Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Pick up from Entebbe for Shoebill before transfer to Masindi
Pick up from Entebbe for Shoebill before transfer to Masindi
Arrival in Entebbe, Shoebill Search & Rhino Transfer to Masindi
Morning: Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you'll be picked up by your guide. Your first adventure begins immediately with a visit to a renowned shoebill site near Entebbe, Mabamba Swamp. This vast wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria is famous for its population of the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork. You'll typically take a canoe ride through the papyrus swamps with a local guide, increasing your chances of a sighting.
Afternoon: After the shoebill search, You'll continue your drive to Masindi, a town located near Budongo Forest.
- Main Destination:
- Mabamba Swamp
- Accommodation:
-
Murchison Backpackers
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Budongo Forest Birding - The Royal Mile Trail, Evening Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Budongo Forest Birding - The Royal Mile Trail, Evening Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, you'll head into Budongo Forest for a dedicated birding session along the famous Royal Mile trail. This trail is renowned as one of Uganda's premier birding spots, boasting over 360 bird species, including numerous West or Central African birds and some Albertine Rift endemics. Birds like Western Black-headed Oriole, Yellow-spotted and Yellow-billed Barbets, Jameson's Wattle-eye, Nahan's Francolin, Cassin's Spinetail, Fire-crested Alethe, and Blue-throated Roller. The Royal Mile is also a beautiful forest for nature walks, you might encounter primates like chimpanzees (though dedicated chimpanzee trekking is usually a separate activity
After a rewarding birding, you'll transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive will take you through diverse landscapes. You'll likely arrive at your lodge within the park.
Evening: You'll settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner, preparing for your adventures in Murchison Falls Park.
- Main Destination:
- Royal Mile (Budongo Forest)
- Accommodation:
- Red Chilli Rest Camp
Wildlife in Budongo Forest
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Trip to the Bottom of the Falls, Later Drive to Top of Falls
Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Trip to the Bottom of the Falls, Later Drive to Top of Falls
You'll start your day with an early game drive in the park. The park's savannah plains are home to a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, leopards, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, oribi, and others.
After lunch, you'll embark on a boat trip to the bottom of the Falls on the Nile River. A 2-3 hour cruise is a highlight of any Murchison Falls safari. You'll witness incredible concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles, observe elephants, buffalo, and various antelopes along the riverbanks, and enjoy birding opportunities. The boat gets close to the base of the falls, providing views and the thundering roar of the world's most powerful waterfall.
After the boat trip, you'll drive up to the top of the Falls. Here, you walk along the path that takes you to different viewpoints, offering magnificent panoramic vistas of the Nile, forcing its way through a narrow gorge and plunging 43 meters down. It's a truly spectacular sight and a great photo opportunity.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Red Chilli Rest Camp
Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Transfer to the Edge of Kibale Chimpanzee Forest National Park, Nature Walk at Bigodi Swamp
Transfer to the Edge of Kibale Chimpanzee Forest National Park, Nature Walk at Bigodi Swamp
Morning: You'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your journey southwest towards Kibale Chimpanzee Forest National Park. This is a scenic drive, passing through rural landscapes, tea plantations, and potentially offering views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Afternoon: Upon arrival at the edge of Kibale, you'll check into your accommodation. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a nature walk at Bigodi Swamp Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run initiative is a fantastic birding and primate viewing spot. Guided walks through the lush vegetation and along boardwalks offer chances to see over 200 bird species, including the Papyrus Gonolek, Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and various kingfishers. You'll also likely encounter several primate species like Red Colobus, Black-and-white Colobus, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Olive Baboons.
Evening: You'll return to your lodge near Kibale National Park for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Main Destination:
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (Kibale NP)
- Accommodation:
- Little Monkey Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Search for Green-breasted Pitta, Transfer to QENP and Game Drive, Afternoon Boat at Kazinga
Search for Green-breasted Pitta, Transfer to QENP and Game Drive, Afternoon Boat at Kazinga
You'll have the option to search for the elusive Green-breasted Pitta in Kibale National Park. This is a highly sought-after bird and requires an early start and a dedicated search with an expert guide.
Morning/Mid-day: Regardless of the Pitta search, you'll then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), another of Uganda's most biodiverse parks. The journey is relatively short and scenic.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in QENP, you'll immediately head out for a game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests.
Late Afternoon: You'll enjoy a boat cruise past large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and observe numerous bird species (over 600 recorded in the park, many along the channel). This is an excellent opportunity for close-up views of waterbirds like African Skimmer, various kingfishers, pelicans, and storks.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
-
The Bush Lodge (Tent)
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Lake Mburo National Park for Evening Birding
Lake Mburo National Park for Evening Birding
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for evening birding.
Afternoon/Evening: Lake Mburo is Uganda's smallest savannah national park but offers unique wildlife and fantastic birding, particularly for acacia-associated species, for species like the African Finfoot, red-faced barbet, Papyrus Gonolek, and various raptors.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- Eagle's Nest Camp
Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Morning Birding and afternoon departure
Morning Birding and afternoon departure
Morning: You'll enjoy an early morning birding walk or a final game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, taking advantage of the active morning hours.
Day: Begin your drive back to Entebbe (approximately 4-5 hours).
Late Afternoon/Evening: You'll arrive in Entebbe, where you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure flight or at a hotel if you have an onward connection the next day.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
