Day 1: Arrival & Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your expert guide, and transfer to accommodation. After lunch, enjoy a guided birding walk in the Botanical Gardens along Lake Victoria's northern shores. Over 300 bird species, plus playful Vervet and Colobus monkeys.

Target Birds: Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Purple-banded Sunbird

Accommodation: Full Board, Entebbe

Day 2: Mabamba Wetlands (Shoebill Quest)

Very early departure for Mabamba Wetlands (Ramsar site). Canoe through papyrus channels in pursuit of the prehistoric-looking Shoebill. Other wetland specialties include Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, Goliath Heron, and Long-toed Lapwing. Return to Entebbe/Kampala by late afternoon.

Key Target: Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher

Accommodation: Full Board, Entebbe/Kampala

Day 3: Mabira Forest Walk & Transfer to Mount Elgon

Early morning guided walk in lush Mabira Forest seeking Nahan's Francolin, Great Blue Turaco, and African Dwarf Kingfisher. After early lunch, commence the scenic transfer east toward Mount Elgon region (Mbale area). Roadside birding during the drive. (Distance: ≈280-320 km / 5.5-7 hrs)

Key Target: Nahan's Partridge, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Jameson's Wattle-eye

Accommodation: Full Board, Mount Elgon area

Day 4: Mount Elgon National Park (Full Day)

Full day exploring the afro-montane forests and moorlands of Mount Elgon. Targeted walks along forest edges and trails (e.g., Kapkwai) searching for high-altitude species and montane endemics like Jackson's Francolin, Black-collared Apalis, Tacazze Sunbird, and the highly sought-after Abyssinian Crimsonwing.

Key Targets: Jackson's Francolin, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Black-collared Apalis

Accommodation: Full Board, Mount Elgon area

Day 5: Transfer to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Morning drive as the habitat shifts dramatically from montane forest to the dry acacia plains of Karamoja. Transfer to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda's largest and most remote reserves. Afternoon orientation drive/walk searching for dry-country species like bustards, larks, and raptors. (Distance: ≈120-150 km / 3.5-5 hrs)

Target Birds: Stone Partridge, Foxy Lark, Secretary Bird

Accommodation: Full Board, Pian Upe area

Day 6: Full Day Birding in Pian Upe

Full day of intensive birding drives and short walks across the reserve's savanna and scrub habitats. The primary focus is on the rare endemics: Fox's Weaver (Uganda's only true endemic) and the localized Karamoja Apalis. Also look for Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-bellied Bustard, and White-headed Buffalo-Weaver.

Ultimate Targets: Fox's Weaver, Karamoja Apalis

Accommodation: Full Board, Pian Upe area

Day 7: Transfer to Moroto / Mount Moroto

Morning birding drives in Pian Upe before transferring north to Moroto, gateway to the Karamoja region. Late afternoon walk around Moroto area, focusing on Rufous Chatterer, d'Arnaud's Barbet, and colorful finches like the Purple Grenadier. (Distance: ≈120-150 km / 2.5-3.5 hrs)

Target Birds: Rufous Chatterer, Purple Grenadier, Hunter's Sunbird

Accommodation: Full Board, Moroto

Day 8: Mount Moroto Slopes & Transfer to Kidepo NP

Morning birding on the slopes and rocky gorges of Mount Moroto targeting rock-loving passerines such as Little Rock Thrush and Brown-tailed Rock Chat. Midday departure for the long, adventurous transfer deeper into the remote north, heading for Kidepo Valley National Park. (Distance: ≈280-310 km / 5.5-7 hrs)

Target Birds: Little Rock Thrush, Bristle-crowned Starling, Brown-tailed Rock Chat

Accommodation: Full Board, Kidepo Valley NP

Days 9-12: Kidepo Valley National Park (Intensive Birding)

Day 9: Gentle entry into Kidepo with birding stops en route to lodge. Afternoon introductory game and bird drive in Narus Valley, targeting Ostrich, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, and Kori Bustard.

Days 10-12: Three full days dedicated to exploring Kidepo's varied habitats. Drives cover the Narus Valley (favored for raptors and bustards), the dry Kidepo Valley toward the Hot Springs, and rocky kopjes. Key specialties include the localized Black-breasted Barbet, Clapperton's Francolin, Red-throated Bee-eater, various larks, and dry-country seedeaters (Eastern Paradise Whydah, Straw-tailed Whydah).

Key Targets: Black-breasted Barbet, Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Clapperton's Francolin, Jackson's Hornbill, Hartlaub's Bustard

Accommodation: Full Board, Kidepo Valley NP (3 nights)

Day 13: Return Transfer Toward Entebbe (Stage 1)

Early departure begins the staged return journey. This is a long transfer day necessary to break the drive back to Entebbe. The route offers final roadside birding opportunities as you cross the vast savannah landscapes. (Distance: ≈450-550 km / 8-10 hrs)

Accommodation: Full Board, En route (Soroti/Lira area)

Day 14: Return to Entebbe & Departure (Stage 2)

Final major drive leg to cover the remaining distance to Entebbe. This day allows for some final roadside and open-country birding before reaching the city. Transfer directly to Entebbe International Airport for your international departure. (Distance: ≈350-450 km / 6-8 hrs)

Meals: Breakfast / Day use / Departure