Highlights of the Birding tour - Birding at the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest • Forest Walk in the Ituri Rainforest • Crater Lakes exploration • Game viewing and birding in Queen Elizabeth NP • Canoeing in Mabamba Swamp
Day 1 : Arrival
You will be welcomed by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Depending on the time of arrival you might spend the afternoon at UWEC, home to captive animals and over 170 species of birds. This includes 7 species of weavers, such as the rare Northern Masked Weaver and Orange Weaver, etc. Overnight at Airport Guesthouse.
Day 2 : Mabamba Swamp
Early transfer to Mabamba Swamp, 50 km west of Kampala. Look out for many different birds on our way to the swamp, like the Papyrus Gonolek, White winged Warbler, Northern Brown throated Weaver and Weyns Weaver. Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places to spot the rare Shoebill Stork. But also many other species can be found here, like the Allen’s Gallinule, Grey herons, African Water Rail, Goliath, Purple and a variety of egrets and ducks. The best way to enjoy the rich birdlife is by canoe and you might even have the luck to encounter the elusive Sitatunga Antelope, adapted to swampy habitats. Later in the afternoon continue to Kampala to your hotel. Overnight at New Madagascar Hotel.
Day 3: Kampala - Kibale National Park 7hrs
Breakfast and then head west to Fort Portal, with lunch en route. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park. Overnight at Primate Lodge Cottages
Day 4: Crater Lakes & Bigodi Swamp
Have a calm breakfast before we head off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. At Lake Nkuruba you will take a hike to encounter different species of birds. Return to the lodge for lunch and transfer to Bigodi Swamp. This wetland is a great attraction for birders with over 200 bird species, including the popular Great Blue Turaco. Dinner and overnight at f Primate Lodge Kibale Cottages
Day 5: Kibale Forest - Queen Elizabeth National Park 3 hrs
After a delicious breakfast we take a nature walk in the forest in search of bird species - look out for the blue breasted kingfisher, black billed Turaco, a variety of Greenbuls among others. Have lunch and thereafter transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.
Day 6 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day begins early as we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. This is not only an area for excellent game viewing but also offers much to birders. We move through open grassy plains which support large flocks of White and Abdims Stork as well as the spectacular Saddle Billed Stork during the migratory season. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Watch hundreds of hippos, elephants and many migratory bird species, such as the Grey headed Gulls, African skimmers, Water Dikkops and the Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.
Day 7 : Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Mburo National Park 5hrs
Breakfast and then head to Lake Mburo National Park arriving in time for lunch - popular with birders and the only park in Uganda where you can find the zebra. As we enter the park and head towards the accommodation it is likely you will see some wildlife like impalas, topis, zebras and buffaloes. Look also for birds such as the Crested Francolin, Bare faced Go-Away bird, Common Scimitarbill, Spot-Flanked Barbet, Lilac breasted Roller, Northern Black Tit, Trilling Cisticola and Brown Parrot. We will make an evening game drive along the Kigambira loop. Species that may be seen are the localized Red Faced Barbet, Black Collared Barbet, Red Headed lovebird, Lead colored Flycatcher and Green capped Eremomela. Dinner and overnight at Rwakobo Rock.
Day 8 : Lake Mburo National Park
Early start of the day as we will go for a nature walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo is the only national park where you can experience a safari on foot. You will encounter several species of wetland and savannah birds, impalas and other wildlife. After breakfast you will go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off.
Late in the afternoon a game drive along the Zebra Track may reveal bird species such as Coqui Francolin, Black Bellied Bustard, African Wattled Plover, Rufous Chested Swallow etc. Also look out for elusive leopard and other nocturnal species. Dinner and overnight at Rwakobo Rock.
Day 9 : Lake Mburo - Entebbe -Departure 6hrs
On our way out of the park we will go for an early game drive along the Lakeside Track. This will give you the chance to spot some water birds like the Lesser and Great Swamp Warbler, White Winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler. We transfer towards Kampala with lunch en route and a stop at the equator for photos and some shopping. Continue to Entebbe where you will be dropped at the airport for your flight home.
Included in the price:
- Airport transfers Ground transport per comfortable 4WD safari vehicle
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in budget accommodations mentioned in the itinerary, based on a double room
- Full board except for your stay in Entebbe and Kampala (B&B)
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Park entrance fees and ranger fees
- Activities as described in the program
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Visa
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- Laundry and tips
- Items of personal nature
Note:
If you wish to stay in budget accommodation please enquire so we can inform you about the fees. Please complete the enquiry for below more details and tailor-made safaris in Uganda and Rwanda!
