15 DAYS UGANDA FOREST BIRDING SAFARI

Safari Overview

You will discover Uganda’s main forests with properly maintained tracks that are popular for birding on this trip. Let Mabira forest be the first on our list to tour with about 300 types of birds covered by agricultural fields both commercial as well as subsistence: Tea plantations plus sugarcanes. We then precede into Budongo forest safe guarding East Africa’s biggest natural forest which boasts 350 species of birds with perfect opportunities for bird watching. We then advance to Semiliki National Park that shields the expansion on the Eastern side of the massive Ituri forest of DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). It possesses Central African species that are many in number and is among the areas in Africa that are blessed with forest birds since it is a rather stable forest. Kibale National park will be our next stop on our birding tour. It is a large piece of tropical forest sheltering the largest primate gathering in East Africa in addition to providing wonderful bird watching sceneries. The forest harbors about 300 species of birds with a chance of tracing Chimpanzees. The birding trip ends in a forest which was not only voted by the Africa bird club as the leading bird spot in Africa but is also a sanctuary to numerous birds, Bwindi impenetrable forest.

The major species you will encounter on this safari include: Red-eyed Puffback, Shoebill, African Green Broadbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Snowy-headed Robin-Chat, White-bellied Kingfisher, Fire-crested Alethe, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Red-throated Alethe, Speckled Tinkerbird, Lowland Akalat, White-starred Robin, African Pied Hornbill, Spotted Greenbul, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbills, Green-breasted Pitta, White-crested Hornbills, White-throated Blue Swallow, Forest Wood hoopoe, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Yellow-mantled Weavers, Scaly-breasted, Dark-backed Weavers, Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Joyful Greenbul, Brown Illadopsis, Red-winged Francolin, Grey-winged Robin, African Pitta, Speckled Tinkerbird, Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, African Dwarf Kingfishers, Green Crombec, Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Grey-headed Negrofinches, Buff-throated Apalis as well as the White-breasted Negrofinches,

The Habitats you will explore include: Rivers, agricultural lands, moist woodland forest, grassland, Papyrus Swamps as well as the riverine forest.

Day 1: Arrival at the airport

Day 2: Transfer to Mabira forest for Birding

Day 3: Transfer to Budongo Forest for Birding Tour

Day 4: Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo forest

Day 5: Birding to Kibale National Park

Day 6: Birding and Chimpanzee Trek in Kibale National Park

Day 7: Transfer to Semiliki national park

Day 8 &9: Birding Kirumira trail in Semiliki forest

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park

Day 11: Gorilla trekking and Birding in Bwindi forest

Day 12: Birding in Ruhija section within Bwindi impenetrable forest

Day 13: Birding in Ruhija

Day 14: Departure to Kampala, or Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the airport

A representative from Travel Gorge Tours will welcome you when you reach Entebbe International Airport and transport you to your accommodation. You have a chance to venture Entebbe botanical gardens as an initiation to bird watching in Uganda basing on the time you arrive.

Meal plan: Dinner

Accommodation Options: Kampala Serena (Luxury), Cassia Lodge or The Boma (Mid-range), Forest Cottages or African Roots Guesthouse (Budget)

Day 2: Transfer to Mabira forest for Birding

Popular for its wide range of bird species and wildlife which are mostly primates, the largest forest reserve that is near Kampala city is the Mabira forest. Mabira forest has endured the localities as well as the sugar plantations encompassing it. To dodge the city traffic, we shall set off for Mabira in the early hours of the morning. It is a sanctuary to around 300 types of birds who when in forest canopies may be difficult to see. A few of the birds are seen in branches of trees while others are seen feeding on the ground.

A number of the birds are mostly heard compared to being sighted such as the Blue-throated Roller, Chestnut & Jameson’s Wattle-eye, African Pied Hornbill, Grey Parrot, Forest robin, Red-tailed Bristlebil, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Barbet, White-bellied Kingfisher, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black and White Casqued Hornbill and the Hairy-breasted Barbet among many others..

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options: Kampala Serena (Luxury), Cassia Lodge or The Boma (Mid-range), Forest Cottages or African Roots Guesthouse (Budget)

Day 3: Transfer to Budongo Forest for Birding Tour

Today we head out to the forest of Budongo that possesses plentiful bird life and has a two bird species that cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. Ten out of the twenty two Sudan–Guinea Savannah biome species as well as ninety three out of the one hundred forty four Guinea–Congo forest species that are found in the whole of Uganda are found within this forest. After numerous birding stopovers, we reach Budongo in the evening or late in the afternoon. For those with an interest in sightseeing Rhinos plus birding, we have an opportunity of passing by Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Masindi Hotel (Mid-range), or New Court View (Budget)

Day 4: Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo forest

The entire day is spent trekking the fabulous Royal mile plus many different trails. The African Dwarf Kingfishers, Yellow-mantled Weaver, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Little Green Sunbirds, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Uganda Woodland Warbler ,Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Red-headed Malimbe , Brown Illadopsis, Blue-throated Brown Sunbirds, Spotted Tinkerbird, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, White-spotted Flufftails Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow and Grey Longbills, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Wilcock’s Honeyguide, Green Crombec, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Western Nicator, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, White-throated Bee-eater, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoos, Buff-throated Apalis, African Emerald Cuckoos, Grey Parrot, White-breasted Negrofinches, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, Nahan’s Francolin, Tambourine Dove, Grey-headed Negrofinches, Crested Guinea-fowl and Chocolate-backed Kingfishers are some of the birds to look out for.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options: Masindi Hotel (Mid-range), or New Court View (Budget)

Day 5: Birding to Kibale National Park

For an additional experience in Uganda of bird watching in the verdant forests, we head out for Kibale National Park early morning following a nice breakfast at the lodge. you will have many stopovers for opportunities of bird watching at various points and to enjoy the scenic views on the drive to Kibale-Chimpanzee National Park. We arrive at a later time in the evening, check-in into your accommodation and spend the rest of the evening at leisure as you prepare for the next day adventure within the tropical rain forest.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Treetops (Mid-range), chimpanzee guest house (Budget)

Day 6: Birding and Chimpanzee Trek in Kibale National Park

Today you will have an opportunity to explore Kibale national park which safe guards a huge part of the tropical forest that provides perfect opportunities for bird watching as well as Chimpanzee trekking. This park is home to the largest diversity and number of primates across east Africa including the chimpanzees (which are the closest living relative to man sharing about 98% of their DNA with man).

The forest harbors around 300 types of birds with the Green breasted Pitta being the center of interest for majority of the people. Willcock’s Honeyguide, White-naped Pigeon, Thick-billed Honeyguide, African Pitta, Black bee-eater, Green-breasted Pitta, Dusky Cuckoos, Red-winged Francolin, Orange-tufted sunbird, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Green-throated sunbird, Joyful Greenbul, Tiny sunbirds, Grey-winged Robin, Green-headed sunbirds, Dark-backed Weavers, Green-headed sunbirds, Yellow-mantled Weavers, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Masked Apalise, Black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler and the Black-capped Apalises, are some of the birds to watch out for.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Treetops (Mid-range), chimpanzee guest house (Budget)

Day 7: Transfer to Semiliki national park

Today we head to Semiliki national park after breakfast for an adventure seeking the Central African bird types that can only be found in East Africa. On our drive to Semiliki, we shall make a number of stopovers look out for various bird species from the swampy areas and forest patches that are close by.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Semuliki Safari Lodge (Luxury), Mountains of the Moon (Mid-range), Rwenzori View Guest house (Budget)

Day 8 &9: Birding Kirumira trail in Semiliki forest

Semiliki is a home to many birds plus the plants and animals there are in abundance. We primarily search for Central African nature that is impossible to find within East Africa.

some species you can expect to see here include: the Western Nicator, Long-tailed Hawk, Yellow-throated Nicator, Congo Serpent Eagle, Mountain Greenbul, Lyre-tailed Honey guide, Snowy-headed Robin-Chat, Toro Olive Greenbul, the Piping Hornbill, Little Grey Greenbul, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Grey Ground-Thrush, White-crested Hornbill, Oberlaender’s Ground-Thrush, White-throated Blue Swallow, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Common Stonechat, Spotted Greenbul, Northern Bearded Scrub-Robin, White-starred Robin, White-tailed Robin-Chat, Lowland Akalat, Red-eyed Puffback, Red-throated Alethe, Fire-crested Alethe and the Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat among several others

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Semuliki Safari Lodge (Luxury), Mountains of the Moon (Mid-range), Rwenzori View Guest house (Budget)

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park

For further birding as well as gorilla tracking opportunities, we make our way in the Buhoma section to Bwindi impenetrable forest. Across the whole of the East African region, this prominent Bwindi Impenetrable forest in regard as the best place to see birds, butterflies plus trees is. In addition, half of the world’s Mountain Gorilla population dwells in this forest. The total of the bird species listed in this park is currently over 345. Ten out of twenty-six of the globally endangered bird-species found in Uganda reside in this forest with a total of five of these being vulnerable species. In addition, out of the twenty five Albertine rift endemics found in Uganda, it is home to twenty four of these species.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Buhoma Lodge (Luxury), Haven Lodge (Mid-range), Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)

Day 11: Gorilla trekking and Birding in Bwindi forest

In the wee hours of the morning, head out for gorilla trekking to see one of man’s close relative – the Mpountain gorillas. Later in the afternoon, you will venture in Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the Buhoma section with trails that provide great points of view within the forest. some of the species to look out for in this area include the Grey-backed Camaroptera, Brown Sunbird, Olive Green Camaroptera, Blue-headed Sunbird, White-chinned Prinia, African broadbill, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Montane Oriole, Cape wagtail, Grey headed Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Black Bee-Eater, Kivu Ground Thrush, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Common Stonechat, Black throated Robin chat, Rwenzori Batis, Streaky Seedeater, Barred Long tailed Cuckoo, Thick-billed Seedeater, Black throated Apalis, African Golden Oriole, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chin spot Batis and White-bellied Robin-chat.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Buhoma Lodge (Luxury), Haven Lodge (Mid-range), Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)

Day 12: Birding in Ruhija section within Bwindi impenetrable forest

En route to Ruhija section from Buhoma section in Bwindi impenetrable forest we go for bird watching at “The Neck” a significant home for birds that offers high probabilities of sighting the Mountain wagtail, Black Bee-eaters, Cassin’s grey flycatcher,therare Chapin’s FlycatcherBronze-napped Pigeon, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Toro-Olive Greenbul, pink footed puff back, and so many more.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)

Day 13: Birding in Ruhija

Mubwindi Swamp is where we bird today. It is here that the track steeply falls through the thick forest and later meanders across the swampy forest.

The birds we expect to see In Ruhija include the; Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Nightjar, Collared Apalis, Streaky Seedeater, Montane Sooty Boubou, Banded Prinia, Thick-billed Seedeater, Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-billed Barbet, Dusky Twinspot, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Grey-headed Sparrow, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain Illadopsis, Red-headed Malimbe, Archer’s Robin-chat, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, African Green Broadbill, White-starred Robin, Oriole Finch, Strange Weaver, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Blue headed Sunbird, Dwarf Honey-Guide, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Regal Sunbird, Waller’s Starling, Northern Olive Thrush, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Pink-footed Puffback, Black headed Waxbill, Montane Oriole, Dusky Crimsonwing, White-headed Hoopoe, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Bar-tailed Trogon, Sharpe’s Starling and Black-billed Turaco, and many others.

Day 14: Departure to Kampala, or Entebbe

After accomplishing the bird watching forest experience, we set off for either Kampala or Entebbe. On the way up to the place of destination, stopovers for birding will be available. Before arriving at the hotel later in the evening we shall have a stopover at the Equator landmark here you will get a chance to purchase some extra souvenirs and take photos.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Kampala Serena/Hotel No 5 (luxury), or Cassia Lodge/ The Boma (Mid-range), or Forest Cottages / African Roots Guesthouse (Budget)

Day 15: End of Uganda Birding Safari

We have concluded our bird watching trip in the forests of Uganda. the Safari guide will transfer you to the airport where you will take your flight back home. We appreciate you for birding with Travel Gorge Tours in Uganda and we hope to entertain you the next time you visit the Pearl of Africa.

Tour Includes: