14 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Overview of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Our 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari takes you to the best birding spots in Uganda for a birding safari in Uganda. As part of your adventure, you will go birding through the Mabamba wetland where you should be eager to spot the shoebill stork, continue to Kibale National Park where you are likely to sight the green breasted pitta, visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park with great bird counts in Uganda (600 species), tour Bwindi Impenetrable National Park listed as the number one birding spot on the African continent with Afromontane forest and savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park with likely sights of the endemic Red-faced Barbet. Other famous birding sites featured in the itinerary also includes; Budongo Forest Reserve, Semuliki Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. The safari tour is well packaged to derive an ultimate experience featuring wetland, forested and savannah ecosystems.
Safari Highlight of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari:
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda through the Entebbe International Airport and transfer to the Hotel
Day 2: Do Birding in Mabamba Swamp & transfer to Masindi
Day 3: Go Birding along the Royal Mile & the top of Murchison Falls
Day 4: Private birding boat ride to the Delta Area, birding in the Savannah & transfer to Masindi via Kaniyo Pabidi Forest
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do an afternoon birding in the forest
Day 6: Do whole day birding in Kibale National Park. Optional afternoon Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale NP
Day 7: Transfer to Semuliki National Park, do birding & return to Fort Portal
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding in the savannah & evening Private boat ride along Kazinga Channel
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bird en route in Ishasha sector with chances of exploring tree climbing lions as well. Evening birding along the park boundaries
Day 10: Birding in Buhoma Sector or Optional Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 11: Birding to Ruhija via Neck
Day 12: Encounter birds in the hilly forested landscapes of Ruhija and extension to Umubwindi Swamp
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and do birding in the savannah Day 14: Private birding boat ride on Lake Mburo & transfer to Entebbe for flight departure
Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport and transfer to the Hotel On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will meet your driver guide who will warmly welcome and transfer you to your Hotel. He will give you a short briefing about your 14 Days Uganda birding safari.
Accommodation: Budget: Airport Guesthouse Midrange: Boma Hotel Entebbe Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Swamp & transfer to Masindi After breakfast at your hotel, you and your Uganda safari guide will embark on the birding journey to Mabamba swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. The magical offering of this destination is the endangered shoebill stork. You will undertake a canoe paddle along the narrow channels of the swamp giving you chances of sighting other bird species like; Lesser Jacana, Black-Shouldered kite, Blue Swallow, Blue Breasted Bee-Eater, White Winged warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Carruther’s Cisticola, Spotting Swamp Flycatcher, Papyrus Gonolek, ducks, gulls, plovers, egrets, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers. You will retire from the activity, settle for lunch and then transfer to Masindi town for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Midrange: Kabalega Resort
Day 3: Birding along the Royal Mile & the top of Murchison Falls After an early breakfast, drive and connect to the adjacent Budongo forest for amazing bird encounters. You will take a bird walk along the royal mile a famously encountered road that lies under a lush forest canopy. The forest offers opportunities of spotting birds like; Nahan’s Francolin, White-thighed Hornbill, Sabine’s and graceful Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-throated Roller, Forest Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Lemon Bellied Crombec, Ituri Batis, Tit Hylia, Forest Robin, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Grey Throated, Yellow Billed, Yellow Spotted and Hairy Breasted Barbet, Black Billed and Great Blue Turaco, Plain, Spotted, Slender Billed, Little Grey, White Throated and Little Greeenbul, Dusy Long Tailed Cuckoo, Black-capped Apalis and Red Tailed Bristlebill among other species. Primate species may also be spotted like black and white colobus monkeys, Red tailed and blue monkeys. After this activity, you will drive towards the top of the falls where the Nile perfects its beauty. Here the Nile is transformed into explosive foam of thunderous wide water -funnels shaped through a narrow cleft in the Rift valley escarpment offering the most inspiring sight of its kind in east Africa. Here you have chances of viewing birds like the Pel’s fishing Owl, chest-nut crowned and the Red-winged grey warbler. Connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Budget: Murchison River Lodge – Lazy Camping Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – thatched Safari tents Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – Deluxe room
Day 4: Private birding boat ride to the Delta Area, birding in the Savannah & transfer to Masindi via Kaniyo Pabidi Forest After your early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will go birding in Uganda’s largest park with a variety of birds with 451 species recorded putting a smile on the face of a birder on Uganda Safari. The list includes the Shoebill Stork, the Goliath Heron; the largest heron in the world and pairs of elegant Grey Crowned Cranes; the national bird of Uganda. Other species seen on the Nile banks include; Swamp Flycatcher, the Blue-headed Coucal, Squacco Heron, Sandpipers, African Jacana, Denham’s Bustard, Black-billed Barbet, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-headed Gonolek, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Weaver Birds, Pied, Piapiac, Silver bird, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Red-throated Bee-eater, African Quail-Finch and Speckle-fronted Weaver. The birding encounter in Murchison Falls National Park commences with an early morning thrilling boat ride to the Delta Area. This offers opportunity of exploring the rare species like the Shoebill stork. The morning boat ride is magical allowing you to explore the majestic Victoria Nile River as it empties into Lake Albert. The scenery is very amazing while the soothing fresh morning breeze gives you a touch of the true African wilderness freshness. This will be followed by extensive birding drive both in the mid-morning and in the evening with possibilities of exploring a range of wild game like elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Buffaloes, the Jackson’s Hartebeest, the Oribi, Uganda Kob, Lions, and leopards among others. Cross with the 4pm ferry and transfer to Masindi. A stop will be made in Kaniyo Pabidi forest en route to look out for the Puvel’s Illadopsis.
Accommodation: Midrange: Kabalega Resort
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do an afternoon birding in the forest After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Kibale National Park. You will be birding en route across low lying water-logged environments in Kagadi and Kagorro forest reserve near Kyenjonjo. Upon arriving in Fort Portal Area, you settle for lunch after which you proceed to Kibale Forest National Park for an afternoon birding experience. Kibale National Park offers great flora concentration with 351 Species of trees some of which are 200 years old and over 55m tall. The park also supports 70 species of mammals and 13 species of Primates among which include the common chimpanzee, Black and white colobus and red-tailed monkey. The 375 Species of birds thrive in the park including the impressive western green tinker bird, two species of pittas (African and green-breasted), olive long-tailed cuckoo, African grey parrot and the endemic ground thrush (Turdus kibalensis). Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Kibale Forest Camp – Non-en suite Tent Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp –En suite Safari Tent Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottage
Day 6: Do birding in Kibale National Park in the morning and an afternoon Chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale National Park On this day, you will explore the birds of Kibale Forest National Park. Birders have chances of spotting the Green Breasted Pitta along with other species like; African Pitta, Afep Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, Red-chested Owlet, White-naped Pigeon, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Western Nicator, Little Greenbul, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Brown-chested Alethe, African Grey Parrot, Brown Illadopsis, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Little Green Bul, Abyssinian Ground-thrush and Black-eared Ground Thrush. Kibale National Park also known as the Primate capital of the world presents an amazing opportunity for you to enjoy an amazing Chimpanzee trekking safari in the afternoon. Briefing starts at 2pm after which you head to the forest in search of these amazing apes. Upon encountering the chimps, you have an opportunity to see them munch fruit, hunt, patrol, copulate, young ones playing, make pant hooting calls among other interesting aspects for one full hour. The exciting moments with the chimps will leave you with no other option but to be active with your cameras to make a reserve of remarkable photos that will always take you back to the memories of this wonderful moment. Retreat from the activity and drive to Fort Portal for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Midrange: Mountains of the Moon Hotel Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 7: Transfer to Semuliki National Park, do birding & return to Fort Portal After an early breakfast embark on the transfer to Semuliki Forest National Park 78km about 1 ½ -2 hours’ drive. The forest tract of Semuliki is an extension of West African jungle that stretch from Equatorial Guinea through Congo forming a habitat for Guinea Congo biome species that do not exist in other areas of East Africa. The encounter in Semuliki offers you chances of spotting specialties like; Congo Serpent Eagle, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Bate's Nightjar, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Rufous-sided, Black-winged Broadbill, Black-throated Coucal, Icterine Greenbul, Nkulengu Rail, Spot-breasted Ibis, Long-tailed Hawk, Capuchin Babbler, Northern Bearded Scrub Robin, Yellow-throated and Western Nicator, Red-chested Owlet, Black-collared Lovebird, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, White-bellied Kingfisher, Zenker's and Lyre-tailed Honey guides, White-throated Blue Swallow, Crested Malimbe, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Blue-billed Malimbe, Chestnut Bellied and Pale-fronted Negrofinch, Fiery-breasted Bush-shrike, Piping, Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, White Crested, African Piculet among other bird species. Retire back to the Hotel for dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Midrange: Mountains of the Moon Hotel Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding in the savannah & evening Private boat ride along Kazinga Channel Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding in the savannah and Kazinga Channel gaining of exploring some of its 600 bird species including Temminck's Courser, Rupell's Griffon, Martial Eagle, White Headed, Lappet Faced Vultures, Blue Quail, Harlequin Quail, Small (Common) Buttonquail, African Crake, African Skimmer, Black Headed Gonolek, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Lowland Akalat, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Greater and Lesser Flamingo among others. The sights of wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, Lions, Leopard and Antelopes among others may not be missed. The Boat ride at Kazinga Channel at 4pm will be Private.
Accommodation: Budget: Bush Lodge – Lazy Camping Midrange: Bush Lodge – Bandas Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe room
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bird en route in Ishasha sector with chances of exploring tree climbing lions as well. Evening birding along the park boundaries After breakfast, you embark on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 160km to Buhoma. You will pass through the landscapes of Ishasha in the south of Queen Elizabeth where by chance you can encounter the tree climbing lions that dwell in the fig trees of Ishasha. The Fig frees of Ishasha with the low bent branches present an ideal ground not only for the lions to climb but also better viewing opportunities. You undertake a day drive in Ishasha where you also have an opportunity to explore the range savannah bird species in this sector including the Palm-nut Vulture, Hooded Vulture, African White-backed Vulture, Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Bateleur, Long-created Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Grey Kestrel, Helmeted Guineafowl, African Crake, Black-bellied Bustard, African Wattled Plover, Senegal Plover, African Green Pigeon, Ross’s Turaco, Striped Kingfisher, Broad-billed Roller, Double-toothed Barbet, White-headed Barbet, Greater Honey guide, Grey Woodpecker, White-browed Robin-Chat, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Green Crombec, Cisticolas, Grey-backed Fiscal and Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Retreat and proceed to Bwindi for check in. The evening will be spent birding along the Bwindi forest boundaries. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp Midrange: Haven Lodge Buhoma Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Day 10: Birding in Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park In the morning after an early breakfast, transfer to the forest following the waterfall trail for birding. Search for birds such as slender billed starling, Kivu ground thrush, plus the white bellied Robin-chat, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Mountain Buzzard, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Sooty Boubou, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Hill-Babbler, Ayre’s Hawk-eagle, Black-and-white Shriker-flycatcher, slender billed starling, Dusky Tit, Ashy Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Rwenzori Batis, Dusky-blue Flycatcher and Doherty’s Bush-shrike among others.
Accommodation: Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp Midrange: Haven Lodge Buhoma Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Day 11: Birding to Ruhija via Neck Early morning after breakfast go birding in the Ruhija area and look out for birds like the Grey-throated Barbet, Red-tailed and Shelley’s Greenbul, Common Buzzard, Red-throated Alethe, African Shrike-flycatcher Ayres’s Hawk-eagle, Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater to mention but a few. Retire for Dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 12: Encounter birds in the hilly forested landscapes of Ruhija and extension to Umubwindi Swamp Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a true birders’ paradise with great bird counts per square Kilometer. The hilly forested landscapes of Ruhija offers sights of birds like; Macknon’s Fiscal, Augar Buzzard, Tropical Boubou, Ayre’s Hawk Eagle, Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher, Mountain Buzzard and Wagtail, Western Bronze Naped Pigoen, Barred and Dusky Long Tailed Cuckoo, Black Faced Rufous Warbler, White Headed Wood Hopoe, Ducky Tit, Ludhur’s and Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Grey-Green Bush-Shrike, White Eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Chestnut Throated Apalis, Streaky Seed-Eater, White Starred Robin, Stripe Breasted Tit among others. The extension to Umubwindi swamp offers other impressive birding opportunities including the possible encounter the beautiful leafy looking broadbill, Olive, Elliot’s and Fine-banded Woodpecker, Black-billed Turaco, African Hill Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain Illadopsis, Mountain Greenbul, Red-faced Woodland, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Chestnut-throated Collard and Black Throated Apalis, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, Mountain, Shelley’s and Yellow-streaked Greenbul, African Green-Broadbill, Regal Sunbird and Rwenzori Batis among other bird species.
Accommodation: Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and do birding in the savannah After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 235km passing through the scenic hill sides of south western Uganda, lunch at the lodge and afternoon birding in the savannah. The encounter offers you chances of spotting a range of acacia associated birds including the Mburo’s endemic Red-faced Barbet and the unique Tabora Cisticola among others. The park is also home to Burchell’s Zebra, Rothschild giraffes, the Topis, elands, waterbucks, Buffaloes, Impala and Warthogs among other species
Accommodation: Budget: Eagles Nest Mburo Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Day 14: Private birding boat ride on Lake Mburo & transfer to Entebbe for flight departure Take up an early morning private boat ride on Lake Mburo gaining chances of viewing African finfoot, a range of Kingfishers and the African fish eagle. Retreat from the activity, bird through the park as you drive to Entebbe for the flight departure back home. For those with late night flights, a day room in Entebbe can be arranged.
End of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Safari Highlight of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari:
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda through the Entebbe International Airport and transfer to the Hotel
Day 2: Do Birding in Mabamba Swamp & transfer to Masindi
Day 3: Go Birding along the Royal Mile & the top of Murchison Falls
Day 4: Private birding boat ride to the Delta Area, birding in the Savannah & transfer to Masindi via Kaniyo Pabidi Forest
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do an afternoon birding in the forest
Day 6: Do whole day birding in Kibale National Park. Optional afternoon Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale NP
Day 7: Transfer to Semuliki National Park, do birding & return to Fort Portal
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding in the savannah & evening Private boat ride along Kazinga Channel
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bird en route in Ishasha sector with chances of exploring tree climbing lions as well. Evening birding along the park boundaries
Day 10: Birding in Buhoma Sector or Optional Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 11: Birding to Ruhija via Neck
Day 12: Encounter birds in the hilly forested landscapes of Ruhija and extension to Umubwindi Swamp
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and do birding in the savannah Day 14: Private birding boat ride on Lake Mburo & transfer to Entebbe for flight departure
Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport and transfer to the Hotel On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will meet your driver guide who will warmly welcome and transfer you to your Hotel. He will give you a short briefing about your 14 Days Uganda birding safari.
Accommodation: Budget: Airport Guesthouse Midrange: Boma Hotel Entebbe Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Swamp & transfer to Masindi After breakfast at your hotel, you and your Uganda safari guide will embark on the birding journey to Mabamba swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. The magical offering of this destination is the endangered shoebill stork. You will undertake a canoe paddle along the narrow channels of the swamp giving you chances of sighting other bird species like; Lesser Jacana, Black-Shouldered kite, Blue Swallow, Blue Breasted Bee-Eater, White Winged warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Carruther’s Cisticola, Spotting Swamp Flycatcher, Papyrus Gonolek, ducks, gulls, plovers, egrets, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers. You will retire from the activity, settle for lunch and then transfer to Masindi town for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Midrange: Kabalega Resort
Day 3: Birding along the Royal Mile & the top of Murchison Falls After an early breakfast, drive and connect to the adjacent Budongo forest for amazing bird encounters. You will take a bird walk along the royal mile a famously encountered road that lies under a lush forest canopy. The forest offers opportunities of spotting birds like; Nahan’s Francolin, White-thighed Hornbill, Sabine’s and graceful Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-throated Roller, Forest Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Lemon Bellied Crombec, Ituri Batis, Tit Hylia, Forest Robin, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Grey Throated, Yellow Billed, Yellow Spotted and Hairy Breasted Barbet, Black Billed and Great Blue Turaco, Plain, Spotted, Slender Billed, Little Grey, White Throated and Little Greeenbul, Dusy Long Tailed Cuckoo, Black-capped Apalis and Red Tailed Bristlebill among other species. Primate species may also be spotted like black and white colobus monkeys, Red tailed and blue monkeys. After this activity, you will drive towards the top of the falls where the Nile perfects its beauty. Here the Nile is transformed into explosive foam of thunderous wide water -funnels shaped through a narrow cleft in the Rift valley escarpment offering the most inspiring sight of its kind in east Africa. Here you have chances of viewing birds like the Pel’s fishing Owl, chest-nut crowned and the Red-winged grey warbler. Connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Budget: Murchison River Lodge – Lazy Camping Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – thatched Safari tents Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – Deluxe room
Day 4: Private birding boat ride to the Delta Area, birding in the Savannah & transfer to Masindi via Kaniyo Pabidi Forest After your early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will go birding in Uganda’s largest park with a variety of birds with 451 species recorded putting a smile on the face of a birder on Uganda Safari. The list includes the Shoebill Stork, the Goliath Heron; the largest heron in the world and pairs of elegant Grey Crowned Cranes; the national bird of Uganda. Other species seen on the Nile banks include; Swamp Flycatcher, the Blue-headed Coucal, Squacco Heron, Sandpipers, African Jacana, Denham’s Bustard, Black-billed Barbet, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-headed Gonolek, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Weaver Birds, Pied, Piapiac, Silver bird, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Red-throated Bee-eater, African Quail-Finch and Speckle-fronted Weaver. The birding encounter in Murchison Falls National Park commences with an early morning thrilling boat ride to the Delta Area. This offers opportunity of exploring the rare species like the Shoebill stork. The morning boat ride is magical allowing you to explore the majestic Victoria Nile River as it empties into Lake Albert. The scenery is very amazing while the soothing fresh morning breeze gives you a touch of the true African wilderness freshness. This will be followed by extensive birding drive both in the mid-morning and in the evening with possibilities of exploring a range of wild game like elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Buffaloes, the Jackson’s Hartebeest, the Oribi, Uganda Kob, Lions, and leopards among others. Cross with the 4pm ferry and transfer to Masindi. A stop will be made in Kaniyo Pabidi forest en route to look out for the Puvel’s Illadopsis.
Accommodation: Midrange: Kabalega Resort
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do an afternoon birding in the forest After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Kibale National Park. You will be birding en route across low lying water-logged environments in Kagadi and Kagorro forest reserve near Kyenjonjo. Upon arriving in Fort Portal Area, you settle for lunch after which you proceed to Kibale Forest National Park for an afternoon birding experience. Kibale National Park offers great flora concentration with 351 Species of trees some of which are 200 years old and over 55m tall. The park also supports 70 species of mammals and 13 species of Primates among which include the common chimpanzee, Black and white colobus and red-tailed monkey. The 375 Species of birds thrive in the park including the impressive western green tinker bird, two species of pittas (African and green-breasted), olive long-tailed cuckoo, African grey parrot and the endemic ground thrush (Turdus kibalensis). Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Kibale Forest Camp – Non-en suite Tent Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp –En suite Safari Tent Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottage
Day 6: Do birding in Kibale National Park in the morning and an afternoon Chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale National Park On this day, you will explore the birds of Kibale Forest National Park. Birders have chances of spotting the Green Breasted Pitta along with other species like; African Pitta, Afep Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, Red-chested Owlet, White-naped Pigeon, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Western Nicator, Little Greenbul, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Brown-chested Alethe, African Grey Parrot, Brown Illadopsis, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Little Green Bul, Abyssinian Ground-thrush and Black-eared Ground Thrush. Kibale National Park also known as the Primate capital of the world presents an amazing opportunity for you to enjoy an amazing Chimpanzee trekking safari in the afternoon. Briefing starts at 2pm after which you head to the forest in search of these amazing apes. Upon encountering the chimps, you have an opportunity to see them munch fruit, hunt, patrol, copulate, young ones playing, make pant hooting calls among other interesting aspects for one full hour. The exciting moments with the chimps will leave you with no other option but to be active with your cameras to make a reserve of remarkable photos that will always take you back to the memories of this wonderful moment. Retreat from the activity and drive to Fort Portal for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Midrange: Mountains of the Moon Hotel Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 7: Transfer to Semuliki National Park, do birding & return to Fort Portal After an early breakfast embark on the transfer to Semuliki Forest National Park 78km about 1 ½ -2 hours’ drive. The forest tract of Semuliki is an extension of West African jungle that stretch from Equatorial Guinea through Congo forming a habitat for Guinea Congo biome species that do not exist in other areas of East Africa. The encounter in Semuliki offers you chances of spotting specialties like; Congo Serpent Eagle, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Bate's Nightjar, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Rufous-sided, Black-winged Broadbill, Black-throated Coucal, Icterine Greenbul, Nkulengu Rail, Spot-breasted Ibis, Long-tailed Hawk, Capuchin Babbler, Northern Bearded Scrub Robin, Yellow-throated and Western Nicator, Red-chested Owlet, Black-collared Lovebird, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, White-bellied Kingfisher, Zenker's and Lyre-tailed Honey guides, White-throated Blue Swallow, Crested Malimbe, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Blue-billed Malimbe, Chestnut Bellied and Pale-fronted Negrofinch, Fiery-breasted Bush-shrike, Piping, Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, White Crested, African Piculet among other bird species. Retire back to the Hotel for dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Midrange: Mountains of the Moon Hotel Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding in the savannah & evening Private boat ride along Kazinga Channel Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding in the savannah and Kazinga Channel gaining of exploring some of its 600 bird species including Temminck's Courser, Rupell's Griffon, Martial Eagle, White Headed, Lappet Faced Vultures, Blue Quail, Harlequin Quail, Small (Common) Buttonquail, African Crake, African Skimmer, Black Headed Gonolek, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Lowland Akalat, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Greater and Lesser Flamingo among others. The sights of wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, Lions, Leopard and Antelopes among others may not be missed. The Boat ride at Kazinga Channel at 4pm will be Private.
Accommodation: Budget: Bush Lodge – Lazy Camping Midrange: Bush Lodge – Bandas Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe room
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bird en route in Ishasha sector with chances of exploring tree climbing lions as well. Evening birding along the park boundaries After breakfast, you embark on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 160km to Buhoma. You will pass through the landscapes of Ishasha in the south of Queen Elizabeth where by chance you can encounter the tree climbing lions that dwell in the fig trees of Ishasha. The Fig frees of Ishasha with the low bent branches present an ideal ground not only for the lions to climb but also better viewing opportunities. You undertake a day drive in Ishasha where you also have an opportunity to explore the range savannah bird species in this sector including the Palm-nut Vulture, Hooded Vulture, African White-backed Vulture, Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Bateleur, Long-created Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Grey Kestrel, Helmeted Guineafowl, African Crake, Black-bellied Bustard, African Wattled Plover, Senegal Plover, African Green Pigeon, Ross’s Turaco, Striped Kingfisher, Broad-billed Roller, Double-toothed Barbet, White-headed Barbet, Greater Honey guide, Grey Woodpecker, White-browed Robin-Chat, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Green Crombec, Cisticolas, Grey-backed Fiscal and Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Retreat and proceed to Bwindi for check in. The evening will be spent birding along the Bwindi forest boundaries. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp Midrange: Haven Lodge Buhoma Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Day 10: Birding in Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park In the morning after an early breakfast, transfer to the forest following the waterfall trail for birding. Search for birds such as slender billed starling, Kivu ground thrush, plus the white bellied Robin-chat, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Mountain Buzzard, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Sooty Boubou, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Hill-Babbler, Ayre’s Hawk-eagle, Black-and-white Shriker-flycatcher, slender billed starling, Dusky Tit, Ashy Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Rwenzori Batis, Dusky-blue Flycatcher and Doherty’s Bush-shrike among others.
Accommodation: Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp Midrange: Haven Lodge Buhoma Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Day 11: Birding to Ruhija via Neck Early morning after breakfast go birding in the Ruhija area and look out for birds like the Grey-throated Barbet, Red-tailed and Shelley’s Greenbul, Common Buzzard, Red-throated Alethe, African Shrike-flycatcher Ayres’s Hawk-eagle, Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater to mention but a few. Retire for Dinner and overnight
Accommodation: Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 12: Encounter birds in the hilly forested landscapes of Ruhija and extension to Umubwindi Swamp Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a true birders’ paradise with great bird counts per square Kilometer. The hilly forested landscapes of Ruhija offers sights of birds like; Macknon’s Fiscal, Augar Buzzard, Tropical Boubou, Ayre’s Hawk Eagle, Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher, Mountain Buzzard and Wagtail, Western Bronze Naped Pigoen, Barred and Dusky Long Tailed Cuckoo, Black Faced Rufous Warbler, White Headed Wood Hopoe, Ducky Tit, Ludhur’s and Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Grey-Green Bush-Shrike, White Eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Chestnut Throated Apalis, Streaky Seed-Eater, White Starred Robin, Stripe Breasted Tit among others. The extension to Umubwindi swamp offers other impressive birding opportunities including the possible encounter the beautiful leafy looking broadbill, Olive, Elliot’s and Fine-banded Woodpecker, Black-billed Turaco, African Hill Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain Illadopsis, Mountain Greenbul, Red-faced Woodland, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Chestnut-throated Collard and Black Throated Apalis, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, Mountain, Shelley’s and Yellow-streaked Greenbul, African Green-Broadbill, Regal Sunbird and Rwenzori Batis among other bird species.
Accommodation: Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and do birding in the savannah After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 235km passing through the scenic hill sides of south western Uganda, lunch at the lodge and afternoon birding in the savannah. The encounter offers you chances of spotting a range of acacia associated birds including the Mburo’s endemic Red-faced Barbet and the unique Tabora Cisticola among others. The park is also home to Burchell’s Zebra, Rothschild giraffes, the Topis, elands, waterbucks, Buffaloes, Impala and Warthogs among other species
Accommodation: Budget: Eagles Nest Mburo Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Day 14: Private birding boat ride on Lake Mburo & transfer to Entebbe for flight departure Take up an early morning private boat ride on Lake Mburo gaining chances of viewing African finfoot, a range of Kingfishers and the African fish eagle. Retreat from the activity, bird through the park as you drive to Entebbe for the flight departure back home. For those with late night flights, a day room in Entebbe can be arranged.
End of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari
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