18 Days Uganda Birding Safari

Home | Safaris | uganda | birding

Safari overview

Tracing from the swamps, forests, hills, and the lake shores; be among the few birders in the world to encounter all the different bird species of your choice, inclusive of the crested cranes, and the sought after shoebill stork. This 18 days Uganda birding safari presents a unique opportunity of learning more about birds in their natural habitat. Each destination to be visited offers a chance to encounter a very unique species and creating an unforgettable memory.

You will visit; Mabamba swamp, Murchison falls, Sipi falls, Mabira forest, Semuliki national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, and Queen Elizabeth national park. Other activities to engage in include; game drive, cultural adventure, birding, nature walk, and boat cruise among others. The trip starts and ends at the place of your choice.

Safari in details

Day 1: Pick up and Kampala city experience

From where you are, our expert guide will happily meet and brief you about this adventure.  All you question will be answered at the point, as you sip a glass of Juice, after which, you will have a Kampala city tour.
You will visit the Independence monuments to know more about the country; the museum to uncover the countries historical treasures, and the local markets to exchange the money for an easy transaction, as well as purchasing a few missing Items. Afterward, you will return to the lodge for dinner and a nap.  

Day 2: Mabamba swamp – birding

After a delicious breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to Mabamba swamp through a boat; an experience that by itself leads to an everlasting memory.  1-7 hours of sailing on the world's second-largest freshwater lake presents you with a chance of spotting the sought after shoebill stock, African jacana, the saddle bill stork, and several other swamp dwellers. You will enjoy a picnic lunch, and then at sunset, you will return to the lodge for dinner and a nap.  

Day 3: Depart to Jinja via Mabira forest

On this day, you will have an early morning breakfast meal and then head to Mabira forest for a remarkable birding adventure. This forest is one of the oldest natural forest reserves in the country, hosting a good concentration of birds and unique tree species.

The Great Blue Turaco, black-headed weaver, African grey parrot and tambourine dove among others reside here. You will have Lunch here before proceeding to Jinja for dinner and a nap.

Day 4: Source of R. Nile boat rides and Sipi Falls Tour

After enjoying a mouthwatering breakfast meal, you will depart the lodge for a 1-3 hours’ source of the Nile fun, boat ride, and photography. Thereafter, depart embark on a 4-5 hours’ drive to Sipi falls, located at the footsteps of Mount Elgon. Your lunch will be in Mbale city, whereas dinner comes last at the lodge, where you will have a nap.

Day 5: Full Day at Sipi Falls

On this day, after breakfast, you will first have breakfast, followed by a hike to the powerful 3 falls of the magnificent city falls. Along the trail are several birds to look out for, bamboo trees, scattered homesteads, plantations, and several other attractions. You will spend time taking photos, bathing if you don't mind, and chilling, pending the arrival of your favorite bird species. You will return to the lodge late in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Transfer to Murchison Falls national park

On this day, you will depart Sipi early in the morning for a drive to Murchison fall's national park. You will embark on a scenic drive, with an enroute stopover at Nyero rock paintings to look at the ancient writings, and another stopover for lunch. You will transverse buzzing towns, lush vegetation, and breathtaking sceneries to your lodge in or near the park. The day ends with a mouthwatering dinner and a peaceful nap.

Day 7: Morning game drive and Afternoon boat cruise

 Early in the morning, you will greet your intestines with a delicious meal, followed by a 3-4 hours’ game drive in the northern sector of the park. Mammals such as lions, elephants, warthogs, zebras, and giraffes among others, birds such as the Egyptian gees, crested cranes, and many more offer the best sights of the day.

Thereafter, you will return for lunch, followed by an afternoon boat cruise, which offers an opportunity of encountering crocodiles, hippos, and several bird species. Thereafter, you will return to the lodge for dinner and a nap.

Day 8: Full day birding at Budongo forest

After enjoying your breakfast at the lodge, your birding guide will take you for a full day birding experience at the lush Budongo forest, marked by the giant mahogany tree species. As you traverse the jungle, expect to learn of the different characteristics, shelter, and sounds of the different bird species.

The notable residents here include; African crowned eagle, Dwarf kingfisher, woodpeckers, black-throated Apalis, Hugli's francolin, and the barbets among others. You will return to the lodge at the end of the day for dinner and a nap. You will have a picnic lunch.

Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After a peaceful nap, you will depart your lodge for a 6-7 hours’ drive to Kibale forest national park-primate wild. You will enjoy the captivating views of the landscape, vegetation, and the scattered homesteads along the roadside. There will be an enroute stopover for lunch, and then late arrival at the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Birding experience

Very early in the morning, you will clad in your hiking attire and with packed lunch head to the park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing, followed by the thrilling search, which may last for approximately 1-5 hours, depending on one's speed. There are over 13unique primate species in this place, though dominated by the chimpanzees.
As you search, birds, monkeys, and other forest residents will come your way. Reports suggest that

chimpanzees possess over 98% human DNA, and a very thought-provoking appearance. Upon locating the Apes, you will have one hour to watch, take photos, and as many questions about the chimps. Thereafter, you will have a lunch break, followed by a relaxed evening, dinner, and a nap.

Day 11: Isunga cultural experience and depart to Semiliki national park - afternoon game drive

This day starts with breakfast, after which you will head for an exciting cultural encounter at the Isunga community. The natives will happily welcome you with exciting stories, dances, and simple village walks, for you to come into the understanding of rural life.

Thereafter, you will return to the lodge for lunch, and then embark on a rewarding drive to the birders' paradise; Semuliki national park. Upon arrival, you will check-in to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Full day birding safari in Semuliki national park

After enjoying a lip-smacking breakfast meal, you will depart the lodge with packed lunch for a full day birding experience at the Lunch forest, and the hot spring area. Over 60% of bird species, migrants, and domestic in Uganda have been recorded here. It is a center for diversity, which this day will be just for an introduction.

Among the many birds to look out for including Red-thighed sparrow hawk, Sassi's Olive greenbelt, Lyre-tailed honeyguide, the nine hornbill species, spot-breasted Ibis, and Black-collared Lovebirds. There will be a picnic lunch served, whereas the day comes to an end late in the evening, after understanding the unique characteristics, and colors of the birds.  Dinner and overnight comes last

Day 13: Depart Semuliki for Queen Elizabeth national park - Afternoon birding

On this day, you will depart the lodge after breakfast and a 3-4 hours’ early morning birding. From a birder's paradise to the medley of wonder, the route is marked by lush vegetation, undulating hills, and the backdrop of giant rocks.
You will arrive at the park for lunch, and the rest of the evening engage in sporting the different avian species as they return to their nests for rest. Thereafter, you will head for dinner and a nap at your lodge.  

Day 14: Game drive and boat cruise

At sunrise, you will have a delicious breakfast meal, followed by a rewarding 3-4 hours’ game drive at the Kisenyi area, and other corners of the park, where you will encounter mammals of all species and sizes, birds, unique tree species, and the breathtaking landscape. Among the many creatures to look out for include; lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, several antelope species, lovebirds, the crested cranes, eagles, and vultures.

Have a lunch break, followed by an evening boat cruise at Kazinga channel, home to a school of hippos, crocodiles, and several bird species. at sunset, you will return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful nap.

Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park via the Ishasha sector

You will start your day with a happy breakfast meal, after which you will depart the lodge for a rewarding drive to Bwindi impenetrable national park, a prime safari destination in the country. You will pass via the Ishasha sector to track the rare tree-climbing lions. There is no guarantee of finding them resting on the tree branches, and so Luck comes into play.

Lunch will also be at the very Ishasha sector, before continuing with a rewarding drive, while encountering the rolling hills, birds, the natives, and green plantations. You will arrive at your lodge in the evening for refreshment, dinner, and a nap.

Day 16: Full day of birding experience /optional gorilla trekking

After a sumptuous breakfast meal, you will depart the lodge with packed Lunch to engage in birding for the entire day.  From the start to the end, the melodies, captivating colors, and the lush Jungle will invite you to pay attention at every bend. Some of the notable residents here include; the flycatcher, red-throated alethechapins, green bulls, black bee-eater, and the Tinker birds among others.

Lunch comes at the break of the first hours of the day, whereas dinner and a nap when all the activities are done and dusted.

Day 17: Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

This day will be all yours right from the start to the end. You will first have an early morning breakfast, followed by a remarkable birding, canoeing, and many activities available. Lunch comes right at the break of the first activities, and then the rest of the evening hours is yours to explore, relax, and have fun. Sunset comes with dinner and a nap.

Day 18: Departure

After the remarkable 18 days birding adventure, you will depart Lake Bunyonyi after breakfast and head to Kampala or Entebbe for your flight home or to the next destination. Additionally, there will be an enroute stopover for lunch and photography at the equator point, one of the must-see attractions in the world.

End of safari