With over 1000 bird species, Uganda has this precious jewel that is not found in many nations around the world. This safari visits Murchison Falls National Park, including the forest of Budongo at the spectacular Royal Mile and the smaller Kaniyo Pabidi sector, the dense forest of Kibale in Western Uganda; Queen Elizabeth’s unique location and diversity; the gorilla forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga; and finishes in Lake Mburo National Park with its glorious landscapes. Birders will see in the order of 450 bird species and possibly more with some focused hard birding. Of course you will also be party to great wildlife viewing that will include many species of primates. 

The wetter months (February – May and September – November) are recommended for birding as most birds breed during this time being more active and vocal.

ITINERARY:

PRE DEPARTURE DAY

Arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel in Kampala city.Dinner and Overnight (HB).
Transit Time: 45Mins

DAY 1: To Murchison Falls National Park

After Breakfast leave for Murchison Falls National Park via Masindi. Arrive at the park and visit the top of the falls. Continue to your hotel in time for lunch. After lunch, go for an evening game drive. O/N: (FB).
Transit Time: 5Hrs

DAY 2: To River Nile birding

Early morning birding north of the Nile. Carry a packed lunch or return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon launch trip to the bottom of the river. View crocodiles, hippos, elephants and giraffe on the banks of the Nile. Shoebill stork can on occasions be seen on the papyrus islands in the river. Red-throated bee-eaters are ever present. O/N: (FB).

DAY 3: Kaniyo Pabidi birding

An early start, carrying a packed lunch. Birding at Kaniyo Pabidi in quest to find Puvel’s illadopses. Proceed to the Royal Mile which is exceedingly rich – up to 332 different species have been recorded – including the rare Blue-throated roller, Dwarf kingfisher, Velvet-mantled drongo and Chocolate backed kingfisher. A three-hour walk allows you an opportunity of seeing up to 60 bird species. Both areas of the forest are also rich in chimpanzees, monkeys and other primates.  Continue to Hoima town for your overnight stay. (FB).
Transit Time: 3Hrs

DAY 4: To Kibale Forest

Drive to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal, past vast tea plantations. Arrive in fort portal town in time for lunch. Proceed to Bigodi swamps for an afternoon birding experience. O/N: (FB).
Transit Time: 6Hrs

DAY 5: Birding in Kibale Forest

Birding in the Kibale Forest along open wide tracks in the forest. Over 320 species have been recorded here, including the Yellow-spotted nicator, Yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul; Green breasted pitta, the African pitta, as well as many wetland species. O/N: (FB).

DAY 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park birding

Birding at Lake Nkuruba Reserve before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In QE over 500 species of birds have been recorded. Kingfishers and several falcons, eagles and flamingos make up some of the variety you can expect to observe. Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel in the afternoon. The launch trip along the Kazinga channel is also rich in game, especially hippo, buffalo, elephant with many water bird species ever present. O/N: (FB).
Transit Time: 3Hrs

DAY 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park birding

Early start, carrying a packed lunch. Birding in the Maramagambo Forest at Lake Kikorongo, and the Kasenyi  track. Visit the blue lake in Maramagambo Forest. O/N : (FB).

DAY 8: Kyambura Gorge to Bwindi

Chimpanzee tracking and birding at the Kyambura Gorge. Leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Afternoon birding along the Munyaga River and the area around the lodge. Bwindi has over 350 species, more than 184 of which are endemic to the forest. Conspicuous are the Great Blue Turaco, and Black-billed Turaco. There are many forest species regarded as extremely desirable to observe on any visit to Bwindi. O/N: (FB).
Transit Time: 5Hrs

DAY 9: Gorilla tracking, birding

Gorilla tracking or entire day spent birding on the main birding track at Buhoma. O/N: (FB).

DAY 10: Ruhija birding

Start for the Ruhija sector of the forest. With your guide descend down a steep ridge to bird the Mubwindi swamp in search of the Green Broadbill. O/N: (FB).
Transit Time: 3Hrs

DAY 11: Mgahinga birding

Proceed to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, birding en route. Over 79 species of birds have been recorded in Mgahinga, including the very colorful Rwenzori turaco and Yellow tufted malachite sunbird. O/N: (FB).
Transit Time: 4Hrs

DAY 12: Lake Bunyonyi birding

Drive to Kabale skirting Lake Bunyonyi en-route. Continue to Lake Mburo National Park. The lovely landscape is complemented by the lake itself where you will see impala, eland, waterbuck, zebra and buffalo. In the afternoon a motorized canoe trip on the lake will hopefully add Africa Finfoot to the list. O/N: (FB).
Transit Time: 2Hrs

DAY 13: Mabamba Swamp birding

Early morning birding close to Rwonyo. Drive to Mpigi forest for lunch before proceeding to Mabamba Swamp to look for the Shoebill stork. Return to Entebbe and transfer to the airport (HB).
Transit Time: 8Hrs