17DAYS OF BIRDING AND WILDLIFE
Sites; Mabamba Swamp, Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, Lake Mburo
Day 1 Arrival
Early arrivals may have optional birding in afternoon at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens are virtually on the Equator, and covers an area of 40.7hectares. The gardens house a collection of species of plants of the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate and it’s a habitat has attracted a diverse array of birds (206 species) and monkeys. Overnight at your choice of accommodation in Entebbe
Day 2: Birding Mabamba or Kamengo and afternoon at Mpanga forest
After an early breakfast, we bird to Mabamba Kamengo Wetlands about 50km west of Entebbe area on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is one of the few remaining swamps in and home to several pairs of Shoebills. There will also be other bird species.
Day 3: Birds and Mammals of Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, we will depart for Murchison Falls National Park, stopping over in Masindi town for lunch. Murchison falls National Park is one of the most popular of our Uganda national parks. We will drive through the beautiful country side arriving in the evening. Special birds include; Cliff Chat, Yellow fronted Tinkerbird, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Singing Cisticola,
Day 4 : Whole day birding trip in Murchison falls
After an early breakfast, we will have a morning game drive. In the lush Borassus grassland, you may be able to encounter Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, and a variety of antelopes, Lions and Leopards. After enjoying lunch, we will then have an afternoon boat trip to the Bottom of the falls. There are chances that you will also be dazzled with a variety of water birds including species like; the Saddle-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis.
Day 5: Birding safari to Budongo forest Uganda
Depending on the road conditions, there are chances of either birding through the escarpment or through Kanio Pabidi. The escarpment area is well known for its panoramic view of Lake Albert and the Rift Valley, and also being an open area it has quite a number of bird species. Kanio Pabide forest section is well known for its rare bird species including; the Puvell’s Illadopsis. Budongo forest is the largest natural forest area in East Africa. We can expect to find a wide range of other bird species such as; the Green –breasted pitta and also a wide range of primates such as Blue and Red-tailed monkeys. There is also a wide variety of butterfly species in the forest. Budongo forest has recorded over 100 butterfly species hence you will also be in for a treat as we look out for these butterflies.
Day 6:
Whole day bird watching in the Royal Mile Here we shall head to the Royal mile for birdwatching.This is Uganda’s historically known leisure spot for the traditional King, hence the name Royal Mile unique species like Black-and-white-Casqued Hornbills.
Day 7: Bird watching to Kibale forest.
After breakfast, we will drive to Kibale forest arriving in Fort Portal in the late afternoon. Kibale forest national park is the best safari destination for chimpanzee tracking in East Africa. It contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of all tropical forests in Uganda. It hosts 13 species of primates including the chimpanzee. It has 1000 over chimpanzees
Day 8: Chimpanzee tracking Kibale forest National Park Uganda
After an early breakfast we drive to Kibale National Park visitor center for briefing and chimp tracking. The activity may last from a few hours to several hours. Kibale forest is home to 13 primates of Uganda. Birding in the afternoon along the main road may be productive. Depending on the weather predictions, birding Bigodi wetland is also productive with riverine forest birds including; olive –green camaroptera,Joyful Greenbul.
Day 9: Bird Watching Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Park which is named after the Queen of England who visited it in 1954 is the second largest national park in Uganda. In terms of diversity this park ranks among the best birding destinations in Uganda with over 610 species recorded here.
Day 10: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth N. Park Uganda
After breakfast, we will have a morning game drive around the park. The fact that Queen Elizabeth National Park has got a diverse eco system of savannah to rain forest, from dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward is a major contribution to the fact that it boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park or reserve in the world. Therefore, while on the game drive, with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop, you will have excellent opportunities to see; the Lion, Leopard, Giant Forest hog, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Deffassa Water buck, Uganda Kob, Topi, and Bush buck.
Day 11: Travel to Bwindi National Park.
Today we head further South to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on the season we may choose to go through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where there are chances of encountering the Tree-climbing Lions at Ishasha sector. Packed lunch will be arranged in advance to enjoy later as we travel. Depending on the time of arrival, we may enjoy birding on the self-guided Munyaga trail.
Day 12: Gorilla Trakking in Uganda
After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for briefing prior to the gorilla tracking excursion. This activity may take anywhere between 1 hour and 8 hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required. It is an amazing experience.
Day 13: Whole day bird watching on the Main trail – Uganda.
Bwindi is generally at a higher altitude and therefore is cooler. Temperatures range between 10 and 18 degrees centigrade. Forest birding at Bwindi ranks the best in Uganda. It is home to over 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics like the Banded Prinia.
Specialty birds include; Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Banded Prinia
Day 14: Birding to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, we will transfer to Lake Mburo arriving in the late evening. Lake Mburo National Park is 260 sq. km . This park is home to the largest diversity of both plant and wildlife of all Uganda’s national parks. It is also the best place to see the gigantic eland antelope as well as well as Topi,Impala,Zebra.
Day 15 : Whole day Birding in the Park including a boat ride
After breakfast, we will have a morning game drive. You will have greater chances of viewing several animal species including Impala,Topi,Zebra. You will see a variety of water birds like; the pied king fisher, African finfoot and more.
Day 16: Transfer to Entebbe.
After breakfast, we will transfer to Entebbe via Kampala arriving in good time for your departure flight. Overnight at Entebbe cit.y
Day 17: Departure Day.
Evening departures will have an opportunity to bird in the Botanical Garden.