$5,803 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by a representative who will assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel. You'll be driven through the scenic roads of Entebbe, where you can catch glimpses of Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake. Once at your hotel, take time to relax and unwind from your journey. You can explore the hotel amenities, refresh in your room, or enjoy a meal as you prepare for the exciting days ahead. This moment allows you to settle in and rejuvenate after your long journey.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2-3
Entebbe and Lake Victoria
Entebbe and Lake Victoria
You’ll begin your day by exploring the lush Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a serene haven with diverse plant species, towering trees, and a variety of birdlife. Take a peaceful stroll along the lakeshore, where the tranquility of Lake Victoria provides a perfect backdrop for birdwatching and photography.
Next, you’ll visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) to encounter rescued indigenous birds and animals.
Later, you’ll embark on a memorable boat trip on Lake Victoria (optional at additional cost), with opportunities for birding at Ngamba Island, home to a sanctuary of orphaned chimpanzees, and a chance to spot a range of waterbirds along the way.
In the afternoon, continue to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most famous birding sites, where you’ll go shoebill tracking by canoe through the papyrus wetlands. This unique experience offers close-up sightings of the elusive shoebill stork and other wetland species.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Birding in Mabira Forest reserve
Birding in Mabira Forest reserve
Explore the rich biodiversity of Mabira Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s most important tropical rainforests and birding destinations. On this guided walk, you’ll venture beneath a lush canopy filled with over 300 bird species, including the rare Nahan’s francolin, African pitta, and forest woodpeckers. Your expert birding guide will help you spot both forest and edge species while sharing insights into the forest’s unique ecology. The experience also offers encounters with monkeys, butterflies, and vibrant flora that make Mabira a true natural gem. (Optional for an extra cost: forest canopy zip-lining or nature cycling for adventurous visitors.).
- Main Destination:
- Mabira Forest Reserve
- Accommodation:
- 2 Friends Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Birding at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Birding at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Enjoy a rewarding birding experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a protected area known not only for its rhino conservation efforts but also for its exceptional birdlife. With over 300 recorded species, the sanctuary offers opportunities to spot the elusive shoebill stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, white-crested turaco, and African fish eagle among many others. As you walk through the savanna and wetland habitats accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about bird behavior, habitats, and identification techniques. The peaceful surroundings and abundance of wildlife make it a perfect stop for nature enthusiasts. (Optional for an extra cost: guided rhino tracking and nature walk to complement your birding experience.).
Day 6
Birding in Budongo forest Royal Mile
Birding in Budongo forest Royal Mile
Experience exceptional birding in Budongo Forest’s famous Royal Mile, one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching destinations. This pristine forest corridor, lined with towering mahogany trees, is home to over 350 bird species, including the sought-after African dwarf kingfisher, chocolate-backed kingfisher, white-thighed hornbill, and Ituri batis. Guided by an experienced birding expert, you’ll explore the forest trails rich with bird calls and sightings of butterflies and primates. The serene atmosphere and incredible biodiversity make the Royal Mile a true highlight for avid birders. (Optional for an extra cost: chimpanzee tracking or extended forest walk for a deeper exploration experience.).
- Main Destination:
- Budongo Forest (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- New Court View Hotel
Wildlife in Budongo Forest
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7-9
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
On days 7-9, you'll drive to Murchison Falls National Park, approximately a 5-hour journey through scenic landscapes. The park offers a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and Goliath heron. Your exploration will take you through diverse habitats, from savannahs to lush forests, where you'll encounter not only birds but also various wildlife.
Game drives will provide opportunities to spot iconic African animals while observing birds in their natural surroundings. You may choose to take an optional boat trip on the Nile River at an additional cost, which brings you close to the magnificent Murchison Falls and offers a unique perspective of the birdlife along the riverbanks. You'll watch for kingfishers, pelicans, and colorful bee-eaters as you cruise the calm waters. This birdwatching adventure is a rich experience, combining Uganda's stunning landscapes with an array of avian wonders.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Transfer to Kibale National Park
Transfer to Kibale National Park
Enjoy a scenic transfer to Kibale National Park, a journey that takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside of rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. Along the way, you may make brief stops for photo opportunities or to stretch and enjoy the local scenery. Kibale National Park, often called the Primate Capital of the World, is home to a large population of chimpanzees and other primates, as well as diverse birdlife and lush tropical forest. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax as you prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. (Optional for an extra cost: upgrade to a luxury lodge or enjoy an evening nature walk around the lodge surroundings.).
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Guereza Canopy Lodge
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Birding in Bigodi Swamp
Birding in Bigodi Swamp
Discover the rich biodiversity of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed swamp renowned for its incredible birdlife and scenic beauty. This guided birding experience takes you through lush vegetation, papyrus reeds, and forest edges, offering the chance to spot species such as the great blue turaco, black-crowned waxbill, papyrus gonolek, and white-spotted flufftail. Your local guide will share fascinating insights about the wetland’s ecosystem, flora, and the role it plays in supporting local livelihoods. You may also encounter monkeys, butterflies, and other wildlife along the trail. (Optional for an extra cost: community cultural walk or visit to local coffee farms.).
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Guereza Canopy Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Birding in Semuliki National Park
Birding in Semuliki National Park
Enjoy an exciting birding adventure in Semuliki National Park, one of Uganda’s richest and most unique birding destinations located within the Albertine Rift Valley. The park’s lowland rainforest, an extension of the Congo Basin, hosts over 440 bird species, many of which are rare and found nowhere else in East Africa. Guided by an experienced birding expert, you’ll explore the Kirumia Trail and Sempaya area in search of specialties such as the Congo serpent eagle, Nkulengu rail, piping hornbill, and red-billed dwarf hornbill. The lush forest atmosphere, natural hot springs, and diverse wildlife make this experience both rewarding and memorable. (Optional for an extra cost: guided nature walk to the Sempaya Hot Springs or visit to local communities.).
- Main Destination:
- Semuliki National Park
- Accommodation:
- Guereza Canopy Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13-15
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
On days 13-15, you'll embark on a scenic four-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most biodiverse areas with savannas, wetlands, crater lakes, and dense forests. This diversity makes Queen Elizabeth National Park a birdwatcher's dream, with over 600 bird species, like: the African skimmer, martial eagle, and papyrus gonolek.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to explore these varied habitats, each offering unique birdwatching experiences. Game drives will allow you to observe wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and lions while spotting birds in the open grasslands and along the shores of the park's lakes. For an even closer look at the birdlife, you can opt for an additional boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This boat cruise, available at an extra cost, offers a chance to see a wide array of waterbirds, including pelicans, herons, and cormorants, as well as hippos and crocodiles lounging on the banks.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
- Engiri Game Lodge - Cottages
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 16
Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a journey that takes you through the heart of southwestern Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes. Travel past rolling hills, tea and banana plantations, and traditional homesteads, with opportunities to stop for photos or local crafts along the way. As you approach Bwindi, the air grows cooler and the views more dramatic, revealing the mist-covered hills that shelter the park’s ancient rainforest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and an incredible diversity of birds and wildlife. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the next day’s adventure. (Optional for an extra cost: upgrade to a luxury lodge or enjoy a cultural visit to nearby Batwa communities.).
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
-
Nshongi Camp
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 17
Birding in Bwindi impenetrable National Park trails
Birding in Bwindi impenetrable National Park trails
Embark on an unforgettable birding experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s top birding destinations. The park’s misty forest trails are home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as the African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and handsome francolin. Guided by an experienced birding expert, you’ll explore the Buhoma or Ruhija trails, listening to the symphony of birds and spotting colorful species amid the dense foliage. The lush vegetation, mountain scenery, and rich biodiversity make this experience a true highlight for bird lovers. (Optional for an extra cost: gorilla trekking or extended forest walk for deeper wildlife exploration.).
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Nshongi Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 18-20
Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale
Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale
On days 18-20, you'll drive about four hours to Lake Bunyonyi, a breathtaking lake nestled in the rolling highlands of southwestern Uganda. Known as one of Africa's deepest lakes, Lake Bunyonyi is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species, including the iconic grey-crowned crane, weaver birds, and herons. The scenic beauty of the lake, dotted with 29 small islands, makes it an idyllic spot for birding.
You’ll have time to explore the rich birdlife and stunning scenery, either by foot along the lake's shores or through an optional boat ride at an additional cost. The lake’s islands, papyrus swamps, and tranquil waters provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of various waterbirds and forest species. Whether you opt for the boat trip or simply explore on foot, Lake Bunyonyi and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of nature, birdwatching, and cultural discovery. Visit Kabale for vibrant markets, local culture, and an authentic taste of Kiga life.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Accommodation:
- Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 21
Return to Entebbe
Return to Entebbe
At the end of your tour, you'll embark on a drive back to Entebbe, which will take approximately 7 hours. This scenic journey allows you to reflect on your adventure through Uganda's remarkable landscapes and wildlife. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you'll have some time to relax and unwind before your departure. Take this opportunity to rest, perhaps enjoy a meal, or do some last-minute shopping. Finally, you'll head to Entebbe International Airport for your journey back home, concluding your unforgettable trip.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
