$4,325 to $4,435 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Murchison Falls NP
Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Murchison Falls NP
The safari begins early with a guided canoe excursion through the papyrus channels of Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most important wetland birding sites. This area is internationally renowned for its high success rate in locating the Shoebill, alongside other papyrus specialists such as Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Jacana, and Malachite Kingfisher. After completing the wetland birding experience, you begin a scenic overland journey northwards to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive offers opportunities for roadside birding through farmland, woodland, and river crossings, gradually transitioning into savannah habitats. Arrival in the park is scheduled for late afternoon, allowing time to settle in and enjoy the wilderness setting.
- Main Destination:
- Mabamba Swamp
- Accommodation:
-
The Elephant Oasis at Murchison
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Murchison falls National Park- Savanna and Nile Birding
Murchison falls National Park- Savanna and Nile Birding
This day focuses on the diverse habitats of Murchison Falls National Park’s north bank. An early morning birding game drive explores open savannah, Borassus palm woodland, and seasonal wetlands, targeting species such as Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Secretary Bird, and an impressive variety of raptors. The afternoon is dedicated to a boat safari along the Victoria Nile towards the base of the falls, one of the finest birding experiences in Uganda. The slow-paced cruise allows close observation of riverine species including Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, African Skimmer, Rock Pratincole, and numerous kingfishers, all set against dramatic river scenery.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- The Elephant Oasis at Murchison
Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Nile Delta & Transfer to Kibale Forest Area
Nile Delta & Transfer to Kibale Forest Area
An early departure takes you downstream to the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert, creating a mosaic of open water, papyrus swamps, and floodplains. This is one of Uganda’s most productive birding zones and a prime location for Shoebill sightings within the park. Other highlights include African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, Marsh Tchagra, Swamp Flycatcher, and various migratory waders depending on season. The open landscape also supports fish eagles and other water-dependent raptors. After brunch, drive south via the Albertine Rift escarpment to Kibale Forest region, with scenic stops and roadside birding.
Overnight in Kibale Forest.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Wetland
Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Wetland
Kibale Forest National Park is one of Uganda’s richest forest birding destinations, hosting over 370 recorded species. Morning birding is conducted along established forest trails, targeting interior forest specialists such as Green-breasted Pitta (seasonal), African Pitta (seasonal), Black-capped Apalis, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grey-headed Oliveback, and multiple species of greenbuls and barbets. The dense canopy and mixed forest structure provide rewarding acoustic birding experiences. In the afternoon, a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary introduces papyrus and forest-edge species, including Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, and a variety of kingfishers, offering an excellent complement to the morning’s forest birding.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a relaxed morning of forest-edge birding around Kibale, the safari continues south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes crater lakes, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes, all of which support a different suite of bird species. Afternoon birding focuses on crater lake rims and open plains, where species such as Yellow-throated Longclaw, African Wattled Lapwing, Martial Eagle, and various cisticolas are commonly encountered. The park’s wide habitat diversity makes it one of Uganda’s most species-rich areas, and the day concludes with evening bird activity around the lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
- Elephant Hab Lodge
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Queen Elizabeth NP & Kazinga Channel
Queen Elizabeth NP & Kazinga Channel
An early morning birding drive across the Kasenyi plains targets savannah and raptor species, including Brown Snake Eagle, Bateleur, Lappet-faced Vulture, and flocks of queleas and bishops. The afternoon is devoted to a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This channel is widely regarded as one of Africa’s best birding waterways, supporting African Skimmer, Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, African Spoonbill, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, and large concentrations of herons and storks at close range.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
- Elephant Hab Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The morning is spent birding through the remote Ishasha sector, a less-visited area known for its riverine habitats and fig tree-dotted savannah. While famous for tree-climbing lions, Ishasha also offers excellent birding, with chances of Black Bee-eater, African Skimmer along the Ishasha River, and numerous raptors. After the game drive, the journey continues south into the highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The transition from open savannah to dense montane forest is striking, marking entry into one of Africa’s most ancient and biodiverse ecosystems.
- Main Destination:
- Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP)
- Accommodation:
- Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is a premier birding destination within the Albertine Rift, home to over 350 bird species, including numerous regional endemics. A full day is dedicated to guided forest birding along steep, misty trails, focusing on key target species such as African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Archer’s Robin-Chat. The forest’s complex structure supports a rich mix of mixed-species flocks, making patience and expert guiding essential. This is one of the most rewarding and challenging birding experiences in Uganda.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Mahogany Springs Lodge
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart the montane forests of Bwindi and begin the scenic drive eastwards to Lake Mburo National Park, passing through rolling highlands, rural farmlands, and acacia-dotted plains. Upon entering the park, the journey transitions into a slow-paced birding game drive, allowing time to explore Lake Mburo’s distinctive savannah and wetland habitats. This park supports a unique bird assemblage not found in other Ugandan parks, including Red-faced Barbet, Brown-chested Lapwing, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green-capped Eremomela, and several acacia specialists. The open terrain also favors raptors and ground-dwelling species, offering excellent visibility and photography opportunities. The day concludes with arrival at Rwakobo Rock Lodge, dramatically set atop a granite outcrop, where evening bird activity around the lodge adds further sightings.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Lake Mburo Nature Walk & Transfer to Entebbe via the Equator
Lake Mburo Nature Walk & Transfer to Entebbe via the Equator
The final day begins with a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park, one of the few parks in Uganda where walking safaris are permitted. Accompanied by an armed ranger and birding guide, you explore acacia woodland, grassy plains, and wetland fringes on foot, enabling close observation of birdlife and finer ecological details often missed from a vehicle. Species commonly encountered include Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Yellow-throated Longclaw, African Wattled Lapwing, and various sunbirds and weavers. After the walk, depart the park and drive to Entebbe, with a planned stop at the Equator for photographs and a relaxed lunch break. Arrival in Entebbe is scheduled for late afternoon or evening, in time for international departure, marking the conclusion of an immersive and expertly guided Uganda birding safari.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
