Shoebill • Albertine Rift Endemics • Mountain Gorillas • Chimpanzees • Big Five • Murchison Falls • Semuliki • Bwindi • Kibale • Queen Elizabeth

Safari Highlights

ü  Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 

ü  Chimpanzee trekking and primate encounters in Kibale and Budongo Forests 

ü  Birding safaris at Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Park 

ü  Wildlife safaris including game drives and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and Victoria Nile 

ü  Cultural community visits and local interactions 

ü  Iconic sights like Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and the Ishasha lion plains

 Accommodation

Midrange

Lake Heights Hotel – Entebbe, Rwakobo Rock Lodge – Lake Mburo National Park, Gorilla Mist Camp – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mount Gahinga Lodge – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Turaco Treetops – Kibale National Park, Semuliki Safari Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge – Murchison Falls National Park

Luxury

Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe, Mihingo Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge. Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Semuliki Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Accommodation: Lake Heights Hotel (Midrange) / Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (Luxury)

Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Invictus Safaris guide and transferred to your hotel overlooking the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your international journey or enjoy a gentle introductory birding walk around the hotel gardens.

Lake Victoria's shoreline provides excellent opportunities to observe your first Ugandan bird species, including Grey Crowned Crane, Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Ross's Turaco, Woodland Kingfisher, Double-toothed Barbet, African Paradise Flycatcher, and numerous weavers.

Later in the evening, your guide will conduct a comprehensive safari briefing covering the exciting 25-day adventure ahead, target bird species, wildlife encounters, photography opportunities, conservation practices, and travel logistics. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner before settling in for a restful night's sleep.

Day 2: Uganda Wildlife Education Centre & Entebbe Botanical Gardens Birding

Driving Distance: Approximately 25 km

Accommodation: Lake Heights Hotel (Midrange) / Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (Luxury)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, begin your Ugandan birding adventure with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, one of the country's finest introductory birding locations. Set along the shores of Lake Victoria, the centre combines indigenous woodland, wetland habitats, and conservation exhibits supporting an impressive diversity of birdlife.

Target species include Grey Crowned Crane, African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, Black Kite, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Pied Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Orange Weaver, Black-headed Gonolek, Yellow-billed Duck, African Jacana, and numerous herons and egrets.

Following lunch, continue to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where towering tropical trees and lakeshore vegetation provide excellent habitat for Palm Nut Vulture, Eastern Plantain Eater, Orange Weaver, Woodland Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and a variety of colourful butterflies and vervet monkeys.

Return to your hotel for dinner while preparing for tomorrow's search for Africa's most iconic bird.

Day 3: Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp

Accommodation: Lake Heights Hotel (Midrange) / Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (Luxury)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Rise before sunrise for one of Africa's greatest birding experiences as you travel to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar-listed wetland internationally recognised as Uganda's premier location for tracking the legendary Shoebill.

Board a traditional wooden canoe and quietly navigate narrow papyrus channels while accompanied by experienced local bird guides. Besides the magnificent Shoebill, the swamp supports Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-headed Coucal, White-winged Swamp Warbler, African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Long-toed Lapwing, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Duck, and countless other wetland specialists.

Following lunch overlooking the wetland, continue exploring additional bird-rich channels before returning to Entebbe for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park via the Uganda Equator

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Midrange) / Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Entebbe and journey southwest through Uganda's beautiful countryside towards Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, stop at the famous Uganda Equator Crossing for memorable photographs, educational demonstrations, and souvenir shopping.

Continue through the rolling hills of Ankole, home to the magnificent long-horned Ankole cattle, before arriving at Lake Mburo National Park for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive through acacia woodland and open savannah in search of Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Southern Ground Hornbill, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Lilac-breasted Roller, Burchell's Zebra, Impala, Eland, Buffalo, Rothschild's Giraffe, and Defassa Waterbuck.

Return to your lodge as the African sunset transforms the savannah into a photographer's paradise.

Day 5: Full-Day Birding & Wildlife Experience in Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Midrange) / Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend the day exploring one of Uganda's finest birding destinations, where diverse habitats support more than 350 bird species. Begin with an early morning game drive targeting savannah specialists before continuing through woodland, wetlands, and lakeshore habitats.

Species frequently encountered include Red-faced Barbet, Coqui Francolin, Brown-chested Lapwing, White-winged Black Tit, Nubian Woodpecker, African Grey Hornbill, Green Wood Hoopoe, Brown Parrot, Black Cuckooshrike, Yellow-throated Longclaw, African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and numerous colourful bee-eaters and weavers.

During the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Mburo where hippos, crocodiles, African Jacanas, Goliath Herons, Great White Pelicans, Saddle-billed Storks, Malachite Kingfishers, and African Spoonbills can be observed at close range.

Return to your lodge in the evening after another rewarding day of exceptional birding and wildlife viewing, preparing for tomorrow's scenic journey into Uganda's spectacular Virunga Mountains.

Day 6: Scenic Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park via the Virunga Highlands

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Midrange) / Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury alternative upgrade option available)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, depart Lake Mburo National Park and begin your spectacular journey southwest into Uganda’s dramatic Virunga Highlands. This scenic route is one of the most beautiful drives in East Africa, passing rolling hills, terraced farmland, volcanic landscapes, and mist-covered valleys that define southwestern Uganda’s alpine character.

As you approach the Kisoro region, the towering silhouettes of the Virunga Volcanoes—Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo—rise dramatically on the horizon. This region forms part of the globally significant Albertine Rift ecosystem, renowned for its exceptional bird endemism and biodiversity.

Upon arrival and check-in at your lodge, enjoy lunch followed by an introductory afternoon birding walk along the forest edge and bamboo zones of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is your first real encounter with Uganda’s high-altitude forest birdlife, offering excellent photographic conditions in soft mountain light.

Target species include the iconic Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, White-starred Robin, Black-headed Waxbill, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis, Olive Woodpecker, and Dusky Crimsonwing. The bamboo zones are especially rewarding for mixed flocks moving quietly through dense vegetation.

Wildlife sightings may include Golden Monkeys, bushbucks, giant forest squirrels, and various butterfly species endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Virunga Volcanoes as mist rolls across the slopes—an unforgettable introduction to Uganda’s montane wilderness.

Day 7: Birding Sabinyo Gorge & Volcanic Slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Midrange) / Luxury upgrade available
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring the dramatic Sabinyo Gorge and the lower volcanic slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, one of Uganda’s most rewarding birding environments for Albertine Rift endemics.

After breakfast, set out on guided trails that ascend through bamboo forests into Hagenia woodland and montane forest zones. The changing altitude creates distinct ecological bands, each hosting specialized bird communities.

Search carefully for key Albertine Rift endemics such as the striking Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, Strange Weaver, White-starred Robin, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, and Archer’s Robin-Chat.

Raptors are also a highlight in this region, with African Crowned Eagle, Mountain Buzzard, and Augur Buzzard frequently soaring above the forest canopy. The gorge itself provides excellent opportunities for bird photography as species move along forest edges and open viewpoints.

The volcanic slopes also support Golden Monkeys, often seen feeding in bamboo stands, along with bush pigs, duikers, and a rich diversity of butterflies.

Return to your lodge in the afternoon for relaxation, optional short nature walks, or photography sessions as the sun sets behind the Virunga range.

Day 8: Echuya Central Forest Reserve – Albertine Rift Birding Expedition

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange) / Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Echuya Central Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s most important yet lesser-known montane forest birding sites. This ancient forest is dominated by dense bamboo stands, swampy valleys, and moss-covered trees, creating ideal habitat for rare Albertine Rift specialists.

Echuya offers exceptional birding opportunities for species that are difficult to find elsewhere in Uganda. Key targets include Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Lagden’s Bushshrike, and Kivu Ground Thrush.

The quiet, misty atmosphere of Echuya enhances birding conditions, especially in the early morning when mixed flocks move through bamboo corridors. Your expert birding guide will help locate elusive species often hidden deep within dense vegetation.

In addition to birdlife, the forest supports small mammals, amphibians, and a rich diversity of plant life, making it an excellent location for ecological photography.

After an immersive birding experience, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the cool highland climate.

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Ruhija Sector Birding

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange) / Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, continue your journey into the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots. The drive takes you through dramatic highland scenery, terraced hillsides, and rural Ugandan landscapes before entering the dense rainforest of Bwindi.

Arrive in the Ruhija sector, widely regarded as one of the best birding zones in the entire forest. After lunch and lodge check-in, proceed for an afternoon birding walk along forest trails and the renowned Mubwindi Swamp area.

Bwindi is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Key species in Ruhija include African Green Broadbill (seasonal highlight), Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Grauer’s Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Mountain Oriole, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Turaco, Black Bee-eater, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Doherty’s Bushshrike.

The forest atmosphere is deeply atmospheric, with mist rising through ancient trees and primate calls echoing across valleys, creating one of Africa’s most immersive rainforest experiences.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay in the heart of Bwindi.

Day 10: Full-Day Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija Sector)

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange) / Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Dedicate today to a full immersion into Bwindi’s extraordinary birdlife and pristine rainforest ecosystem. With its thick vegetation, steep valleys, and ancient forest structure, Bwindi offers one of the most rewarding birding experiences in Africa.

Begin early with guided forest trails targeting mixed-species flocks and elusive forest specialists. Key highlights include Shelley’s Crimsonwing, African Green Broadbill (seasonal), Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Nightjar, Bar-tailed Trogon, and African Emerald Cuckoo.

The forest canopy is constantly alive with movement, offering exceptional photography opportunities as light filters through dense vegetation. Your guide will help locate calling birds hidden in the understory, while primates such as L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Black-and-white Colobus, and Blue Monkeys enhance the wildlife experience.

After a forest picnic lunch, continue afternoon birding along additional trails, focusing on quieter sections of the park where rarely seen species may appear.

Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and dinner, surrounded by the mysterious sounds of Bwindi’s ancient rainforest.

Day 11: Birding The Neck Corridor & Transfer to Buhoma Sector, Bwindi

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange) / Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast in Ruhija, begin one of the most celebrated birding transfers in Uganda as you descend through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the famous “Neck” corridor toward the Buhoma sector. This narrow stretch of intact rainforest acts as a critical ecological bridge, supporting some of the richest bird diversity in the entire forest.

The drive is punctuated with strategic birding stops as your guide scans mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy and forest edges. The Neck is especially productive for Albertine Rift endemics and elusive forest specialists.

Key species include Black-faced Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Grey-throated Barbet, Red-throated Alethe, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and the striking African Emerald Cuckoo. Lucky birders may also encounter Bar-tailed Trogon or Grauer’s Warbler in dense understory thickets.

The landscape along this route is equally rewarding, with sweeping views over Bwindi’s endless green canopy, mist-filled valleys, and distant ridgelines—ideal for photography and landscape observation.

Upon arrival in Buhoma, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, explore nearby forest-edge trails and community paths where species such as Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-spotted Barbet, and Grey-throated Barbet are commonly observed.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Day 12: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Forest Birding Experience – Buhoma Sector

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange) / Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner

Today delivers one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences—Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Enter the dense rainforest alongside expert trackers as you follow trails through thick undergrowth, tangled vines, and moss-covered trees. The duration of the trek varies depending on gorilla movements, but the journey itself is rich with birding opportunities.

While tracking, watch for forest species such as Bar-tailed Trogon, African Green Broadbill (seasonal), White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Black Bee-eater, Mountain Illadopsis, and Rwenzori Batis. The forest is alive with sound—bird calls, primate hoots, and rustling vegetation create an immersive wilderness atmosphere.

Upon locating the gorilla family, spend a magical one hour in their presence, observing silverbacks, mothers, and playful juveniles in their natural habitat. This intimate encounter is a highlight of any African safari and a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

After trekking, return to your lodge for relaxation, reflection, and a well-earned dinner.

Day 13: Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse savannah ecosystem. The route passes through the legendary Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.

Enjoy a game drive through Ishasha’s open savannah and fig tree-dotted landscapes, where lions are often seen resting on massive tree branches. Other wildlife includes Uganda Kob, Topi, Elephant, Buffalo, Waterbuck, Warthog, and Spotted Hyena.

Birding in Ishasha is highly rewarding, with sightings of Secretarybird, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Black-bellied Bustard, African Wattled Lapwing, Grey Kestrel, White-headed Vulture, and numerous savannah species.

Continue to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon. Relax while enjoying views over crater lakes and open plains as the sun sets.

Day 14: Kasenyi Plains Birding & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin the day with an early morning birding and game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s most productive wildlife areas. The plains support large herds of Uganda Kob, which attract predators such as lions and hyenas.

Birdlife is equally impressive, with sightings of Secretarybird, Temminck’s Courser, Kori Bustard, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Wattled Lapwing, Rufous-naped Lark, and various bee-eaters and rollers.

After lunch, embark on the iconic Kazinga Channel boat cruise, one of the best wildlife and birding experiences in Africa. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos on the continent.

Expect close encounters with African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Pink-backed Pelican, Giant Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Water Thick-knee, and numerous cormorants and egrets.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 15: Full-Day Game Drive & Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend a full day exploring the vast landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its exceptional biodiversity.

Morning game drives traverse savannah, woodland, and crater lake regions in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and large herds of antelope.

Birding highlights include African Crake, Black-bellied Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Black-winged Kite, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, African Hobby, and various weavers and bishops.

After a picnic lunch, continue birding through wetland and woodland habitats where kingfishers, hornbills, and sunbirds dominate the landscape.

Return to your lodge in the evening after a rewarding day of wildlife and birding exploration.

Day 16: Transfer to Kibale National Park & Birding at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey north through the breathtaking crater lake region toward Kibale National Park, widely regarded as East Africa’s primate capital and one of the finest tropical rainforest birding destinations on the continent.

The drive offers scenic views of rolling tea plantations, volcanic crater lakes, rural villages, and fertile highlands before arriving at the lush forests surrounding Kibale.

After lunch at your lodge, proceed to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area that has become one of Uganda’s most rewarding birding hotspots. This rich mosaic of papyrus swamp, forest edge, and farmland supports exceptional bird diversity.

Key species include Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, White-spotted Flufftail, Blue-headed Coucal, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, African Pitta (seasonal highlight), Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and numerous sunbirds and weavers.

Bigodi is also famous for primates such as Black-and-white Colobus, Red Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, and Olive Baboon.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight surrounded by Kibale’s rainforest ambience.

Day 17: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Afternoon Birding

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Midrange) / Crater Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today delivers one of Africa’s most unforgettable primate encounters-chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing before entering the dense rainforest with expert ranger guides.

Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species, making it one of the most important primate research and conservation areas in Africa. The trek offers exceptional opportunities to observe chimpanzee behaviour including feeding, grooming, vocal communication, and canopy movement.

Birding along the trek is equally rewarding, with species such as Red-chested Owlet, African Pitta (seasonal), Green-breasted Pitta (rare), Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, and Crowned Eagle.

After lunch and rest at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon forest birding session targeting mixed-species flocks and canopy specialists. Kibale’s rainforest supports over 375 bird species, making every walk a discovery.

Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and dinner.

Day 18: Transfer to Semuliki National Park – Congo Basin Birding Experience

Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Semuliki Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel west toward the remote and biologically unique Semuliki National Park, located within the Albertine Rift Valley near the Congo border.

This lowland tropical rainforest is an extension of the Congo Basin ecosystem and hosts bird species found nowhere else in East Africa. The journey itself offers stunning views of the Rwenzori foothills and rural landscapes.

Upon arrival, begin an afternoon birding excursion along forest trails and the famous Sempaya Hot Springs area. Semuliki is renowned for rare and sought-after species such as White-crested Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Blue-billed Malimbe, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Black-wattled Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, and Nkulengu Rail.

The forest is dense, humid, and alive with sound—offering a completely different ecological experience compared to Uganda’s montane forests.

Return to your lodge for dinner surrounded by the sounds of the Congo Basin rainforest.

Day 19: Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve Full-Day Birding Safari

Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Semuliki Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend a full day exploring the Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda’s most underexplored yet bird-rich ecosystems. The reserve combines savannah, woodland, and forest patches, supporting a remarkable diversity of birdlife.

Key species include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Grey Parrot, Yellow-throated Greenbul, White-thighed Hornbill, Red-headed Bluebill, African Piculet, and various raptors such as Crowned Eagle and African Harrier-Hawk.

The reserve also supports mammals including elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and primates, offering a balanced mix of birding and wildlife viewing.

Enjoy picnic lunch in the field before continuing afternoon birding through different habitat zones, maximizing species diversity and photographic opportunities.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 20: Transfer to Budongo Forest Reserve & Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking

Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge (Midrange) / Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Semuliki and travel north toward Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda’s largest mahogany forest and one of the best places in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking and forest birding.

Upon arrival and lunch at your lodge, proceed for an afternoon chimpanzee tracking experience in the Kaniyo Pabidi section of Budongo Forest.

Budongo supports habituated chimpanzee communities as well as a rich diversity of forest birds and primates. During your trek, expect sightings of Chimpanzees, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Black-and-white Colobus, and Blue Monkeys.

Birding highlights include Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Puvel’s Illadopsis, White-thighed Hornbill, Nahan’s Francolin, Forest Robin, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, and African Dwarf Kingfisher.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner, surrounded by the ancient mahogany forest atmosphere.

Day 21: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, depart Budongo Forest and enter the vast wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected conservation area. The journey northward passes through rural landscapes, rolling savannah, and woodland corridors that gradually open into the park’s expansive ecosystems.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge before heading out for an introductory afternoon game drive across the northern delta plains. This region is known for its high density of wildlife and exceptional birding opportunities.

Expect sightings of Rothschild’s giraffes, African elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kobs, oribis, warthogs, and Jackson’s hartebeests. Predators such as lions and hyenas are occasionally encountered, particularly in the open savannah zones.

Birdlife is equally impressive, with early sightings of Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-billed Barbet, Grey-crowned Crane, Northern Red Bishop, Red-throated Bee-eater, and various raptors including Martial Eagle and Bateleur.

Return to your lodge for dinner while enjoying panoramic sunset views over the Nile corridor.

Day 22: Nile Boat Cruise & Birding at the Base of Murchison Falls

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin your day with a relaxing breakfast before embarking on one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences—the Victoria Nile boat cruise upstream to the base of Murchison Falls.

As the boat glides along the Nile, observe dense concentrations of wildlife along the riverbanks. Massive pods of hippos dominate the water while Nile crocodiles bask along sandy shores. Elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes are frequently seen drinking along the river.

Birding along the Nile is outstanding, with highlights including African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Pink-backed Pelican, Giant Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Water Thick-knee, and Rock Pratincole.

Disembark near the base of the falls and experience the dramatic spectacle of the Nile forcing its way through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging 45 metres into the Devil’s Cauldron below. The roar and spray create one of Africa’s most powerful natural wonders.

In the afternoon, return for a relaxed game drive or lodge-based birding along the riverine habitats.

Day 23: Full-Day Birding Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Dedicate today to exploring the diverse ecosystems of Murchison Falls National Park, a true paradise for birdwatchers with over 450 recorded bird species.

Begin with an early morning game drive across the northern savannah plains where bird activity is at its peak. Expect sightings of Secretary bird, Kori Bustard, Denham’s Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk, and Abyssinian Roller.

The open plains are also home to Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, and large antelope herds, creating exceptional wildlife photography opportunities.

After a picnic lunch, continue birding through woodland and riverine habitats where species such as Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Red-throated Bee-eater, Piapiac, Grey-headed Kingfisher, African Jacana, and various hornbills and weavers dominate the landscape.

Optional evening drive or lodge relaxation concludes this rewarding day in Uganda’s premier savannah wilderness.

Day 24: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhino Tracking & Return to Entebbe

Accommodation: Airport Guesthouse / Protea Hotel Entebbe (Luxury optional)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and begin your journey south toward Entebbe. En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos are protected in the wild.

Accompanied by trained ranger guides, embark on a guided walking safari to track southern white rhinos on foot. This close-range encounter offers a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent endangered giants in their natural habitat.

Ziwa also supports excellent birdlife, including Shoebill Stork (seasonal sightings), Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Jacana, Black Crake, Saddle-billed Stork, and numerous wetland species.

After lunch, continue your drive to Entebbe, arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight stay in preparation for departure.

Day 25: Departure from Entebbe International Airport

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel depending on your flight schedule. You will then be transferred to Entebbe International Airport by your Invictus Safaris driver-guide for your outbound international flight.

As your 25-day journey comes to an end, reflect on an extraordinary adventure through Uganda’s most iconic landscapes-home to rare birds, endangered primates, big game wildlife, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

Depart with lifelong memories of the Pearl of Africa, a destination that truly lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s greatest birding and wildlife safari countries.

Meals: Breakfast 

Price Includes

·         Airport transfers (arrival & departure)

·         All accommodation as per itinerary

·         All meals as indicated (B, L & D)

·         Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

·         Professional English-speaking driver/guide

·         Specialist birding guide services

·         All park entrance fees

·         Shoebill canoe excursion at Mabamba

·         Boat cruises (Kazinga Channel, Nile River)

·         Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)

·         Chimpanzee trekking permits (Kibale & Budongo)

·         Rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary

·         All scheduled game drives and birding excursions

·         Bottled drinking water on safari

·         Government taxes and levies

Price Excludes

·         International flights

·         Uganda visa fees

·         Travel and medical insurance

·         Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary

·         Alcoholic and soft drinks

·         Tips and gratuities

·         Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)

·         Any items of a personal nature