$8,008 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Airport Pickup
Airport Pickup
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in Entebbe. As Uganda’s gateway, Entebbe provides an ideal starting point for your birding journey. Depending on your time of arrival, you may choose to relax or explore some of the nearby birding spots, such as the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, known for its abundance of bird species, including the Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill and the colorful Ross' Turaco.
After which you will head back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- Papyrus Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Birdwatching at Mabamba Swamp
Birdwatching at Mabamba Swamp
Early morning after your breakfast, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Mabamba swamp, an extensive marshland located on the edge of Lake Victoria. Well known for its Shoebill population, Mabamba is a must-visit for any birding enthusiast. Upon arrival, you’ll board a traditional canoe, expertly navigated by local guides who know the best spots for bird sightings. As you glide through the channels, the swamp comes alive with the sounds of countless bird species, including the Shoebill, Swamp Flycatcher, and Malachite Kingfisher. With its prehistoric appearance and distinctive bill, spotting the Shoebill is an unforgettable experience. Other notable birds include the African Pygmy Goose, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and Papyrus Gonolek. Spend the day immersed in this vibrant ecosystem, capturing incredible photographs and enjoying close encounters with some of Uganda’s rarest bird species.
- Main Destination:
- Mabamba Swamp
- Accommodation:
- Papyrus Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
After your breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and journey southwest to Lake Mburo National Park, a compact gem well known for its biodiversity and birding opportunities. This drive will take approximately 5 hours. En route, keep your binoculars ready, as you may spot various birds on the drive.
Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge, have lunch after which embark on a game drive that introduces you to the park’s open savannah, lakes, and acacia woodland. Key bird species to watch for include the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Black-bellied Bustard, and White-winged Warbler. Marvel at the interactions between the birds and other wildlife, including zebra and impala, as they coexist within this beautiful landscape.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Birding at Lake Mburo National Park
Birding at Lake Mburo National Park
Dedicate your day to exploring this park’s incredible birdlife, particularly in the wetland areas and woodland habitats.
You will begin your day with a guided nature walk, where you’ll explore birding trails on foot, providing a closer look at the park’s diverse avian population.
As you traverse the park’s landscapes, you’ll encounter unique bird species like the African Finfoot, a rare sight, and the Grey Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird. The park’s woodlands are also home to the Brown-chested Lapwing, Crested Barbet, and the Red-faced Barbet, the latter being endemic to East Africa. Your expert guide will provide fascinating information about the birds’ behaviors and ecology, making this a richly informative experience. Capture memorable moments as you observe the park’s resident and migratory birds in their natural environment.
After lunch, you will go for a boat cruise and experience more birding from this end.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After your breakfast, you will set off on a scenic drive towards Lake Bunyonyi, the second-deepest lake in Africa, known for its beauty and tranquility. Along the way, stop for birdwatching opportunities in the countryside, with your guide pointing out notable sightings. Upon reaching Lake Bunyonyi, you will have lunch after which embark on an afternoon birding session around the lake. The calm waters and surrounding hills provide a perfect habitat for species such as the White-tailed Blue Monard, African Harrier Hawk, and Slender-billed Weaver. As the sun begins to set, take a boat cruise, allowing for a peaceful and picturesque end to your day while observing water birds like Pied Kingfishers and Little Grebes against the colorful evening sky.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Accommodation:
- Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the richest forest in East Africa in relation to its trees, butterflies, and birds. It is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. The bird list for the park currently totals 347 species. The forest has 10 of the 26 globally threatened species in Uganda, five of which are vulnerable, and boasts 24 of Uganda’s 25 Albertine Rift endemics.
In Ruhija the birds we hope to sight include the; Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Collared Apalis, White-starred Robin, Banded Prinia, Strange Weaver, Mountain Greenbul, Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Blue-headed Sunbirds, Abyssinian, Crimsonwing, Black-headed Waxbill, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Sharpe’s Starling
You will have stopovers at Echuya Forest for good birding opportunities and possible sightings of Albertine Rift endemics.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
-
Bakiga Lodge
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Birding in Mubwindi Swamp
Birding in Mubwindi Swamp
Embark on a guided birding excursion to Mubwindi Swamp, a renowned birding location within Bwindi. The swamp’s unique habitat attracts many Albertine Rift endemics, including the sought-after Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Handsome Francolin, and the Archer's Robin-chat. With patience and a keen eye, you may also spot the African Green Broadbill, one of Africa’s rarest birds.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Bakiga Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Transfer to Ishasha Sector
Transfer to Ishasha Sector
Journey to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its population of tree-climbing lions. While on a game drive, keep your eyes peeled for these unusual felines resting in the branches of fig trees. Beyond the lions, Ishasha offers fantastic birding opportunities, with species like the African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, and Martial Eagle often spotted. The evening will be dedicated to birdwatching, as the park’s varied habitats attract numerous bird species, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife in this area.
- Main Destination:
- Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP)
- Accommodation:
- Embogo Lodges
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today’s adventure begins in the Kasenyi Plains, a birding hotspot within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The grasslands here are home to raptors such as the Bateleur and the Grey Kestrel, while the nearby salt lakes attract thousands of Lesser Flamingos. In the afternoon, after your lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its dense bird population, with sightings of the African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, and Fish Eagle. This cruise offers a perfect balance of birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with frequent encounters with hippos, elephants, and buffalo along the shore.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
- The Bush Lodge (Banda)
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Birding in Queen Elizabeth and Transfer to Kibale National Park
Birding in Queen Elizabeth and Transfer to Kibale National Park
You will start your morning with a final birding session in the lush landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, focusing on the forested areas where you may spot rarities such as the Black Bee-eater, African Finfoot, and Red-chested Owlet. The rich diversity of habitats in Queen Elizabeth continues to delight birders with sightings of species like the Broad-billed Roller, White-browed Robin-chat, and the elusive Black-rumped Buttonquail.
After a rewarding morning, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, a globally renowned primate sanctuary.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Turaco Treetops Lodge
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Birding in Kibale
Birding in Kibale
Embark on an afternoon birding adventure in Bigodi Swamp, a community-run conservation area that offers an outstanding array of bird species. Bigodi’s wetlands are known for sightings of the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, and the Yellow-billed Barbet. The swamp walk allows for close encounters with these species, along with occasional sightings of monkeys and other small wildlife. Bigodi’s blend of forest and wetland creates a unique experience and further enriches your birding journey.
- Main Destination:
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (Kibale NP)
- Accommodation:
- Turaco Treetops Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Today’s journey takes you from Kibale Forest to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife and birding destinations.
This drive will take approximately 5 hours. You will enjoy birdwatching stops along the way as you travel through the beautiful Ugandan countryside, where you may spot species such as the White-thighed Hornbill, White-headed Saw-wing, and several raptors in the open woodlands. You will have your lunch along the way.
Upon arrival in Murchison Falls National Park, take a hike to the top of the falls, where the Nile River bursts through a narrow gorge and plunges down in a spectacular display of power. The surroundings are ideal for birdwatching, with opportunities to see Rock Pratincoles, Goliath Herons, and Red-throated Bee-eaters nesting on the cliffs. The falls’ breathtaking views and unique birding opportunities make for a memorable afternoon in this remarkable park.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Bamboo Village Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Safrai Game Drive and Boat ride
Safrai Game Drive and Boat ride
Prepare for an action-packed day in Murchison Falls National Park, beginning with a morning game drive on the Buligi Peninsula. The park’s varied landscapes support a wide range of bird species, from the White-crested Turaco to the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, while the game drives offer chances to spot elephants, giraffes, and buffalo.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River, where you’ll enjoy close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, including the African Fish Eagle. The Nile River cruise allows for a relaxed yet immersive birding experience in a truly iconic African landscape.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Bamboo Village Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Morning Game Drive and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Morning Game Drive and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Start your day with a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll enjoy final sightings of the park’s wildlife and bird species. Later, depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is not only home to the endangered white rhino but also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with over 300 species recorded. Key birds include the African Crowned Eagle and African Grey Parrot.
After an enriching day of wildlife and birding, return to the lodge, where you will enjoy your dinner and overnight stay.
- Main Destination:
- Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
- Accommodation:
- Amuka Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 15
Departure
Departure
Today marks the end of your unforgettable 15-day birding safari in Uganda. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Entebbe Airport, with opportunities for last-minute bird sightings along the way. Your guide will ensure you arrive in good time for your departure flight, bidding you farewell as you head home with incredible memories, stunning photographs, and a deeper appreciation for Uganda’s rich avian diversity.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
