Arrival in Entebbe

Entebbe - Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your birding guide. Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe, situated along the shores of Lake Victoria, providing a peaceful setting for acclimatization. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the itinerary and the bird species you can expect to see.

Birding Highlights:
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy birding around the hotel gardens to spot species such as the Black-headed Gonolek, African Grey Parrot, and Yellow-backed Weaver.

Mabamba Swamp Birding Expedition

Mabamba Shoebills Watching - After an early morning breakfast, drive to Mabamba Swamp, a key birding site west of Entebbe. Begin your birding expedition on a traditional canoe, gliding through the maze of papyrus channels. The swamp is home to Uganda’s most sought-after bird, the Shoebill, among other wetland species. After the canoe ride, explore nearby grasslands for additional bird sightings. Drive back to Kampala in the afternoon, stopping at Mpanga Forest for birding and spotting species like the Great Blue Turaco.

Birding Highlights:
Shoebill, Malachite Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana, Squacco Heron, and Purple Swamphen, among many others.

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park - After an early breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino tracking experience combined with birding. Spot species like the Grey Crowned Crane and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill in this savannah-woodland ecosystem. Enjoy lunch en route and continue to Murchison Falls. Evening relaxation at the lodge, with a chance to bird around the property.

Birding Highlights:
White-crested Turaco, Marabou Stork, Northern Red Bishop, and Red Headed Weaver.

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park - Begin the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. The savannah offers opportunities to spot both mammals and birds. Focus on savannah birds like the Black-billed Barbet, Denham’s Bustard, and Red-throated Bee-eater. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Look out for aquatic birds along the riverbanks and enjoy a brief hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views.

Birding Highlights:
Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle, Rock Pratincole, Pied Kingfisher, and African Skimmer.

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park - Depart Murchison Falls after breakfast and embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest, passing through small towns, lush countryside, and tea plantations. En route, stop for birding at selected forest reserves and wetlands. Arrive at Kibale in the evening and settle into your lodge.

Birding Highlights:
Toro Olive Greenbul, White-spotted Flufftail, and African Emerald Cuckoo.

Birding in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National Park - Start with an early breakfast before heading into Kibale Forest for a full day of birding. The forest is known for its dense bird population and is home to over 375 bird species. Target the rare Green-breasted Pitta, a major highlight for birders. Explore forest trails while listening to the melodies of forest birds and spotting monkeys like the red colobus. Afternoon birding focuses on forest edges and grasslands.

Birding Highlights:
Green-breasted Pitta, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black Bee-eater, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, and Grey-headed Nigrita.

Bigodi Wetland and Departure

Entebbe - Morning birding walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for wetland and forest bird species. Spot species like the Papyrus Canary, White-winged Warbler, and Snowy-headed Robin-Chat. Return to the lodge for brunch before beginning your transfer back to Entebbe. Stop briefly for birding along the way or at scenic spots of interest. Arrive at Entebbe for your evening flight.

Birding Highlights:
Papyrus Gonolek, Great Blue Turaco, and Speckled Tinkerbird.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Guide

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.