Uganda is justifiably famous as the home of the bizarre Shoebill, a bird whose strikingly primitive appearance is only accentuated by its immense bill. Uganda also supports over half of the world's remaining Mountain Gorillas. Our jam-packed itinerary provides us with the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with both of these near mythical creatures. Additionally, our route should assure us between five and six hundred species of birds and a wealth of other wildlife ranging from African Lions, to Giant Forest Hogs, to an evening sky flooded with a million giant fruit bats in this, one of Africa's most biologically diverse nations. Our safari begins with an evening arrival at sleepy Entebbe and transfer to our nearby hotel. First light typically finds a variety of weavers hopping on the lawns, Marabou Storks, Hooded Vultures, and Hamerkops observing us from the roof tops, and the resident African Hobbies industriously pursuing breakfast. After our own breakfast, we’ll head for Masindi, with the chance of picking up such great birds as Saddle-billed Stork, African Hawk-Eagle, dazzling Abyssinian Roller, and White-headed Barbet. The next day we visit the rainforests of the world-famous Royal Mile, one of Africa's premier birding sites. Highlights may include all three forest kingfishers: Dwarf, Chocolate-backed, and Blue-breasted, as well as Narina Trogon, and a host of other colorful birds. Vast Murchison Falls National Park, which straddles the mighty Victoria Nile, is our next destination. Based in a tranquil lodge overlooking the river, we boat to the Lake Albert Delta, perhaps the world’s most renowned location for Shoebill. Aside from “Whaleheads,” as the locals call them, hundreds of other waterbirds line the banks, and the mammal parade may include African Buffalo and African Elephant. Night drives in the park can produce Standard-winged Nightjars, undoubtedly one of the world's most extraordinarily-apparelled birds. Of course we will visit the mighty Falls themselves, where the Nile is channeled through a ten meter gap that creates the strongest surge of water on the planet. Here we should see Rock Pratincoles wheeling in the spray, as well as possible Grasshopper Buzzards, enormous Stanley Bustards, stolid Abyssinian Ground-Hornbills, stunning White-crested Turacos, and radiant Northern Carmine Bee-eaters. Heading south, we re-enter the forest zone again at Budongo, where we hope to find the magnificent Crowned Hawk-Eagle en route to the Kibale Forest. Chimpanzees, mankind’s closest living relative, are only one of nine species of primates which inhabit this reserve. Birding highlights may include shimmering Black Bee-eater, Shining-Blue Kingfisher, Blue-throated Roller, bizarre Yellow-billed Barbet, and gorgeous Red-headed Bluebill. Night drives may yield three species of Galagos—or “Bushbabies.” In Queen Elizabeth National Park the Giant Forest Hog, largest and undeniably the ugliest pig on the planet, is a strong possibility, as are large aggregations of Elephant and Hippopotamus during our boat ride on the Kazinga Channel. Here, too, are regal African Lions famous for their ability to actually climb trees. More impressive, however, are the Mountain Gorillas of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Approximately 600 Mountain Gorillas have survived into the 21st century, one for each ten million humans, and we are certainly privileged to be amongst those few who have a first hand opportunity to experience these gentle giants. Although it often requires an arduous trek, observing a family of Mountain Gorillas feeding, interacting, and just loafing is undoubtedly one of Africa’s peak wildlife experiences. Birding at Bwindi is also nothing short of spectacular. Among the wide selection of Albertine Rift endemics are Handsome Francolin, Archer's Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, and both Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds. Other exciting forest birds include Bat Hawk, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Red-chested Owlet. Incredibly rare, green, blue and cinnamon Grauer's Broadbill is known from only two sites in Congo and from this single location in the Impenetrable Forest. Evenings we relax at one of the most luxurious tented camps on the continent. All too soon it will be time to begin our return to tranquil Entebbe. Leaving Bwindi we’ll transit to Lake Mburo National Park, a superb wetland and plains wildlife sanctuary, and conclude our safari with the Mabira Forest, where we have an excellent chance for both White-spotted Flufftail and Great Blue Turaco.