$6,103 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Birding Mabamba Wetland & Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Birding Mabamba Wetland & Entebbe Botanical Gardens
After an early breakfast, set out to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria’s shores, home to Uganda’s most iconic bird—the elusive Shoebill Stork. Glide through papyrus channels in a dugout canoe while spotting water-associated species like the Lesser Jacana, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, and Squacco Heron.
Later, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a haven for both forest and lakeside species. Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of Yellow-billed Duck, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, African Paradise Flycatcher, and Malachite Kingfisher.
- Main Destination:
- Mabamba Swamp
- Accommodation:
- Protea Hotel Entebbe
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Kasenge Forest & Mabira Forest (Griffins Falls Trail)
Kasenge Forest & Mabira Forest (Griffins Falls Trail)
Depart Kampala and head east to Kasenge Forest, a serene habitat home to the African Grey Parrot, Slender-billed Greenbul, and Great Blue Turaco.
Continue to Mabira Forest and explore the Griffins Falls trail, a rich corridor where species like the Nahan’s Francolin, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, and Jameson’s Wattle-eye await.
- Main Destination:
- Mabira Forest Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Griffin Falls Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Full-Day Birding in Mabira Forest
Full-Day Birding in Mabira Forest
Immerse yourself in the vast trails of Mabira Forest on a full-day birding adventure. Look out for the Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, African Pied Hornbill, Green-tailed Bristlebill, and Toro Olive Greenbul. The forest’s rich canopy and undergrowth offer a high diversity of both resident and migratory birds.
- Main Destination:
- Mabira Forest Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Cassia Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Transfer to Kibale Forest + Bigodi Wetland Walk
Transfer to Kibale Forest + Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, journey westward to Kibale Forest National Park. In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a prime birding hotspot. Capture glimpses of the Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, and Black-crowned Waxbill.
- Main Destination:
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (Kibale NP)
- Accommodation:
- Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Kibale Birding & Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale Birding & Chimpanzee Tracking
Start your day early in search of the Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa’s most sought-after forest species. Kibale is home to over 370 bird species including four national park endemics.
In the afternoon, embark on a chimpanzee tracking experience, encountering our closest relatives in their natural habitat. The trek also offers sightings of canopy dwellers like Blue-headed Bee-eater and Masked Apalis.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
-
Kibale Forest Camp (Camping)
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Transfer to Semuliki + Evening Forest Birding
Transfer to Semuliki + Evening Forest Birding
Today, we journey down to the lowland forests of Semuliki National Park, a unique extension of the Congo Basin and one of Uganda’s richest birding destinations. Upon arrival, we’ll head out for a relaxed evening birding walk, where we’ll keep an eye out for some of the park’s rare and sought-after species, including the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Congo Serpent Eagle, and the elusive Nkulengu Rail.
- Main Destination:
- Semuliki National Park
- Accommodation:
- Semliki Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Full-Day Birding Along Kirumia Trail
Full-Day Birding Along Kirumia Trail
Spend a full day on the Kirumia Trail, a 13km forest path offering access to some of Semuliki’s rarest birdlife. Target species include the Red-throated Alethe, White-tailed Robin-Chat, Grant’s Bluebill, and Long-tailed Hawk. This trail is one of the few places to see birds otherwise limited to Central Africa.
- Main Destination:
- Semuliki National Park
- Accommodation:
- Semliki Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Birding the Red-Tailed Monkey Trail
Birding the Red-Tailed Monkey Trail
Get out along the Red-tailed Monkey Trail, an 11-kilometer circuit tracing the eastern edge of Semuliki National Park. This trail winds through pristine lowland rainforest, offering an immersive experience for both nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. As you navigate the shaded paths and occasional clearings, keep your eyes and ears alert for some of the park’s forest gems. You may be lucky enough to spot the impressive Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill calling from the treetops, the tiny and brilliantly colored African Dwarf Kingfisher darting between branches, or the secretive Brown-chested Alethe moving quietly along the forest floor. Each step along the trail brings a new encounter, making it one of the most rewarding birding experiences in the Congo Basin of Uganda.
- Main Destination:
- Semuliki National Park
- Accommodation:
- Semliki Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park + Evening Birding
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park + Evening Birding
Drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park, taking in the changing landscapes along the way. The journey offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with chances to spot a variety of species in their natural habitats as you traverse rivers, woodland, and open savannah. Upon arrival at the park, settle in before heading out on an evening game drive. Focus on the park’s rich savannah wildlife, keeping an eye out for notable birds such as the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, the striking Black-headed Lapwing, and the elusive Denham’s Bustard, all of which are highlights of this region. The combination of a scenic drive, diverse birdlife, and the anticipation of the park’s larger mammals makes for an unforgettable introduction to Murchison Falls.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Savannah Birding + Boat Cruise to the Falls
Savannah Birding + Boat Cruise to the Falls
Begin the day with a game drive focused on open-country and riverine species. Look out for Silver Bird, Swamp Flycatcher, and Goliath Heron. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, with a chance to photograph the majestic Shoebill and other aquatic birds.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Birding the Royal Mile (Budongo Forest)
Birding the Royal Mile (Budongo Forest)
Transfer to the legendary Royal Mile in Budongo Forest, a paradise for forest birders. Search for specialties like Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Sabine’s Spinetail, Piping Hornbill, and Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. Later, return to Masindi for overnight.
- Main Destination:
- Budongo Forest (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Budongo Eco Lodge
Wildlife in Budongo Forest
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Return to Kampala via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Return to Kampala via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On your final day, drive back to Kampala. Make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, not only for a chance to see rhinos but also to spot birds like the White-crested Helmetshrike, White-crested Turaco, and Abyssinian Ground Thrush.
- Main Destination:
- Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
