The western part of Uganda is home to some of the best birding spots in the country, and this 20-day tour will take you there. Entebbe is where the journey begins and finishes, and the Entebbe Botanical Gardens are where you may go birdwatching on the beaches of Lake Victoria. The tour's primary objective is to see and photograph a wide range of avian life, including mountain birds, forest dwellers, savannah inhabitants, water birds, and rare species found only in the Congo forest and the Albertine Rift.
The tour's hunt for the eponymous Shoebill in the Mabamba Wetlands is sure to be an exciting high point. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will also be a highlight, since it is home to several rare birds found only in the Albertine rift, such as the Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Grauer's Broadbill, and Shelley's Crimson-wing.
Rainforests, savannahs, marshes, and swamps are just some of the environments you'll see on your trip. In addition to the birds, there will also be incredible opportunities to observe mammals, making this an adventure you won't soon forget. The journey promises to give an extensive birding experience for seasoned birdwatchers, including visits in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki Valley, Kibale National Park, Budongo forest and Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 1: A Joyful Arrival on the Uganda Birding Safari
As you touch down at Entebbe International Airport, get ready to be swept away on a journey of avian wonder as you embark on your 20-day birding tour in Uganda. After a warm welcome, you'll be transferred to your hotel, settling into a comfortable home base as we prepare to delve into the world of Ugandan birds.
At the heart of our adventure lies the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a haven for feathered friends that boasts a location on the shores of Lake Victoria and a sprawling 40.7-hectare expanse. Here, the parking lot trees offer prime real estate for Eastern Plantain-eaters, a family of Turacos that is sure to leave even the most seasoned birders enamored. And, as if that weren't enough, the nearby Yellow-fronted Tinkerbirds, Splendid Starlings, and Common Bulbuls also like to drop by for a visit.
The sky above is alive with activity, as the Shikra soars overhead and the bottle-brush tree near the parking lot draws in a rainbow of sunbirds, including Green-throated, Red-chested, Olive-bellied, Purple-banded, Mariqua, Scarlet-chested varieties and Collared. African Thrush and African Yellow White-eye also call this tree their home.
Adding to the excitement, we can also anticipate encounters with a variety of other feathered friends, such as Gray parrots, Hooded Vultures, Crowned and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills, Lizard Buzzards, Woodland Kingfishers, the striking Black-headed Gonoleks, African Harrier-Hawks, White-browed Robin-chats, Double-toothed Barbets, Speckled Mousebirds and Ross’s Turacos. And let's not forget the Yellow-fronted Canaries, Herons, Black-headed and a diverse collection of weavers, including Orange, Golden-backed, Weyn's, Black-headed, Village, Vieillot’s, Northern Brown-throated, and Slender-billed varieties.
Of course, our feathered friends aren't the only ones who call the gardens home. The charming Vervet Monkeys and stunning Mantled Guerezas also roam these lush grounds, adding even more excitement to this bird-filled paradise.
Day 2 Mabamba and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Wake up and rise early birders! Today we embark on a two-hour journey to Mabamba, a bird-lover's paradise and a Ramsar site. We are in search of the elusive Shoebill, an extraterrestrial-looking avian that has captured the hearts of birders worldwide. Mabamba is one of only two places in the world to find this rare species, and we have a 80% chance of success!
As we travel, keep an eye out for Great Blue, African Green Pigeon, and Ross's Turaco who like to perch high on the roadside trees. Our destination, Mabamba wetland, is a thriving community-based project and we'll be taking a local resident's boat to traverse the wetland.
On this Uganda safari, expect to see a plethora of African water and habitat birds like Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing, and Yellow-billed Duck. With the right season, we might also spot African White-backed Duck, Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser Jacana, Blue-headed Coucal, Fan-tailed Widowbird, African Marsh Harrier, Common Waxbill, Madagascar, Grey-capped Warbler, and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, just to name a few!
After seeking out the Shoebill, we'll make a pit stop at the Equator for a photoshoot and continue on the highway, where we might encounter the radiant Lilac-breasted Roller, Eurasian Kestrel, Wahlberg's and Long-crested Eagles, Gray-backed Fiscal, and the Bare-faced Go-away-bird.
As we approach our accommodation near Lake Mburo National Park, we'll keep a keen eye out for Red-backed Scrub-Robin, Singing Cisticolas, Red-faced, and on rare occasions, we might be lucky enough to spot Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Crested Francolins and Red-necked, Emerald-spotted Wood-dove, Brown Snake-Eagle, Crowned Lapwing, and the gorgeous African Black-headed Oriole. And if we're lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of mammals like Zebra, Waterbuck, Impala, Dwarf Mongoose, Topi, the massive Common Eland, and the comical Common Warthog.
DAY 3 Whole day birding Lake Mburo National Park
Embark on a wondrous journey through the enchanting forests and groves of Uganda's smallest savannah wildlife park. This park offers an ideal habitat for woodland creatures, particularly for those species that find themselves at their northernmost range.
Our excursion will take us on a delightful safari in trucks, showcasing some of the park's prized possessions like the
African Paradise-Flycatcher, Bare-faced go-away bird, Bateleur, Black Cuckoo-shrike, Brown-chested Barbet, Crowned Barbet, Crested Barbet, Common Scimitarbill, Red-Faced Barbet, Senegal Lapwings, Slate-coloured Boubou, Southern Black Flycatcher, Spot-flanked Barbets, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Wattled Lapwings, White-winged Black-Tit, Wahlberg's Honeyguide, Wahlberg's Eagles among many others.
After a nourishing lunch break back at the accommodation, we might still spot some stunning birds like the Red-headed Weaver, the Lappet-faced Vulture, the Yellow-breasted Apalis, the Chin-spot Batis, the Trilling Cisticola, the Green-wood-hoopoe and many others, just outside the strategically located restaurant. In the latter half of the day, we shall venture out once again in search of the Grey Tit-flycatcher, the African Pipit, the White-backed Vulture, and the African Scops-Owl in the twilit hours. A day filled with so much wonder and awe is sure to come to a swift close, just as it should be.
DAY 4 Bird watching on Lake Mburo and Transfer to Bwindi
Embark on an aquatic adventure as we glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Mburo, located within the lush confines of Uganda's smallest wildlife park. The lake, measuring a mere 10 km2, serves as a haven for African Fish-Eagles and African Finfoot, with schools of Hippopotamus often spotted in the vicinity.
As we scan the shoreline and riverine thickets, we'll keep our eyes peeled for a host of feathered friends, including the Black Crake, African Finfoot, White-backed Night-heron, African Fish-Eagle and Water Thick-knee,
Our weaver sightings will only expand, with a diverse range of weavers such as Spectacled, Slender-billed, Lesser-masked, and Holub's expected to make an appearance. With a little luck, we'll even catch a glimpse of the elusive Grey-capped Warbler along the edge of the lake.
After our aquatic adventure, we'll hit the road and begin our birding drive along the road to Ruhija located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Augur Buzzards are a common sight in these parts, and if we're lucky, we may even spot the Banded and Black-breasted Snake-eagle soaring overhead. A stop at the Papyrus swamps will bring us face to face with the Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Greater Swamp and White-winged Warblers.
As we venture further into the heart of the Albertine rift ranges, we'll ascend to higher altitudes, reaching at least 700 meters above sea level. This cooler clime is the perfect habitat for the region's beloved Mountain Gorillas and endemic bird species, including the African Stone-chat and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater. A day filled with feathered friends and aquatic adventures awaits.
DAY 5: Birding the Albertine forest And Optional Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Step into the heart of adventure as we delve into the lush Albertine forest, an ecological paradise that boasts an abundance of feathered wonders. As we begin our day with a filling breakfast, we'll make our way to the information office for a pre-trek briefing on how to respectfully interact with the magnificent Mountain Gorillas.
Get ready to embark on a journey unlike any other as you embark on a Mountain Gorilla trek, a physically demanding but emotionally rewarding experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual birdwatcher, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure will leave you in awe. As you gaze into the eyes of these gentle giants, you'll witness the playful interactions of their families, the beauty of their daily activities, and the intimacy of adult gorillas grooming and resting.
After an unforgettable gorilla trek, we'll take a leisurely walk through the community secondary forest in search of even more Albertine Rift endemics. This blissful birding excursion will offer glimpses of the Red-throated Alethe, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Northern Puff-back, Strange Weaver, White-browed Crombec, Banded Prinia, Doherty’s and Lagden’s Bush-shrikes, Black-faced and Rwenzori Apalises, Albertin Sooty Boubou, Gray Cuckoo-shrike, Luhder’s Bush-shrike, Black-tailed Oriole, Grauer’s Warbler, Olive Long-tailed and Barred Cuckoos and many more captivating creatures. So come along, stretch your legs, and add some incredible species to your list!
DAY 6 Birding Mubwindi
Let the hunt for the toughest endemics begin! We'll embark on an early morning hike to the renowned Mubwindi swamp, known for being the top birding spot in all of Africa, according to the African Bird Club. As we navigate the slopes of this mountainous terrain, we'll be on the lookout for a wide array of birds, from the White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher to the Narina Trogon and everything in between.
Our journey will lead us to the marsh, where we'll have the chance to spot some elusive species such as the Grauer's Broadbill and Grauer's Rush Warbler, as well as the Northern Black Flycatcher, Brown-capped Weaver, and more. Keeping our eyes peeled, we may even catch a glimpse of the mythical Grey-chested Illadopsis, and the Chestnut-throated Apalis and the restless White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, And who knows, we might even get lucky and spot the Black-fronted Duiker, a small forest-dwelling antelope, as it makes its way through the undergrowth.
DAY 7 Birding on Transfer from Ruhija to Buhoma.
As the sun rises on another adventure-filled day, we make our way to Buhoma, another breathtakingly beautiful area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Based on the success of our previous day's explorations, we may choose to tackle any remaining birds on our list, with Ruhija offering the best chances to spot the ever-elusive Handsome Francolin.
As we travel to the renowned "neck", we anticipate finding Cassin's Flycatcher and the graceful Mountain Wagtail as they flit about the streams, amongst the rocks.
At 1500masl, this region seamlessly blends low and high elevation wildlife, and is where the true magnificence of Greenbuls comes to life. From Plain to Little, Toro Olive, Gray, Ansorge's, Red-tailed, Shelley's, and Honeyguide Greenbuls, to the wondrous Little Green, Olive, Green, and Blue-throated Brown Sunbirds, and Collared and Northern Double-collared, this area is a bird lover's paradise. Also keep a lookout for the captivating Black Bee-eater, the dapper Yellow-throated and Speckled Tinkerbird, the elegant White-tailed Anti-thrush, the melodic Black-faced Rufous Warbler, the striking Grey-green and Many-colored Bush-shrikes, the charming Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, the graceful Dusky Blue Flycatchers, the radiant Splendid and Purple Starlings, the striking Buff-throated Apalis, the beautiful Bar-tailed Trogon, the regal African Black Duck, and the tiny yet mighty Little Grebe, amongst many others.
Day 8 Birding Watching on the Buhoma Main Trail
As the morning sun rises, we embark on our birding journey along the Buhoma main trail. This lush forest serves as a fusion of the low and highland avian world, providing a bounty of birds from both the Guinea-Congo and Albertine Rift montane regions.
Our initial stop is in the secondary forest, where the undergrowth is alive with the melodic melodies of Grey-winged, Blue-shouldered, Red-capped, and Snowy-crowned Robin-Chats, as well as Apalises in grey, black-throated, and buff-throated hues.
We will also encounter the graceful Nigritas, flitting from branch to branch, and the chirpy White-bellied Robin-Chat, Red-headed Malimbe and Cabanis’s Greenbul.
As we venture deeper into the primary forest, the light will provide a perfect backdrop to spot birds like the African Shrike-flycatcher, the elusive Kivu Ground-Thrush and African Broadbill. Mixed flocks of Red-tailed Greenbul, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Neumann’s Warbler, and Willard’s Sooty Boubou promise to add to our ever-growing list of avian sightings.
DAY 9 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Birding through the Ishasha sector
As we bid farewell to the breathtaking heights of the montane forests, we set our sights on the sprawling beauty of the Great East African Rift Valley. Our journey takes us to Ishasha, the southern frontier of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we immerse ourselves in a world of woodland and open country birds. On sunny days, the sky here is a bird-watcher's paradise, offering stunning views of soaring raptors like the Gabar Goshawk, Lappet-faced Vulture and White-headed, the nimble Rufous-breasted Sparrow-hawk and the elusive Banded Snake-Eagle.
The rolling landscapes of Ishasha sing with the sweet sounds of chirping Cisticolas like the Wing-snapping, Croaking and Stout varieties, flocks of White-winged Widowbirds, and the melodic calls of the White-headed Barbet, Pin-tailed Whydah, Broad-tailed Grassbird and Moustached Grass-Warbler, . You might even catch a glimpse of the Greater-painted Snipe, Malagasy Pond-Heron, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, and the plucky Scaly and Red-necked Francolins.
As the urge to see the big game begins to build, we have the chance to spot majestic African Bush Elephants, stealthy Leopards, and the King of the Jungle, the Lion, perched regally in the trees. This is the perfect ending to a breathtaking week of montane forest birding.
DAY 10 Uganda Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Over Queen Elizabeth National Park, a crystal-clear dawn may be an incredible sight. Birdwatchers and wildlife spectators both go to the park's Kasenyi side. Verreaux's Eagle-Owl and several species of larks, including the Rufous-napped, Red-capped, White-tailed, and Flappet, thrive in the region's broad grasslands and solitary thickets. One can easily bag one of these larks because of their reclusive nature. Soaring birds such as the Temminck's Courser, Wattled and Senegal Lapwings, the Yellow-throated Longclaw and Kittlitz's Plover, and may be seen over Kasenyi.
Meanwhile, the Black-chinned and Black-faced Quail-finches flying over the Kob lekking grounds are a sight to behold. And as we take in the scenery, we may keep an eye out for the lions that are known to frequent the Euphorbia Candelabrums, the dominant cactus species in this area of the park.
As the day winds down, we'll take to the tranquil waters of the Kazinga Channel for a leisurely afternoon boat ride. This 40 km waterway connects the vast lakes of Lake George and Lake Edward, and the wildlife activity on its banks is simply spectacular. We'll only cruise a short 4 km distance, but it will be an unforgettable experience.
Expect to see a veritable feast of feathered friends, such as the elegant African Spoonbill, the nimble African Skimmer, and the graceful Gull-billed and White-winged Terns. With the heat of the day receding, the shorebirds come out to play, and you might spot the hardworking Common, Marsh and Wood Sandpipers, the dainty Curlew Sandpipers, the shy Common Greenshank, and the ruffled Ruff and Little Stint. Keep an eye out for the energetic Three-banded Plover, the regal Black-tailed Godwit and the elusive Common Snipe.
The skies will be abuzz with activity too. You might see the powerful Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, the towering Yellow-billed, the sleek Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Woolly-necked and Marabou Storks, and the iridescent Red-throated Bee-eaters. Don't miss the chance to see four types of gulls, including the lesser Black-backed, Slender-billed, Heuglin's, and Grey-hooded Gull. And if you're feeling adventurous, a short evening drive might lead you to the elusive Square-tailed and Black-shouldered Nightjars.
DAY 11 Transfer to Kibale National Park for birding and Primates
As we bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park, our journey continues as we glide through the scenic Mountains of the Moon, keeping a keen eye out for the flitting Black-headed Batis and the Black-crowned Tchagra that call this region home.
We then make our way to the lush and vibrant Bigodi Sanctuary Wetland, an oasis where nature and community thrive. Guided by a local expert, we'll delve into the lush papyrus and explore the diverse array of birds that call this haven home. From the elusive White-spotted Flufftail to the colorful Blue-throated Roller, we'll marvel at the many feathered wonders that flit and flutter in the sanctuary's rich tapestry of life.
But that's not all, the sanctuary is also a prime spot for observing primates. Keep your eyes peeled for the threatened Uganda Red Colobus and the playful antics of the Common Chimpanzee, as well as Mantled Guereza, the energetic Uganda Mangabey, Olive Baboon, the Blue Monkey, L'Hoest's Monkey. With so much to see and experience, Bigodi Sanctuary is a truly immersive adventure for nature lovers.
DAY 12 Birding in the Forest with Optional Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale National Park is quite stunning, the primate capital of the world where you will meet your closest relatives - the chimpanzees. With a diverse and lush tropical rainforest, the park is home to 13 species of primates, including the endangered Chimpanzees, with a whopping 1450 individuals residing in the area.
Begin your day with an early birding in Kibale searching for the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa's most challenging birds to spot. As you delve deeper into the forest, be on the lookout for a spectrum of fascinating feathered friends, such as the Crowned Eagle, the Yellow-browed Camaroptera and Thick-billed Honeyguide. Other avian highlights include the Western Black-headed Oriole, Blue-throated Roller, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, and the Lesser Honeyguide. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for the Western Nicator, Bronze-napped Pigeon, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, and the African Wood-owl, among many others.
DAY 13: A Winged Adventure in Semuliki National Park
We'll take flight and soar towards Fort Portal for a day of birding in Semuliki National Park. If our hunt for the mesmerizing Green-breasted Pitta was less than successful, we may opt for a return trip to the forest for another chance. The scenic drive through the forest is a bird-watcher's paradise, offering opportunities to spot Sooty Flycatcher, Masked Apalis, White-napped and Afep Pigeons, and even catch a glimpse of the graceful Blue-throated Roller.
DAY 14: A Feast for the Senses in Semuliki Forest
Wake up and brace yourself for a sensory feast in Semuliki Forest. As the easternmost extension of the Guinea-Congo forest biome, this forest is home to over 35 restricted-range species, making it an ornithologist's dream come true. Before we dive into the heart of the forest, we'll keep an eye out for breeding residents like the Southern Red and the Black Bishops, Piapiac crows, Whistling and Rattling Cisticolas, and Mosque Swallows.
Once we delve deeper into the lush greenery, we'll be on the hunt for the unique Piping, White-crested, and Black Dwarf Hornbills, the Red-billed Dwarf who calls the canopy home, and the towering Black Casqued Hornbills. Other sought-after species include the Banded Bristlebill, Black-bellied Seed-cracker, Crested Malimbe, Dusky-crested Flycatcher, Forest Robin Grant's and Red-headed Bluebills, Hartlaub's Duck, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, African Paradise Flycatchers, African Piculet African Dwarf Kingfisher, Red-tailed Ant-thrush, Xavier's Greenbul, Yellow-lored Bristlebill, Yellow-throated Nicator among others.
DAY 15: Birding on the way to Masindi.
From Fort Portal, our journey to Masindi will take seven hours, making it the longest day of driving. We may go to the wetlands at Fort Portal in search of the Northern Masked Weaver, Highland Rush Warbler, White-collared Oliveback, and more, depending on which species we have yet to see.
We plan on stopping at rest areas to stretch our legs, grab some food, and perhaps sight some new birds along the road, such as the Yellow-shouldered and Red-collared Widowbird, Brown Twinspot, Red-backed and Brown-backed Scrub-Robin.
Day 16: Birding The Royal Mile Of Budongo Forest
We're going on a royal birding adventure today in the most famous part of Budongo Forest, known as The Royal Mile. This famous road has the name of the mythical King Kabalega and is a haven for birdwatchers from all over the world. This route is ideal for a fantastic birding experience because of its thick canopy overhead and well-manicured sides, which open up to seven metres of undergrowth.
The African and Black-bellied Firefinches, Grey-headed Oliveback, Compact Weaver, Wahlberg's Eagle, and White-thighed Hornbill, the last species of hornbill we'll see on our trip, are just some of the birds whose hypnotic songs we'll hear as we leave the truck and explore the forest's margins.
If we venture deeper into the forest, we may see the African Dwarf, the Shining Blue and the Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, the Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, the Ituri Batis, the Rufus-crowned Eremomela, the Cassin's Honeyguide, the Forest Flycatcher, the Nahan's Francolin, the Pale-breasted Illadopsis, the Jameson's Wattle-eye, the Fire-crested Alethe, the Spot
Day 17: Take a ride to Murchison Falls National Park while birding
Experience a veritable ornithological spectacle as we go across the verdant landscapes of Uganda's largest national park. As we make our way from Masindi town towards the escarpment's thickets, we'll be on the lookout for the brilliant Purple Starling. The Northern Red Bishop, the Beautiful Sunbird, and the brilliant Violet-backed Starling are just a few of the many bird species that make their home in these lush landscapes.
We'll be travelling into the park's core, where you may hear the sweet songs of birds like the Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Dusky Babbler, and Black-faced Waxbill. We'll pause to look for the rare Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, the dazzling Red-throated Bee-eater, and the stealthy Cut-throat, all while keeping an eye out for the stately Dark-chanting Goshawk.
At the peak of Murchison Falls, the world's longest river plunges forty feet straight down into a crevice only eight feet wide. This breathtaking display is a must-see on any trip to these parts of the nation.
Day 18: A trip through the Savannah and a river expedition in Murchison Falls National Park
As we set off on our journey into Uganda's largest national park, we can look forward to seeing some of the region's most stunning birds and creatures in their natural habitat: the wide savannah. With the powerful Nile running nearby, we will be on the watch for the rare Denham's Bustard, the stately African Lion, the beautiful Nubian (previously Rothschild) Giraffe, and the critically endangered White-headed Vulture.
We'll take a break from the heat of the day with lunch on the Nile, then cruise downstream for three hours to see the base of Murchison Falls. The Victoria Nile will provide us with a melody of Giant Kingfisher and White-crested Turaco sounds, and if we're lucky, we could even catch a glimpse of a Rock Pratincole as we cruise along.
Day 19 : A Riverine Odyssey on the Nile and a Sunset Birding Safari.
This morning, we'll get on a boat and sail down the Victoria Nile into Lake Albert to get to the delta. We'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the riverine forest and the huge Nile crocodiles, as well as groups of hippos and the beautiful Grey-headed Kingfisher. With a little work, we might be able to see the White-backed and Black-crowned Night-Heron, the Pel's Fishing-owl, and the beautiful Saddle-billed Stork.
After a nice lunch and nap, we'll get back on the road for a drive through the park's vast savannah grasslands in the late afternoon or evening. As the sun goes down, the Kobs and other animals will cast long shadows on the Albert Nile. The Cattle Egrets will fly back to their nests, and the golden light will shine on the blue mountains in the distance, making for a truly stunning scene.
We'll take you on a beautiful drive through the woods in the evening so you can get away from it all. Immerse yourself in a peaceful world full of nighttime creatures and a sky so clear that only the stars and moon can be seen. This is a risky adventure that lets you live like your favourite wild animal. It's also a favourite of our guides at Avian Safaris. As we travel through the countryside, we'll be looking for some of nature's most elusive creatures, like the Swamp, Long-tailed, Slender-tailed, Square-tailed, Plain, Standard-winged, Pennant-winged, and European Nightjars, as well as the beautiful Grayish Eagle-owl. We might also see some animals that are only active at night, like the Marsh and White-tailed Mongoose, the Bunyoro Grass Rabbit, the Blotched Genet, the Leopard, the Fat Mice, the Slender Gerbils, and the elusive Spotted Hyena.
Day 20: Birding To Entebbe To End the 20 Day Uganda Birding safari
This day marks the end of a trip through the wild that will never be forgotten. But before we leave Entebbe, we'll make the most of the drive and look for a few more birds. Keep an eye out for the melodious Brown-backed Woodpecker, the White Helmet-shrike, the striking Black and Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, the Bat-hawk, the Yellow-billed Shrike, the Orange-winged and bright Red-winged Pytilias, the majestic Beaudouin's, Brown Snake, and Short-toed Eagles, the graceful Abdim's Stork, the Green-backed Eremommela, the A final goodbye to the wild, a salute to nature's beauty, and a promise to come back.