14 days Western Uganda birding and wildlife tour

This 14 days Uganda birding and wildlife tour focuses on the western region of the country which is a hotbed of biodiversity. At the center of the biodiversity is the Albertine rift which runs along the western border of Uganda. The Albertine rift is an excellent birding destination as it harbors endemic bird species with 25 recorded in Uganda. The western region is also where the East African savannah meets the jungles of the Central Africa therefore giving you a chance to see species of the Central Africa that cannot be seen anywhere in East Africa.

If you are coming for a birding trip through East Africa and would like to add Uganda to your itinerary then this 14 day birding and wildlife tour is your ideal package

Tour itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at Entebbe Airport and transfer to your hotel

Today you shall arrive in Uganda via Entebbe International Airport and you will spend the day relaxing away at your hotel in Entebbe.

In case of a morning arrival in Uganda, you can go for an evening birding in the Botanical Gardens in Entebbe.

Day 2 – Travel to Semuliki National Park

After early breakfast you will drive to Semuliki National Park. The drive time from Entebbe/Kampala to Semuliki is about 7 hours. Semuliki National Park is situated on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and protects the easternmost extension of the Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. Semuliki National Park brings central African species into East Africa.

Day 3 – Full day birding in Semuliki and later transfer to Kibale

Early set out for birding in Semuliki National Park. You will spend much time on Kirumia trail which is the most popular birding trail in Semliki National Park.

In the evening you shall transfer to Kibale National Park for overnight.

Day 4 – Full day birding in Kibale (looking for Green-breasted Pitta) and Bigodi Swamp walk

Today you will set off for a half day of birding in Kibale forest and top on the list of the birds to look for is the elusive Green-breasted Pitta.

In afternoon you shall go birding in the Bigodi swamp. Bigodi swamp is situated on the edge of Kibale forest.

Day 5 – Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park

Today you shall go for the chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale National Park. With a chimpanzee population of about 1500 chimps, which is the highest of any park in Uganda, Kibale National Park is the number one destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.  After briefing by the park guides at about 7.30am you shall go into the forest to track a community of of habituated chimps.

After you have returned from the chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park you shall have lunch and later may continue with birding in Kibale forest or Bigodi Swamp.

Day 6 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After productive birding in the lowland forests of Semuliki and Kibale you will now head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a beautiful savanna park. Depart from Kibale after your breakfast at about 8am and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is about 3 hours of drive. After settling in and having lunch you will go for a drive in the park for birding and animal watching.

Optional: night safari for nocturnal species

Day 7 – Morning birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park and afternoon boat cruise

Early rise and set out for an early morning drive in the beautiful savanna plains for birding and game viewing.

After lunch you shall go for the boat ride on the Kazinga Channel which will expose you to an array of water birds and animals such as Hippos and Crocodiles

Day 8 – Transfer to Bwindi National Park

After breakfast you shall transfer to Bwindi National Park while birding along the way. You shall drive through the Ishasha plains which is famous for the tree-climbing lions.

Day 9 – Whole day birding in Buhoma looking Short-tailed Warbler

Today you will spend the day birding in Bwindi National Park, particularly the Buhoma sector. Bwindi National Park protects a mountain forest which harbors 24 out of the 25 Albertine rift endemic birds in Uganda. Today top on our list of Albertine rift endemics will be the Short-tailed Warbler.

Day 10 – Gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park

Today you shall go for the gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park. You will transfer to the park office at 7am to meet the park guides for briefing and allocation of the gorilla groups before setting off into the jungle to search for the gorillas. The gorillas are endemic to the Albertine rift and close to half of their population is in Bwindi National Park.

After gorillas experience you shall spend the rest of the day relaxing away at the lodge.

Day 11 – Transfer to Ruhija through the “Neck”

After breakfast you shall go birding through the “Neck” on your way to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi National Park. This is section offers excellent views of birds.

Day 12 – Full day birding in Mubwindi Swamp looking for African Green Broadbill

Today is another day spent birding in Bwindi National Park. You will go birding in Mubwindi Swamp which is the popular spot for the African Green Broadbill, one of the most sought after Albertine Rift Endemic in Bwindi.

Day 13 – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and evening birding

After early breakfast you shall transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. This is the smallest savanna park in Uganda and can offer great birding and animal watching opportunities. After settling in at the lodge you shall later go for birding in the beautiful savannah and acacia thickets.

Day 14 – Morning boat on Lake Mburo looking for the African Finfoot and transfer to the airport

Today you shall set out for an early morning boat ride on Lake Mburo which is the biggest lake in the park. Top on the list of the birds to see is the African Finfoot which is a special of Lake Mburo National Park. You will then have breakfast and depart for Entebbe airport to catch your flight

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