THIS TOUR IS AN EXTENSION TO THE TOUR – MOUNTAIN GORILLAS, CHIMPANZEES AND OTHER PRIMATES IN UGANDA 25th FEBRUARY – 5th MARCH 2023. READ MORE HERE…
Some highlights
- Two days in the Mabamba wetland reserve to look for the shoebills
- Several species kingfishers, bee-eaters and herons
- Fantastic birdlife with lots of exotic species
- We go to Uganda when it is NOT rainy season
- The tour leader will show you their best spots and provide photographic advice to a small group that share the same interests
SHOEBILL
Our extension trip takes us to the Mabamba wetland area to photograph the mythical bird the shoebill. Here we will spend two days and make a total of four excursions in the wetland area in small boats. The boats give us the opportunity to slowly and quiet make our way towards the birds in the wetland.
The shoebill lives in large wetland areas and today it is estimated that there are between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals left in the world, where the majority are found in Sudan. Outside of Sudan, the Mabamba wetlands are considered the best place in the world to see the bird. With a body length of 150 centimeters, the shoebill is one of the world’s largest birds. The beak is large and wide with a light pink to orange-like base tone with dark spots and gives the bird an unmistakable appearance.
In addition to the shoebill, we will be able to photograph several species of kingfishers, bee-eaters, herons, ducks and other exciting birds.
Itinerary
Day 1 (5/3) (Lunch – Dinner)
We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon / evening. After check-in, we have dinner and talk a bit about the coming days.
Day 2-3 (6-7/3) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
After breakfast we head to the Mabamba wetland reserve and begin our search for the Shoebill. We make our way in the wetland by boat. In addition to shoebills, we hope to be able to photograph kingfishers, bee-eaters, jacanas and several heron species.
We have lunch and rest a bit at the lodge before we go out into the wetland again in the afternoon.
Day 4 (8/3) (Breakfast – Lunch)
Today our journey ends. After breakfast we head to Entebbe and the airport. Flights home in the evening.
More information
Henrik Karlsson, born in 1968, is a photographer, writer and conservation biologist.
Henrik is a trained biologist and works part-time with water and conservation issues.
He has been appointed as a National Geographic Explorer and is a member of the Swedish Nature Photographers Association (Naturfotograferna/N) as well as PhotoNatura. In 2003 he was awarded Naturfotografernas/N and Kodak’s scholarship. Henrik has also won awards in several European photo competitions.
Henrik has a wide selection when it comes to subjects to take images of and tell stories about. He will be more than happy to photograph everything from insects to the orchids in the forest or the great wild animals around the world. He has the whole world as his photographic field but is more and more drawn to Africas beauty and wildness.
Previously, Henrik worked as a guide in several Swedish Nature Reserves and National Parks. He is a frequent lecturer and an appreciated guide on photo courses and workshops. He also leads photo tours all over the world.
In 2011 Henrik self-published the book ”Mångfaldens ö – bilder och tankar från Ölands natur”, and the book ”Vilda Norden” was published in 2017. 2020 he published the book Ölands orkidéer and in 2021 Orkidéer på Gotland.
Since the focus of this extension tour is on photographing birds will we need bigger lenses. Focal length from 300 to 600 mm will be useful.
Telezoom lens, e.g. 70-200 mm or 100-400mm, provides very good conditions for taking various pictures of birds. Of course, a normal zoom for other types of images should also be included.
To increase the focal length if you have a shorter telephoto or a zoom, you can use a teleconverter.
If you have access to two camera bodies, it is good to have these.
The climate in Uganda is tropical, which means that both days and nights are warm, often the temperature rises above 30 degrees during the day and rarely below 20 at night. Pack light and cool but durable clothes. A thinner rain jacket or poncho is good to bring. Bring a cap or thin hat as protection from the sun. Hiking boots or a pair of heavier sneakers are the best choice for the feet. Feel free to supplement with some form of sandals to wear in the middle of the day.
We stay in hotels and lodges of medium standard.
The accommodation has no restrictions regarding accessibility. The boats we use are accessible.
Four outings in Mabamba wetland reserve, other entries and fees in national parks, local guides, photo lessons, local transport (we travel in comfortable Toyota Landcrusiers), transfers to and from airports. Accommodation (share in a double room) and meals according to program.
Round-trip flights Entebbe, tips, insurance, cancellation protection, visas, drinks, meals not specified in the daily program, telephone, internet fees and things of a personal nature.
The tour starts and ends at Entebbe International Airport.
The tour guide meets and leaves the group here.
The registration fee is paid via invoice in connection with registration. The remaining amount is paid no later than 60 days before the tour.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival in Uganda. For Swedish citizens, a visa to Uganda is required, read more about visas here. Passports are required at check-in for flights.
If you are a citizen of any other country please check with the nearest Ugandan Embassy if you need visa or not.
We strongly recommend that you carefully review your travel insurance before the tour. Read the terms and conditions about what may and may not be included. It is important to check that compensation is included for travel home / ambulance transport in the event of an accident or serious illness. Often, for example, the travel cover in a regular home insurance needs to be supplemented.
Contact your doctor for advice on vaccinations. For entry into Uganda, you must be vaccinated against Yellow Fever.
Our tours are open to all nationalities, which means that the group can be international.
The tour guides on our trips speak Swedish and English.
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