min 4 PAX and Max 8 PAX ) including 2 local flights
Leg B: US$2350 per person double occupancy (Min 4 PAX and Max 8 PAX) including 1 local flight.
Combo Leg A and B US$4259 per person double occupancy. 21 days/21 nights.
The full trip make sure that you see at least 1000 species, 50 endemics and more than 200 specialties including some of most rare birds and fantastic bird that lives in Colombia.
Check out Pablo and his friend Jurgen Beckers guide book to Colombia
Where to watch birds in Colombia
For further information and details please contact Pablo
Georgia - Sept 8th to the 19th, 2015
Your guide Rolf Nessing
Birding in Georgia.
Birds between the Black Sea and Caucasus
Birding in Germany.
Crane migration and more
Birding in India.
Ten days Corbett Park, Pangot, Nainital and Sattal.
Birding in Jamaica.
6 Days PORTLAND & SOUTHERN JAMAICA.
Birding in Kenya.
DAY 1 12 Days Birding in East and North Spain
Birding in Uganda.
15 day birdwatching in Uganda
For more tours around the world visit
Tour to the hot spot of biodiversity between Europe and Asia.
Black Sea and Adjara with gripping bird migration hot spot: Steppe Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Montagu`s Harrier and Pallid Harrier, Steppe Eagle and Booted Eagle.
Highlights: Semi-desert in the valley of the Iori River on the border with Azerbaijan with Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture and Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Buzzard, Ortolan Bunting, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Eastern Orphean Warbler and Green Warbler.
Big Caucasus on the Georgian Military Highway with Twite, Alpine Accentor, Wallcreeper, Water Pipit, Bearded Vulture, Great Rosefinch, Caucasian Chiffchaff, Güldenstädt´s Redstart, Caucasian Grouse and Caucasian Snowcock.
Black Sea and Adjara with gripping bird migration hot spot: Steppe Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Montagu`s Harrier and Pallid Harrier, Steppe Eagle and Booted Eagle.
DAY 1
Flight to Tbilisi and transfer by minibus in the Kakheti region, in eastern Georgia.
Accommodation in a private pension. Depending on our arrival we will visit the "Eagle Canyon" near our guesthouse: Rock Bunting, Peregrine Falcon, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Green Warbler.
DAY 2
After breakfast full day excursion to the "Chachuna - reserve" at the Iori River, near the border with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Birds of the semi-desert and the river accompanying forest: Short-toed Eagle, European Roller, Montagu`s Harrier and Pallid Harrier, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Eastern Orphean Warbler.
DAY 3
Full day excursion to the "Vashlovani National Park".
The Vashlovani National Park is a national park in the Kakheti region of Georgia in the far east. Vashlovani means "apple wood". The area is only about 500 - 600m above sea level and is characterized by the very dry climate. Deserts and Semi- deserts alternate. Rock formations and hills give the area a bizarre appearance. In between there are Pistachio and Juniper forests and bush areas with Black Juniper and Red Persian Juniper. Some Junipers are 400-500 years old.
Already in 1935, a reserve was established, which was expanded in 2003, at the same time was the Vashlovani National Park with an area of over 251 square kilometers.
In 2003, the first time the trail of a Caucasian leopard was discovered. The following year was the first time be included in the National Park with a camera trap a leopard. In the area live 46 species of mammals, such as Golden Jackal, Wolf, Lynx, Brown Bears, Jungle Cats and Porcupines.
We are looking for Buzzards, Eagles, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Snake Eagles, Bonelli's Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Levant Sparrowhawk, Green Warbler, Grey-necked Bunting and Western-Yellow Wagtail (race feldegg). Common Pigeon, Isabelline Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Common Rock Sparrow.
Maybe pull through the first Demoiselle Cranes that breed in the steppes of Russia.
DAY 4
By van along the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi (Georgian: Stepantsminda) in the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti in the Greater Caucasus. In between time and again breaks with opportunities for bird watching. Accommodation in small family guesthouses with prevailing local amenities. In the late afternoon possibly a first excursion in the area.
DAY 5
Full day excursion in the " Kazbegi - reserve": In addition Steppe Buzzard, Griffon Vulture, Steppe Eagle, we are looking for here, the "Big Five" of the Caucasus: Great Rosefinch, Caucasian Chiffchaff, Güldenstädt´s Redstart, Caucasian Grouse and Caucasian Snowcock. But Twite, Alpine Accentor, Wallcreeper, Water Pipit and Bearded Vultures are often seen.
With an all-terrain vehicle we drive from Kazbegi (Stepantsminda ) to the monastery Zminda Sameba at 2170m above sea level. From there we walk slowly on a footpath and have between some opportunity for bird watching. Hikes of varying difficulty depending on the daily condition are possible!
DAY 6
Day excursion around Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and on the Roschka Pass to Khevsureti or weather permitting again the Kazbegi-reserve.
DAY 7
Today we travel from time of Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and go to the Black Sea in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. We can find accommodation in guest houses, which are operated by Adjarian families.
DAY 8
Raptor migration in Batumi. In this region, between the Black Sea and Small Caucasus (Pontic Mountains) is one of the largest in the entire Eurasian- African migration route. Taking place here every year a spectacular bird migration: daily up to 70,000 Honey Buzzards, thousands Steppe Buzzards, Levant Sparrowhawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Montagu`s Harrier and Pallid Harrier, but also Steppe Eagle, Booted Eagle and many other birds of prey can be observed.
We spend the whole day near our private family house on the "Shuamta Hills" - an ideal place to observe the fantastic bird of prey coating over the subtropical forests of the neighboring "Mtirala National Park".
DAY 9
Day excursion to the Black Sea coast: migrating waders, such as Curlew Sandpiper and Dunlin, Northern Lapwings and plovers, gulls and herons. The interesting small bird migration as a few surprises ready and again draw raptors over us (Pallid Harrier, Levant and Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Steppe Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, etc.).
DAY 10
Visit to the "Mtirala National Park" in Batumi. The Mtirala National Park is a nature reserve in the Georgian region of Adjara. The name Mtirala (English: crybaby) is derived from the at 4520 mm above her annual rainfall that made the area one of the wettest of the former Soviet Union.
The flora consists of 284 species in 202 genera together and is dominated by forests. 95 vertebrate species have been recorded in the park area. In addition to Brown Bears, Red Foxes, Badgers, Hares, Caucasian Squirrel (Sciurus (Tenes) anomalus), Deer, Wild Cats and Wild Boar come in the park area also isolated Lynx and Wolves.
DAY 11
Visit the Botanical Garden of Batumi and the "Kintrishi-reserve" or the raptor migration in Batumi. Individual opportunity to attend the port city of Batumi.
DAY 12
Drive from Batumi to Tbilisi by minibus. Along the way shopping facilities of typical Georgian souvenir. Return from Tbilisi.
Price per person US$2750 per person in double room, (minimum 4 max 8 pax)
Single accommodations are available for an extra charge of US$250 per person.
Included in price: experience English speakong birding guide, 11 night accommodation, Full board or Packed Lunches, All transfers in Georgia, Entrance fees.
Not included in price: fly to Tbilissi/Georgia and back at home is not included.
For further information and details please contact Rolf
Germany - October 12 to 15, 2015
Your guide Rolf Nessing
Cranes are dream birds and fascinate us humans since time immemorial. In the region near Berlin up to 80000 of the beautiful birds are occasionally seen. There are also White-tailed Eagles, Greater White-fronted Goose, Taiga- and Tundra Bean Goose, Barnacle Goose many species of ducks, gulls, waders and much more birds. The last Great Bustards of Germany live in this region. Massive small bird migration brings so many surprises.
Highlights:
A nightly roost flight of geese and cranes
Visit the Crane-Stork Information Center
daily excursions to the best birding places west of Berlin
services:
English speaking bird guide: Rolf Nessing
Transfers to and from Rathenow railway station, there all hours train from / to Berlin. Driving time Berlin - Rathenow about 1 hours (about € 10 per person).
Travel by plane to Berlin and train Berlin - Rathenow – Berlin,
Lunch and Dinner are not included in the price!
3 nights with breakfast in a beautiful country house
All transfers during the daily birding
daily bird list
4 days / 3 nights
Price per person in double room from € 470
Number of participants: min. 2 to max. 6 people
Single room supplement: € 80
Extra fee for 2-3 participants: € 70 per person
For further information and details please contact Rolf
India Sunday Nov. 30 2014 to Tuesday Dec 9 2014 (next is Sunday Feb. 29 2015 to Tuesday March 09 2015)
Your local guide Sunil Kumar
DAY 1
Delhi International Airpot pick up and 6 hour drive to Corbett-Park, 275km. from Delhi.
Overnight stay in Gargiya. Explore in the afternoon to dusk, Ramganga river area and Sitabani area by jeep.
DAY 2 and 3
Corbett Park, famous for its tigers, elephants and leopards, is also a birdwatchers dream, with its rich over biogeographic diversity. Home to more than 580 species of birds about half of the total species found in the entire Indian subcontinent. You can see hornbills, babblers, bulbuls, cuckoos, bee eaters, thrushs, doves, rollers, orioles, drongos, owls, flycatchers, warblers, chats, robins, kingfishers, finches, forktails, parakeets and many more. Birds that can be spotted at the banks of River,Ramganga on the outskirts of Corbett Park. Two days spend in the Park exploring the park by jeep, on foot and try for elephant back.(If elephant are avilable).
Morning birding in park and after break-fast. 3 hours drive to Pangot by car.
DAY 4, 5 and 6
Pangot is small village 310km. from Northeast Delhi, 60km.from Kathgodam and 80km.from Corbett Park. Pangot have richest oak, pine and rododendron forest in the area the Kumoan Himalayas. The green belt supports an enormous varity of Himalayan flora and fauna.
Pangot for a birdwatchers paradise. Pangot is 12 km. from Nainital and the drive is through the bird habitats of Cheena-Peak(Naini-Peak) range forests via Snow-view Point and Kilbury. Almost 200 birds species have been recorded at Pangot and surrounding area, Baggar, Timla-pani, Ghugukhan, Binayak and Kilbury.
Birds to be seen: Ceer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, White-throated Laughing Thrush, Straited Laughingthrush, Black-headed Jay, Eurasian Jay, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Hill Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Rusty-cheeked Scimiter Babbler, Scarlet Finch, Common Finch, Blue-capped Redstart, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Rufous Sibia, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Himalayan Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mrs Gould Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird and more.
Morning birding, break-fast and than make a move to Nainital. Its only 45 minutes car drive from Pangot.
DAY 7
Nainital is set around a lake, at an altitude of 1951 mts. in the Central Himalayas of the Kumaon region. It was discovered by P.Barrow, a sugar merchant from Saharanpur in 1841. He was so moved by the splendour of the place that he had his boat carried
up there and this hill station soon became fashionable focus of all.
Nainital is also paradise for bird lovers. You could identified more than 150 species of birds during your visit in this hill station. Place to go for birding is Snow-view, Kahala Garden, Mangoli Valley. Next morning birding in Mangoli-valley returning
to the hotel for breakfast and then drive down to Sattal.
Bird to be seen: Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Black Eagle, Black Kite, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, White-collared Blackbird, Long-tailed Thrush, Blue-winged Minla, Scaly Thrush, Blue-fronted Redstart, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Spotted Launghingthrush, Streaked Laughingthrush, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Jungle Owlet, Asian-barred Owlet, Black-throated Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Ashy Drango, Black Drango, Lesser-recket-tailed Drango, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Barn Swallow, Red-Rumped Swallow, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Warbler, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Spotted Forktail and more.
DAY 8 and 9
Sattal is 7 hour drive from Delhi, 1 hour from Nainital, 35km. from Kathgodam and 100km. from Corbett Park.
This is and ideal base for birders, nature enthusiasts, hikers and visitors wishing to explore Sattal and the surrounding area.
(Staying in comfortable tents).
Bird to be seen: Kalij Pheasant, Blue-fronted Redstart, Black-faced Warbler, Mountain Hawk Eagle, White-throated Fantail, Great Barbet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Nepal Wren Babbler, Oriental White-eye, Western Crowned Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Goldcrest, Black-lored Tit, White-throated Tit, Green-backed Tit, Spot-winged Tit, Long-tailed Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Brown Dipper, Golden Bush Robin and more.
DAY 10
Early morning birding. Breakfast and Lunch on the way Back to Delhi. 8 hours drive.
During this tour we hope to see at least 225 species of birds and a fair number of mammals. No matter which birding trek you decide upon, you will enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Kumaon, spectacular views of the Himalayas and surrounding countryside.
Price per person US$1900 in double occupancy (minimum 6 pax).
Included in tour: English speaking guide, comfortable accommodation, all meals, water bottles, transportation, park entrance fees.
Not included in tour: International flight, travel insurance, beverages, camera/videos fees, tips etc.
For further information and details please contact Sunil
Jamaica November 9 to 14 2014
Your local guides Wolde Kristos and Vaughan Turland
With 29 endemics, 18 endemic subspecies and 18 Caribbean endemics, Jamaica has more endemics than any other island in the Caribbean. It offers excellent birding year round in a wide range of mountain, tropical forest and wetland habitats. We have recorded more than 300 species on the island including winter visitors, transients and vagrants. Your tour around our breathtakingly beautiful mountainous island will visit five of Jamaicas top IBAs: John Crow Mountains, Blue Mountains, Bluefields, Cockpit Country Conservation Area, Black River Morass.
DAY 1
8.00a.m. Met by guides in Montego Bay. Travel to Port Antonio (approx. 4 hours). Afternoon birding in local area for endemic Black-billed Streamertail Hummingbird only found in eastern Jamaica.
Overnight at Port Antonio. Ivanhoe Guest House or similar.
(L, D)
DAY 2
Morning and afternoon birding at Ecclesdown, Portland parish, John Crow Mountain IBA. Look for endangered Jamaican Blackbird, near threatened Crested Quail Dove, Yellow-billed Parrott and other endemics. Evening search for Jamaican Owl.
Overnight in Port Antonio.
(B, L, D)
DAY 3
Drive to Montego Bay (approx. 4 hours). Water birds and lunch en route. Afternoon visit to Rocklands Hummingbird Sanctuary at Anchovy. Red-billed Streamertail, Mango Hummingbird, Orangequit and many more. Then mountain drive and transfer to your hotel base, Idlers Rest Beach Hotel or simelar, on the beautiful South Coast (approx. 1.5 hours).
(B, L, D)
DAY 4
Early start for visit to Bluefields Mountains IBA. Of the 29 Jamaican endemic species we have observed 20 in this IBA, plus a further 13 endemic sub-species. Among the regular favourites on our tours are the : Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Stripe-headed Tanager, Orangequit, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Elaenia, Jamaican Pewee, Olive-throated Parakeet, Northern Potoo (quite often seen at day time roost), Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Jamaican Woodpecker, Arrowhead Warbler.
(B, L, D)
DAY 5
Early start to spectacularly rugged Cockpit Country IBA. The area supports 33 of Jamaica's 36 EBA range restricted species including 95% of the entire population of Black-billed Parrots. Also to be seen are Yellow-billed Parrots, Blue Mountain Vireo, Crested Quail Dove, Jamaican Blackbird, Jamaican Crow, Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo.
(B, SL, D)
Day 6 - Subject to return flight departure time.
8 am Black River Upper Morass. Species here include Northern Jacana, Least Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin,
West Indian Whistling Duck and perhaps a sighting of the rare Spotted Rail and Yellow-breasted Crake. Transfer to Montego Bay.
(B, L.)
Price per person US$1625.00 in double occupancy (minimum 4 pax).
Single room supplement, add US$250
Included in tour: Guides, all ground transportation within Jamaica (from Day 1 to Day 7), all entrance fees to sites, specified accommodation, daily meal plan, breakfast, lunch and two course dinner.
Not included in tour: Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, airport departure tax, or international airfare, government general consumption tax, bank electronic transfers.
For further information and details please contact Wolde and Vaughan
Kenya August 08 to 23 and October 01 to 15/2014
Your local guide Moses Kandie
Arrival and check in to Mvuli houses, embark to Nairobi National Park after lunch for easy birding and game viewing from our Safari Van with a pop up roof hatch. Will have the opportunity of seeing Hartlaub's and White bellied Bustards, African Moustached Warbler, Little Rush Warbler, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Red-throated Tit, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Shelley's Francolin. We will retire to Mvuli house at dusk for a night.
DAY 2
We will take the earliest breakfast and depart to Masai Mara stopping by the Rift valley view point, which will enable us observe swifts and swallows flying by the edge. We will then drive down the beautiful meanders path to the plains which will yield bustards, larks, wheatears, pipits and raptors. Our arrival around lunch time will allow us check in, do a small compound walk for Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Pigeon, Violet-backed Starling, White-eaded Barbet, Brown-crowned Tchagra,
Usambiro Barbet and many other species. After lunch we will drive into the Masai Mara, where apart from the game, will be looking out for Vultures, Bustards,
Coursers, Lapwings, Eagles, harriers plus so many more. The game here include: Big cats, Elephant, Buffalo, Masai giraffe, plains zebra, black-backed jackal,
Bat-eared fox and many more. We will be backed to the tented camp at dusk.
DAY 3
After a morning breakfast we will take packed lunch with us for a whole day birds and game viewing in the park. We will drive as far as Mara River, where Tanzanian species such as Brown-tailed Weaver may be seen. We may see the hunting by the big cats too. In the scrubby and grassy areas of the park we will see the Red-throated Spurfowl, Spotted Thick-knee, White-bellied, Kori and Black-bellied Bustard, Teminck's and Violet-tipped Coursers. Carrions will give us the chance to closely view White-backed, Ruppel's, Lappet-faced and sometimes White-headed Vultures. We will head backed to the hotel at dusk.
DAY 4
We will leave the camp immediately after breakfast and head to Lake Victoria, where we will check in to Sunset resort. We will then do a short walk along Dunga Road, lined up on both sides by papyrus grass which is a good habitat for Papyrus Canary, Marsh Tchagra, Carruther's Cisticola, Black-headed Gonolek and Red-chested Sunbird. The fresh water mangrove bush tops on the other hand will yield the Double-toothed and Black-billed Barbets. We will then retire to the Hotel.
DAY 5
Early breakfast and depart for a boat ride in Lake Victoria looking for Papyrus Gonolek, Northern Brown-throated, Slender-billed and Yellow-backed Weavers. Water Dikkop, African Skimmer and Open-billed Stork among terns and gulls. After this trip, we depart for lunch at Rondo Retreat in the Kakamega rain forest. We will start exploring the compound after lunch for Mackinnon's Fiscal, Northern Black Flycatcher, White-headed and Black Saw-wing, Grey-throated Barbet, Black and white Casqued Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco plus other common birds. Night at Rondo retreat.
DAY 6
Early breakfast and bird the road into the forest for Green-headed Sunbird, Green-throated Sunbird, Yellow Spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-billed Weaver and chance for the rare African Gey Parrot. Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Banded Prinia, White-chinned Prinia, Red-headed Malimbe, some woodpeckers such as: Brown-eared, Yellow-crested and Buff-spotted. After lunch we will do trails within the hotel, where a small fish pond and streams through the Elephant-ear vegetation provide chances of the White-spotted Flufftail. Equatorial Akalat, Grey-winged and White-crowned Robin-chat along with White-tailed Ant-thrush will also be seen along the trails. Night at Rondo retreat.
DAY 7
Another early breakfast and a drive to Ischeno area of the forest for yet another birding through the forest into grassland, where targets will be Scaly-breasted and Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Brown-hested Alethe, Bar-tailed Trogon, Buff-throated Apalis, Turner's Eramomela, Uganda Woodland-warbler, Green Hylia, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Yellow-mantled Widow and Broad-tailed Warbler. We afterwards drive back to the hotel for lunch and depart to Kerio View hotel for a night. On our way we will look out for Jackson's, and Fan-tailed Widows, Lesser Jacana, however hard to find at the Chebonet Dam. Our arrival the hotel will see us explore the compound for Mottled Swift, Fan-tailed Raven, Ross's Turaco, Cliff Chat and others.
DAY 8
Early breakfast and depart to lake Baringo, birding down the valley, hoping to see White-crested Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, Boran Cisticola and many more lowland species. Our journey will provide great views of the Rift Valley formation, nice gorges and falls. We will arrive for lunch at Lake Baringo club. Being quite warm here; we will take a rest in rooms or swim at the pool till late afternoon, when we will do a compound walk. Night at Lake Baringo Club.
DAY 9
Very early boat trip in the lake for water birds such as Straited, Squacco, Goliath, Grey and Purple Herons. Senegal Thick-knee will be seen on one of the islands as we cruise to a river's mouth looking for African Skimmer, Black-tailed Godwit, Collared Pratincole, Purple and Allen's Gallinule. On our way back we will look out for Yellow-crowned and Northern Red Bishops, Malachite, Grey-headed, Pied and Woodland Kingfisher. We will then take breakfast and go for nocturnal birds, hoping to see Three Banded Couser, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Northern White-faced and African Scops Owls. We will break for lunch and after a nap proceed to Westbay area for
Black-headed Lapwing, D'arnauds, Red-fronted, Red and Yellow, Black-throated Barbets, sometimes Dimorphic Egret, Magpie and Hildebrandt's Starlings. Bat Hawk may be observed chasing around bats at dusk. We will then retire to the hotel.
DAY 10
Early morning birding at the escarpment (basalt cliff) for Bristle-crowned and Red-winged Starlings, Verreaux Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Common Kestrel, Purple Roller, Brown-tailed Rock Chat. We will then drive to Nakuru, where we will embark to the park for a close-up view of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes. Along the shoreline will be various waders that include Ruffs, Ringed Plover, Three-banded Pover, Avocet and Black-winged Stilt. The acacia bushes will present:
Broad-billed Roller, Martial and Tawny Eagles. It is in this park that both Black and White rhinos will likely be seen. Baringo/Rothschild giraffe are also common in this park. Lunch time will see us at magnificent Lake Nakuru Lodge and afterwards a drive outwards for a night at Nakuru town.
DAY 11
Early morning drive to Samburu, arriving for lunch, after which we will embark for a game-drive at Samburu Game Reserve. Apart from beautiful game such as Grevy zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx and more, birds such as Vulturine Guinefowl, Vulturine Fish Eagle, Somali Courser, Somali Bee-eater, Somali Fiscal, Golden Pipit, Banded Parisoma, Donaldson-Smith Sparrow-Weaver, Red-shouldered Kite, Ashy Cisticola, Fischer's and Golden-breasted Starlings will be seen.
DAY 12
We will embark on a game drive after breakfast till 10 o'clock and return to the hotel and depart after lunch for Mt Kenya at Castle Lodge forest for a night.
DAY 13
Morning breakfast and then birding along the road for Black-throated and Chestnut Apalis, White-tailed Paradise-flycatcher, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Lemon Dove, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Crested Guinefowl, White-headed Wood Hoopoe. We will then retire for lunch and depending on the weather, we may have an afternoon
session. At dusk we will try to keep an eye for African Green Ibis.
DAY 14
As usual we will take an early breakfast and do a walk, hoping to see Oriole Finch, Hartlaub's Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Black-headed Waxbill, Abbott's, Wallers and Kendrick's Starling. Red-fronted Parrot may be seen flying by or perched. We will come for lunch and pack-up and leave towards Nairobi. We will do stops along the way, especially at the rice fields, which will allow as see Long-toed Lapwing, Fulvous Whistling Duck, African Snipe,
White-winged Widows, Parasitic Weavers and much more. From here, we head to Nairobi to prepare for a flight back.
Price per person US3600 in double occupancy (minimum 4 pax).
Single room supplement, add US$750
Included in tour: Meals, Accommodation, Transport, Guiding and Park fees.
Not included in tour: Alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature, airfare and gratuities.
For further information and details please contact Moses
Spain 12 Days : May 5 - May 17, 2015 and May 26 - June 7, 2015
Birding Pal Tours local guide is Pau Lucio
See all his Birding Pal Tours in Spain
Overview.
This tour is designed to visit the maximum number of these “special” species that can be found in Spain such as White-headed Duck, Great and Little Bustard, Black bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouses, Lammergeier, Wallcreeper, Azure-winged Magpie, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Black Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, Rufous-tailed Scrub-robin, Ring Ouzel, Roller and many more.
DAY 1 - Arrivals.
You will be picked up from Valencia Airport. Transfer with Pau to the hotel in Gandia. Depending on your arrival, we can visit a local reserve or you can enjoy the beach and the pool of the tree stars hotel you will be accommodated the following 4 days. It is just a stone’s throw away from the Mediterranean Sea.
DAY 2 - Albufera de Valencia
Birding at local destination Albufera de Valencia. Some of the species that could be seen in this tour are: Purple Swamp-hen, Moustached and Savi’s Warbler, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, Common Tern and Gull-billed Tern, Collared Patrincole, Mediterranean and Audouin’s Gull. Night in Gandia
Red-Knobbed Coot
DAY 3 - Steppes of Albacete
Birding at local destination Steppes of Albacete. Some of the targets will be Short-toed Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Thekla Lark, Corn Bunting, Stone Curlew, Great and Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Lesser kestrel. Furthermore, we will have a look to the many temporary lagoons scattered among the steppes to look for White-headed Duck, Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe and a good number of waders. Night in Gandia.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse.
DAY 4 - El Hondo and Salinas de Santa Pola
Birding at local destination El Hondo and Salinas de Santa Pola. We will search for Glossy ibis, Roller, Bee-eater, Bearded and Penduline tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, Osprey, Cuckoo, Kentish Plover, Slender-billed Gull, Red-knobbed Coot and Great White Egrets. Later, we will visit a nearby gorge to look for Trumpet Finch, Rufous-tailed scrub Robin, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow, Crag Martin, Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting. Night in Gandia.
DAY 5 - Pego Marshes and Alicante mountains
Birding at local destination Pego Marshes and Alicante mountains. Pego Marshes is an important area for Purple, Night and Squacco Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Little Bittern, Collared Pratincole, Red-necked Nightjar, Whiskered Tern, Moustached warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Little Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier and Great Reed Warbler. Then, we will set off to the mountains of Alicante to visit a Griffon Vulture colony, a Bonelli’s Eagle territory where can also be found Crested Tit, Crossbill and Bonelli’s Warbler. Night in Gandia.
Bonelli’s Eagle
DAY 6 - La Mancha
Travel to La Mancha. We will look for Eagle Owls which have been breeding near the town, Thekla Lark, Rock Sparrow, Booted Eagle, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Hoopoe, Little Owl, Black Kite, Ringed Plover, Sandpipers, Bearded Tit, White Stork, Iberian Grey Shrike and Lesser Kestrel. Night in Belmonte, in a18th century house.
Chick of Eagle Owl
DAY 7 - Serranía de Cuenca
Travel to La Serranía de Cuenca. A good number of orchids and beautiful forests are waiting for us. Regarding birds, some of our targets are Hobby, Egyptian Vulture, Alpine Swift, Short-toed Eagle, Woodlark, Black-eared and Northern Wheatear, Melodious Warbler, Firecrest, Rock Sparrow, Golden Oriole and Iberian Chiffchaff. Night in Villalba de la Sierra.
DAY 8 - steppes of Belchite
Travel to the steppes of Belchite where we will look for Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouses, Lesser-short toed Lark and the elusive Dupont’s Lark. We will also see the ruins of Spanish Civil War. Night in Belchite.
DAY 9, 10 11 - Spanish Pyrenees
Day 9, 10, 11 Travel to the Spanish Pyrenees to find breathtaking landscapes, orchids, mammals such as Marmots, Red squirrel and Chamois and stunning birds. Targets: Lammergeier, Alpine Accentor, Rock Thrush, Water Pipit, Red and Yellow-billed Chough, Wallcreeper, Golden Eagle, Subalpine Warbler, Nuthatch, Red-backed Shrike, Citril Finch, Ring Ouzel, Marsh Tit, etc. Night in Hecho.
DAY 12 - Madrid
Travel to Madrid. We will stop on the way in Sierra de Guara to look for Tawny Pipit, Lammergeier, Peregrin Falcon, Sardenian Warbler and other Mediterranean species. We will enjoy of a very close views of Griffon’s Vultures. Night in Madrid.
Spanish Imperial Eagle.
2150 € per person. Min 4 guests and Max 6 guests.
Included in tour:The price includes accommodation, full board (breakfast, picnic for lunch and warm Spanish dinner), guiding and transport.
Not included in tour: Plane fares, personal items, dinner and accommodation on day 13, are not included.
Please send a message to Pau.
Get started by filling out the form: Spain Itinerary - form
Uganda July 02 - 16 2015
Your local guide Deogratius Muhumuza - Read his bio here
with Deogratius Muhumuza.
Highlights: Albertine Rift Endemics, Mountain Gorillas and Chimps
Overview.
The tour starts and ends in Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria. Upon arrival, you will be picked from the Airport by your driver guide and taken to your hotel for dinner, refreshments and overnight stay. Early arrivals will give a chance to bird around Entebbe areas; the Botanical Gardens and/or any other nearby site that will be decided upon by the group.
Some of our routes connecting to sites are long with a few smooth tarmac roads (some still under construction); they are sometimes bumpy and dusty/muddy taking you through a patchwork of Uganda’s scenic areas passing through engrossing village streets with isolated pockets of woodland, tropical rain forests, Papyrus swamps, fertile farmlands, and captivating hilly landscapes. These are particularly in the southwestern part of the country.
Although we shall do our best to adhere to the schedule below, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control; including flight schedule changes or delays, health threats, local rebellions, participants logistical issues, weather, road or trail conditions etc. The right is reserved to substitute hotels, lodges or camps of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary.
Electronic map of Uganda
DAY 1 - Arrivals.
Early Arrivals will give a chance to bird in Entebbe Botanical Gardens (EBG).
Situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, EBG is a beautiful place with colourful butterflies, birds and primates in an area of 40.7ha. The habitat has attracted a diverse array of birds – 206 species (both forest and shorebirds) and monkeys; Black and White Colobus and Vervet Monkeys.
Here, the birding walk is more relaxed. Some of the species we are likely to see here include harrier hawk, lizard buzzard, northern brown-throated wattle-eye, willow warbler, olivaceous warbler, African thrush, yellow-throated leaflove, African Grey Parrot, golden-backed, yellow-backed and orange weavers, white-spotted flufftail, ross’s Turaco, crowned, African pied and black-and-white-casqued Hornbills, Superb, olive-bellied, collared and Marica Sunbirds, ruff, green crombec, Blue-cheeked bee-eater, heuglin’s and snowy-headed robinchat, red-cheeked cordon-blue, grey-headed negro-finch, etc.
Overnight: Airport Guest House Entebbe.
DAY 2 - Mabamba Swamp and Lake Mburo National Park.
We bird to Mabamba wetland in the morning and continue to Lake Mburo in the afternoon. Start very early at 6:00 and carry packed lunch and drive to Mabamba Wetland. Mabamba is about 50km west of Entebbe area on the shores of Lake Victoria. The bay comprises of an extensive marsh with a labyrinth of channels and lagoons, classified as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and home to several pairs of Shoebills, Uganda's most famous avian resident. Other interesting species include Lesser Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Pygmy Goose, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Blue-headed Coucal, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, etc.
Out of the marsh in the woods and gardens or along the way, we are likely to encounter species like Purple-headed Starling, African Green Pigeon, Grey-rumped Swallow, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Superb Sunbird, Roufous-naped Lark, Grey-capped Warbler, Colored Sunbird, Green Hylia, Dusky Tit, Speckled Tinkerbird, Red-headed Lovebird, the rare Weyn's Weaver etc.
Overnight: Rwonyo Camp for 2nights.
DAY 3 - Whole day birding in Lake Mburo National Park.
Morning boat ride and afternoon birding in the wooded savannah. We shall start early; have our breakfast at the Restaurant strategically located on the Lake shore and thereafter we go for a two hours boat ride along the shores of the lake looking for specials like the white-backed and black-crowned night herons, rufous-bellied heron, African Finfoot, African darter, water thicknee etc. The papyrus swamp along the shores of the lake holds the papyrus yellow warbler and papyrus gonolek. You will also encounter pools of hippos, crocodiles, buffalos and elephant. We spend the rest of the day on a bird walk in the wooded savannah. Most sought-after species here include Tabora Cisticola, Red-faced Barbet, possibilities of the rare Crested Barbet, which are only known in the remote north-eastern Tanzania, Rwanda and here, Brown-chested Lapwing, Twinspot Batis, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, etc.
Birding here is a delightful experience, with beautiful scenery and a markedly different fauna from other reserves. This is the best place in the country to see antelopes such as Eland, Zebra, Topi, Impala, and acacia-associated birds.
Lunch and dinner will be at the same restaurant.
DAY 4 - Lake Mburo National Park to Ruhiija sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Today, we shall check out the Park Tents, have an early morning breakfast and drive slowly as we bird on the way. We may have lunch in Mbarara or Kabale depending on our pace and later continue to Ruhiija. Early arrivals at Ruhiija will give a chance to bird along the main road. Our first encounter with the Albertine Rift Endemics begins here. We shall have dinner at the Camp
O/N: Ruhiija Community Rest Camp for 2nights.
After breakfast, we shall carry our picnic lunch and head for a whole day birding following the famous trail through the forest up to Mubwindi Swamp. The 4km trail to Mubwindi Swamp drops from 2350m to 2050m ASL and is the best place for some of the most difficult to find of all the Albertine Rift Endemics including; the rare and localized Grauer's Rush Warbler, African Green Broadbill, the beautiful Regal Sunbird, and Archer's Robin Chat. Mubwindi Swamp is home to Dwarf Honeyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Apalis, African/Rwenzori Hill Babbler and Carruthers' Cisticola. Other key species here include Fraser's Eagle-Owl, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Eastern Mountain-Greenbul, Strange Weaver, Black-headed Waxbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Waller's Starling, Stuhlmann's Starling, Ludher's Bush-shrike, Handsome Francolin and Montane Nightjar.
W
e shall return to our Camp this evening for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 6 - Ruhiija ‘NECK’ birding and Buhoma.
We shall travel to Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while birding on the way – we do the popular “NECK” Birding or follow the trail that goes to the communities in the morning. The neck is a relatively narrow stretch separating the two sections of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. It is characterized by riverine forest vegetation.
Some of the species we are likely to see here include; Mountain Wagtail, Red-tailed and Shelley's Greenbul, Cassin's Flycatcher, Black Duck, Banded Prinia, Grey-throated Barbet, Common Buzzard, Black-billed Turacco, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-tailed Greenbul, Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Many-coloured Bush-shrike, Ayres's Hawk-eagle, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Honeyguide Greenbul, Red-throated Alethe, Gray Apalis, African Shrike-flycatcher, Red-headed Malimbe, Dusky Twinspot etc.
Today we shall carry picnic lunch. We arrive at Buhoma late this afternoon. Dinner at Bwindi View Bandas
O/N: Bwindi View Bandas for 2nights.
DAY 7 - Birding or Gorilla Tracking at Buhoma
Those doing the Gorilla trek will set off early after breakfast, carry packed lunch and gather at the park headquarters for briefing prior to the activity. Trekking up the hillside to view a family of gorillas nestled in casual, frolicking play is a fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have an opportunity to enjoy close views of adults feeding, grooming and resting, as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully gentle display.
The group doing the birding will start early after breakfast, carry picnic lunch and begin a whole day birding along the main trail at Buhoma.
Bwindi is generally at a higher altitude and therefore is cooler. Temperatures range between10 - 18 ° C. Forest birding at Bwindi ranks the best in Uganda and Africa as well. It is home to over 23 highly localized Albertine Rift Endemics.
Key species here include Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Banded Prinia, Black-faced Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Ashy Flycatcher, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Chapin's Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, cassin's Grey Flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, White-bellied Crested-flycatcher, Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Mountain Illadopsis, African Hill-Babbler, Dusky Tit, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Grey-headed Sunbird, Mackinnon's Fiscal, Sooty Boubou, Pink-footed Puffback, Doherty's Bush-shrike, White-naped Raven, Montane Oriole, African Golden Oriole, Stuhlmann's Starling, Narrow-tailed Starling, Waller's Starling, Strange Weaver, Brown-capped Weaver, Black-billed Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Magpie Mannikin, Yellow-crowned Canary, Thick- billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, Shelly's Crimsonwing, Oriole Finch, Mountain Buzzard, Ayre's Hawk-eagle, Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Wood-Owl, Rwenzori Nightjar, Scarce Swift, Bar-tailed Trogon, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Black Bee-eater, (Western) Bronze-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Owlet, Tullberg's Woodpecker, Elliot's Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Western Green Tinkerbird, African Green Broadbill, Lagdens Bush Shrike, Petit's Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Archer's Ground Robin, Toro Olive-Greenbul, Ansorge's Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat, White-bellied Robin-chat, Olive Thrush, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Short-tailed Warbler, Neumann's Warbler and Red faced Woodland-Warbler.
In addition to the birds, other likely encounters include Ruwenzori and Yellow-backed Duikers and the beautiful L’Hoest and Blue Monkeys.
We return to our Bandas this evening for refreshments, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 8 - Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Start early after breakfast for Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a rather long journey that may take most of our time this day. We shall have a few stops for stretching legs, to have our packed lunch and birding on the way. Depending on weather and road conditions, we may drive through Ishasha section famed for its tree climbing lions. Alternatively, drive through the beautiful sceneries of Rukungiri district.
We arrive late this evening at our camp (about 7km away from the park). We shall have dinner at our Camp.
O/N: Nyanz Ibiri Eco Camp.
DAY 9 - Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park and afternoon transfer to Semliki – Bundibugho.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is yet another area with some of the highest biodiversity ratings than any National Game Reserve in the world. Its varied habitats of open savannahs, acacia woodlands, tropical rain forests, dense papyrus swamps and lakes, make it one of the richest parks in Africa. Game in the park includes elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, a profusion of Hippos, the elusive Giant Forest Hog and handsome Uganda Kob; with occasional lion and leopard. The park boosts of over 610 bird species recorded, and a one-day record of 296 species.
Start early this morning after breakfast, we carry our lunch packs and drive for about 20min to the park. We shall choose between doing the Launch Cruise and a birding drive in the Savannah area.
Following one of the numerous trails in the park on a game / birding drive will produce special sightings of such species as Harlequin Quail, Blue Quail, Small (Common) Buttonquail, African Crake, Martial Eagle, Stout Cisticola, Black-crowned Tchagra, Trilling Cisticola, Speckle-breasted woodpecker, African Skimmer, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Ovampo Sparrowhawk, African Crake, Marsh Tchagra, Black Coucal, Secretary Bird (on a lucky day) etc.
Our Kazinga Channel launch cruise is the most luxurious in the region; plying these waters with comfort, elegance and attentive service, affording superb wildlife viewing from your observation deck, is far much re-assuring! Along the Kazinga Channel, there are chances of spotting the African Skimmers, the new record for Uganda – Grey Prantincole, Snowy-capped Robin Chat, Spoonbill, Kittliz Plover, Flamingos, Crowned Plovers and many other shorebirds both migratory and resident.
Later in the afternoon, we shall drive to Bundibugho town. Dinner at our Hotel
O/N: Vanilla Hotel in Bundibugho.
DAY 10 - Birding Semliki National Park along the famous Kirumila Trail.
Semliki forest is one of the richest for lowland forest birds in Uganda and marks the eastern extension of the great Ituri Forest. A large number of Guinea-Congo biome species reach their eastern limits here. This therefore makes it the best place in Uganda with high chances of encountering some of the West African species that cannot be easily accessed from other places.
We shall start at dawn after an early breakfast and set off with our packed lunch. We spend the whole day bird watching the Kirumila Trail or any other part of the forest depending on the reliable information from our site guides. Key species include Red-billed, Black-wattled, Black-billed and White-crested Hornbills, African Piculet, Zenkel Honey-guide, Black-chested Cuckoo, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Nkurengu Rail, White-bellied, Dwarf, and Pygmy Kingfishers, Piping, White-thighed, Black and White-casqued, and African Pied Hornbills, Fire-crested Alethe, Red-bellied and Blue-billed Malimbe, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Lowland Akalat, Forest Scrub Robin, Green-tailed Bristlebill, Leaf Love, Red-breasted Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Pale-fronted and Chestnut-breasted Negrofinches, Black-winged Oriole, and others.
We return to our hotel later in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 11 - Semliki and travel to Kibale Forest National park.
We start early after an early morning breakfast, check out the hotel, and bird towards the hot springs (or the main road), continue birding on the way up to Kibale Forest. Along the main road from Semliki, look out for Pin-tailed Whydah, Black Bishop, Southern Red Bishop, Brown Twinspot, Black-crowned and Common Waxbills, plus many other open country species. We have lunch in Fort-portal town, and later continue to Kibale Forest. This afternoon we may choose to bird in the forest along the main road or the Bigodi Papyrus Swamp.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community owned and managed nature reserve. A 4km trail has been created in the wetland adjacent to the forest. The habitat here consists of a swamp surrounded by low, scrubby secondary forest and cultivation. Key species include among others; White-spotted Flufftail, Green-backed Twinspot, Cabanis's and Joyful Greenbuls, Scaly Illadopsis, Olive-green Camaroptera, White-collared Oliveback, White-winged Warbler, white-chinned Prinia, Blue-shouldered Robinchat, Lesser Honeyguide, Uganda Spotted and Speckle-breasted Woodpeckers, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Red-capped Robin Chat and Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush, Great Sparrow-hawk, Red-headed Bluebill, Luhdher's Bush Shrike etc.
Occasional encounters are chimps; black and white colobus and red-tailed monkeys are also residents here.
O/N: Kibale Forest Camp for 2nights
DAY 12 - Birding in the forest for the whole day or Chimp tracking.
After an early morning breakfast, we shall make an early start for the forest, where more than 330 rainforest species, including restricted range species have been recorded.
Kibale’s specials include, among others: Green-breasted Pitta, African Crowned-Eagle, Afep Pigeon, Red-winged Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, Superb Sunbird, Narina Trogon, Grey-winged Robin-chat, Black Bee-eater, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Green-throated Sunbird, African Pitta, African Broadbill, Willcock's Honeyguide, Thick-billed Honeyguide, Joyful Greenbul, Honeyguide Greenbul, Black-and-white Flycatcher, Pink-footed Puffback, Chestnut-winged Starling, Green-headed Sunbird, and Dark-backed Weaver
DAY 13 - Travel Masindi Town.
We wake up this morning; have breakfast and setoff for Budongo area. This is another long journey on a murrum road, that may take the whole day with chances of birding on the way. Stopovers will be done at strategic points to provide opportunities for birding, stretching legs and enjoying our Picnic Lunch. Arrival in Masindi will be late this evening.
O/N: Court View Hotel Masindi for 2nights.
DAY 14 - Whole day Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest.
We shall have an early morning breakfast, carry picnic lunch and drive to one of “Uganda's bird watching hotspots”, the Royal Mile. This is historically known to have been a leisurely spot for the traditional King of Bunyoro, hence the name Royal Mile. Here the forest has been cut back a few metres along the sides of the main trail, which provides a good viewing area. Depending on how we shall be successful this morning, we may decide to spend the whole morning here and later in the afternoon bird to Busingiro section of the forest.
Key species include: Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Crowned Eagle, Olive-bellied Crombec, Yellow Longbill, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Forest Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Camaropera, Ituri Batis, Red-headed Bluebill, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow-mantled Weaver, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Green Crombec, and Crested Malimbe.
DAY 15
Transfer to Kampala Entebbe for your flight back home.
End of trip.
Price per person USD$2300 for 6 people sharing accommodation. US$2600 for 4 people sharing accommodation.
Single suppliment US$260
The above quotation is discounted and based on the current commodity prices and the prevailing US Dollar exchange rate against the Ugandan local currency. Where prices change beyond our control or in cases of a sudden economic crisis, the price of the tour package will be affected accordingly.
Included in tour:All Park entrance fees for individuals, Vehicle entrance in the National Parks, shared accommodation and all meals, bottled drinking water throughout the trip, forest and game reserve entrance fees, Birding walks and drive charges, Boat hire at Mabamba, and L.Mburo, Kazinga channel launch Cruise, Bigodi wetland entrance, Car Hire and fuel throughout the tour (we shall use an 8-seater 4WD omnibus with an open roof hatch), a knowledgeable birding guide charge, and site /local guides fees.
Not included in tour:Flight charges to and fro your country of origin, visa fees, alcoholic and additional soft beverages, laundry services, gorilla and chimp trek fees, tips to guides and hotel staff, and any other items of personal nature.
Contact Deogratius Muhumuza
Birdingpaltours