18 Days Uganda Birding Safari

On your arrival day depending on the time , we bird Entebbe Botanical Gardens for an introduction to Ugandan birds. Situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the gardens are virtually on the Equator and cover an area of 40.7hectares. The parking lot trees here typically offer great patch spots for Eastern Plantain-eaters. Plantain-eaters belong to the Turaco family, which has fascinating species that leave fresh Uganda birders in extreme excitement.

Victoria View Guest House

Lake Mburo

This day we explore the lovely woodlands and thickets of Uganda’s smallest wildlife park. This park is great for woodland species especially some species that you would describe as being at their furthest northern range. The few trucks we should cover are expected to present some of the park’s highlights like Red-Faced Barbet which is an East African endemic, Crested and Spot-flanked Barbets, Brown-chested, Crowned, Wattled and Senegal Lapwings, Southern Black Flycatcher and many others

Rwakobo Rock

Bwindi Impenetrable

This is usually a big day, we anticipate for the big one! Mountain gorilla trekking is such a highlight even on birding tours. After breakfast, we go to the information office for a proper briefing on how to behave amidst Mountain Gorillas and family allocation. This activity may take anywhere between an hour to eight, so a reasonable degree of fitness is required. It is a beautiful experience to stare into the eyes of these gentle giants.

Ruhondeeza Camp

Bwindi Impenetrable

Today we transfer to Buhoma, another section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on how well we will have done the previous day, we may decide to take care of unfinished business; Ruhija has the best chances for Handsome Francolin. The drive will continue to the famous “neck” where we hope to find the delicate-looking Mountain Wagtail and Cassin’s Flycatcher as they gourd the rocks in the stream.

Ruhondeeza Camp

Queen Elizabeth

After over a week of montane forest birding, we will have to leave these fantastic locations and head to the Great East African rift valley. We shall bird through Ishasha which is the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park and have a wonderful time working on our woodland and open country birds again.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Kibale

We will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park keeping an eye in the bushes looking for Black-headed Batis, and Black-crowned Tchagra while we enjoy a very scenic and photogenic drive along the Mountains of the Moon. We will leave for the Bigodi Sanctuary Wetland, shortly after arriving at our accommodation.

Rweteera Safari Camp

Semuliki

Today we transfer to Fort Portal, but if we do not have a good job done finding magnificent birds like Green-breasted Pitta, we will decide to go back to the forest for another try. The road that goes through the forest is also great for birding; it is among the spots here where one can get to see Masked Apalis, Sooty Flycatcher, White-napped and Afep Pigeon, Black-crowned Waxbill and great views of the Blue-throated Roller can be expected.

Semliki Safari Lodge

Today, we do the longest drive of the trip; Masindi is seven birding-drive hours away from Fort Portal. The few stops we should do along the way, are for a lunch stop and adding some very likely birds like Yellow-shouldered and Red-collared Widowbird, Brown Twinspot, Red-backed and Brown-backed Scrub-Robin.

New Court View Hotel

Murchison Falls

The tour continues to Uganda’s largest national park, which is also at the lowest elevation amongst all other parks. While and after leaving Masindi town, we will scan the trees for Purple Starling. When we approach the escarpment’s thickets and wooded acacias, we will look for birds typical to this habitat.

Red Chilli Rest Camp