Ugandan Birding & Wildlife Safari: 16-day Prime Birdwatching Tours

 “Majestic Shoebill” – Amazing Birding in Mabamba Swamp and Entebbe, Uganda 2019 (4K Video)

Day 4: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park

Your journey continues to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most biodiverse park. Accompanied by expert guides from Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations, you’ll explore the park’s varied landscapes, which range from savannahs to riverine forests.

Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic game drive as you search for wildlife and birds. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, and numerous bird species. The evening ends with a stay at Murchison River Lodge, offering stunning views of the Nile.

• Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
• Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Birding Along the Golden Mile in Budongo Forest

Begin your day with a visit to Budongo Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s premier birding sites. You’ll traverse the famed Royal Mile, a serene woodland trail renowned for its exceptional birding opportunities.

Notable bird species include:

• Green-breasted Pitta: A rare gem often spotted in this area.
• Chocolate-backed Kingfisher: With its unique plumage, it’s a highlight for many birders.
• White-thighed Hornbill: Found perched along the forest canopy.

Guides from Mtembezi African Safaris will share insights into the forest’s ecosystem, making this an enriching experience for both novice and seasoned birders.

• Main Destination: Budongo Forest Reserve
• Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Boat Cruise and Game Drive in Murchison Falls

Today, you’ll experience the park from a fresh perspective with a morning boat cruise to the delta. As you drift along the Nile, marvel at:

• Goliath Heron: The largest heron species in Africa.
• African Fish Eagle: Majestic and often seen swooping down to catch fish.
• Pel’s Fishing Owl: A rare nocturnal sight in these waters.

The cruise also offers opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at the water’s edge.

In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive, where you’ll encounter Uganda Kobs, lions, and even the elusive leopard. With Mtembezi African Safaris, you’ll benefit from personalized insights and expert tracking.

• Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
• Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Semliki National Park

The journey now leads to the pristine Semliki National Park, located along the Uganda-Congo border. Known for its Ituri Forest, a remnant of the vast Congo Basin, Semliki is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park is one of Africa’s oldest ecosystems, dating back more than 25,000 years.

As you approach, the expert guides from Mtembezi African Safaris will highlight the unique ecological significance of this region. The evening is spent at Semliki Safari Lodge, where you’ll enjoy unmatched tranquillity in the heart of this remote wilderness.

• Main Destination: Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve
• Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Birdwatching in Semliki’s Lush Woodlands (Albertine Rift Ecosystem)

Spend the day immersed in the extraordinary biodiversity of Semliki National Park. The park hosts over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. With Mtembezi’s seasoned guides, you’ll navigate the dense woodlands to spot some of the park’s rarest species.

Key species to watch for:

• Nkulengu Rail: A shy bird found near the forest’s swampy areas.
• White-crested Hornbill: Distinguished by its striking crest and loud calls.
• Piping Hornbill: Unique to the West African tropics, frequently sighted here.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Sempaya Hot Springs, a geological marvel that also serves as a habitat for bird species like the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill.

• Main Destination: Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve
• Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Before leaving Semliki, enjoy a final game drive where you might encounter elephants, buffalos, and a variety of primates, including baboons and colobus monkeys. Birding opportunities abound, with chances to see:

• Purple-breasted Sunbird: Often spotted in flowering shrubs.
• Blue-headed Coucal: A striking bird commonly found in this park’s wetlands.

Afterwards, head to the enchanting Kibale National Park, Uganda’s primate capital. Here, you’ll stay at Turaco Treetops, a charming eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the forest. Relax on your private balcony as the forest comes alive with the calls of nocturnal birds and animals.

• Main Destination: Kibale National Park
• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Chimp Trekking and Birdwatching in Kibale National Park

Today’s adventure begins with a chimpanzee trekking expedition in Kibale National Park. Known for its 24 primate species, Kibale is a paradise for both wildlife lovers and bird enthusiasts. As you track chimpanzee troops, you’ll also have the chance to spot several bird species that inhabit the forest, such as:

• Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo: Often heard calling in the dense canopies.
• Western Banded Snake Eagle: A majestic predator, frequently seen circling above.
• Lizard Buzzard: Commonly spotted on tree branches, waiting for prey.

After the chimp trek, enjoy some birding along the forest’s fringes. The dense forest and diverse vegetation offer ideal conditions for a wide variety of bird species. Later, relax at Turaco Treetops and enjoy a four-course dinner in this unique, tranquil setting.

• Main Destination: Kibale National Park
• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Next, you’ll head south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic parks, offering a blend of savannah, wetlands, and forests. As part of your personalized Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations tour, you’ll be guided through some of the most scenic areas of the park, renowned for its birdlife and mammals.

In the afternoon, explore the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll take a boat safari to view wildlife and enjoy birdwatching along the water. Expect to see:

• Yellow-billed Storks: These elegant birds can often be spotted wading in the shallows.
• African Spoonbills: With their distinctive spoon-shaped bills, these birds are a treat for birding enthusiasts.
• White-faced Whistling Duck: Often seen in large flocks near the water’s edge.

The day ends with a stay at Mweya Safari Lodge, located in the heart of the park. The lodge’s location allows you to enjoy stunning views of the park’s wildlife and the Kazinga Channel.

• Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Wildlife and Birding Hotspots

Today is all about discovering the diverse wildlife and birdlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Start your day with a morning game drive to look for classic African wildlife such as lions, elephants, and Uganda Kobs. The park is also home to various bird species, including:

• Martial Eagles: Often seen perched on large trees or in flight.
• African Jacana: Easily recognizable by their long toes and bright plumage.
• Great White Pelicans: Frequently seen in the Kazinga Channel and wetlands.

Later, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to enjoy a close-up view of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. This is a fantastic opportunity for both wildlife and bird photography. You’ll also have a chance to see elephants and buffaloes along the shore.

For an unforgettable experience, consider a hot air balloon ride to gain a bird’s-eye view of the park’s stunning landscapes, further enhancing your birding adventure with panoramic views.

• Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places for birdwatching in Uganda. As you make your way to this biodiverse paradise, your expert Mtembezi African Safaris guide will highlight the region’s unique ecosystems and point out various bird species along the way. The journey concludes at Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, an eco-friendly accommodation offering stunning views of the park and a chance to relax before tomorrow’s exciting trek.

In the evening, enjoy the peace of Bwindi as you hear the distant calls of various forest birds. For the birdwatcher, this is an ideal time to spot:

• African Green Broadbill: A rare and beautiful bird found deep within the forest.
• Mountain Yellow Warbler: Often seen fluttering through the thick undergrowth.
• Blue-headed Flycatcher: A colorful species that’s frequently seen in the forest’s canopy.

• Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Accommodation: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Gorilla Trekking and Birdwatching in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your adventure: Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi is one of the only places in the world where you can track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Your guide will lead you through dense vegetation, pointing out the forest’s fascinating flora and fauna. During your trek, you’ll likely encounter birds such as:

• Blue Turaco: A large, striking bird often seen moving in the forest’s tall trees.
• Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher: A beautiful species that can be spotted perched in the forest’s undergrowth.
• Dusky Crimson-winged Finch: A high-altitude bird often seen near the forest’s edge.

After your gorilla trek, you’ll have the chance to unwind in the forest surroundings and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The evening will include an optional birdwatching excursion in the evening as the forest becomes quieter and the evening bird calls fill the air.

• Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Accommodation: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After your gorilla trek and birdwatching, you’ll drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a smaller but equally enchanting park famous for its diverse birdlife and stunning landscapes. As part of your Mtembezi African Safaris experience, you’ll travel through Uganda’s picturesque countryside to reach Rwakobo Rock Lodge, an eco-lodge that offers fantastic views of the park’s rolling hills.

Lake Mburo is renowned for being one of the best birding locations in Uganda. It is home to over 350 bird species, including the rare African Finfoot. You’ll enjoy birdwatching in the park’s wetlands, savannah, and forests, with highlights such as:

• African Finfoot: This elusive, water-loving bird is best observed in the park’s swampy areas.
• White-winged Tern: Seen near the shores of Lake Mburo, often hunting for fish.
• Great Crested Grebe: Found swimming in the waters of the lake, an exciting find for avid birdwatchers.

• Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Travel Back to Entebbe for Your Flight

On your final day of Ugandan birding and wildlife, you’ll depart Lake Mburo National Park for the return journey to Entebbe. En route, you can stop at the Equator for a quick photo opportunity and a chance to shop for souvenirs. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a final birdwatching session along the way or near Lake Victoria.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations guide will ensure a smooth transfer for your departure.

• Main Destination: Entebbe
• Meals Plan: Breakfast

End of Ugandan Birding and Wildlife Safari