12 Days /
11 Nights
12 Days Ultimate Ugandan Birding Adventure
Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mabamba Wetland
Overview
Are you ready to cross the most sought-after birds off your life list? This isn't just a birding tour; it's a meticulously crafted expedition into Uganda’s richest ecosystems, designed to deliver an unparalleled spectacle of avian diversity. From the mythical Shoebill to dazzling, jewel-like sunbirds, we guide you to the exact habitats where magic happens.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Pickup from the Airport
Touch down in Entebbe, where warm hospitality awaits. Settle into your comfortable lodge by the shores of Lake Victoria. Relax, unwind, and feel the anticipation build. Your extraordinary adventure begins at sunrise.
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Journey into the rolling hills and open savannah of Lake Mburo National Park. Your first afternoon introduces you to Uganda’s specials. We’ll be searching for the elusive Brown-chested Lapwing, the striking Red-faced Barbet, and the comical Bare-faced Go-away-bird. A perfect warm-up in a breathtaking landscape.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
An early start yields final savannah gems before a spectacular scenic drive climbs into the highlands. Arriving at Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll feel the change in the air. This evening, listen for the calls of Ross’s Turaco and watch for the Western Bronze-naped Pigeon flitting through the canopy.
Day 4: Bwindi’s Albertine Rift Endemics – A Dream Day
Today is dedicated to one of the most biodiverse forests on Earth. With our expert guide, delve deep into the moss-draped Albertine Rift montane forest. Our targets are the crown jewels: the exquisite African Green Broadbill, the dazzling Regal Sunbird, the skulking Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and the mythical Shelley’s Crimsonwing. This is a day you’ll recount for a lifetime.
Day 5: Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning birding on Bwindi’s edge before we descend to the legendary Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. En route, watch for the stunning Black Bee-eater and the graceful African Harrier-Hawk. The landscape transforms before your eyes into vast, game-rich savannah.
Day 6: Birding day in Queen Elizabeth National Park
A morning game drive reveals savannah specialists before an unforgettable afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This aquatic highway teems with life. Marvel at congregations of Pink-backed Pelican and the statuesque Saddle-billed Stork. We’ll scan meticulously for the elegant, low-flying African Skimmer.
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Depart for the crater lake region, arriving at Kibale Forest. The afternoon is spent at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run gem. Be captivated by the sight of the massive Great Blue Turaco, listen for the secretive White-spotted Flufftail, and seek the vibrant Papyrus Canary.
Day 8: Birding Day in Kibale Forest National Park
Enter the lowland rainforest of Kibale in search of one of Africa’s most sought-after birds: the Green-breasted Pitta. The forest echoes with the calls of Nahan’s Francolin and Yellow-spotted Barbet. (Optional: Add-on the world-renowned Chimpanzee Tracking experience for an unforgettable encounter.)
Day 9: Transfer to Semuliki National Park
Descend dramatically into the Semuliki Valley, where the air grows hot and humid. This is a true slice of the Congo Basin in Uganda. An afternoon near Sempaya’s hot springs offers our first taste of the biome with Black-dwarf and White-crested Hornbills crashing through the canopy.
Day 10: Semuliki National Park Full Day Immersion
A full day on the forest trails of Semuliki is a true bucket-list experience for any global birder. Target a spectacular array of central African species: Piping Hornbill, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, and the Yellow-throated Cuckoo. While never guaranteed, we will make dedicated efforts to find the most legendary of all: the prehistoric elusive shoebill, which occasionally ventures into these swamps.
Day 11: Scenic Return – Birding the Road to Entebbe
We begin our journey back to Entebbe, making strategic birding stops through varied woodlands and wetlands, adding final species to our growing list. Enjoy a farewell dinner, reflecting on an incredible journey.
Day 12: The Grand Finale – Mabamba Shoebill Quest and Departure
We give you one last, thrilling chance. An early morning boat excursion into the vast Mabamba Bay Swamp for a final pursuit of the legendary Shoebill and other papyrus specialists like the Carruther’s Cisticola. After this breathtaking finale, we transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, your memory cards full and your heart forever in Uganda.
What's Included
- A full-time, professional, English-speaking bird guide with expert spotting skills and audio playback equipment.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable, private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal viewing.
- 11 nights’ lodging in carefully selected, comfortable, and bird-friendly lodges and hotels.
- Full board throughout (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) from Day 1 dinner to Day 12 breakfast.
- All national park entry fees, and activities listed (including the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Bigodi Wetland, and Semuliki/Bwindi/Kibale birding permits).
- Mabamba Shoebill ExcursionFinal morning boat hire and guiding at Mabamba Swamp.
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
- All applicable VAT and tourism levies.
What's Not Included
- International airfare to/from Entebbe (EBB).
- Uganda Tourist Visa (obtainable online pre-arrival).
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Highly Recommended)
- Optional Activities
- Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and personal laundry.
- Gratuities for your guide and lodge staff (recommended).
- Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.).
Helpful Tips
- Book Early especially for tours targeting specific seasons as prime lodging and guide availability fill fast.
- For birding, the wetter months (March-May, Oct-Nov) offer peak activity, but dry seasons (Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb) provide excellent access and are also superb.
- Yellow Fever vaccination is required. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended—consult your doctor.
- Layered clothing is key! Mornings in highlands are cold; lowlands are warm. Essential items: quality binoculars, a spotting scope (we’ll have one, but bring your own if you wish), field guide, waterproof bag, sturdy walking shoes, rain jacket, sun protection, and power banks for charging.
- Come ready for adventure! Some days involve early starts and longer drives, but the rewards around every corner are utterly priceless. The roads are part of the authentic African experience.
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