Uganda - In Search of the Shoebill

This holiday was centred around seeing many of the exciting birds of central western Uganda and succeeded in its aim during a relatively short 7 days in the country. Our guide and driver was enthusiastic and made sure we were always on the lookout for something new, including some species only otherwise seen in the Congo basin. The food and lodging was safe and comfortable, respectively, with a good supply of all important bottled water at all times.

D.W. Lanarkshire

Our guide was superb throughout. His knowledge of birds was immense and he was always cheerful, kind and helpful... a well thought out and arranged holiday.

N.R. Dublin

An excellent well-organised trip. The trip leader, Jonnie and driver, Emmy, were exceptional in their service and presence. The leader in particular, displayed huge knowledge and was extremely helpful to us as rank amateurs. Mburu Camp was excellent - a wonderful place. Mweya Lodge was also exceptional.

S.R. Dublin

The service from the Naturetrek staff was excellent, and mailings were prompt. The flights could hardly have been better - punctual and with the expected level of service. The planned range of habitats visited provided opportunities to find a good number of birds, mammals and other wildlife. The trip leader, Hamlet Magabi, was excellent. He was able to communicate his knowledge and enthusiasm very well. Uganda is a very beautiful country and it was good to have had the opportunity to visit it in the company of group members who readily shared their sightings with everyone.

M.D. Kent

Johnnie and Emmy worked really hard to find the birds for us and made sure we all had good views. Emmy, being able to whistle the calls of a great number of species was also very helpful in drawing out those elusive and skulking birds. Johnnie and Emmy are great ambassadors for Uganda and its wildlife. If you have a passion for African birds, I would recommend this trip.

R.G. Norfolk

For a week's holiday I felt that the itinerary was good as it gave us three different habitats with their correspondingly different birds. The guide Emmy Gongo was a brilliant birder and an excellent person, hardworking, personable and a great sense of humour.

I.C. Yorkshire

The leader was outstanding – not just a terrifically expert birder but a delightful companion and with impressive inter-personal skills.

Anon. London

Thank you Naturetrek for a great holiday, and many thanks to Emmy Gongo who was an excellent and knowledgeable leader.

A.H. Warwickshire

Emmy is an excellent birder and trip organiser and very personable. All the staff at the venues from waiters to receptionists to forest rangers were very helpful and pleasant; excellent tourism. A beautiful country and stunning wildlife. Uganda has clearly changed a lot since the years of troubles; despite much deforestation there are still some beautiful bits of forest left and some excellent national parks. The parks were very under-booked; I would advise anyone thinking of an African nature holiday to consider Uganda - there is so much to see and local people are so welcoming and reliable.

D.N. Kent