This 12 Days birding Uganda & Wildlife Safari : takes you to different birding sites with a combined wildlife experience . In fact, this safari starts with birding in Mabamba wetland, then Game drive and launch cruise at Murchison falls. Proceed to Budongo forest, Kibale for chimpanzee tracking and and lastly Bwindi impenetrable national park for bird watching and other primates.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Mabamba Wetland

Early morning after breakfast our tour guide will pick you from your hotel then head to Mabamba swamp. The swamp is 15km west of Entebbe which extends across the Northern shores of the Lake Victoria. It is also marked as one of the best ornithological sites associated with excellent water- associated bird species. In fact, it is the best place to see rare shoebill, which is life changing moment looking at this bizarre bird. Other birds here include; pygmy goose, lesser jacana, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-backed Weaver. Northern Brown-throated Weaver, African Purple Swamp-hen, African Water Rail, Common Moorhen. White-faced Whistling-duck, Squacco heron, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Winding Cisticola. Goliath Heron, Black crake, African Marsh Harrier, Hamerkop, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Common Waxbill. Yellow-billed Duck, Blue-headed Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Widow bird, Intermediate Egret, etc. However, here most of the birding is done on a canoe, paddled by our local site guides. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Sophie’s Motel 

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison falls national park-Top of the falls

After an early morning breakfast, head to Murchison Falls National Park, branch off at Masindi town for lunch. Upon arrival, head direct to the top of the falls and here you will have clear views of the falls. The place is good for taking in the sights and sounds of the falls as well as photography. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Pakuba Safari lodge 

Day 3: Morning game drive - Afternoon boat cruise

Have your morning breakfast then go for an early game drive on the North of the Nile. While here, watch out for different wildlife like Lions, Buffaloes, Water bucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, giraffes, elephants, etc.  Afterwards, head to the dock where you will enjoy lunch as when wait for your boat cruise activity. The boat will take you to the bottom of the falls where you will clearly view the falls. You will also spot some aquatic animals like hippos, large crocodiles and other animals at the banks of the river as they quench their thirst. There is also rich bird life on the papyrus banks like the kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, eagles and so much more. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Pakuba Safari lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 4: Birding in Budongo Forest

Enjoy your morning breakfast then head to Budongo forest which is the most extensive and ecologically diverse forest in East Africa. The best spot to do superb birding is the Royal Mile which hosts a variety of bird species. Bird list here include; African dwarf, blue breasted kingfishers, White-shouldered Black Tit. Spot-flanked Barbet, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike, Rattling Cisticola, Black-faced Waxbill. Bateleur and Martial Eagle, Grey-crowned Crane, Cassin’s hawk eagle. Black-headed Oriole, Greater Swamp Warbler, White-winged Warbler, Tropical Boubou. Colorful Papyrus Gonolek, Vieillot’s Black Weaver and Grosbeak-Weaver and the black-capped Apalis. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Sambiya River Lodge 

Day 5: Budongo Forest-main road past Nsingiro

After your morning breakfast, walk along the main road past Nsingiro which is another exciting venture altogether since it is easier to locate birds. Some of these species to look out for include; the Red-tailed bristle bill, Cameroon somber. Slender-billed, speckled tinker bird, Yellow-crested woodpecker, Yellow-browed Camaroptera. Buff-throated Apalis, White-breasted and Grey-headed Negro finches, White-spotted fluff tails. Crested guinea fowl, Tambourine dove, Grey parrot, African Emerald, Dusky long-tailed cuckoos.  White-throated bee-eater, Yellow-throated tinker bird, Western nicater. Blue-shouldered robin-chat,  Sabine’s and Cassin’s spine tails, Wilcock’s honey guide. Rufous flycatcher thrush, Yellow-mantled weaver, Red-headed malimbe, not to mention but a few. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Sambiya River Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest

After breakfast, you will transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and a long the way you will spot some bird species. Kibale is particularly alluring to nature lovers known for its excellent chimp tracking as well as birding. The park also has the highest concentration of primates in East Africa with about 13 primates. These include; Chimps, Vervet monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, etc.  Birds include; Grey-winged robin, Blue-shouldered robin chat, Yellow-spotted barbet. Black-billed turaco, White-throated flycatcher, White bellied crested flycatcher, Masked Apalis, etc. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Chimpanzee Guesthouse 

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking

This morning after breakfast and a briefing, with an experience ranger hit the forest in search for Chimpanzees. Upon locating a chimp family, you are given 1 hour in their presence as take photos and videos. Chimps live in communities of about 100 individuals; learn about the physical and behavioral aspects we share in common. Check out for more primates such as; the olive baboons, white and black colobus, grey checked mangabey, blue monkeys, etc. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Chimpanzee Guesthouse 

Day 8: Birding in Kibale

Enjoy breakfast, then go for a full day birding in Bigodi Sanctuary (Magombe Swamp). Actually, this place offers an array of bird life and has one of the best guided trails in East Africa. Besides, the Great blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek are the most popular in the swamp. Committed birders admire this sanctuary for its “quality rather than quantity” birds easily spotted. These include; the  Blue-throated roller, White-headed wood hoopoe, crowned hornbill. Cassin’s honey bird, Masked Apalis, pink-footed puff back, black and white flycatcher. Superb Sun bird, Mountain wagtail, purple-headed starling, Black-necked weaver, Dark-backed weaver and Red-headed blue-bill, etc. Do not be surprised to see the sitatunga antelope as well as some primates in the vicinity. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Chimpanzee Guesthouse 

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Have an early morning breakfast then later start your journey to Bwindi National park. Bwindi is unique among other parks because of the presence of the mountain gorillas however it has more to offer for committed birders. Note that; bird watching in the evening around the forest margins of the forest is productive. The park is basically a home of over 23 highly localized Albertine rift endemic like the black-faced Rufous warbler, Black-throated Apalis, Mountain masked Apalis, etc. Do a guided walk along the Munyanja River trail from Buhoma following Bizenga River and here the shinning blue kingfisher can easily be spotted. Along the waterfall trail, you will be able to spot over 40 species such as Yellow-eyed black-flycatcher,  Doherty’s bush-shrikes. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Ruhija Gorilla Lodge 

Day 10: Birding in Ruhija

Having an early morning breakfast head out Ruhija for different bird species. In fact, Ruhija has unique Albertine endemic species which has ranked Bwindi to be one of the best ornithological sites in Africa.  While in Ruhija, you can spot the four crimson-wings, handsome francolin, Red-throated wryneck. Collared Apalis, Bronze sunbird, Scarce swift, Browned Tchagra, Toro Olive Greenbul, Black-faced Rufous warbler. Red-faced woodland warbler, Yellow-crested helmet shrike, Stripe-breasted tit, Yellow bishop. Collared Apalis, Purple-breasted sunbird, White-napped raven, not to mention but a few. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation:

•  Ruhija Gorilla Lodge 

Day 11: Birding in Mubwindi Swamp

After breakfast, you will hike to the Mubwindi Swamp for a whole day birding. The 4km trail to Mubwindi Swamp drops from 2,350m to 2,050m and is the best place for some of the most elusive rift endemics like the beautiful regal sunbird and Archer’s robin chat. Others include; Rwenzori Apalis and African hill babbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, African Green broadbill. Archer’s Robin, White-headed wood hoopoe, Bar-tailed trogon among others.

Accommodation:

•  Ruhija Gorilla Lodge 

Day 12: Transfer back

After early morning breakfast you will check out of the lodge and then transfer back to Kampala where you will be drop you at your hotel/residence.

END OF BIRDING TRIP

Tour includes

• Ground transport
• Bottled water
• Meal as per itinerary
• Entrance fees
• Services of an English-speaking bird guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
• Chimpanzee permits

Tour excludes

• International flights
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses: alcohol, laundry services and souvenirs
• Tips

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