Uganda Birding and Wildlife Adventure

17 Days

Overview

Embark on a 17-day journey that plunges you into the heart of Uganda’s rich biodiversity and mesmerizing landscapes. This comprehensive itinerary brings you face-to-face with some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife and bird species, offering both birding and animal tracking experiences that are truly second to none.

Your adventure starts in Entebbe, where early arrivals can acquaint themselves with the local birdlife at the lush Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Over the course of the trip, explore iconic spots like Mabamba Wetlands, Murchison Falls National Park, and Mpanga forest, renowned for their diverse bird species, including the rare Shoebills.

Transition from birds to primates with a visit to Kibale Forest National Park, the go-to destination for chimpanzee tracking in East Africa. Journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along the way, enjoy the incredible birding opportunities that Bwindi offers, including the chance to spot highly localized Albertine Rift endemics.

The adventure doesn’t end there. Lake Mburo National Park provides a sweeping display of both plant and wildlife diversity. Here, go on a thrilling game drive and boat ride to spot more bird species and iconic African animals like Impala, Topi, and Zebra.

Conclude your journey back in Entebbe, perhaps with one last birdwatching session at the Botanical Garden if your flight schedule permits.

This 17-day itinerary offers a harmonious blend of birdwatching and wildlife tracking, set against the backdrop of Uganda’s stunningly diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re an avid birder, wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to be immersed in nature, this trip promises an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Entebbe

For those arriving early, an optional afternoon of birdwatching awaits at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Located on the banks of Lake Victoria, these lush gardens span 40.7 hectares and serve as a habitat for a staggering 206 bird species and various monkeys. Spend the night at an accommodation of your choice in Entebbe.

Day 2 – Birdwatching at Mabamba or Kamengo & Afternoon in Mpanga Forest

Kick-start your day with an early breakfast before heading west to the Mabamba Kamengo Wetlands, situated approximately 50km from Entebbe. Known for its remaining swampy areas, it is the sanctuary for the elusive Shoebill storks among other bird species.

Day 3 – Discover Murchison Falls National Park's Avian and Mammal Diversity

Following breakfast, we’ll set off for the renowned Murchison Falls National Park. En route, we’ll stop in the town of Masindi for lunch. Once in the park, look forward to spotting specialized birds such as the Cliff Chat, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, and Grey-headed Bush Shrike, among others.

Day 4 – A Day in the Natural Splendor of Murchison Falls

After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive through Borassus grassland, where you may see Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, Antelopes, as well as Lions and Leopards. The afternoon will feature a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, offering potential sightings of water birds like the Saddle-billed Stork and Sacred Ibis.

Day 5 – Journey to Budongo Forest: A Birding Haven

We’ll decide on our route based on road conditions, either going via the escarpment or through Kanio Pabidi. The escarpment offers stunning views of Lake Albert and the Rift Valley, along with bird species aplenty. Alternatively, Kanio Pabidi is noted for its rare birds, such as the Puvell’s Illadopsis. Budongo Forest, East Africa’s largest natural forest, is a hotspot for various bird species like the Green-breasted Pitta and also hosts an array of primates and over 100 species of butterflies.

Day 6 – A Day at the Royal Mile

Our day will be devoted to birdwatching at the Royal Mile, a leisure spot historically frequented by traditional Ugandan Kings. Keep an eye out for unique avian species like the Black-and-white-Casqued Hornbills.

Day 7 – Kibale Forest – A Primate Paradise

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off for Kibale Forest, reaching Fort Portal by late afternoon. Known as East Africa’s premier destination for chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest National Park features a rich and diverse tropical forest that is home to 13 primate species, including over 1,000 chimpanzees.

Day 8 – Encounter Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, proceed to the Kibale National Park visitor center for a briefing followed by your highly-anticipated chimpanzee tracking adventure. The duration of this activity can vary from a few hours to a whole day. Spend the afternoon birdwatching along the park’s main road or, depending on the weather, explore Bigodi Wetland to spot riverine forest birds such as the Olive-green Camaroptera and Joyful Greenbul.

Day 9 – Avian Wonders at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, named in honor of the Queen of England following her visit in 1954, ranks as one of Uganda’s best birdwatching destinations with over 610 bird species recorded. It’s also the country’s second-largest national park.

Day 10 – A Diverse Ecosystem Awaits in Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, ranging from savannahs and rainforests to papyrus swamps and crater lakes. With the majestic Rwenzori Mountains serving as a backdrop, look out for Lions, Leopards, Giant Forest Hogs, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, and various antelope species such as the Deffassa Waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi, and Bushbuck.

Day 11 – Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today, we’ll venture further south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on the season, we might pass through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s southern sector, where there’s a chance to see Tree-climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector. A packed lunch will be provided for enjoyment en route. If time allows, relish some birdwatching along the self-guided Munyaga trail.

Day 12 – Gorilla Tracking – A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

After an early breakfast, gather at the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your life-changing gorilla tracking experience. The tracking can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, requiring a reasonable degree of physical fitness. It promises to be an awe-inspiring encounter.

Day 13 – A Day of Birdwatching in Bwindi

Begin your day immersed in the elevated and cooler climates of Bwindi, where temperatures hover between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius. Renowned as one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching locations, Bwindi is home to over 23 Albertine Rift endemics, including the Banded Prinia. Look out for specialty birds like the Black-faced Rufous Warbler and Grauer’s Warbler as you spend the day birdwatching along the main trail.

Day 14 – Lake Mburo National Park – A Diverse Ecosystem

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll make our way to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving by late evening. Spanning an area of 260 square kilometers, the park boasts the highest diversity of plant and animal life among all of Uganda’s national parks. It’s also the best place to spot the impressive eland antelope as well as Topi, Impala, and Zebra.

Day 15 – A Day of Wildlife and Water Birds in Lake Mburo

Following breakfast, embark on a morning game drive where you’ll have the chance to see several species of land animals like Impala, Topi, and Zebra. Later, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, providing an excellent opportunity to observe water birds such as the Pied Kingfisher and African Finfoot.

Day 16 – Journey Back to Entebbe

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you back to Entebbe via Kampala, ensuring you arrive in time for your departure flight. Spend your last night in the vibrant city of Entebbe.

Day 17 – Farewell Uganda

If your departure is in the evening, seize the opportunity for one final birdwatching session in the Entebbe Botanical Garden. Say your goodbyes to the beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife that have made your Uganda experience unforgettable.

Note: The itinerary is subject to changes due to weather conditions, project availability, or other unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for choosing to make a difference in Uganda; we look forward to facilitating an enriching experience!

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