20-Day Pearl of Africa Uganda Birding Safari

Price: Midrange $9,000 / Luxury $13,000

On the volcanic slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the ancient forests of Echuya, rare Albertine Rift endemic birds like the Rwenzori Turaco and Regal Sunbird grace the cloud-kissed highlands. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a vivacious biodiversity hotspot, presents over 350 bird species including elusive Albertine endemics and rewarding mountain gorilla treks enveloped in misty rainforest.

The iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park with its expansive savannahs and the shimmering waters of Kazinga Channel provides an ever-changing panorama of hippos, Nile crocodiles, fish eagles, and waterbirds, while the primate-rich forests of Kibale and Budongo offer unforgettable encounters with chimpanzees amidst a chorus of forest birds like the Great Blue Turaco and the Black-crowned Waxbill.

Murchison Falls National Park’s roaring waterfalls and the surrounding dynamic habitats allure visitors with views of Martial Eagles soaring overhead and aquatic species like the African Skimmer daringly skimming the Nile’s surface. Throughout, culturally vibrant local communities add an enriching human dimension to the journey.

This expertly crafted expedition delivers a tapestry of sights, sounds, and profound wildlife connections across Uganda’s premier birding and wildlife sites, blending thrilling trekking, serene boating, and expert-led birding in one unforgettable African adventure.

Accommodations:

    Midrange: Lake Heights Hotel, Rwakobo Rock, Gorilla Mist Camp, Arcadia LodgeLuxury: Imperial Resort Hotel,     Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Mihingo Safari Lodge

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, greeted by your guide. Transfer to your hotel for rest and safari briefing. Optional birding at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in the afternoon to spot cranes, barbets, and gonoleks.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Birding
Begin early with a canoe ride through Mabamba Swamp targeting the elusive Shoebill Stork. Spot wetland species like Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana, and Malachite Kingfisher in a serene papyrus ecosystem.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo via The Equator
Drive towards Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at the Equator for photos. Enjoy views of rolling savannah and woodlands as you approach the park.

Day 4: Lake Mburo National Park Birding and Evening Boat Cruise
Spend the day birding diverse habitats of Lake Mburo targeting species such as Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, and Papyrus Gonolek. Evening boat cruises offer excellent waterbird watching opportunities.

Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Journey to Mgahinga on the slopes of three volcanoes. Bird Albertine Rift endemics such as Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, and Handsome Francolin amidst lush montane forest.

Day 6: Birding in Mgahinga and Echuya Forest Reserve
Explore the dense volcanic forests, including Echuya Reserve, to spot rare montane birds including Cinnamon Bracken Warbler and Mountain Yellow Warbler.

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive to Bwindi, entering the Ruhija sector. Afternoon birding along Mubwindi Swamp focusing on Albertine Rift endemic species and the enchanting bird calls echoing through the forest.

Day 8: Birding Ruhija to Buhoma via The Neck
Trace the trail from Ruhija to Buhoma through The Neck, a forest corridor yielding rich bird diversity including elusive Albertine Rift endemics.

Day 9: Full Day Birding and Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma Sector
Spend the day trekking mountain gorillas while enjoying forest canopy birding for species such as Bar-tailed Trogon and Mountain Masked Apalis.

Day 10: Continue Birding in Buhoma Sector
Further immerse in Buhoma's vast forest trails, focusing on under-observed forest bird species, primates, and forest ecology.

Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
Travel through Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife. Arrive at Queen Elizabeth and enjoy game drives spotting savannah birds like Secretarybird and Kori Bustard.

Day 12: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Cruise Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, Goliath Herons, and rich waterbird assemblages.

Day 13: Game Drives and Birding in Queen Elizabeth NP
Morning and afternoon drives focusing on woodland and savannah birds alongside resident mammals like elephants and lions.

Day 14: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Journey to Kibale Forest. Afternoon birding at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary targeting forest species like Great Blue Turaco and White-spotted Flufftail.

Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding in Kibale
Track habituated chimpanzees in the morning. Afternoon forest birding includes Green-breasted Pitta and Red-faced Woodland Warbler.

Day 16: Transfer to Budongo Forest Reserve
Travel to Budongo Forest for specialized chimpanzee tracking and extended bird walks amid rich primary forest.

Day 17: Birding Budongo Forest and Transfer to Murchison Falls
Continue morning birding before traveling to Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 18: Birding Murchison Falls National Park
Bird in diverse habitats for Martial Eagle, African Finfoot, and other savannah species while spotting prominent mammals.

Day 19: Nile Boat Cruise and Cultural Visits
Cruise the Victoria Nile below Murchison Falls observing aquatic bird species like African Skimmer and Goliath Heron. Visit local communities for cultural immersion.

Day 20: Return to Entebbe and Departure
After morning birding or leisure, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure, concluding the safari with rich memories of Uganda’s biodiversity.

Each day offers expert guiding, wildlife marvels, and opportunities to explore Uganda’s incomparable birding and wildlife riches.