Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Introduction to Uganda’s Birdlife

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel near Lake Victoria. If time allows, enjoy relaxed birding around hotel gardens and lakeshore habitats.

Possible sightings include:
Great Blue Turaco, African Fish Eagle, Marabou Stork, Pied Kingfisher, and various sunbirds.

Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Experience

Early morning transfer to Mabamba Swamp for a canoe excursion through papyrus channels in search of the legendary Shoebill.

Other species include:
Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, Swamp Flycatcher.

Return to Entebbe for relaxation.

Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 3: Entebbe Botanical Gardens & Transfer to Kibale

Morning birding at Entebbe Botanical Garden, known for forest and lakeshore species such as:

Palm-nut Vulture, Orange Weaver, Ross’s Turaco, Woodland Kingfisher.

After lunch, drive to Kibale National Park, famous for primates and forest birds.

Evening birding around the lodge.

Overnight near Kibale.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland

Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for excellent birding.

Look out for:
Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, Papyrus Gonolek, Green-breasted Pitta.

Overnight near Kibale.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing crater lakes and savannah landscapes.

Afternoon game drive for both mammals and birds.

Possible sightings:
Secretary Bird, Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Saddle-billed Stork.

Overnight in the park.

Day 6: Kazinga Channel & Mweya Peninsula

Morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel inside Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Bird highlights:
African Fish Eagle, Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, Goliath Heron.

Afternoon birding on Mweya Peninsula and savannah plains.

Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.

Day 7: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions & Birding

Transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Morning game drive in search of tree-climbing lions and savannah species.

Bird species include:
Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, African Wattled Lapwing.

Overnight in Ishasha.

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birding paradise.

Afternoon forest birding for Albertine Rift endemics:

Ruwenzori Turaco, African Green Broadbill, Regal Sunbird.

Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 9: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi

Morning mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family.

Afternoon relaxation or optional community walk.

Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 10: Full Day Birding in Bwindi Forest

Dedicated birding day searching for rare Albertine Rift endemics:

Shelley’s Crimsonwing
Grauer’s Rush Warbler
Rwenzori Batis
Handsome Francolin
Black Bee-eater

Forest trails offer exceptional photographic opportunities.

Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Drive to scenic Lake Bunyonyi.

Afternoon canoe birding and relaxation along the lake shores.

Look for:
Malachite Kingfisher, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, African Harrier-Hawk.

Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Drive to Lake Mburo National Park.

Afternoon game drive and birding in acacia woodland and wetland habitats.

Species include:
African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, Brown-chested Lapwing.

Overnight in Lake Mburo.

Day 13: Walking Safari & Transfer to Mabira Forest

Morning walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park for close wildlife encounters.

Continue to Mabira Forest.

Evening birding for forest specialists.

Overnight near Mabira.

Day 14: Mabira Forest Birding

Full day birding in Mabira Forest.

Key species include:
Nahan’s Francolin
Yellow-spotted Barbet
African Dwarf Kingfisher
Forest Woodhoopoe

Overnight near Mabira.

Day 15: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Rhino tracking on foot and birding around wetlands.

Look for:
Shoebill (seasonal), African Grey Hornbill, Piapiac.

Overnight near Ziwa.

Day 16: Return to Entebbe & Departure

Morning transfer back to Entebbe for departure.

Depending on flight time, optional last-minute birding or souvenir shopping.

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.