Day 1: Arrival & Birding Entebbe
Environs
Welcome to Uganda! Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your expert Snap
Uganda driver-guide. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy light birding at the
Entebbe Botanical Gardens along Lake Victoria's shores. Over 300 bird species plus
playful Vervet and Colobus monkeys. Perfect introduction and gear testing
opportunity.
Target Species: African Grey
Hornbill, Rüppell's Weaver, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Little Bee-eater,
Purple-banded Sunbird
Accommodation: Full Board, Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Masindi with
Roadside Birding
Drive 245 km north through the Luwero Triangle offering excellent grassland and
woodland birding. Multiple stops for bishops, starlings, and turacos. The landscape
transitions from Lake Victoria basin to semi-arid woodlands near Masindi, gateway to
Budongo Forest.
Target Species: White-crested Turaco,
Bronze-tailed Starling, Black-winged Bishop, Nubian Woodpecker
Distance: ~245 km |
Accommodation: Full Board, Masindi
Day 3: Budongo Forest - The Royal Mile
Masterclass
Full day exploring the famous Royal Mile and Busingiro habitats in Budongo Forest
Reserve. This globally important primary rainforest is home to rare Albertine Rift
species and forest specialties. Morning canopy birding, afternoon photography in
optimal forest light.
Key Targets: Nahan's Francolin,
Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, Blue-throated Roller, Ituri
Batis
Accommodation: Masindi
Day 4: Budongo to Murchison Falls
National Park
Morning birding at Kaniyo Pabidi section searching for Puvel's Illadopsis and
forest-edge species, then transfer 85 km to Murchison Falls NP. The landscape
dramatically transitions to vast savannahs. Afternoon game drive on Buligi tracks
targeting Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, rollers, and Rothschild's Giraffe.
Distance: ~85 km |
Accommodation: Paraa area, Murchison Falls
Day 5: Nile Delta Cruise - Shoebill
Quest
Early morning boat cruise up the Victoria Nile to the Nile Delta, one of Africa's
premier birding sites. The boat glides through papyrus channels seeking the iconic
Shoebill Stork. Also expect African Skimmer colonies, Goliath
Heron, countless bee-eaters, and raptors. Afternoon game drive for savannah species
and mammals.
Ultimate Target: Shoebill
Stork, African Skimmer, Malachite Kingfisher
Accommodation: Murchison Falls NP
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National
Park
Long but rewarding transfer (285 km) from Murchison to Kibale region. Essential
stops at papyrus swamps near Hoima for White-winged Warbler and the bubbling call of
Papyrus Gonolek. Arrive at Kibale, home to the rare Green-breasted Pitta and
incredible primate diversity.
En Route Targets: Papyrus Gonolek,
White-winged Warbler, Double-toothed Barbet
Distance: ~285 km |
Accommodation: Kibale area
Day 7: Kibale Forest - Chimpanzees &
the Green-breasted Pitta
Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, Uganda's primate capital with
13 species. After lunch, the dedicated afternoon search for the elusive
Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa's most sought-after rainforest
birds. Requires patience and expert guiding but unforgettable when encountered.
Ultimate Target:
Green-breasted Pitta, plus chimpanzee tracking
Accommodation: Kibale area
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth
National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most visited park with incredible
biodiversity. Check in at Mweya Peninsula with views over the Kazinga Channel. Early
evening game drive along channel edges seeking waterbirds and mammals.
Accommodation: Mweya, Queen Elizabeth
NP
Day 9: Full Day Queen Elizabeth NP -
Kasenyi Plains
Full day exploring the Kasenyi savannah sector. Morning and afternoon game drives
targeting raptors, bustards, and grassland specialists. Expect impressive Big 5
sightings including lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard (if fortunate). Photography
paradise with vast plains and acacia woodlands.
Target Species: Martial Eagle,
Denham's Bustard, Tawny Eagle, Grey Kestrel
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth NP
Day 10: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari &
Transfer to Bwindi
Morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel connecting Lakes George and Edward. One
of Africa's highest concentrations of hippos and waterbirds. Target the secretive
African Finfoot, countless kingfishers, and massed waterfowl. After lunch, scenic
drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest through the dramatic landscape.
Key Species: African Finfoot, Pied
Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle
Accommodation: Bwindi (Buhoma sector)
Day 11: Bwindi - Gorilla Trekking or
Forest Birding
Choose your adventure: Mountain Gorilla Trekking (requires permits
booked well in advance) or full day forest birding for Albertine Rift endemics.
Bwindi hosts 23 of the 24 Albertine endemics including African Green Broadbill,
Grauer's Swamp Warbler, and multiple specialized forest species.
Endemics: African Green Broadbill,
Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Grauer's Swamp Warbler
Accommodation: Bwindi
Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo
National Park
Morning forest birding, then drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest
savannah park but rich in acacia-associated species. Afternoon boat safari on Lake
Mburo for hippos and waterbirds. Evening game drive or night drive for nocturnal
species.
Target Species: Bare-faced
Go-away-bird, African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron
Accommodation: Lake Mburo NP
Day 13: Lake Mburo Walking Safari &
Return to Entebbe Area
Early morning guided walking safari — the only Ugandan park where walking among game
is permitted. Close encounters with zebra, impala, and acacia-woodland birds. After
breakfast, drive back toward Entebbe with birding stops en route.
Target Species: Rufous-naped Lark,
Red-faced Barbet, African Wattled Lapwing
Accommodation: Entebbe/Kampala area
Day 14: Mabamba Wetlands - Second
Shoebill Encounter
Very early departure for Mabamba Wetlands, a Ramsar site and one of the best places
in the world to see Shoebill. Canoe through quiet papyrus channels for your second
encounter with this prehistoric bird. Also target Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, and
numerous wetland species. Transfer to Mabira Forest for overnight.
Ultimate Target:
Shoebill encounter #2
Accommodation: Mabira Forest area
Day 15: Lutembe Bay Birding
Final birding at Lutembe Bay, another excellent Lake Victoria wetland site and
Important Bird Area. Target waterbirds, waders, and terns including migratory
species. Afternoon return to Entebbe hotel for your final night.
Target Species: White-winged Black
Tern, Lesser Jacana, numerous waders
Accommodation: Entebbe
Day 16: Final Garden Birding &
Departure
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final early morning birding session in the
Entebbe Botanical Gardens or hotel grounds. Transfer to Entebbe International
Airport for your international departure, taking with you thousands of images and
unforgettable memories.
Meals: Breakfast / Day use / Airport
transfer
