Discover endemic and exotic bird Species in the Pearl of Africa on this 10-day Uganda Birding Journey tailored and guided with Superfine Safaris Limited. This incredible 10-day journey takes you from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park through several birding destinations, with stays in excellent Eco-Lodges in these places. The 10-day birding trip guarantees private birding tours, boat and canoe rides, hikes, primate walks, and spotting everything from green-breasted pitta to shoebill storks and other endangered species. Other wildlife highlights of this trip include Chimpanzee treks. This 10 Days trip offers you the best of Uganda Safaris

Highlights

• Enjoy chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
• Go birding in Entebbe (Mabamba and Entebbe Botanical Gardens), Bwindi Impenetrable, Lake Mburo, Semliki, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
• Look for the shoebill storks and green-breasted pittas, which are some of Uganda’s most sought-after bird species.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda.

Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Wetland and Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, evening game drive.

Day 4: Morning birding tour and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 5: Bwindi Full-day Birding Tour.

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon boat ride.

Day 7: Morning Queen Elizabeth NP Birding adventure and transfer to Semliki National Park.

Day 8: Semliki National Park birding tour, Sempaya hot springs.

Day 9: Drive to Kibale National Park, afternoon chimpanzee trek.

Day 10: Morning Birding session and return drive to Entebbe, Depart.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda

Today, you will arrive in Entebbe and be met by the driver guide of Superfine Safaris at the Airport.  He/she will then transfer you to the hotel for refreshment. With more than 60,000 people, Entebbe covers a large City area (approximately 56 square kilometers) at an altitude of 3,870 ft (1,180 m). After checking in at the Hotel and taking some time to organize, you will head out for a simple tour of the Town.

Overnight at: Hotel Number Five (luxury), Boma Guesthouse (midrange), or Victoria Rock Resort (budget).

Meal Plan: Depends on arrival time.

Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Wetland and Entebbe Botanical Gardens

We shall leave the Hotel early morning for a 15-minute transfer to the pier, starting point for the 90-minute boat cruise.  Our first birding destination is the beautiful Mabamba Wetland, a stunning 2,424-hectare Sanctuary with over 300 bird species that include the iconic shoebill storks.

Later, disembark the boat and embark on a canoe to properly maneuver through the swamp while searching for the birds. You will spend the next 1-2 hours (depending on your interest) spotting the various bird species that include the shoebill storks, Papyrus gonolek, African Jacana, Orange weaver, Blue swallow, Malachite Kingfisher, Purple heron, African pygmy goose, Blue-breasted bee-eater, and many others. Stop for lunch at the Hotel or a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will go for birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens through a guided walk. Birds here include African Jacana, African fish eagles, African firefinch, African Darter, pink-backed pelicans, Bat hawks, Red-billed Firefinch, Common Sandpiper, and White-backed Duck, among many others. The Egyptian Goose, Ashy Flycatcher, Knob-billed Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-eyed Dove, and the Lesser Moorhen are also possible.

Overnight at: Hotel Number Five (luxury), Boma Guesthouse (midrange), or Victoria Rock Resort (budget).

Meal Plan: Depends on arrival time.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, game drive

After breakfast, you will depart Entebbe early for the western side of Uganda and down to Lake Mburo National Park.

On the way, stops will be made at one incredible and phenomenal site. The stop is at the Equator crossing for photography and a cup of coffee. Arrive at the Park in the afternoon, in time for lunch and siesta while preparing for your next adventure.

In the afternoon, you will go for a game drive with the hope of seeing leopards, and many other species that call Uganda’s smallest savannah National Park home.

Overnight at: Mihingo Safari Lodge (luxury), Kigambira Safari Lodge (midrange), or Rwakobo Rock Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Morning birding tour and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will have a half day to explore the beautiful Lake Mburo National Park and all the birds it has to offer. This 270-square-kilometer Protected Area is known for its 350 bird species and incredible bird areas that include the swampy Valleys of Miriti and Warukiri, the shores of Lake Mburo, and Rubanga Forest. Expect a World-class birding experience during your 3-hour guided bird walk through Rubanga Forest, where you can see species such as the Double-toothed Barbet, the Grey-backed Camaroptera, Green Pigeon, Narina Trogon, Harrier Hawk, and many others. Stop for lunch at the Lodge.

Afterward, your private safari driver will pick you up for a 5-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the way, there will be opportunities to stop and take in some of the stunning landscapes. Arrive in the evening for dinner and rest.

Overnight at: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (luxury), Engagi Lodge (midrange), or Gorilla Bluff Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Bwindi Full-day Birding Tour

After breakfast, you will pack up your picnic lunch, a bird guidebook, a pair of binoculars, and a camera for a full day of bird watching. There are more than 350 bird species recorded in the 321-square-kilometer Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which protects a variety of natural habitats like the montane forests, lowland forests, bamboo forests, sub-alpine forests, and swampy areas.

On today’s birding excursion, you will explore Ruhija sector (Mubwindi swamp), on the Eastern side of the Park and one hour’s drive from Buhoma. Watch out for Grauer’s Broadbill, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Blue-headed Sunbird, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, African Hill Babbler, Rwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Apalis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and many others.

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can enjoy a guided village walk to spice up your birding experience. Retire to the Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight.

Overnight at: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (luxury), Engagi Lodge (midrange), or Gorilla Bluff Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon boat ride

Today, transfer 4 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This 1978-square-kilometer Park is home to over 600 bird species, making it the highest ever-recorded number in any Protected Area in Uganda. Enjoy the magnificent views as you drive, passing rolling hills, plains, and other incredible landscapes. Head to the Lodge and after settling in, head to the pool for a swim, have lunch, and continue with your afternoon adventure.

This afternoon, take a boat ride on Kazinga Channel to see some of the bird species that call the nearby swamps and other areas home. The highlights of this afternoon’s boat/birding trip will be the many water and wetland-endemic bird species you can see, including Pink-backed pelicans, African fish eagles, African skimmers, Egyptian Goose, African jacana, Black-headed weavers, Great cormorant, Yellow-billed storks, Malachite and Pied kingfisher, Grey-crowned cranes, Great blue Turaco, Long-crested eagles, and many others.

Overnight at: Elephant Plains Lodge (luxury), Mweya Safari Lodge (midrange), or Simba Safari Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Morning Queen Elizabeth NP Birding adventure and transfer to Semliki National Park

This morning’s birding adventure leads you to Kyambura Forest Reserve, on the Eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park and home to Martial Eagles, blue-headed Bee-eaters, Papyrus gonolek, lesser flamingo, Bar-tailed Godwit, white-napped pigeons, African Broadbill, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, and many others. Have lunch at the Lodge.

Next, hop in your 4X4 Safari Jeep and drive 3-4 hours to Semliki National Park, another wonderful birding destination with over 441 bird species.

Overnight at: Semliki Safari Lodge (luxury), Ntoroko Game Lodge (midrange), or Semliki Fishing River Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Semliki National Park birding tour, Sempaya hot springs

Spend today on another birding excursion, which combines morning and afternoon outings with a seasoned birding guide, with breakfast for meals as well as a siesta. You will come across a variety of microhabitats, from semi-deciduous forest, savannah grassland, to swamp forest. Each area provides a unique opportunity to see bird species native to the Semliki National Park area. Expect to see the Black-throated Coucal, African Piculet, Nkulengu Rail, Red-billed dwarf hornbill, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, western dwarf hornbill, Blue-billed Malimbe, Grey kestrel, Red-throated bee-eater, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, western long-tailed hornbill, and Black-casqued hornbill among others.

End your birding excursion with a trip to the nearby Sempaya hot springs, twin geological pools heated by the underlying volcanic/tectonic forces beneath the Earth’s crust. Hop between the healing pools with temperatures of up to 103°C (217°F), while taking in breathtaking views of the stunning landscapes surrounded by bird-filled verdant vegetation. In between soaks, cool off in the cold pools of water.

Overnight at: Semliki Safari Lodge (luxury), Ntoroko Game Lodge (midrange), or Semliki Fishing River Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 9: Drive to Kibale National Park, afternoon chimpanzee trek

Hit the road again this morning, driving 3 hours to Kibale National Park, a wonderful chimpanzee tracking and birding destination. The journey takes you through the countryside, roads passing banana plantations, and Crater Lakes. On getting there, check into the Lodge, where you will be spending one night.

In the afternoon, you will undertake a half-day excursion into Kibale Forest. Along with a team of experienced Ranger guides and researchers, you will walk through the forest searching for the Great Apes that share 98.7% DNA with humans. The chance of encountering these creatures is high because they have been accustomed to human presence. You will spend the next 1-4 hours searching for them, then another hour observing their behavior, feeding patterns, how they play, and socialize in the forest.

Also, keep an eye out for forest birds, including African pitta, Abyssinian ground thrush, and others. After the trek, you will retire to the Lodge.

Overnight at: Kibale Lodge (luxury), Turaco Treetops Lodge (midrange), or Kibale Forest Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 10: Morning birding session and return drive to Entebbe, Depart

Today, your 10-day Uganda birding Journey comes to an end.

Spend your morning exploring Kibale National Park, spotting more bird species, including the ones missed the previous day. Expect sights of Green-breasted pitta, Black-capped Apalis, western nicator, African pitta, Purple-breasted sunbird, Black bee-eater, Black-collared Apalis, Pin-tailed Whydah, White-naped pigeon, Blue-throated roller, Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Red-chested Owlet, and others.

Grab a quick, packed lunch and say goodbye to Kibale National Park. Make the 6-hour drive back to Kampala/Entebbe. Safe travels!

The package includes;

• Services of an experienced full-time English-speaking guide.
• 9 nights’ accommodation in only the best accommodations.
• Bottled water.
• Meals as per the itinerary.
• Experienced birders in all locations.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• Ground transportation with a comfortable 4X4 safari jeep.
• Airport transfers as long as they are within the safari days.
• Chimpanzee trekking permits.
• Park entry fees.

The package excludes;

• Visa fees.
• Medical and travel insurance.
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
• Laundry fees.
• Telephone expenses.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Post-safari accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe.
• Souvenir shopping, etc.