BIRDWATCHERS PARADISE 20 Nights/21 Days Private, Guided Birdwatcher's Safari
21 DAY BIRDWATCHERS PARADISE
Overview
Uganda is a haven for bird-watchers with over 1000 species of bird. This 21 Day Birdwatchers Paradise Package covers the major birding zones of 44 Important Birding Areas in Uganda. The 21 Days Birding Safari covers Botanical Gardens Entebbe, Mabamba Wetland, Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kirumia Trail of Semliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mubwindi swamp Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
PACKAGE SUMMARY
INCLUDED ON YOUR SAFARI
- 4WD custom-built safari vehicle and fuel
- A Travelogue detailing all safari activities
- Accommodation and Meals as per the package
- Airport transfers
- All Park entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Cultural entertainments
- Drinking water during the safari
EXCLUDED ON YOUR SAFARI
- Gorilla & Chimpanzee permits. (The permit can also be included in this trip).
- International flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Personal expenses.
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY 21-Day Birding Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
You will be met at the airport by a guide from NjagiSMC and taken to your pre-booked accommodation for an overnight stay. You will receive a briefing about the programme of the birdwatchers paradise, one of the birding safaris in Uganda. Dinner & Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel.
Day 2: Entebbe & Birding at the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest
After breakfast, we will spend the morning of our 21 Days Birding Safari Paradise with the site guide and our bird guide. The morning hours are the best time to spot bird species such as the Black-capped Apalis, Yellow-billed Barbet, Blue-breasted, Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, and many others. Dinner & Overnight: Fort Murchison.
Day 3: Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, we will spend half a day on a birdwatcher’s paradise expedition with the site guide and our bird guide. The morning hours are ideal for observing bird species like the Black-capped Apalis, Yellow-billed Barbet, Blue-breasted, Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, and many others. Dinner & Overnight: Fort Murchison.
Day 4: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park then transfer to Hoima
After breakfast, we will embark on a long boat safari that will take us to the Nile delta. This region is rich in various avian species, including the Shoebill, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, African Water Rail, Allen’s Gallinule, Black Crake, and many other bird species. Dinner & Overnight: Kontiki Hotel.
Day 5: Birding the Escarpment and transfer to Fort Portal Tourism City
Today on the fifth day of the 21-day Birdwatchers Paradise, we will transfer to Fort Portal Tourism City via the Butiaba escarpment on our birding safaris in Uganda to observe some interesting bird species such as the Beautiful Sunbird, Black-billed Barbet, Grey-winged Pytilia, Buff-bellied Warbler, Northern Crombec, and many others. Dinner & Overnight: Rwenzori View Guest House.
Day 6: Birding the Kirumia trail in Semuliki National Park
This morning, we will drive to Semuliki National Park, one of the best birding destinations in Uganda with a variety of avian species including the Chestnut Owlet, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Blue-billed Malimbe, and many more. Dinner & Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp.
Day 7: Birding in Kibale National Park for Green Breasted Pitta
After an early morning breakfast, you will take a bird walk at Bigodi Swamp. Kibale NationalPark is known to harbor the elusive Green-breasted Pitta bird. Other rare bird species in this region include Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-throated Nicator, and many others. You may also choose to do a chimpanzee tracking expedition, which provides a great birdwatching opportunity. Dinner & Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp.
Day 8: Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with some stopovers for capturing scenic photos, including the Equator. Later, we will take a boat cruise at Mweya. Bird species that have migrated to this place and that you might be familiar with include Great Cormorant, Common Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Little Stint, Common Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Caspian/Herring Gull, and many others. Dinner & Overnight: Bush Lodge.
Day 9: Birding Imaramagambo Forest & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
We will start early for a full day of birding in the park leading to Maramagambo Forest. We will have birding from the lodge towards Imaramagambo forest. The list of Bird species we expected to be seen are Whinchat, Common Redstart, White-fronted Black Chat, Sooty Chat, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, and many others. Dinner & Overnight: Bwindi View.
Day 10: Birding at Buhoma Waterfall Trail
After breakfast, the journey takes us to Buhoma waterfall Trail, the new species you will look out for include; Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Bar-tailed Trogon, Blue-throated Roller, African Broadbill, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Pinkfooted Puffback, Grey-green (Bocage’s) Bush-Shrike, Many-coloured Bush-Shrike, Dusky Tit, Honeyguide Greenbul, Green Crombec, Grey Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera, Sooty and Dusky-blue Flycatcher. Dinner & Overnight: Bwindi View.
Day 11: Gorilla Tracking at Buhoma
After an early breakfast, we will report to the visitor information of Buhoma in Bwindi Forest at 7 am for a briefing about the activity of tracking Mountain Gorillas. Buhoma is home to the oldest habituated Mountain Gorillas, first tracked in 1993. Among the 3 groups at Buhoma are the Mubare Group with 9 individuals, Rushegura with 16 members, and Habiyanja with 19 individuals. Dinner & Overnight: Bwindi View.
Day 12: Buhoma to Ruhija Sector
This morning’s excursion covers a 40 km journey to Ruhija with a stopover at the narrow neck that links Ruhija to Buhoma. Some of the species easily spotted include the African Black Duck, Yellowbill, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Black Swift, Shining-blue Kingfisher, and others. Look out for the Rwenzori Three-horned Chameleon. Dinner & Overnight: Gorilla Mist Camp.
Day 13: Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija Sector
After breakfast, we will proceed to Mubwindi Swamp, which hosts over 23 Albertine Rift bird species, with a high possibility of seeing over 14 species. Some of the species in this sector include the African Green Broadbill, Dusky Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Handsome Francolin, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Strange Weaver and Stripe-breasted Tit. Trekking mountain Gorillas is an option in this area. Dinner & Overnight: Gorilla Mist Camp.
Day 14: Ruhija to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast, we will transfer to Kisoro with a stopover at Echuya forest. We will be on the lookout for some Albertine rift species that we might have missed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Echuya forest is home to a variety of species including the Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-throated Alethe, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Collared Apalis, Strange Weaver, Brown-capped Weaver, and others. Dinner & Overnight: Travellers Inn.
Day 15: Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda is home to over 180 bird species, including the Rwenzori Turaco and the Shelley’s Crimsonwing. The park is also a habitat for Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys. You can enjoy birding along the Gorge trail and add activities like Gorilla Trekking, Hiking, or Golden Monkey tracking to your itinerary. Advanced booking is required for these activities. Dinner & Overnight: Travellers Inn.
Day 16: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to Echuya Forest
After breakfast, we drive 6 hours to Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch at the lodge, you will do a game drive through the park. Avian species listed include; Lapped-faced and White-backed Vulture, Palm-nut Vulture, Bateleur, Brown and Banded Snake-Eagle, Wahlberg’s and Tawny Eagle more others. Dinner & Overnight: Bird Nest Resort.
Day 17: Echuya Forest-Lake Bunyonyi Kabale
Kabale boosts many tourism hot spots that have not been hyped, developed with poor road networks hence less explored. The list include; Kacuro Caves, Kitibya Cave, Bukora Caves, Nyakagyera Caves, Akampene Island, Bukoora blacksmith area, and Edirisa cultural center. The lake has an abundance of small birds. Dinner & Overnight: Bird Nest Resort.
Day 18: Lake Bunyonyi –Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, we drive 6 hours to Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch at the lodge, you will do a game drive through the park. The list of Bird species are; Lapped-faced and White-backed Vulture, Palm-nut Vulture, Bateleur, Brown and Banded Snake-Eagle, Wahlberg’s and Tawny Eagle and more others. Dinner & Overnight: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Day 19: Transfer Mpanga Forest Reserve – Kampala
After your breakfast, we start the journey to kampala with a stop to visit Mpanga Forest. Here, You will see the Double-toothed Barbet, White-throated Bee-eater, Black-and with more others. Dinner & Overnight: Two Friends.
Day 20: Mabamba Swamps – Botanical Gardens-Entebbe
The day starts at 7 am with a 2-hour drive from Entebbe to Mabamba Swamps. We’ll take a small boat to see the Shoebill and other wetland birds. After lunch, we’ll visit Entebbe Botanical Garden to see a rich birdlife, including the Great Blue Turaco and other bird species. Dinner & Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel.
Day 21: Departure
Like we ushered you while arriving, our 21-day birdwatchers Paradise Safari ends with bidding farewell at the airport.
Birdwatching in Uganda
Uganda’s Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled diversity of avian species against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems with a total of 1061 bird species.
From the 44 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), Uganda’s birding destinations are teeming with feathered wonders waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we’ll explore the rich world of birding safaris in Uganda, highlighting its top birding destinations, endemic species, and the essential gear and services for avid birders.
Exploring Uganda’s Birding Destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: While Bwindi is best known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, it is also a prime birdwatching destination, boasting over 350 species of birds, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Birders can explore the park’s diverse habitats, from montane forests to bamboo thickets, in search of sought-after species such as the African green broadbill, handsome francolin, and Shelley’s crimsonwing.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Situated in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birding paradise, with over 600 species recorded within its boundaries. The park’s varied landscapes, including savannas, wetlands, and forests, support a rich diversity of birdlife, including iconic species such as the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, and martial eagle.
Murchison Falls National Park: Named after the majestic waterfall that thunders through its heart, Murchison Falls National Park is home to an impressive array of bird species, including numerous waterbirds along the Nile River and its tributaries. Birdwatchers can enjoy boat safaris on the Nile, spotting species such as the African skimmer, Goliath heron, and red-throated bee-eater.
Kibale Forest National Park: Renowned for its population of chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is also a birding hotspot, with over 370 species recorded within its borders. Birders can explore the park’s lush forests in search of forest-dwelling species such as the African pitta, green-breasted pitta, and yellow-spotted barbet.
Uganda’s Endemic and Rare Bird Species
Uganda is home to a number of endemic and rare bird species that are found nowhere else on Earth. From the elusive African green broadbill to the majestic shoebill stork, these iconic birds are a highlight for birdwatchers visiting the country. Other sought-after species include the Rwenzori turaco, African green pigeon, and the elusive Grauer’s swamp warbler, which is found only in the wetlands of western Uganda.
Essential Gear and Services for Birdwatchers
Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is essential for birdwatching, allowing you to observe birds in detail from a distance. Look for binoculars with high-quality optics, a wide field of view, and a comfortable grip for extended use in the field.
Birding Guides: Hiring a knowledgeable birding guide can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience in Uganda, as they can help you locate and identify species, interpret bird behavior, and provide insights into the local ecology and conservation efforts.
Birdwatching Tours: Joining a guided birdwatching tour is an excellent way to explore Uganda’s top birding destinations while benefiting from the expertise of experienced guides. These guides offer birders with with printed travelogues. Many tour operators offer specialized birdwatching itineraries that cater to both novice and experienced birders, ensuring a rewarding and memorable birding experience.
Conclusion: Embracing the Beauty of Uganda’s Birdwatchers Paradise
With its rich biodiversity, diverse habitats, and array of endemic and rare bird species, Uganda is truly a birder’s paradise. Exploring the 44 Important Bird Areas in montane forests provides a bespoke memory. Uganda offers endless opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to connect with nature and discover the beauty of its avian inhabitants.
