14 Uganda Birding Safari − DETAILED SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Arrive in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport & transfer to the Hotel.

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you’ll be met by our company representative who will warmly welcome to the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and transfer you to your Hotel in Kampala. Entebbe town is situated on the shore of Lake Victoria (the world’s largest tropical freshwater lake) about 40km away from Kampala City.

The town is incredibly “birdy” and if time allows, we’ll make an afternoon visit to the beautifully landscaped Entebbe Botanical Gardens right on Lake Victoria shore. Along with a bounty of more common species, our first birds here could include Orange Weaver, Palm-nut vulture, African fish eagle, Gray Parrot, Ross’s Turaco and Great blue turaco, a perfect introduction to the trip with easy birding in an open environment.

The Highlight of the day: – Viewing the serene waters of the world’s largest tropical fresh water lake as you touch down Entebbe International Airport.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Speke Resort Munyonyo/Kampala Serena Hotel /Sheraton Kampala Hotel

Midrange/Standard: – Cassia Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Biyem Hotel/Nexus Resorts Nansana

Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 40km or 1-1½ hours

Activities & services of the day:-

• Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel in Kampala

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day:-

• Birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens
• Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Visit the Uganda Wildlife Educational Center (UWEC)
• Kampala City Tour

Day 2 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Transfer from Kampala to Semuliki National Park.

We have breakfast at around 6.00 am and embark on a drive west to Semuliki National park taking the road through Fort Portal-Bundibugyo to reach the park. This route has beautiful mountains of the moon sceneries plus plantations. We will pass through rural Uganda where you get a real sense of what life is like here. After arrival, we’ll have some rest and then embark on a late afternoon birding expedition at the entrance of the park. Retire back to the place of stay in Fort Portal for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

The forest track of Semuliki National Park contains over 441 bird species and it is an extension of West African jungle that stretches all the way from Equatorial Guinea through Congo, forming a special habitat for some special Guinea-Congo biome species that do not exist in other areas of East Africa including: – Nkulengu rail, Congo serpent eagle, Maxwell’s black weaver, Blue-bellied malimbe, Gabon woodpecker, Spotted-breasted ibis, Chestnut-flanked goshawk, Long-tailed hawk, Black-wattled hornbill, White-crested hornbill, Black dwarf hornbill, Red-bill hornbill, Red-rumped tinkerbird, Spotted honeyguide, Lyre-tailed honeyguide, Zenker’s honeyguide, African piculet, Palm swamp greenbul, Simple greenbul, Eastern bearded greenbul, Sassi’s olive greenbul, Yellow-throated nictor, Lowland akalat, Grey ground thrush, Fiery breasted bush shrike and  Red-eyed Puffback.

This 220km² park is also famous for its primordial hot springs, and you will feel a change in the air as we walk along the trail network looking for birds today. It is the closest you can get to central Africa’s steaming jungles from anywhere in east Africa. In terms of mammals, Semuliki boasts over 53 species also including some special species such as:- Angola Colobus, Mona monkey, Ugandan Grey-cheeked Mangabey, African Civet, Water Chevrotain, Pygmy Scaly-tailed Flying Squirrel, Bay Duiker, Little Collared Fruit Bat, Target Rat and many others. There are also more than 450 species of butterflies to feast our eyes on.

The Highlight of the day: – The afternoon birding encounter in Semuliki National Park

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Semuliki Safari Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Nyati Game Lodge

Basic/Budget: – UWA Bandas Ntoroko/UWA Bandas Bumaga

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 428 km or 7-8 hours

Activities & Services:-

• Transfer from Kampala to Semuliki
• Afternoon birding

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Hike to the Sempaya hotspring
• Cultural visit the Batwa pygmy community at Ntandi

Day 3 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Whole Day Birding in Semuliki National Park.

We will start this day with an early morning breakfast (at around 7.30 am), pack our lunch and embark on a full day birding adventure exploring the magical Kirumia trail. This 13km trail passes through north from Kirumia on the main Bundibugyo road to the banks of Semuliki River, crossing Kirumia River twice, as well as passing a succession of forest-fringed ox-bow lakes. The first 4km, as far as the first crossing of the Kirumia River passes through the secondary and riparian forest where African Piculet, Long-Tailed Hawk, Red-Sided Broad Bill, Black-Faced Rufous Warbler, Lemon Billed Crombec and several other bird species reside here.

Among the 20-30 bird species associated with ox-bow lakes and their environs, but unlikely to be seen elsewhere in Uganda can be seen here including Nkulengu Rail, Spot-Breasted Ibis, Black-Throated Coucal, Yellow-Throated Cuckoo, Lyre Tailed Honeyguide, Grey Ground Thrush, Blue-Billed Malimbe, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Grant’s Bluebill, Hartlaub’s Duck and White-Throated Blue Swallow.

Hartlaub’s Duck and White-Throated Blue Swallow are resident on Semuliki River. This trail is an 8 hours round trip from the park headquarters at Ntandi and starts at 8:00 am.

The Highlight of the day: – Birding along the magical Kirumia trail in search of the special bird species of Semuliki Park.

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Semuliki Safari Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Nyati Game Lodge

Basic/Budget: – UWA Bandas Ntoroko/UWA Bandas Bumaga

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Transfer from Kampala to Semuliki
• Afternoon birding

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Hike to the Sempaya hotspring
• Cultural visit the Batwa pygmy community at Ntandi

Day 4 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Whole day Birding safari tour in Uganda`s Semuliki National Park.

Just after breakfast again (at around 8.00 am) with packed lunch, we will embark on another full day birding experience on either the main road Sempaya trail or the Kirumia trail, depending on the previous day’s results.

The 8km long Sempaya trail starts from Sempaya information Centre and takes us to a cluster of hot springs at Sempaya. Ringed by forests and palm trees and veiled in a cloud of steam, these springs are a primaeval, evocative site. The hour-long trail to the outer, “male” spring leads through a patch of forest where red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys are common. A treehouse en-route provides an aerial view. A 30-minute hike through palm forest from the main road leads to the inner, “female” spring, dominated by a boiling geyser. Take care: the emerging water has a temperature of more than 100°C and the surrounding pool is hot! Eggs and matooke (green plantain) can be cooked in these boiling waters and enjoyed by hungry hikers!

Among the more interesting birds regularly seen on this trail are the Piping Hornbill, Red-billed dwarf hornbill, black dwarf hornbill, White-crested hornbill, Black-casqued wattled hornbill, Blue-breasted kingfisher, Red-rumped tinkerbird, Yellow-throated tinkerbird, Frasier’s an-thrush and Honeyguide greenbul.

The Highlight of the day: – Encountering several of the Guinea-Congo biome species in Semuliki on a full day birding adventure. 

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Semuliki Safari Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Nyati Game Lodge

Basic/Budget: – UWA Bandas Ntoroko/UWA Bandas Bumaga

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services:-

• Full day birding tour in Semuliki

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Visit Batwa people at Ntandi to learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle
• Game drive in the nearby Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve to see elephants, buffaloes and other African savannah animals.

Day 5 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Transfer to Kibale National Park & Do Birding in Sebitoli Sector.

After taking a cup of tea at around 7.30 am, we drive to Kibale National Park. As we reach in the afternoon, we have lunch and embark on our birding fascination in the Sebitoli Sector. We look out for specials such as Toro olive and Cameroon Sombre green bulls, African black duck, Brown-capped Weaver, Brown and scaly breasted illadopsis, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Pink-footed Puff Back, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Green-throated Sunbird, Green-breasted Pitta, African pita, Great blue turaco, and  Black-headed Sunbird just to mention but a few.

We will also see a variety of monkeys including Uganda red colobus, Black-and-white colobus, Uganda mangabey, Red-tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys and Vervet monkeys. Chimpanzees are also frequently heard in Sebitoli, but rarely seen and elephants are often found along the Mpanga River.

The Highlight of the day: – Birding in Sebitoli Sector of Kibale National Park

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale

Midrange/Standard: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Kibale Forest Camp/Turaco Tree Tops

Budget/Basic: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Kibale Forest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & time: – 78km or 1 ½ -2 hours

 Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer from Semuliki to Kibale National Park
• Afternoon birding in Sebitoli Sector

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Village walks to learn about the daily life of Batooro.
• Birding in the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Day 6 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Whole day Uganda Birding adventure in Kibale Forest National Park.

We have our breakfast at 6.00 am and then transfer to the Kanyanchu area for a wonderful birding experience. Our main avian target is the rare Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa’s ultimate avian prizes. As the pittas tend to display most reliably at sunrise, we’ll be out well before first light to position ourselves in a known and active territory.

As we search for these gorgeous birds, we’ll encounter a variety of other birds including African pitta, African grey parrots, Afep pigeon, Great blue turaco, Abyssinian ground thrush, Black bee-eater, Black-capped Apalis, Black-eared ground thrush, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-headed bee-eater, Crowned eagle, Dusky Crimsonwing, Little greenbul, Masked Apalis, Purple-breasted sunbird, Red-faced woodland warbler, Ruwenzori Apalis, Scaly-breasted illadopsis, Western nicator, White-naped pigeon and Yellow-rumped tinkerbird. You will also see several primates including Uganda red colobus, L ’Hoest’s monkey, Black-and-white colobus, Red-tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys and Olive baboons.

After our birding encounter in Kibale, we’ll have a picnic lunch in the forest and in the afternoon we go bird in the nearby community-run Bigodi Wetland where you will see wildlife at close-hand, including several of the 200 species of birds, eight varieties of primates and numerous butterflies, along with unusual swamp vegetation. Income from this activity is invested in education, health, sanitation and improving the livelihood of local residents of Bigodi Village.

We settle for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

The Highlight of the day: – Encountering Kibale’s special forest bird species such As Green-Breasted Pitta.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale

Midrange/Standard: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Kibale Forest Camp/Turaco Tree Tops

Budget/Basic: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Kibale Forest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & services of the day:-

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Night walks in Kibale forest to see some of the nocturnal creatures such as Bushbabies, Pottos and Nightjars.

Day 7 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Transfer from Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park − Buhoma Sector.

We’ll have our breakfast at around 7.00 am and embark on a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We’ll encounter a variety of birds en route and scenic views of Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s highest Moutain range rising to 5,109 meters with snowcapped peaks. We’ll pass through Queen Elizabeth National Park and we’ll explore its scenic savannah landscapes which hosts over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species including Tree-climbing lions, Leopards, Spotted hyenas, African elephants, Cape buffalos, Hippos, Defassa waterbucks, Uganda kobs, Topis, Chimpanzees, Bushbucks and Giant forest hogs. We’ll arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

The wonderful 321km² Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazetted in 1991 and designated a Natural World Heritage Site UNESCO in 1994. It is a true African jungle, hosting nearly half of the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas, along with 120 other mammal species, 200 butterfly species and 27 species of frogs.

Bwindi is home to over 351 bird species including 23 special species which are endemic Albertine Rift Ecosystem. These include:- African green broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori nightjar, Dwarf honeyguide, Kivu ground thrush, Red-throated alethe, Archer’s robin-chat, Rwenzori Apalis, Mountain masked Apalis, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Grauer’s warbler, Neumann’s warbler, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Chapin’s flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, Stripe-breasted tit, Blue-headed sunbird, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Purple breasted sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing and Shelly’s Crimsonwing.

The Highlight of the day: – The very scenic drive from Kibale National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs

Midrange/Standard: – Haven Lodge Buhoma/Silverback Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 260 km or 6-7 hours

 Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 8 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Whole day birding tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park− Buhoma Sector.

We have our breakfast at around 7.00 am and embark on a search for the avian wonders of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Buhoma sector, following the waterfall trail. Special Uganda bird species to look for include: – Bar-tailed Trogon, Black bee-eater, Handsome francolin, Olive long-tailed cuckoo, Dusky tit, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, Banded Prinia, Grauer’s swamp Warbler, White-bellied Robin-chat, Equatorial akalat, Grey-chested iladopsis, Red-throated alethe;

White-bellied crested flycatcher, White-eyed slaty flycatcher, the enigmatic Chapin’s flycatcher, White-browed crombec, Neumann’s warbler, Black-faced Prinia, Jameson’s antpecker, Black-faced rufous warbler, Willcock’s honeyguide, black-billed weaver, magpie mannikin and newly described Willard’s sooty boubou.

 Key your eyes at the snags and canopy contours for Sooty flycatcher and forest starlings – including Waller’s, Stuhlmann’s and narrow-tailed. Other wildlife that we may be fortunate enough to find includes Black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s, blue and red-tailed monkeys. We will either have a packed lunch somewhere in the forest today or return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta before birding in the afternoon again. We’ll retire from the activity for relaxation dinner and overnight.

The Highlight of the day: – Full day bird watching nature walks Buhoma Sector.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs

Midrange/Standard: – Haven Lodge Buhoma/Silverback Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Activities & services of the day:-

• Full day birding expedition in Buhoma

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Visit the Batwa Pygmy people and learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle

Day 9 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Gorilla Tracking Bwindi – Buhoma Sector.

You will probably remember today for the rest of your life as we spend a full hour in the company of a family of Mountain gorillas! These enormous apes almost 3 times as bulky as average men, with luxuriant shaggy coat hair, are remarkably peaceful creatures despite their fearsome appearance. More impressive even than their size is their unfathomable attitude to people, which greatly differ from that of any other wild animal.  And, a big part of what makes the gorilla trek so special is that these big apes are so closely related to humans (the difference in DNA is only about 1.6%)

The trek to see the Mountain Gorillas starts with a short briefing at 8.00 am from an expert local ranger guide. After a safety briefing, you’re divided into a group of 6, assigned the gorilla family and begin the trek. Owing to the nature of the terrain and the need to explore to find the gorillas, our trek doesn’t follow a path and instead, our guides will cut a route through the undergrowth. The trek is relatively tiresome as it takes 2-8 hours hiking on irregular terrain in order to find the gorillas; steep ascents and descents over muddy slopes are the norm. Strong footwear is essential and we recommend hiring a local porter to help you carry your bag/camera equipment and provide a steady, supportive hand.

After encountering the gorillas (chances are 99%) you will be allowed one hour with them. You will enjoy this memorable experience as you stand just a few meters from these gentle giants of the forest watching them feed, play and even watching them bond with their young ones. You will be amazed at how these creatures have so much resemblance to human beings. After this activity, you will relax at your lodge and if not exhausted, you will take an evening walk around the community for souvenirs after which you will enjoy your dinner and overnight.

The Highlight of the day: – The one magical hour with the endangered Mountain gorillas of Bwindi.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs

Midrange/Standard: – Haven Lodge Buhoma/Silverback Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & services of the day:-

• Full day birding expedition in Buhoma

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bakiga/Batwa cultural performances at the lodge in the evening

Day 10 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Birding To Ruhija through the Neck.

After a relaxed breakfast at around 6.30 am, we go birding in the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi. We’ll spend the whole day on this route to take advantage of the superb birding. We either have a packed lunch somewhere in a nice spot in the forest or return to the lodge for lunch. In scrubby areas, we’ll look for Ross’s Turaco, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Red-throated Wryneck as well as Bronze, Copper and Variable Sunbirds, Black-necked and Holub’s Golden Weavers; Yellow Bishop and Black-throated Seed-eater.

Further along this road, we will pass via “The Neck”, a transitional area between Buhoma and Ruhija. It is a well-known birding site offering spectacular sights of Black sparrow hawk, Western bronze-napped pigeon, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Cassin’s honeybird, Pettit’s cuckoo-shrike, White-chinned Prinia, Mountain Wagtail, Pink-footed puff back, the rare tiny Sunbird and the Dapper brown-capped weaver.

Even further up the road, cultivated areas provide feeding opportunities for many seedeaters, which will hopefully include Dusky Twin spot and Yellow-bellied and Black-crowned Waxbills; African Stonechat, Thick-billed Seedeater and Yellow-crowned Canary. We also search for the noisy Chubb’s Cisticola providing cheerful song from deep within the bracken, the stunning Doherty’s Bush shrike appearing from the dense vegetation, and Mackinnon’s Shrike surveying the road from high, exposed perches. Retire for dinner and overnight.

The Highlight of the day: – Whole day birding in Ruhija Sector.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs

Midrange/Standard: – Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge/Haven Lodge Buhoma

Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer from Buhoma to Ruhija
• Birding through the Neck to Ruhija

Day 11 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Transfer from Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park.

We’ll have our breakfast at around 7.00 am at our lodge and then say goodbye to the wonderful staff. We head northeast through the magical Kigezi Highlands towards Lake Mburo National Park. The drive to the northeast will take about 4 to 5 hours, but on our way out of the forest, we’ll of course be on the lookout for any missed species. These may include Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, and possibly the highland Kandt’s Waxbill. We’ll make a lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara town after which you proceed for 33km to Lake Mburo National Park arriving in the afternoon. You will bird along the entrance road to Rwonyo in the late afternoon.

The 370km² Lake Mburo National Park is a superb wetland and Acacia savanna sanctuary that is a famous spot for serious birders. Together with 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. The park hosts more than 350 bird species including; Red-faced Barbet, African finfoot, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Brown Parrot, Barefaced go-away bird, Black-billed Barbet, Blue-naped mousebird, Nubian Woodpecker, Papyrus canary, Papyrus gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Shoebill, Tabora cisticola;

Green-capped eremomela, Golden-tailed woodpecker, Spot-flanked barbet, White-backed night-heron, Yellow-throated leaflove, Giant kingfishers, Coqui francolin, Black-bellied bustard, Red-headed lovebird, Lilac-breasted and broad-billed rollers, Green wood-hoopoe, Narina trogon, Trilling cisticola, Southern red bishop, African scops owl, Verreaux’s eagle owl and Pennant-winged nightjars.

There are also over 68 mammal species including Plains zebra Rothschild’s giraffe, Impala, Eland antelope, Cape buffalo, Oribi, Defassa Waterbuck, Hippos, Spotted Hyaena and Topi.

The Highlight of the day: – Searching for the special acacia associated birds in Lake Mburo National park.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Mihingo Safari Lodge/Matana Tented Camp

Mid-range/Moderate: – Rwakobo Rock/Emburara Farm Lodge/Arcadia Lodge Mburo

Budget/Basic: – Eagles Nest Mburo

 Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 240km or 4-5 hours

 Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
• Birding in the acacia savannah landscape

Day 12 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Morning Birding In Lake Mburo Park & Transfer to Kampala.

After breakfast at 8.00 am, we undertake 4-5 hours birding encounter in Lake Mburo Park and transfer back to Kampala. We explore the savanna landscapes with a wide range of acacia associated birds and other Species.

We retreat from the activity and transfer to Kampala, a 240km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive making a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots and water experiments that justifies the divide between the south and north hemispheres. Arrive in Kampala in the evening for relaxation dinner and overnight.

The Highlight of the day: – The morning birding encounter in Lake Mburo Park and the Equator experience.  

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Speke Resort Munyonyo/Kampala Serena Hotel /Sheraton Kampala Hotel

Midrange/Standard: – Cassia Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Biyem Hotel/Nexus Resorts Nansana

Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 240km or 3-4 hours

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer to Kampala
• Amazing photo shoots at the Uganda Equator

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Kampala city tour

Day 13 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Transfer from Kampala to Mabamba for a Whole Day Birding Encounter.

After breakfast at around 6.00 am, we depart Kampala for the Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area on the shore of the gorgeous Lake Victoria. This 100 km² swamp is one of the most visited birding sites of Uganda. It’s star attraction, the unique Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), draws not only birders, but also general tourists. On reaching the swamp, we’ll embark on a canoe ride in search we hope to see at least one Shoebill at close range.

We’ll also see an excellent selection of other fantastic waterbirds such as Africa Pygmy goose, Lesser jacana, Gull-bellied tern, Blue-breasted bee-eater; papyrus-specific like Carruther’s cisticola, Papyrus gonolek and White-winged Warbler as well as several weavers such as Golden-backed, Slender-billed, Northern Brown-throated, Vieillot’s, Orange, Black-headed, Grosbeak and  Weyn’s Weaver. We may have the opportunity to encounter the elusive swamp-dwelling Sitatunga Antelope. You will retire from the activity for relaxation, diner and overnight.

The Highlight of the day: – Canoe ride in Mabamba Swamp in search of the Shoebill

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Serena Lake Victoria Resort/Protea Hotel Entebbe

Midrange: – 2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe/Lake Heights Hotel Entebbe/Boma Hotel Entebbe

Budget: – Acacia Boutique Hotel/Airport Guesthouse Entebbe

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 50km or 1-2 hours

 Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer from Kampala to Mabamba Swamp
• Birding in Mabamba Bay Swamp

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Entebbe city tour
• Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Sundowner boat cruise on Lake Victoria

Day 14 of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Departure

One of our staff will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your flight.

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

End of the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari

14 Days Uganda Birding Safari − SAFARI INCLUSIONS

   Full-time English professional safari driver-guide

   4×4 safari van/ 4×4 Safari land cruiser with pop up roof for game viewing with functional A/C

   Full board accommodation

   Gorilla trekking permit fees

   Boat cruise fees

   Wi-Fi Internet on board the safari vehicle

   Bottled water

14 Days Uganda Birding Safari − SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

   International &domestic flight fees

   Visa fees

   Laundry services

   Items of personal nature

   Gratuities and tips

   Other beverages/ drinks

Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary above

14 Uganda Birding Safari Route Map

Transport Means for your 14 Uganda Birding Safari

Accommodations/ Safari Lodges/ Safari Hotels to Your Safari Destinations

Price per Person for Different Numbers of People

Number of people against price per person

2 – $na pp

3 – $na pp

4 – $na pp

5 – $na pp

6 – $na pp

RELATED Uganda Birding Safari Packages

• 15 Days Uganda Birding Safari/15 Days Uganda Birding Tour.
• 19 Days Uganda Birding Safari /Uganda Birding Tour/Birdwatching In Uganda.
• 21 Days Uganda Birdwatching Tour/Uganda Birding Safari Tour.
• 22 Days Uganda BirdWatching Safari/Uganda Birding Tour.
• 23 Days Uganda Birding Safari/23 Days  Uganda Birding Tour.
• 25 Days Uganda Birding Safari/25 Days Birding Tour.
• 28 Days Uganda Birding Safari/28 Days Uganda Birding Tour.

Links of related safari accommodation in the featured safari destinations

15 Days Uganda Birding Safari – GORILLA TREKKING TIPS

•   Mountain gorillas sometimes nest far from the start of your gorilla trek, you should ready yourself for a long walk and drink plenty of water.
•    Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden – designated time and place will be communicated.
•    Smoking while inside the forest is strictly forbidden
•    Bwindi being a tropical forest, it can rain anytime so we encourage you to carry a rain poncho
•    Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
•    Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
•    Long trousers and long-sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
•    Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
•    Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge
•    As you prepare to come for your Uganda gorilla adventure, please do some exercises so that you prepare your body for gorilla trekking which can last between 3-8 hours
•    In case you can’t walk for a very long time, you shouldn’t really worry about not being able to do gorilla trekking because there are potters who can carry you throughout at a small extra cost.
•    Carry your sunscreen lotion to keep your skin safe from the tropical heat & sun rays
•    When you get to the gorillas, don’t make noise because this agitates the gorillas
•    For more information about gorilla trekking tips please follow these links to read more about gorilla trekking tips and advice.

At Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd, your safety is our utmost priority. We have thus undertaken the necessary safety measures in compliance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures by the Governments of ALL African countries in which we operate with a goal of protecting our customers while travelling and on their Africa safari. The following guidelines will be applicable for your  Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and other African Countries.