10-Day Birding Safaris in Uganda

Your safari at a glance. 

Day 1  .  Arrival (Approx. 10 minutes’ drive)

Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by a Great Lakes Safaris representative and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe. From the time you arrive at the airport be on the lookout for the weaverbirds, swallows, common bulbul, African Thrush, Hadada Ibis and the Pied crow.

On this particular safari, we will be on the lookout for Uganda’s TOP TEN sought after bird species Shoe bill stork, African green Broadbill, Green-breasted pitta, Nahans francolin, Brown chested pullover, Karamoja Apalis, Black bee eater, Ruwenzori turaco. Arrive at the Hotel, explore the surroundings or relax in your room.

Overnight at Boma Guest House. (B-B)

Day 2. Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park (Approx. 353Kms/6-7 hours)

Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. We will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for lunch. In the afternoon arrival in Budongo Forest, in the southern part of the national park. Here you will make a guided forest walk for a first introduction with the rich birdlife in Uganda.

Dinner and overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge. (B-L-D)

Day 3. Budongo Forest and Birding

Full day dedicated to birding in Budongo Forest Reserve. With 360 different species, Budongo is famous for its biodiversity in birds and is home to the rare Puvel’s Illadopses which is an endemic specie to this area. Other species include the Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, Chestnut Crowned Eremomera, Dusky long-tailed Cuckoo, Yellow-browned Camaroptera, Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher, Slender-billed Greenbul, Green Crombec and Forest Robin.

Dinner and overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge. (B-L-D)

Day 4. Murchison Falls National Park – Fort Portal (Approx. 400kms/7-8 hours)

We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal with lunch en route. The lovely town of Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. Dinner and overnight at Mountains of the Moon Hotel. (B-L-D)

Day 5. Semliki National Park and Birding

After breakfast we drive to Semliki National Park for birding. The scenic, winding road will lead us through green mountains and offers you a magnificent view at the River Semliki and Congo. There are more than 400 species of birds recorded in this protected area, including many West Africa forest species such as four different hornbill species that are nowhere else seen in Uganda. Also the Red Rumped Tinker Bird and Palm Greenbul are endemics. In the afternoon return to Fort Portal and continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park.

Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale- Luxury Cottages. (B-L-D)

Day 6. Crater Lakes Birding & Bigodi Swamp /Chimp trekking (Optional)

Have a calm breakfast before we head off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. At Lake Nkuruba you will take a hike to encounter different species of birds. Return to the lodge for lunch and transfer to Bigodi Swamp. This wetland is a great attraction for birders with over 200 bird species, including the popular Great Blue Turaco.

Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale- Luxury Cottages. (B-L-D)

Day 7. Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park (Approx. 200kms/3 hours)

After a delicious breakfast we calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Have lunch and relax at the pool before going on a game drive in search of the first wildlife, including warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks, elephants and a variety of birds. We will also do savannah birding in the afternoon. 

Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge- cottage. (B-L-D)

Day 8.  Queen Elizabeth National Park

The day begins early as we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. This is not only an area for excellent game viewing but also offers much to birders. We move through open grassy plains which support large flocks of White and Abdims Stork as well as the spectacular Saddle Billed Stork during the migratory season. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Watch hundreds of hippos, elephants and many migratory bird species, such as the Grey headed Gulls, African skimmers, Water Dikkops and the Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans.

Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge- cottage. (B-L-D)

Day 9. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kampala (Approx. 430/7-8 hours)

After breakfast we calmly transfer back to Kampala. En route we will pass the equator where we will stop for photos and some souvenir shopping. Late in the afternoon arrival in Kampala for overnight at Cassia Lodge. (B-L)

Day 10.  Mabamba Swamps & Departure

Early transfer to Mabamba Swamp, 50 km west of Kampala. Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places to spot the rare Shoebill Stork. But also many other species can be found here, like the Allen’s Gallinule, Grey herons, African Water Rail, Goliath, Purple and a variety of egrets and ducks. The best way to enjoy the rich birdlife is by canoe. After this activity continue to Entebbe Airport for your international flight. (B-L)

Included in the price:

• Airport transfers to/from Entebbe
• All birding trips
• Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle (Land Cruiser)
• English speaking driver/guide
• Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a twin/double room
• Meals as described in the itinerary  (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
• Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks
• Activities and excursions mentioned in the program
• AMREF Flying Doctor Insurance
• VAT for upcountry hotels and lodges

Exclusions:

• International flight
• Visa (USD $50)
• Chimpanzee Permit (Optional)
• Meals and drinks not mentioned above
• Items of personal nature
• Tips

Note:
Prices are subject to change. Availability of accommodations and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the requested deposit. Should any of the included accommodations not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable accommodation, which might affect the final quoted price.