Uganda is amid the most celebrated birding destination in the whole of Africa. It has a multiplicity of bird species of which a number are not easily stippled in any other part of the African continent. There are several birding endpoints within the country and these have made Uganda certainly one of the supreme birding heavens. There are more than 1010 bird species all of which you certainly enjoy on a Uganda safari. The various National parks within Uganda are actually the major territory for most of the bird species in the country. As you take period to marvel at the remarkable birds, you will definitely come across a multiplicity of additional wildlife that will turn your bird watching expedition into a very memorable happenstance. The most ideal period to spot these birds is actually early in the morning or late in the evenings.
Queen Elizabeth National park boosts in an excess 550 species of birds that have actually made it a delightful destination for visitants that admire bird watching. The park is spans parts of four districts: Kasese, Kamwenge, Rukungiri, and Rubirizi in southwestern Uganda covering a total land area of 1 978 sq km. It sits at an altitude of 900 meters on the adjacent Lake Edward up to 1 845 meters at the peak of the western Rift Valley’s – eastern Escarpment. It has a home of average altitude – moist semi-deciduous forest, rivine bush-land, moist thicket and riparian forest. Among the bird habitats offered within this national park are Open woodlands, rivers, open grassland, lakes seasonal as well as permanent swamps.
There are several water birds such as the White-faced Whistling, Spur-winged Plovers, Squacco Heron, Fish Eagle, Pink and white backed Pelicans, Long tailed Cormorants, African Jacana, Yellow backed Weavers, open-billed Stork, Water-Thick knee, Pied kingfishers, Wattled Plovers, the Black Crake and the Knob-billed Ducks along the impressive Kazinga Channel in the park.
Further noticeable species include the malachite, black-ramped buttonquail, Collard Pranticles, papyrus canary, verreauv’s eagle-owl, black bee-eater, squacco heron, African fish eagle, swamp fly-catcher, long-tailed cormorants, Martial Eagle, Black- rumped Buttonquail African Skimmer, White winged terns, White-winged Warbler, shoebill, African skimmer, Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, Grey-headed kingfisher, papyrus gonolek, Papyrus Canary, and the thin-tailed Nightjars; these are habitually also heard in the morning resonating in the tree branches
Enchanting a hike down into the luxuriant gorge will uncover to you a variety of the forest species among which are the Grey Wood pecker, black & African Emerals Cuckoos, Hairy breasted Barbet, speckled Tinker bird, the purple-headed starling as well as the Green Hylia even though these are also commonly seen within the Maramagambo forest. The gorgeous white -spotted fluff tail is plentiful within woods by the river side. Listen in damp savannah close to the luxuriant gorge, for the far elongating, metallic twink echo of Broad-tailed Warbler.
Best time for bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The best effectiveness to enjoy bird watching adventure within Queen Elizabeth is from December to February. It is suggested to take a two or a three days bird watching adventure and on such you can be able to see more than half of the 550 species documented within this park.
10 Days PASL Uganda Birding Safari
No dispute about the best birding destination in Africa. Uganda has recorded extraordinary increasing inhabitants of avian species exceeding 1,008 documented including residents, rampant and visiting members. We characterize this gorgeous number to a provisional point and mixed areas from the East African grassland to the West African rainforest and the semi-arid conditions of the north and sub Saharan Africa.
Imminent bird watchers, shouldn’t look any other place than Uganda as your next journey’s end remaining to the fact that existing multiplicity of territories as rich grasslands, massive wetlands, waterless and semi-dessert journey’s end, volcanoes and an Afro-alpine area fascinate huge bird biodiversity around the extraordinary Pearl of Africa. Species you must not miss on your birding excursion might comprise vanishing rare Shoebill, Emerald Cuckoo, Fluftail, Egrets, Great Blue Turacos and
Day1 Entebbe
On arrival at the Airport you will be welcomed by our Staff who will take you to your hotel in Entebbe. Based on your arrival schedule, it can be possible to carry on birding at the Botanical gardens.
Common bird species remain Ruff, Wood, Common, Marsh Sandpipers, Common Green Shank, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Madagascar Bee-eater, Green Crombec, Orange weaver, Entebbe Weaver (an endemic to Uganda that was recorded at the site only once), White spotted Fluftail .
Overnight at: Overnight in BB at Boma Hotel (C) or African Routes Safaris/Pineapple Guest House (E). BB
Day2 Mabamba swamps
After breakfast proceeds to the Mabamba bay, the location is extremely regarded as the greatest in Africa if not the world where the mysterious Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) can be seen at any period of the day. Other bird species to watch out for include; Rey-headed Gull, White Winged Terns, Madagascar Bee-eater, Yellow Billed Egret, Long toed Plover.
Have lunch and thereafter you can take a walk along the trails on the main road in quest for more birds where you will expect to see the Black Crake, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Cape Wagtail, Swamp Flightier, Winding Cisticola, Blue- Breasted Bee- eater, Red Chested Sunbird and various more.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Cassia Lodge – Metropole Hotel. Full Board
Day3 Kibale Forest National Park
Take an early morning drive to Fort Portal where you will have your lunch. Thereafter take a drive and do bird watching in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary that is found 5 kms after Kibale Forest National Park on the road to Kamwenge. Bird watching is foremost activity around the swamp with footpaths cut and zones of the swamp board walk to give access to zones of the swamp that would be unapproachable. Specialisms for Bigodi consist of Great Blue Turaco, Black Billed Turaco and White Spotted Crake.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge / Crater Safari Lodge (C) or Chimpanzee Forest Guest House/Isunga lodge (E). Full Board
Day4 Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, proceed for the chimpanzee hiking in Kibale forest National Park and while on the way you will watch a number of bird species which consist of: black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, dusky crimson wing, purple-breasted sunbird and red-faced woodland warbler.
Extra Kibale specials include the African pitta, green breasted pitta, black bee-eater, yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brownchested alethe, blue-breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian groundthrush, and the crowned eagle. After having lunch drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is home total of 604 different bird species. Significant species: African Skimmer, Black Rumped Button Quail, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Red Footed Falcon, Lesser Flamingoes, Grey Capped Warbler, White’s and Abdim’s Storks (in season), Amur Falcon, Ovampo Sparrowhawk, Wooly-necked and Saddle-billed Storks, and numerous classes of Raptors, Vultures and Plovers and more. Bird wacthing in the evening, and after dinner at Mweya Safari Lodge/Mazike lodge (C) or Ihamba Safari Lodge/ Enganzi Lodge (E).Full Board
Overnight at: overnight and dinner at Mweya Safari Lodge/Mazike lodge (C) or Ihamba Safari Lodge/ Enganzi Lodge (E).Full Board
Day5 Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast adventure on detailed trails of the park birding together with the game drive in which you are likely to come across lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopard, spotted hyena, elephants and intangible giant forest hog in this park. These are often sighted around the Mweya Peninsula. Later in afternoon go for the boat cruise along Kazinga Channel, where water birds and photographs are astonishing activities
A diversity of birds charm the grasses on the channel’s edge and these may include the Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Open-billed Stork, African Jacana, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers. There is also a Bird Observatory here, which was set up with the aim of studying both migratory and resident birds. Since its inception in 1997 more new species have been identified, including Uganda’s first record of the Bar-tailed Godwit.n
Overnight at: Overnight and dinner at Ishasha Jungle Lodge. Full Board
Day6 Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
After breakfast, game drive and birding in the southern region of the park the Ishasha Sector where you will have a chance to see the tree climbing lions that enjoy lying on the top of fig trees during the hot hours of the day. nAfter lunch, proceed to Bwindi National Park. Though the gorillas are its most famous inhabitants, Bwindi is also noted for its biodiversity and the richness of its flora and fauna. The diversity of birds in Bwindi National Park is extremely high, representing one of the forest’s avifauna in Africa. The bird list for the park currently totals 334 species, 67 non-forest-dependent species, and 182 forest-dependent species.
Thirteen of these species occur nowhere else in Uganda, seven are not known to occur anywhere else in East Africa, and 17 are known for East Africa only in Bwindi and one or two other East African forests. Rare species include the spectacular globally threatened endemics like the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimson wing.
Overnight at: Overnight and dinner at Bwindi Engagi Lodge/ Bakiga Lodge/ Gorilla Valley lodge/Buhoma Community Tented Camp (E). Full Board
Day7 Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
On this day you will go, (optional), gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National park; perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences. The activity starts with a briefing from the ranger guides after which you proceed with the trekking. Bwindi forest in Uganda has a population of about 420 gorillas, which is half the world population according to 2012 gorilla population surveys. It is not predictable the time you will spend to encounter the gorillas but it normally takes between 2 – 6 hours.
You have an hour to observe the primates and their behaviors, while taking photographs. Do not forget to carry your lunch boxes and water. nIf you are not interested in the gorilla tracking, early morning you can go birding in the forest with your guide.nProceed to Ruhija for dinner and the overnight
Overnight at: Dinner and the overnight at Bakiga Lodge or Cuckooland Lodge (E). Full Board.
Day8 Ruhiija Sector – Lake Bunyonyi
Have breakfast go for birding the whole day in the Rujija sector of Bwindi National Park.nRuhiija is likely to be one of the highlights of any trip to Uganda with excellent birding in spectacular surroundings. Birds are both plentiful and easy to see; many species associating in mixed feeding flocks that are active throughout the day.
An early start offers the best chance of finding the striking handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, western Green Tinker bird, Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, red-faced woodland Warbler, Rwenzori batis, white-tailed crested Flycatcher and many more.
Overnight at: Overnight and dinner in Bird Nest Bunyonyi /Lake Bunyonyi at Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi (E). Full Board
Day9 Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo
In the morning, have a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi for birding. The lake is one of the most popular destinations for birding and the guide will help you spotting birds by stopping over in different islands. Bird species include: Pied kingfisher, Malachite kingfisher, Cinnamon chested bee eater, Bronzy sun bird, Knobed coot. Very rara, Pied wagtail, Black clake, Common stone chat, Grey shrike, Grey crowned crested crane, Hadada ibis, Swamp fly catcher, Black heron, Great commrant, Fan tailed widow bird, Streaky seed eater, Speckled mouse bird, Pin tailed whyder, Bronze manikin, Black headed weaver.
Have lunch in Kabale and from there proceed to Lake Mburo where you will have a game drive as you enter the park.
Overnight at: Overnight and dinner at Rwakobo Rock Lodge/ Mantana Mburo Lodge (Supplement for Mihingo lodge) (C) or Arcadia Cottages Mburo/Mpogo Safari lodge (E). Full Board
Day10 Lake Mburo National Park
Have a morning drive and go birding in the park. The park has about 313 different bird species which include the rare Shoebill stork, White-winged Warblers, Black-billed Barbet, Crested Francolin, Brown Parrot, Red necked Spur, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Temminck’s Courser, common Quails, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Barefaced Go-away bird, African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Lilac-breasted Roller, Coqui Francolin, Red necked spur fowl, Black Bellied Bustard, African-wattled Plover Rufous napped and Flappet larks, Rufous chested Swallow , Southern Red Bishop and Yellow-throated Long claw among others.
You will check out headed for Entebbe with a brief stop at the equator for photographic moments and lunch en route and later be transferred to the Airport for your flight out. HB
The price includes:
Boat excursions
Entrance fees, taxes t
Safaris and activities included in the program
Mabamba swamps
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest
English speaking Birding Driver/Guide
All the transfer in private means 4×4 ordinary Land Cruiser t
Accommodation in hotels or lodge/bandas, in double room, full board treatment
Airport transfer
10 Days Rwanda Birding Safari
Rwanda is known as a good birding destination. This itinerary is a tour through the different national parks and interesting sites of Rwanda specifically for doing the activities of bird watching. Expect from this tour the service of a highly experienced birding guide who will make sure that visitors have a life time learning experience.
Day1 Arrival in Kigali
On arrival at Kigali International Airport we will welcome you and transfer to the hotel, Flame Tree Village Hotel for the overnight in BB. If we still have time, we shall arrange sightseeing in Kigali. BB
Overnight at: Flame Tree Village Hotel for the overnight in BB
Day2 Kigali – Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart to Akagera National Park which lies in the east of Rwanda, where the countryside gives way to savannah with clusters of acacia mingled with open grassland. The drive is approximately two and a half hours. Lunch and birding in the afternoon along the lakeside.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Akagera Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Full Board
Day3 Akagera National Park
All day birding in the park and along Lake Ihema. The park records 550 species including unique species such as Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) and the Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri). Among the endemic species, there are the ibis (Threskiornithinae), jacanas, herons, Plovers (Charadriidae), Sandpipers, Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata), Hawk and many others. nAfter lunch, in the afternoon take a canoe ride on Lake Ihema to see the large number of hippos, the huge Nile crocodile and birds.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Akagera Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Full Board
Day4 Akagera – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart to Volcanoes National Park. The journey goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome volcanoes Virunga, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. The gorillas’ habitat, in the mountainous north, is the string of magnificent Virunga peaks that range from 2500 to 4500 meters: Karismbi, Bisoke Mikeno, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhubura volcanoes.
This stunning backdrop is host to over half the world’s wild mountain gorillas. The exhilarating climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions and explores the rich ecosystems of blending evergreen and bamboo forests, open grass lands, swamps and health. Late lunch on arrival at Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel (C) or Muhavura Hotel / Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (E). Full Board
Day5 Volcanoes National Park
In the morning we suggest the activity of the mountain gorilla tracking (optional). It is a privilege to spend an hour watching the gorillas as they go about their daily routine, feeding, playing and resting- as you question your primeval existence and relieve the wonder that kept Dian Fossey living in the forest for almost 18 years. Later return back at the base in time for a late lunch.
Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. In alternative (optional), you can take another trekking in Volcanoes National Park like the golden monkeys trekking or Old Karisoke.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel (C) or Muhavura Hotel / Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (E). Full Board
Day6 Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu
After breakfast go bird watching in the Volcanoes National Park where you are likely to see species like the rare Kivu Ground Thrush, Rwenzori Turacco, Graur’s Warbler, White Starred Robin, Reagal Sunbird and many others. In the afternoon proceed to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel (C) or Malahide Hotel (E). Full Board
Day7 Nyungwe Forest National Park
Early start your journey from Gisenyi for Nyungwe Forest National Park which is located in the South east corner of Rwanda. As you proceed, birding on the road through the forest will increase the chances of seeing the rare and shy Handsome Francolin. Lunch en route.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel (supplement for One and only Nyungwe Forest Lodge) (C) or Emeraude Guest House (E). Full Board
Day8 Nyungwe Forest National Park
Go on an escorted walk in search of the large groups of colobus monkeys and birding where you will be able to see the bird species in this forest. Another activity is the canopy bridge for observation and birding.
The bird list in Nyungwe includes: Great Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Rosss Turaco, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Handsome Francolin, Olive Pigeon, Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eater, White-headed Wood Hoopoes, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Stuhlmanns Sunbird,Black-Beaded Waxbill, Olive Thrush, Slender-billed Chestnut Wing Starling, White-necked Raven, African Saw-wing, Mountain Wagtail, Cape Wagtail, Red-throated Alethe, White-starred Robin, Equatorial Akalata Or go chimp tracking. Lunch at the hotel. Evening birding along the lodge.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel (supplement for One and only Nyungwe Forest Lodge) (C) or Emeraude Guest House (E). Full Board
Day9 Nyungwe Forest National Park – Butare / Huye
After breakfast, take the advantage of organizing an extra day activities in the biggest mountain tropical forest in East Africa. In the morning you can go for chimpanzee trekking, which starts very early. In the afternoon, after lunch, proceed to Butare. Stop over can be arranged in Gikongoro at Murambi genocide memorial. Butare is a pretty town where you have the possibility to find the best artisan shops in Rwanda and to visit the national cultural museum.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Ibis Hotel. Full Board
Day10 Kigali
Drive to Kigali in time for lunch. In the afternoon you might have time to take a city tour including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Fashion Museum and a genocide memorial. Reserved for transfer to the airport. BB
The price includes:
Trekking and activities in Nyungwe National Park
Entrance fees, taxes
English speaking Birding Driver/Guide
All the transfer in private means 4×4 ordinary Land Cruiser
Accommodation in full board treatment
Airport transfer