Exploring East Africa - Birding, Wildlife &
Photography Safaris

Just back from an incredible trip to Uganda, where we sought out birds, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Our guide, Johnny Kamugisha, was phenomenal, his knowledge of the region’s birdlife is unmatched, and he made sure we found nearly everything on our list (even if I was usually the last to spot them!). Driving was expertly handled by Agnes Joy Kamugisha, who navigated the rough roads with skill and comfort.

We had a fantastic 15 day birding holiday with Johnny, spotting around 385 species plus a memorable day with the Gorillas. His exceptional birding knowledge and incredible hearing ensured we saw as much as possible. Thank you for an unforgettable safari!

Our 15 day birding tour with Johnnie was delightful, we saw over 400 species, including 91 lifers! Johnnie’s birding skills are unmatched, spotting even the tiniest birds and often calling them in himself. The trip was well-organized, with wonderful lodges and excellent local food throughout, thanks to his thoughtful arrangements. A truly memorable safari experience!

I used Johnnie twice, for a 12 day birding trip in 2012 and for a primates and trip in 2017. Both trips were excellent. Johnnie is a super bird guide, and knows the mammals just as well. I’ve travelled widely and Uganda is the best place for both birds and primates. Accomodations were fine.

Johnnie organised a special tour for us to visit little-known birding destinations Semuliki, , Kidepo and Pian Upe, as well as taking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Budongo Forest along the way. Johnnie goes out of his way to make sure his guests get excellent birding as well as taking care of us regarding accommodation, food and other amenities. Johnnie is great company and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share on East African birding.

One of the best birders of Uganda and a very pleasant personality

I spent nearly two weeks with Johnnie as part of an arranged trip to Uganda. He is, simply put, one of the best if not *the* best birding guide in Uganda. The man just knows where to find birds and works hard to get you on them. I would not hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend Johnnie for anyone traveling to Uganda for nature tourism, and especially if you want to run up a big bird list.

Johnnie and Agnes are amazing! Our group focused on parrots and mammals across Uganda, and their passion for wildlife, conservation, and people was clear. Johnnie is a walking encyclopedia who even followed up after our tour to ensure we had the best gorilla trekking experience. Other guides admire them and have learned from Johnnie’s training sessions. Uganda is beautiful, and you’re in excellent hands with Johnnie and Agnes!

I had a good time in Uganda and enjoyed birding there very well. Johnnie is an excellent birder, unbeleivable how well he sees the birds and identifies them

We were a small group of parrot lovers on a 10 day journey across Uganda, hoping to see the endangered Congo African Grey Parrots. With Johnnie and Agnes of Johnnie Uganda Safaris, we traveled from Entebbe through Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale Forest, and Bugala Island. Their passion for wildlife, conservation, and Uganda made the trip truly special. We were lucky to spot some African Greys among the 60 bird species recorded. Uganda is stunning, its people are warm, and Johnnie has an incredible eye for birds. Highly recommended!

Sunneva and I are deeply grateful for your excellent guiding in Uganda, which gave us unforgettable experiences and wonderful company. We’d gladly return under your professional leadership. Our Kenya trip added up to 430 bird species, but the papyrus swamps and rainforests of Uganda with the shoebill and African green pitta—remain the most impressive. I’ll happily recommend you to my Scandinavian birding friends.

I came to Uganda to film endangered African Grey parrots and, though nervous about traveling, Johnnie and Agnes made it unforgettable. Johnnie Uganda Safaris is family-friendly, conservation focused, and trustworthy. From parrots to chimps, elephants, and gorillas, they’ll guide you safely into nature as it’s meant to be wild and free. I highly recommend supporting such eco-friendly, knowledgeable companies.

It was a wonderful 10 day birding and gorilla trip with Johnnie, who is not only the best in wildlife guiding but also in raising conservation awareness. The route and accommodations were great, with a note that the crested crane should be the Grey Crowned Crane. I wish Lake Mburo had more wildlife. Huge thanks to Johnnie and Agnes for making the trip a success!

WOW….a million times over! My expectations were beyond exceeded. I could not believe how many gorgeous creatures, leopards, chimpanzees, gorillas and birds included, we saw, and how pleasant in all respects the trip was. Johnnie is a dream guide – he knows everything and tries to learn more, he likes to share his knowledge. He is just a genius, in my opinion – just a master guide. I could go on safari everyday with him! Words cannot express how breathless the trip left me.

Thanks a million to Agnes Joy K of Birding in Paradise Safaris Ltd. You not only organised today’s trip to Mabamba Swamp but drove us there and back in good cheer. You and Judith were fantastic tour guides and your knowledge of east African birds helped us positively identify many exotic birds we’d never seen before. You saved the best til last as the boat ride to get up close to a shoebill was thrilling! A rare bird and a prized ‘tick’ to be treasured forever. Can’t wait to come on on safari with you again :)))))))))))))))))))

We enjoyed our first trip with Johnnie so much that we booked another just 4 months later. Communication was always quick, and his personal service outstanding—he ensured our comfort, handled details, and even assisted my husband throughout the trip. Johnnie stayed with us the entire 2.5 weeks across Uganda and Kenya, guiding with unmatched expertise. He even taught our Kenyan guide new birds! From gorilla and chimp treks to game drives, Nile cruises, and exploring Uganda’s parks, every moment was unforgettable. Johnnie’s passion and care made us fall in love with Uganda.

Birding in Paradise rocks!!!! Thanks for making my in country travel dreams become a reality – Last year, it was Queen Elizabeth N.P at Enganzi and this year it was the Kasenge resort beach for the camp activities and Griffins falls camps in Mabira for the ziplining.. be sure i will contact the company again and again cause you are reliable and very efficient. Keep up the great work Agnes J.K and Johnnie K

Excellent service. We were picked up from our hotel on time and trust me all our expectations were met. We got the best accommodation at Lake Mburo National Park, the experience in the Bush was great. Johhnie and Agnes are very friendly people and unique in character. I would recommend them

If I hade to rate all services I was provided by Johnny safari Uganda it would be 9 out of 10. Everything promised on the tour was provided and extra service with a roasted goat offered to Jonny by the locals. That was such a great time great friends great moments. I will do it again. Thanks Jonny, thanks Joan. Keep the fire burning.