Safari Overview
this amazing best of Uganda birding and primate safari will begin in Entebbe and take you to a number of amazing sites such as the Mabamba swamp land found at the edge of Lake Victoria, which will be our first birding spot as we looking for the Shoebill. The Murchison Falls National Park will be our number one national park destination on this tour; the sanctuary is home to over 75 different animals and 350 types of birds, and its ranked as the ninth of Africa’s leading birding destinations. We shall then proceed to Budongo forest which safe guards East Africa’s biggest natural forest region and is also a sanctuary to numerous primates inclusive of the chimpanzees in addition to about 350 species of birds. Semuliki National Park will then follow, it shields the huge Ituri forest’s Eastern extension in the Democratic Republic of Congo plus it is among Africa’s richest forest bird areas.
The birding tour in Uganda will then proceed to Kibale National Park, a huge mass of rain forest that shelters the East Africa’s largest primate concentration the chance of chimpanzee tracking in addition to offering excellent birding opportunities with about 300 kinds of birds and with We will continue to Queen Elizabeth national park which is popular for its mixed biodiversity around 600 types of birds. Bwindi impenetrable forest will be the climax with its record of twenty-three out twenty-four Albertine Rift endemics in Uganda plus you have a chance to carry out gorilla trekking. Our birding trip will stop in Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga National Park which boasts around 180 species of birds inclusive of the Albertine Rift Endemics.
some of the bird species you will encounter on this safari include: the rare Shoebill, African Finfoot, Papyrus gonolek, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, white faced Go-away birds, Malachite Sunbird, Black Bee-eaters, Collared Apalis, Purple-breasted sunbird, Toro-Olive Greenbul, Rwenzori Batis, Regal sunbird, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, Thick-billed Seedeater, Bar-tailed Trogon, Rwenzori Nightjar, Yellow-billed Barbet, Rwenzori Turcaco, Streaky Seedeater, Black billed turaco, Green-bakced Twinspot, White crested turaco, Dusky Twinspot, Archer’s Robin Chat, Handsome Francolin, Grey-headed Sparrow, African Green Broadbill, Cape Robin, Red-headed Malimbe, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, Waller’s Starling, White-starred Robin, Oriole Finch, Puvels Illadopsis, Dwarf Honey-Guide, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher and the Dusky Crimsonwing.
The bird Habitats you will explore include: the Borassus Palm Savannah, grassland, moist woodland, agricultural lands, Forest, rivers and lakes, grassland, Acacia Savanna, Papyrus Swamps, Riverine Forest.
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Wetland Swamp, Transfer to Masindi
Day 3: Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo forest
Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 5: Birding in Murchison falls national park
Day 6: Bird the Escarpment, transfer to Kibale forest NP
Day 7: birding in Kibale forest
Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking and birding Bigodi swamp
Day 9: Transfer to Semuliki national park
Day 10: Bird the Kirumia trail in Semuliki national park
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 12: Birding in Imaramagambo forest
Day 13: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable forest
Day 14: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi NP
Day 15: Birding Buhoma Sector
Day 16: Birding in Ruhija via ‘the Neck’ of the forest
Day 17: Birding along the Mubwindi Swamp trail
Day 18: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla national park
Day 19: Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla national Park
Day 20: Transfer to Entebbe
Day 21: End of safari
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
Your Uganda birding safari will begin with a representative from Travel Gorge Tours receiving you on arrival at the Entebbe international airport. He will brief you about the safari and then
take to your accommodations in Entebbe. You may have a chance of watching birds at Botanical gardens if your flight is in the morning and also on your arrival time. You start preparing your birding activities for the next day after checking in at the hotel.
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: The Boma (Luxury), Nkima Lodge (Mid-range), African Roots Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Wetland Swamp, Transfer to Masindi
We set off to Kasanje at the Mabamba swamp wetland after having breakfast early morning. This wetland is situated on the edge of the world’s second largest reservoir, Lake Victoria. It takes about one hour and beyond basing on the number of stopovers you will make for some bird watching experience on the way.
You will travel in a canoe that is motorized with a guide from that area site looking for the amazing shoebill which usually is sighted within the marshes on its feet taking flight to the skies over the papyrus plants or on a hunting mission.
There is also a wide range of aquatic birds such as the African Jacana, Swamp Flycatcher, White-winged Terns, African Marsh Harrier, African Fish Eagle, African Purple Swamphen, Purple Heron, Yellow-billed Duck Long-toed plover, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Cape wagtail, Pied Kingfisher, Saddle billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, African Pied Wagtail, Winding Cisticola, Long-toed Lapwing, Red-billed Fire-finch as well as the White-faced whistling duck that you are likely to encounter on your safari.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Masindi Hotel (Mid-range), or New Court Hotel (Budget)
Day 3: Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo forest
Today we proceed to the abundant Budongo forest for our bird watching tour. A portion of the park is situated at Kaniyo Pabidi within Murchison falls National Parkand the remaining part is found on the outskirts of the park as a national forestcalled Budongo forest. The forest is a sanctuary to numerous primates inclusive of the chimpanzees plus many tree species.
We will set for the Royal mile after having breakfast in the early breakfast and packing lunch in order to maximize the time spend in the forest. The royal mile is a one mile stretch where the Bunyoro King loved to pass his time thus the name Royal Mile. You will have an entire day of fun from bird watching by the forest roadside to finishing at the bridge of the forest according to the bird species activity.
You will keep an eye out for a few foreign bird species such as Ituri Batis, Little green sunbird, Nahan’s francolin, Green sunbird, Grey and Yellow longbills, Grey headed sunbird, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Red headed bluebill, Chocolate backed Kingfisher, Grey-headed Olive-back, Black-capped Apalis, White breasted negro finch, Brown twin spot, Jameson’s wattle eye as well as the White spotted fluff tail among others..
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Masindi Hotel (Mid-range), or New Court Hotel (Budget)
Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Your journey of birding at the oldest and biggest national park, Murchison national park will begin with your bird guide picking you from your hotel after taking breakfast in the early morning. A few stopovers on the way in important areas will be made. The drive will continue up to the waterfalls peak for an elevated view of the falls and then resume bird watching to your accommodation.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Bakers Lodge (luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Fort Murchison -Tent (Budget)
Day 5: Birding in Murchison falls national park
We have breakfast early in the morning and thereafter go bird watching on a boat first. Enjoy your morning bird watching on a boat while heading for the Delta. The Shoebill, Wattled Plover, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Painted Snipe, African Water Rail, African Finfoot, Allen’s Gallinule, Lesser Jacana, Black Crake, the Lesser Flamingo, African Crake, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Grey-crowned Crane, African and Eurasian Spoonbills, Southern Pochard, Great White Egret, The Egyptian Goose, Common Squacco Heron, African Pygmy Goose, Little Grebe, the Spur-winged Goose, Green Backed Heron, Saddle-billed stork, Purple Heron, Open-billed stork, Goliath Heron, Yellow-billed stork, Black Heron, Marabou stork, Night Hero as well as the Little and Dwarf Bitterns are a few of the birds we intend to see in this place.
You head to the vehicle after the boat experience and go bird watching in the Savannah seeking the Secretary Bird, Lesser Honeyguide, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Cardinal Woodpecker, Red-throated Bee-eater, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Giant Kingfisher, the Black and Penduline Tits, Pied Kingfisher, Nubian Woodpecker, Stripped Kingfisher, Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Common Bulbul, Woodland Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Greenbul, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Black-lored Babbler, African Rock Martin; Lesser Stripped swallow, Ethiopian swallow, Angola swallow, Red-rumped swallow, Rufous-chested Swallow, Nightingale, Rock Thrush, Pied Wheatear, Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrikes, Whinchat, White-fronted Black Chat, Sooty Chat, the Black Cuckoo Shrike, Brown Babblers and the White-breasted Cuckoo Shrike.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Bakers Lodge (luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Fort Murchison -Tent (Budget)
Day 6: Bird the Escarpment, transfer to Kibale forest NP
Today after having breakfast in the morning, we stop by Butiaba escarpment for bird watching some fascinating birds on the way to Kibale forest. The Foxy Cisticola, Beautiful sunbird, Flappet Lark, Long crested eagle, Black-billed Barbet, Green-backed Eremomela, Grey-winged Pythilia, Copper Sunbird, Buff-bellied Warbler, Marsh Tchagra, Northern Crombec, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Lesser blue-eared Starling, Whin chat, Little weaver and the Tawny-flanked Prinia, are some of the birds to keep an eye for.
Kibale forest is home to thirteen (13) species of primates including the chimpanzees which can easily be seen here. Chimpanzee trek is the highlight tourist activity within this park.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Papaya Lake Lodge (luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Mid-range), Chimpanzee Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 7: birding in Kibale forest
In order to have the most time in the forest, we shall set off from the lodge packed with our lunch and after taking breakfast early in the morning. The rare Green breasted pitta will be our morning center of attention to look for while birding. It is a bird that is sought-after which is quite challenging to see although with the help of rangers as well as site guides, we are optimistic about raising our chances for seeing the Green breasted Pitta in the forest.
We will continue bird watching several bird species such as the White-collared Oliveback, Western bronze-napped Pigeon, Tiny Sunbird, Great blue Turaco, Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-throated Nicator, Masked Apalis, White-headed Wood hoopoe, Grey-throated Flycatcher, Red Headed malimbe, Cabanis Greenbul, Yellow-spotted barbet, Joyful Greenbul, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, African Pitta, Grey-winged Robin, Red-chested Flufftail, Blue shouldered Robin Chat, Green-breasted Pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet and the White-naped Pigeon.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Papaya Lake Lodge (luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Mid-range), Chimpanzee Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking and birding Bigodi swamp
We have a chance of having a life time experience by trekking the chimpanzees this morning in the depths of Kibale forest. You will be taken at the point of briefing by your driver guide. You will be split in groups for the forest tour after the briefing and each group will be allocated a ranger guide for guidance. You will see numerous other primates, plants plus many butterflies.
For wildlife we may have not seen in the forest, we shall bird for them in Bigodi wetland during the afternoon. It is a community’s approach for protecting the forest’s buffer zone plus the profits are given to the various programs of the community.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Papaya Lake Lodge (luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Mid-range), Chimpanzee Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 9: Transfer to Semuliki national park
For the Central African species found solely in East Africa, we shall enjoy looking for them as we head out to Semuliki national park for bird watching today. We will make numerous stopovers to the swampy areas as well as the forest patches close by for the various types of birds.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Mountains of the Moon (Mid-range), Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 10: Bird the Kirumia trail in Semuliki national park
Ituri forest in Congo is where the day will be spent birding for Central African species in Semuliki forest. Semuliki forest is an extension of the large Ituri forest that extends from the Congo. You have a chance of touring the park’s male and female hot springs.
The Congo Serpent Eagle, White-thighed Hornbill, Grey-throated Rail, Wattled Hornbill, Bate’s Nightjar, Nkulengu Rail, Black-casqued Hornbill, Long-tailed Hawk, White-crested Hornbill, Spot-breasted Ibis, Red-billed Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Fiery-breasted Bush-shrike, Northern Red-chested Owlet, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Pale-fronted Negrofinch, Blue-billed Malimbe, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Crested Malimbe, Black-collared Lovebird, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Icterine Greenbul, White-bellied Kingfisher, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Zenker’s Honeyguide, Lemon-bellied Crombec, White-throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Cuckoo as well as the Black-winged Oriole are a few of the species to watch out for.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Mountains of the Moon (Mid-range), Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
We begin a tour today after breakfast early morning by transferring to Queen Elizabeth national park and on the way, do some bird watching. For this part of the country, you will stop by for bird watching and picture moments of the amazing scenic views. As you drive ahead, you will go past many farms, crater lakes, homesteads and later Mountain Rwenzori.
When it rains, the roads around the area around the crater lakes are quite challenging to access since they are not tarred. The guide may recommend an alternative route with a much steadier road if it pours before you head out. You should expect to reach your lodge late in the afternoon since the stopovers you will have will be many for bird watching as well as for photographs. The following day will be an entire day of bird watching so take time and rest and be prepared for it.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Kyambura gorge lodge (luxury), Twin Lakes safari lodge (Mid-range), Elephant Hab (Budget)
Day 12: Birding in Imaramagambo forest
We begin at an early time for a full day at the park guiding you to Maramagambo Forest. We shall bird watch as we head to Imaramagambo forest from the lodge.
The Whinchat, Brown-chested Alethe, Common Redstart, Grey Greenbul, White-fronted Black Chat, Black Tit, Least Honeyguide, Nubian Woodpecker, Sooty Chat, Brown-eared Woodpeckers, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Brown Illadopsis, the Black, White-breasted, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Red-tailed Ant-thrush, Cardinal Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrikes and the Penduline Tits are the species of birds we hope to see.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Kyambura gorge lodge (luxury), Twin Lakes safari lodge (Mid-range), Elephant Hab (Budget)
Day 13: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable forest
Before reaching the lodge late in the afternoon, we shall bird watch on the stopovers we will make en-route as we head to Bwindi impenetrable national park. You may get a chance of spotting birds you might have missed seeing the day before.
There are chances of seeing Ishasha’s popular tree climbing lions as an additional activity. You then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable national park following a brief game drive.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Buhoma Lodge (luxury), Buhoma Haven Lodge (Mid-range), Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
Day 14: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi NP
Highly advised, trekking Mountain Gorillas is a chance of a lifetime.The tour guide who is in charge of you will take you today morning to the point of briefing.You will be split in various groups when you reach the briefing area and led by a ranger guide, each group will trace distinct gorilla families.
Your journey to the forest will begin basing on the family location you will tour. The journey can last for a few minutes or several hours before seeing the gorillas and once you are in their presence, you can only be there for an hour before heading to the beginning point. It can take anything from a few minutes to several hours before sighting gorillas after which you are allowed 1 hour to stay in the presence of the gorillas before starting the trek back to the starting point.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Buhoma Lodge (luxury), Buhoma Haven Lodge (Mid-range), Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
Day 15: Birding Buhoma Sector
Today we will use distinct trails for birding as recommended by theguide at the site as we return to the forest after having breakfast early in the morning. The chances of finding various one of a kind bird species are high as the guides at the site often assist with their location and share the knowledge about where they were last seen.
Stuhlmann’s Starling, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Narrow-tailed Starling, Neumann’s Warbler, Waller’s Starling, Grauer’s Rush-warbler, Montane Oriole, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, African Golden Oriole, Olive Thrush, Strange Weaver, White-bellied Robin Chat, Brown-capped Weaver, Ansorge’s Greenbul, Dusky Crimsonwing, Bar-tailed Trogon, Toro Olive-Greenbul, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Magpie Mannikin, Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike, Yellow-crowned Canary, Lagdens Bush-Shrike, Thick-billed Seedeater, African Green Broadbill, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Streaky Seedeater, Red-chested Owlet, Western Green Tinkerbird, African Green Broadbill, Oriole Finch, Mountain Buzzard, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Ayre’s Hawk Eagle, (Western) Bronze-naped Pigeon, Handsome Francolin, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo as well as the African Wood Owl are what we shall watch out for today.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Buhoma Lodge (luxury), Buhoma Haven Lodge (Mid-range), Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
Day 16: Birding in Ruhija via ‘the Neck’ of the forest
Travel to the ‘the neck’ forest area that is connected to Ruhija from Buhoma. We search for the African Harrier Hawk, Yellow-billed Waxbill, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Black Saw-wing, Montane Yellow Warbler, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland, Chubbs’ Cisticola, Stripe-breasted Tit, Black-necked Weaver, Grey Apalis, African Stonechat, Lead-colored Flycatcher, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Petit’s Cuckoo Shrike, Speckled-rumped Tinkerbirds, Crested Guinea Fowl,
Yellow-bellied Kite, Black Bee-eaters, Yellow White-eye, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Red-throated Martin, Cuckoo Shrike, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Little Grey Montane-masked Apalis as well as Greenbuls,
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Bakiga lodge (Mid-range), Broadbill forest camp (Budget)
Day 17: Birding along the Mubwindi Swamp trail
Get ready to go for bird watching for a whole day today in the trail of Mubwindi swamp in the Ruhija area of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Although the Ruhija area is quite steep with a lot of trekking as you watch the birds, they can easily be spotted. You will trail the Mubwindi swamp that promises a few of the quite challenging rift endemic species with your packed lunch. The stunning Regal Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dohertys Bushrike, Grauer’s Rush warbler, Handsome francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and African green broadbill, Banded Prinia, Caruther’s cisticola and the African Hill babbler are some of the species that we expect to see.
Late in the evening, head back to the hotel and hopefully you shall see a few night jars of the Rwenzori along the forest routes as you ride back.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Bakiga lodge (Mid-range), Broadbill forest camp (Budget)
Day 18: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla national park
Watch birds on your way to Kisoro after an early breakfast. For those few Albertine rift endemics we may have not spotted in Bwindi impenetrable forest; we have some at the Echuya forest as well an out flow in Lake Bunyonyi’s papyrus areas. Echuya forest has birds such as the Regal Sunbird, Dwarf Honeyguide, Strange Weaver, Red-throated Alethe, Brown-capped Weaver, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Strange Weaver, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Strip-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Collared Apalis and the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Mt Gahinga Lodge (luxury), Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Mucha Lodge (Budget)
Day 19: Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla national Park
About 180 listed bird species inclusive of the Albertine rift endemics dwell in Mgahinga gorilla national park. This park with its lush vegetation will provide you with more than just an opportunity to see the different bird species. As you are bird watching, you will pass by a wide range of mountainous habitats around the magnificent Gorge trail. This national park is the smallest in Uganda and it was primarily safeguarded to protect both the golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
The the Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimson-wing, Dwarf Honeygude, Archer`s Robin chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, the Dusky, Rwenzori Double-collared, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Regal Sunbird, cinnamon Bracken and the Purple-breasted Sunbird are among the species of birds we expect to see.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Option: Mt Gahinga Lodge (luxury), Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Mucha Lodge (Budget)
Day 20: Transfer to Entebbe
Your journey back to Entebbe begins in the morning after breakfast; we believe you would have had a fulfilling bird watching experience and crossing out many Albertine rift endemics off your list. It is a full day journey accompanied with small bird watching stopovers.
Meal plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: The Boma (Luxury), Nkima Lodge (Mid-range), African Roots Guesthouse (Budget)
Day 21: End of safari
Your birding safari in Uganda comes to an end today. Head out to Entebbe botanical gardens after your breakfast to check out the various species of birds there. After lunch, You shall be transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to your preferred hotel in Kampala. That will then mark the end to our 21 day experience with primates and birds.
Tour Includes:
- Full board accommodation as detailed in itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking driver guide
- Ground transport in a 4WD safari Vehicle
- Bottled water in the car
- Birding fees
- Boat Rides
- Chimpanzee Tracking
- Gorilla trekking
- Park entrance
Tour excludes
- Personal expenses on drinks, telephone, laundry etc
- Tips to porters and driver/ guide
- Insurance
- All activities listed as optional
- International Flight Tickets
- Visas
- Covid Tests