19 Nights of Avian Mecca Uganda
$7262 per person
Indulge yourself in Uganda, hailed as a birdwatcher’s paradise, as you embark on a meticulously crafted 19-day Avian Mecca Expedition, designed to explore the country’s premier birding destinations. Commencing in Entebbe, rare species such as the majestic Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Bay eagerly await your encounter, while the diverse avian life in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, including the colorful African Grey Parrots, is bound to captivate your senses.
As you journey onward to Murchison Falls National Park, the tranquil melodies of birdsong will accompany your safari through pristine wilderness, providing a serene backdrop to your exploration. With binoculars at the ready, a myriad of bird species amidst the lush landscapes will come into view, with occasional glimpses of rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary enhancing the allure. Along the serene waters of the Nile River, avian wonders await, presenting themselves at every turn as you leisurely cruise to the base of the iconic falls.
Transitioning to Semliki National Park, an enclave of biodiversity, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a symphony of natural delights as the enchanting calls of the African Piculet and Green Throated Cuckoo resonate through the forest. Here, amidst the verdant foliage, Guinea-Congolian biome species thrive, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Uganda’s rich avian heritage.
Concluding your expedition in Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, you’ll be greeted with extraordinary birdwatching opportunities. From the elusive Nahan’s Francolin to the vibrant African pitta, every moment spent in these pristine habitats promises an unforgettable encounter.
Join us on this unforgettable birdwatching odyssey, where each day unfolds with new wonders, leaving you in awe of Uganda’s extraordinary birdlife.
Infants+
Age
Destination
Included
24/7 Safari Retreats On-Call SupportAirport Meet and Greet with Private TransfersAll accomodation as per the itineraryAll activities in the itineraryAll ground transfers and charter flightsAll Meals as per the ItineraryApplicable taxesChimpanzee PermitCustom Built Safari 4WD CarDaily complimentary Breakfastin bed.Exclusive Insider-Access Opportunities and Inspiring SightseeingGorilla PermitOne-of-a-Kind Itinerary Designed for YouPark Entrance FeesPersonal guideNot Included
Cross country itinerary inclusive flightsTypical SouvenirVisa Fees
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Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Karibu Uganda! Upon arriving at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Accommodation: Papyrus Guest HouseMeals: Dinner
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Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Bay and Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Start your birding adventure with a visit to Mabamba Bay, an Important Birding Area known for its threatened Shoebill Stork. You'll also have the chance to spot other birds such as the Rufous Bellied Heron, Purple Swamphen, and Pygmy and Spur Winged Goose.In the afternoon, head to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for even more birdwatching opportunities. Look out for the African Grey Parrots, Broad Billed Roller, and various species of sunbirds and weavers. Accommodation: Papyrus Guest HouseMeals: Dinner
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Day 3: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park - Rhino tracking and bird watching at Ziwa rhino sanctuary
Today, we'll drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, home to an abundance of birds and other wildlife. Along the way, keep an eye out for the Bronze Tailed, Lesser and Greater Blue-eared Starlings and other species.Once we arrive at the park, we'll visit the top of the falls for even more birding opportunities.In the afternoon, we'll go on a rhino tracking and bird watching tour at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Accommodation: Murchison River LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4: Birding in Northern Murchison Falls & Boat Ride to the Bottom of the Falls
After breakfast, we'll do some birding on the northern banks of Murchison Falls. Look out for the Grey Headed, Striped and Woodland Kingfisher, Red Shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike, and Beautiful Sunbird, among others.In the afternoon, we'll take a boat ride to the bottom of the falls for even more birdwatching opportunities. Accommodation: Murchison River LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5: Birding in Southern Murchison Falls & Game Drive
Today, we'll head to the southern banks of Murchison Falls for more birding and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black Billed and Stanley's Bustard, and African Quail Finch, among others.In the afternoon, we'll go on a game drive to spot even more birds and mammals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions. Accommodation: Murchison River LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6: Birding in Semliki National Park
We start early and visit the Kirumia Trail, looking out for Guinea-Congolian biome species such as the African Piculet, Grant's Bluebill, Crested and Blue Billed Malimbe, Green Throated Cuckoo, White Crested, Pipping, Black Billed Dwarf, Black Casqued Wattled-Hornbill, Maxwell’s Weaver, Rufous Sided and African Broadbill, Eastern Bearded Greenbul, Black Billed Turaco, African Pitta, Blue Throated Roller, Yellow Throated Nicator, Chestnut Bellied Nigrofinch, Western Bronze Naped Pigeon, Orange Cheeked Waxbill, and many more. Accommodation | Bumaga forest campMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7: Birding in Semliki National Park
Today we have optional birding if we stay around the park, looking out for brightly colored waxbills at the park edges. We shall look out for the Golden Backed Pytilia, Melba Finch, Orange Cheeked Waxbill, Marsh Tchagra, Brown Backed Scrub Robin, and at the park edges, birds like the Red Billed Dwarf, Black Dwarf, Piping, and Black Wattled Casqued Horn Accommodation | Bumaga forest campMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8: Birding en route to Kibale Forest National Park
Today is a long drive, with a few birding stops en route. Leave Masindi with a packed lunch. Some bird species we expect today on our stopovers include the Brown and Western Banded Snake Eagle, Little Sparrow Hawk, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Joyful Greenbul, and the African Skimmer. Accommodation | Isunga LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9: Birding in Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today, we'll do some birding in Kibale Forest National Park, known for its diverse array of birds and primates. Keep an eye out for species such as the African Grey Parrot, African Pied Hornbill, and Red-tailed Ant Thrush. In the afternoon, we'll visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to over 200 bird species. Keep an eye out for the Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Yellow Spotted Nicator, and White Crested Hornbill, among others. Accommodation | Isunga LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today, we'll drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we'll do some birding along the Kazinga Channel. Look out for the African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, and Great White Pelican, among others. Accommodation | Buffalo safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 11: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today, we'll go on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot even more birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for species such as the African Fish Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, and African Jacana, among others. Accommodation | Buffalo safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 12-13: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, we'll visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over 350 bird species. Look out for the African Green Broadbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, the Bar Tailed Trogon, African Wood Owl, African Blue Flycatcher and Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, among others. Accommodation | Buhoma community Rest Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 14-15: BIRDING TO RUHIJA & MUBWINDI SWAMP
Enjoy a morning birding walk in the local area to try and spot any species that may have been missed on previous days. Along the way, be on the lookout for a range of bird species, including Macknon's Fiscal, Tropical Boubou, Augur Buzzard, Ayre's Hawk Eagle, Mountain Buzzard and Wagtail, Cassin's Grey Flycatcher, Western Bronze Naped Pigeon, Black Faced Rufous Warbler, Barred and Dusky Long Tailed Cuckoo, White Headed Wood Hoopoe, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Dusky Tit, Ludhur's and Lagden's Bush-Shrike, Grey-Green Bush-Shrike, Chestnut Throated Apalis, White Eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Streaky Seed-Eater, Stripe Breasted Tit, and White Starred Robin, among others. Bird the No.1 African birding spot according to the African Bird Club On day 16. The elevation is higher than where we have done birding before, so there are exceptional bird species and most of them are high altitude. This is the birding spot where we find the African Green Broadbill and the sight to look out for the Grauer’s and Grauer’s Rush Warbler, most Albertine Rift Endemics here include the Handsome Francolin, Blue Headed, Blue Throated, Purple Breasted and Blue Throated Brown Sunbird, Red Throated Alethe, Mountain Illadopsis, Collard and Mountain Masked Apalis, Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher plus more. Other high altitude bird species here will be the Bar Tailed and Narina Trogon, White Tailed Crested Flycatcher, Abyssinian Hill Babbler, Stripe Breasted Tit and others. Accommodation | Broadbill Forest camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 16 & 17- BIRD WATCHING TOUR LAKE BUNYONYI
We start and head to the South Western corner of Uganda in Kisoro district where Uganda’s smallest park Mgahinga lies. The bird species to watch out for in these two days will be the White-starred Robin, White Eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Olive Thrush, Mountain Yellow Warbler, White Tailed Blue Flycatcher, White-napped Raven, Olive Woodpecker, Dusky Crimson wing, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Cape Robin, Grey Capped Warbler, Bronze Sunbird, Yellow-crowned Canary, Rwenzori Turaco, Streaky Seedeater and on lucky days we shall try out the Threatened Shelley’s Crimson-wing and retire the day at the hotel Accommodation |Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 18: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
Today, we'll drive to Lake Mburo National Park, where we'll have the chance to spot the Black Chested Snake Eagle, Red Faced Barbet, and Black Headed Oriole, among others. Accommodation | Rwakobo LodgeMeals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 19: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park | Boat Ride and Game
We'll continue our birding adventure in Lake Mburo National Park, searching for species such as the Great White and Saddle Billed Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, and Yellow Billed Oxpecker, among others.In the afternoons, we'll go on a game drive to search for species such as the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Impala, among others. In the morning, we'll take a boat ride on Lake Mburo to spot even more birds and wildlife. Accommodation | Rwakobo LodgeMeals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 20: Bird Lake Mburo with a walking safari - Drive to Entebbe
Today, we'll drive back to Entebbe, with a few birding stops along the way and a photo moment at the Equator. Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
