Tour OverviewThe east African country of Uganda is not all about chimps and gorillas chilling in the dense rainforests, although it is magical to see these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Over the last 25 years, Uganda has actually raced ahead to currently be one of Africa’s best birding destinations. The country offers excellent tourism infrastructure, fantastic birding, friendly local people, photogenic scenery, a pleasant climate, excellent coffee and very special general wildlife viewing.
The opening lines of the national anthem is “Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty”, and you will see why. It truly is an incredibly scenic place, and no other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats. This has it turn led to an incredible 1,020 species of bird (around half of the total number found in Africa!) that have been recorded in Uganda, including over 20 Albertine Rift endemics and many other truly iconic species, including the weird-but-wonderful Shoebill.
On this 14 day tour we will not only visit most of the best birding hotspots in the country, but also go on three boat cruises (and one canoe ride!), eat like kings and see many other wonderful fauna and flora species. The optional Chimpanzee and Mountain Gorilla trekking experiences we offer on this tour are both truly bucket-list, “once in a lifetime” opportunities not to be missed. Let’s go birding in the “Pearl of Africa”
Get more detail about what to expect on this tour: Go to full itinerary
Safari starts and ends at Entebbe International Airport
Tour duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Type of accommodation: Comfortable, mid-range (luxury option available in some locations)
Next Group tour departure dates: August 2024
Private and small group, customised safaris can also be booked on request for your preferred travel dates
Murchison Falls National Park–
Spectacular waterfall where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge, and also fantastic birds and mammals
Kibale National Park-
An incredible 13 primate species, including our closest relative, the Chimpanzee, and fantastic forest birding of over 300 species
Semuliki National Park–
Unique “jungle” park that is more Congo than Uganda, with 50 bird species found nowhere else in east Africa
Queen Elizabeth National Park–
95 Mammal species, 600 bird species and dramatic volcanic features make this a must-visit park in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park–
world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to about 400 Eastern Gorillas, along with 350 bird species
Lake Mburo National Park–
Small but awesome, with 350 bird species and amazing wetland scenery, along with some special mammals
Top Birds:
• Shoebill
• Congo Serpent Eagle
• Nahan’s Partridge
• Black Dwarf Hornbill
• Grey Parrot
• Great Blue Turaco
• Grauer’s Broadbill
• Papyrus Gonolek
• Green-breasted Pitta
• Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
Top Mammals:
• Eastern (Mountain) Gorilla
• Chimpanzee
• Guereza, L’Hoest’s Monkey and many other primates
• African Elephant
• African Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard
Optional Activities:
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (highly recommended)
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (highly recommended)
| ITINERARY OVERVIEW |
|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport, transfer to hotel |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Entebbe to Masindi (Mabamba Swamp birding in the morning) |
| Day 3 | Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park |
| Day 4 | Murchison Falls National Park to Masindi |
| Day 5 | Masindi to Kibale National Park |
| Day 6 | Kibale National Park (including optional Chimpanzee trekking) to Fort Portal |
| Day 7 | Fort Portal to Semuliki National Park and back |
| Day 8 | Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 9 | Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 10 | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 11 | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (optional morning gorilla trekking) |
| Day 12 | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 13 | Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park |
| Day 14 | Lake Mburo to Entebbe International Airport and Departure |
All our tours can be customised according to your specific requirements.
Do you have a quick question about this tour? Talk to us on info@naturetravelbirding.com