10 days Uganda birding safari to the Gorillas and wildlife

You are warmly received and thereafter taken to the hotel for overnight rest.

The overnight is at Cycad Guest House (BB) or The Boma (BB)

In the morning, we drive westwards as we look out for the local bird species. Naturally, we go birding through beautiful woodlands and cultivated fields. At last, we reach the lodge in the afternoon. You may certainly have a walk around the lodge. This way, birding as the sun calmly sets over the forest. Kibale is a spectacular birds’ habitat. For example, this rain-forest has 355 bird species. Uniquely, the park has the highest number of the green-breasted Pitta. Similarly, Kibale forest is gifted with many monkeys. It is a home to  13 primate species including the chimpanzees.

On this day, we go on the trails for the forest dwelling birds. Expect to see various rare ones like the African Pitta, the crested Guinea fowl and dusky long-tailed Cuckoo. In addition, there is the green backed twin-spot, the white-winged warbler and white-chinned Prinia.

While chimpanzee trekking, we will see the chimps in the trees or on the ground. Interestingly, the primates make a lot of noise as they feed or play.  Nonetheless the guides explain the forest and the animals.

In the afternoon, we do a nature trek around the Bigodi Swamp. This quiet swamp is on the edge of the Kibale forest. Along the trails, we may see the papyrus endemics like the Papyrus gonolek, and white-winged Warbler. You may see other species for example the African marsh Harrier and red-headed Malimbe. The great blue Turaco and grey Parrot are residents of this swamp.

Nevertheless, it is possible to do chimpanzee habituation and at the same time go birding (optional). Overnight stay: Kibale Forest Camp (FB) / Primate Lodge (FB)

During the morning, we drive southwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park.  While on the journey, the Rwenzori mountains are clearly within sight. We have stop at the Equator and stand in the middle of the world. Before long and after lunch, we have a wildlife safari as the sun sets. In terms of bird diversity, there are over 600 species recorded. Hence this park ranks among the best in Africa or bird watching.  On the game drive nonetheless, you are likely to see the Black Bee-eater, the harlequin Quails and martial Eagle, along with the Temminck’s courser. Overnight stay: The Kasenyi Safari Camp (FB) or the Mweya Safari Lodge (FB)

The day starts with a morning game drive along the tracks of the Kasenyi plains. This is located west of the national park. This area is famous for predators such as lions, hyenas and leopards. The antelopes and warthogs are then their prey. Return later to the lodge for lunch. We then slope down for the boat cruise along the beautiful Kazinga channel. Surprisingly, the channel is a natural water way that connects two lakes. The boat sails close to animals that stay in the water or come to the channel for a drink. Animals such as hippos, buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs and crocodiles can be seen.

Besides the Great white and Pink backed Pelicans, other bird species include African Skimmer, Gray-headed Gull, , green backed Heron and Three-banded Plover. The cruise ends down by Lake Edward with views of the border-mountains of the Congo. Overnight stay: The Kasenyi Safari Camp (FB) or the Mweya Safari Lodge (FB)

A morning game drive awaits as we transfer south to the Ishasha sector. We check in at the Lodge for lunch and to relax. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a leisure sunset game drive in search of the tree climbing lions. The drive goes up to the river camp. Whatsmore, you will see hippos in the river and primates in the surrounding trees. We may see birds for example the African grey Hornbill, Greater Honey-guide and Green winged Pytilia. Similarly, expect to see the Scaly throated Honey-guide, Rufous napped Lark, Flappet Lark and many others. Overnight stay: Ishasha Jungle Lodge (FB) or the Ishasha Wilderness Camp (FB)

After a sumptuous early breakfast, we drive to Bwindi Impenetrable. On our way we bird through wooded and beautiful landscapes. Uniquely, Bwindi Impenetrable is a montane forest with many wildlife and birds species. In fact, Bwindi is one of the 2 places in the world where you find the endangered Mountain Gorillas!! Overnight stay: Gorilla Mist Camp (FB) or the Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB) 

Early morning set off in the forest, expecting to undoubtedly trek a family of Gorillas!! You will have an hour with them for an experience that will last a lifetime. In addition to this, birds to see along the trails include the African Broadbill, Ashy Flycatcher, Banded Prinia, Black-billed Turaco, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Chin-spot Batis, Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori Batis and White-bellied Robin chat. After gorilla trekking, we return to the lodge to relax. However, it is possible to do a community walk in the afternoon where we go birding along the forest edges (optional). Overnight stay: Gorilla Mist Camp (FB) or the Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB)

Following breakfast, we bird leisurely through the mountains and cattle countryside to Lake Mburo. The park is mostly woodland and habitat to beautiful bird species, leopards, hyenas, zebras and the rare topi and Eland antelopes. However, hippos and crocodiles are common on the five lakes in the park. We go for a safari drive along the tracks to see the animal and birds. Birding along the tracks offers especially the Tabora Cisticola, Egyptian Geese and Green-backed Woodpecker. Others are the Coqui Francolin, Grey-crowned Crane and Red-faced Barbet. Return to the Lodge to relax with views of the park below. Overnight stay: Rwakobo Rock (FB) or the Mihingo Lodge (FB)

After a sumptuous breakfast, we have a game walk in the park to see birds and animals in close proximity. Above all, it is a thrilling moment if you have never encountered wildlife on foot. Finally, we transfer to Entebbe for your departure flight. However, we have a lunch break at the Equator. END.