Uganda Wildlife & Birding Adventure: 10-Day Inclusive Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Birding at Mabamba Swamp & Mpanga Forest – Overnight in Kampala

Depart from Entebbe in the morning for Mabamba Swamp, known for its rich birdlife.
Embark on a boat to explore the swamp's channels and search for the elusive shoebill.
Continue to Mpanga Forest for more birdwatching opportunities.
Enjoy lunch en route to Kampala, where you'll check into your accommodation.
Relax and have dinner at the accommodation after a day filled with birding adventures.

Day 2 Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary and Transfer to Masindi

Depart from Kampala after breakfast for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you'll embark on a rhino tracking experience.
Enjoy birding in the sanctuary, spotting various avian species such as the White-crested Turaco and Thick-billed Cuckoo.
Afterward, continue your journey to Masindi for dinner and overnight stay at your accommodation.

Day 3 Budongo Forest & Murchison Falls – Overnight in Masindi

After breakfast, depart for Budongo Forest, the largest forest in Uganda, for a day of birding.
Spend the day exploring the forest and spotting unique bird species such as the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher and Dwarf Kingfisher.
Later, visit the top of Murchison Falls for breathtaking views.
Return to your accommodation in Masindi for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Early morning departure for Kibale Forest National Park via the Hoima-Kagadi road, a scenic journey taking approximately 7 hours.
Enjoy occasional stopovers to admire the Rift Valley escarpments and agricultural plantations along the way.
Have lunch en route in Fort Portal town before reaching Kibale Forest in the evening.
Check in at your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 Birding, Chimpanzee Tracking, & Overnight Stay in Kibale Forest

Begin the day with an early morning birding expedition in Kibale Forest, accompanied by a specialized ranger and guide.
Search for Kibale's special bird species, such as the Green Breasted Pitta, while enjoying the forest's rich biodiversity.
Participate in chimpanzee tracking, a thrilling adventure in search of these close relatives of humans, with a 98.7% DNA similarity.
Spend up to one hour in the presence of the chimpanzees, observing their behaviors and interactions.
In the afternoon, embark on a Bigodi Swamp walk, offering opportunities to spot various bird species like the Green Crombec and Little Greenbul, as well as other primates such as Red Colobus and Olive Baboons.
Return to your accommodation in Kibale Forest for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6 Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with Birding

After an early morning breakfast, depart from Kibale Forest and embark on a scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Travel via the picturesque route through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife.
Make occasional stopovers along the way for birding, enriching your birding list with sightings of various species.
Arrive in Bwindi, specifically Buhoma, in the evening, and check in at your accommodation for an overnight stay.
Prepare for the exciting activities of gorilla trekking and birding scheduled for the next day.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, characterized by mist-covered hillsides and ancient rainforests, is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, making up roughly half of the world's gorilla population.

Day 7 Gorilla Trekking, Birding, & Overnight Stay in Bwindi Forest

Following a briefing, embark on an adventurous gorilla trekking expedition into the dense forest.
Trek through the thick bush in search of the endangered mountain gorillas, a thrilling and memorable experience that may last between 4 to 7 hours.
Spend a precious hour in the presence of the gorillas after locating them, observing their behavior and capturing unforgettable moments.
Return to your lodge after gorilla trekking for some relaxation and lunch.
In the afternoon, engage in birding within Bwindi Forest, seeking out the Albertine Rift endemics and other bird species that inhabit the area.
Spot a variety of bird species such as Chapin’s Flycatcher, Black-billed Weaver, and Short-tailed Warbler, adding to your birding checklist.
After a fulfilling day of gorilla trekking and birding, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 Transfer and Birding in Buhoma-Ruhija Sector

Begin the day with a birding excursion in the Buhoma-Ruhija sector, part of the vast Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Spend the morning exploring the bird-rich area, driving between Buhoma and Ruhija while keeping an eye out for various bird species.
Encounter a diverse range of birds along the route, including the Black-collared Apalis, Masked Apalis, and African Black Duck, among others.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the forested landscape as you traverse through the Bwindi terrain, making occasional stops for birdwatching opportunities.
Arrive in Ruhija in the afternoon and indulge in a hearty lunch before embarking on an evening birding session.
Explore the surroundings further, seeking out additional bird species unique to the Ruhija area, such as the Many-colored Bushshrike and Regal Sunbird.
Return to your accommodation in Ruhija for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 9 Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Optional Activities

Depart from Bwindi early in the morning and commence your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, starting from Bwindi.
Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda's countryside, taking in the picturesque landscapes adorned with hills, banana plantations, and grazing Ankole cows.
Along the way, pause to appreciate the natural beauty and capture memorable moments amidst the stunning scenery.
Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, enter the park and embark on a birding and game viewing expedition.
Explore the park's diverse habitats, keeping an eye out for a variety of bird species and wildlife, including the unique wildlife species like zebras and impalas.
Spend the day immersed in nature, soaking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness.
As the day draws to a close, retire to your accommodation in Lake Mburo.

Day 10 Departure from Entebbe with Equator Stopover

Begin your day with breakfast at your accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 4-hour drive back to Entebbe, marking the conclusion of your memorable journey.
Along the way, make a brief stop at the Equator monument, allowing you to capture photos and experience the unique sensation of straddling the Earth's hemispheres.
Take a moment to appreciate the significance of this geographical landmark before continuing your journey.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you bid farewell to Uganda.

9 nights’ accommodation throughout the tour.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as specified in the itinerary.
All ground transport on a 4x4 safari van with a pop -up roof
Activities such as gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, birding, and game drives.
Park entrance fees.
Services of an experienced English-speaking guide.
Bottled drinking water during activities.

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