Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay to begin your Uganda Adventure and Cultural Discovery Safari.

Optional Activity: Depending on your arrival time, you may have a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center to learn about local conservation efforts.

Meal Plan: Dinner | Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 2: Jinja – The Adrenaline Hub

Drive east to Jinja, the adventure capital and site of the Nile’s source. Choose your thrill: Jinja White Water Rafting (Grade 3/4) or an exhilarating Source of the Nile Quad Biking session. The biking guides you through picturesque farms and villages, ensuring a cultural connection alongside the adrenaline. Optional activities. Kayaking, Bungee Jumping, or Horse Riding.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Adrift River Club | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 3: Jinja Immersion – Nile Boat Trip and Historical Tour

Enjoy a leisurely morning boat cruise to the iconic Source of the Nile monument, where the world’s longest river begins its journey. In the afternoon, dive into Jinja’s rich history on a guided city tour, stopping at the lively Farmers Market, the Uganda Railway Museum, and the Jinja Art Studio. Continue to the bustling central market, where you can meet local artisans and craft vendors. Take your time to experience “slow shopping,” soaking in the colors, stories, and rhythm of everyday Ugandan life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Adrift River Club | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 4: To Sipi Falls – Hiking

After breakfast, depart for the eastern highlands of Mount Elgon, a region renowned for its rolling hills, lush farmland, and dramatic landscapes. Upon arrival at Sipi Falls, prepare for a moderate afternoon hike (approximately 3–3.5 hours) along the upper loop, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding plains, waterfalls, and distant peaks.

During the hike, enjoy the serene natural environment, spotting unique flora and fauna along the trails. Learn from your guide about the local geology, the three cascading waterfalls that make Sipi Falls famous, and the rich cultural heritage of the local communities living in the area.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Sipi Heritage Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 5: Sipi Falls – Kidepo National Park

A full-day scenic drive across northern Uganda to the wild, remote north. This is a journey of transition, watching the landscape morph from fertile highlands to the rugged, dry beauty of the Karamoja region. Arrive at Kidepo Valley National Park in the evening, ready for your Kidepo Valley National Park Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 6: Kidepo Immersion – Wildlife, Ik People and Culture

Start with a dawn Kidepo Game Safari in the Narus River Valley, seeking the famous giraffe herds, lions, and zebras against the park’s dramatic Kidepo landscapes. After lunch, take a relaxed cultural drive to an area near the Morungole Mountains to learn about the remote Ik people, their traditions, and way of life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 7: Kidepo–Murchison Falls National Park

The journey from Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park takes around 6 hours, traveling through diverse landscapes. Departing Kidepo, you’ll pass the vast plains and rugged hills of the Karamojong region, offering views of traditional homesteads and the Karamojong people. Heading south to Gulu, the road transitions into farmlands and vibrant towns before continuing through scenic savannah landscapes towards Lake Albert. The journey culminates with the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a stunning waterfall, while the park’s wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions, enriches the experience.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Fort Murchison | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 8: Murchison Falls – Safari Drive and Nile Cruise

Morning Murchison Falls game drive on the northern bank, looking for elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, and lions. In the afternoon, take the essential Murchison Falls Boat Cruise to the bottom of the falls, a fantastic vantage point for viewing the Nile crocodiles, hippos, and the powerful cascade.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Fort Murchison | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 9: Murchison Falls – Bugoma Forest

After breakfast, set off from Murchison Falls National Park and enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside toward Bugoma Forest Reserve. Along the way, you’ll pass rolling hills, small villages, and lush farmlands that showcase the charm of rural Uganda.

Arrive at Bugoma Forest, a hidden gem teeming with life, home to chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and vibrant bird species. In the afternoon, head into the forest for a guided chimpanzee trekking experience or a nature walk, immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and rich biodiversity of this tropical haven.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Bugoma Jungle Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking and Community Walk, Life Around Bugoma Forest

Begin your day with an exciting chimpanzee trek through the lush Bugoma Forest. Guided by expert trackers, follow the calls and movements of these fascinating primates as they play, feed, and interact in their natural habitat. Your visit supports vital conservation efforts protecting both the chimpanzees and their forest home.

In the afternoon, explore the nearby Nyakafunjo and Kyamujogo communities, where you’ll meet local families, learn about traditional farming and crafts, and experience Uganda’s warm hospitality. A perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and connection.

In the evening, you’ll have the chance to plant a tree in the “Every 5 Acres” project area, a vital program restoring degraded land and expanding wildlife habitat that protects biodiversity, absorbs carbon, and supports local communities for generations to come.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Bugoma Jungle Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 11: Transfer to Fort Portal – Crater Lakes Region

After breakfast, depart Bugoma Forest and drive through scenic countryside to Fort Portal, located in Uganda’s beautiful Crater Lakes Region. Along the way, enjoy rolling hills, tea and coffee plantations, and rural villages.

In the afternoon, explore the Crater Lakes, including Lake Nyinabulitwa, Lake Nkuruba, and Lake Kitagata. Take a guided walk or drive to admire the lakes’ reflections, spot local birdlife, and visit nearby villages to experience traditional farming, crafts, and daily life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 12: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today, you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in their full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the ‘Mountains of the Moon and learn about the local culture firsthand. Enjoy the scenic views, have a glimpse of village life, and meet the locals. Thereafter, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for a late lunch at the lodge.

In the evening, you may head out for an evening game drive or relaxation at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 13: Lion Experiential Project and Boat Cruise Kazinga Channel

After breakfast, you will visit an experiential lion project. This experience allows visitors to actively participate in monitoring the pride in the park, using locator devices and learning habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings, and behavior.

The results are added to researchers’ databases, contributing valuable information to the overall understanding of wildlife ecology and helping to conserve this wonderful ecosystem.

After lunch, head for the scheduled 3 hrs boat ride along the Kazinga channel joining Lake Edward and Lake George with excellent wildlife sightings including multitudes of hippopotami, Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes on its reedy banks, elephants, multitudes of birds, including many endemics, as well as hundreds of other plains game that come to it for water.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 14:  Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi National Park- Buhoma

After breakfast, head to Bwindi National Park, the home of the mountain gorillas, with lunch en route. Take time to look at the amazing scenery and homesteads of the local communities. You will arrive in the early evening for relaxation in preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mwebesa House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 15: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

In the early morning, you will be briefed on gorilla tracking at the park headquarters and assigned to groups of 8 people per group. Accompanied by a guide and your packed lunch, you will go in search of the gorillas in a small group. You walk through the forest, sometimes you descend again, and then climb up a slope again. The duration of gorilla tracking is unpredictable.

The walk can be quite strenuous due to the muddy trails and mountainous areas, and can take up to 8 hours depending on how far the gorillas have moved in search of food. It is worth it, and what awaits you, in the end, is indescribable.

For an hour, you can admire these peaceful ‘Gentle Giants’ as they go about their daily activities of grooming, feeding, and playing.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mwebesa House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 16:  Batwa Empowerment Village

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Batwa people, the original forest inhabitants of Bwindi. Learn how they lived as hunter-gatherers, collected honey, and used local plants and herbs for food and medicine. Experience their vibrant traditions through dance, song, storytelling, and social customs, and discover ancient legends passed down through generations.

Try your hand at traditional skills as the Batwa demonstrate bow-and-arrow hunting techniques, fire-making, and crafting utensils from forest materials. This unique cultural experience offers a meaningful connection to a people who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries, while helping preserve the delicate ecosystem that protects the endangered mountain gorillas.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mwebesa House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 17:  Transfer to Kisoro Mgahinga National Park – Coffee Tour

After breakfast in Buhoma, depart for Kisoro, a scenic drive of approximately 2–3 hours through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda. The route winds through lush tea and banana plantations, terraced hillsides, and small villages, offering glimpses of rural life and local communities along the way.

As you approach Kisoro, enjoy views of the Virunga Volcanoes, a dramatic backdrop to this highland region, settle into your lodge, and soak in the serene beauty of this mountainous, biodiverse region. After lunch, take a community tour that combines coffee, culture, local communities, and breathtaking scenery. Explore coffee farms, learn traditional cultivation methods, immerse yourself in local customs, and support initiatives that empower communities and protect the environment.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mucha Riverside Lodge| Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 18:  Golden Monkey Hike

After breakfast, head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a briefing on the rules and guidelines for golden monkey trekking. At 8 a.m., begin your adventure along the scenic Gahinga Trail, tracking these playful and fascinating primates through the lush forest.

The trek typically lasts 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the monkeys’ movements in search of food. Spend about one hour observing the golden monkeys, watching them climb, play, groom, and interact in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable encounter, follow the trail back to the starting point, taking in the stunning forest scenery along the way.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mucha Riverside Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 19: Mgahinga – Lake Mburo National Park – Boat Cruise

After breakfast, set off for Lake Mburo National Park, a gem of Uganda’s western savannah. As you enter the park, look out for wildlife including impalas, zebras, and buffalo grazing along the open plains. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, head out on a scenic boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you can spot hippos wallowing in the water, abundant birdlife, and enjoy peaceful views of the surrounding landscapes. The lake provides a perfect opportunity for photography and wildlife observation in a serene setting.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 20:  Biking Safari and Game Drives

After breakfast, head out for the Ankole Trail 2-hour biking session. Ride along paths that wind through local Ankole cattle farms, where you can interact with herders and learn about the traditional Ankole cattle culture. The trail also offers opportunities to spot wildlife like zebras, impalas, and bird species as you cycle through the diverse ecosystems of Lake Mburo National Park. Later, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.

In the evening, head out to the Kigambira Loop in search of bushbucks, bush duikers, and occasionally leopards; thereafter, head back to the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mpogo Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 21:  Lake Mburo National Park – Entebbe

Early start of the day, as we will go for a bushwalk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its rich birdlife and beautiful lakes. Enjoy a nature walk searching for zebras, warthogs, buffalo, and impala, and, if you’re lucky, see the largest of Africa’s antelopes, the beautiful Eland.

Return to the lodge for breakfast, and with a game drive on our way out, we depart the protected area heading back towards the capital city. En route, we will pass the Equator, where we will make a stop for lunch, photos, and souvenir shopping.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 22:  Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of your Uganda Adventure and Cultural Discovery Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 1: Arusha

After arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, we head to a lodge near Arusha National Park at the start of the Birding in Tanzania Safari Experience.

Accommodation: Arusha Moivaro Lodge| Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 2: Arusha National Park – Mt. Meru

We’ll spend the day on Mt. Meru, which looms over Arusha. The mix of habitats here includes montane forest and offers us many exciting birds, including Crowned Hawk-Eagle, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, and splendid songster Rueppell’s Robin-Chat. As we head up the mist-shrouded slopes, the yellowwood trees become draped in Usnea old man’s beard lichen, and we search for skulking gems such as White-starred Robin and the dapper Brown Woodland-Warbler.

The park is also an excellent place to find large herds of buffalo grazing the mountain’s lower slopes, not to mention a remarkable abundance of giraffes and a chance for scarce forest antelopes like Harvey’s duiker and suni.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 3: Birding in Mt. Meru

We drive around the looming Mt. Meru to the lark plains. These grasslands are home to the last 100 or so Beesley’s Larks on Earth, and we will search long and hard for this critically endangered Tanzanian endemic. Other interesting species here include Chestnut-bellied and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, shrikes, migrant wheatears, pipits, and larks galore.

The plains are lined by Drepanolobium whistling thorn trees, while hills offer a scrubby habitat that can deliver Red-fronted and Black-throated Barbets, Red-throated Tit, eremomelas, and crombecs. Thicket habitat and riparian strips offer many great birds, including the Slate-colored Boubou, the Nubian Woodpecker, the highly gregarious Gray-headed Social-Weaver, and the possibility of migrants like the Spotted Flycatcher and the Common Nightingale.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Days 4-5: Tarangire National Park

From Arusha, we head to Tarangire National Park, where we shall enjoy some of northern Tanzania’s finest birding. The low baobab-clad plains and fever-tree groves here support many cool species, including three Tanzanian endemics and near-endemics: Ashy Starling, Yellow-collared Lovebird, and Rufous-tailed Weaver.

The lush grasses are full of ground birds like Northern White-bellied Bustard and both Red-necked and Yellow-necked Francolins. This is one of the better places to see elephants, which can occur in great numbers along the Tarangire River.  We also stand a good chance of seeing our first lions, and maybe even a leopard or cheetah.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 6 – 7: Tarangire to  Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, where you’ll spend the next two days exploring this scenic reserve. Activities include game drives through the lush groundwater forest and open savannah, as well as a guided walking safari along the Rift Valley Escarpment.

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park spans just 330 square kilometers, much of which is covered by the lake itself. Despite its compact size, the park offers remarkable ecological variety, from groundwater forests and acacia woodlands to the expansive alkaline lake. It’s particularly well known for its unique population of tree-climbing lions.

Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the park’s impressive checklist of over 380 species. Highlights include the Dusky Turtle Dove, Palm-nut Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Spur-winged Plover, Madagascar Pratincole, Chestnut-banded Plover, Purple-crested Turaco, Taita Fiscal, Southern Black Flycatcher, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Red-billed and Grey Hornbills, Ground Hornbill, Crested Guineafowl, African Fish Eagle, Black-winged Stilt, African Spoonbill, Egyptian Goose, White Pelican, and Marabou Stork.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Kirurumu Tented Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 8: Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After leaving Lake Manyara National Park, drive up the western Rift escarpment, wind through some pleasant agricultural areas, then enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in time for lunch and relaxation at the Farm House. Optional Evening Guided Walks around the Farm.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater

We have a full day to explore the magical Ngorongoro, though in the morning we won’t be in a hurry to descend into the crater, as the forest and heath along the rim offer excellent birding. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for flowering Leonotis; if we find a patch, we might get to savor the coolest sunbird spectacle in Africa: the impressive Golden-winged, coppery-colored Bronze, and iridescent-purple Tacazee Sunbirds all competing for nectar from the same flowers.

Descending into the crater with its towering vertical walls is like finding Africa’s Garden of Eden. Inside, we seek myriad grassland and woodland birds, as well as scavenging vultures amidst a thronging wildlife spectacle virtually unequaled on earth. Thirty thousand-some big mammals are resident here, and a decent proportion of them can be seen from a single viewpoint within the crater, an indescribably magnificent sight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House | Comfort Level: Midrange

Days 10-11:  Southern Serengeti – Ndutu Area

From the crater rim, we move through the Malanja depression and onto the Serengeti plains, where sandgrouse, bustards, and larks abound. Grant’s gazelles are scattered across the plains, while ostriches and giraffes walk swaying in the haze.

Towards Ndutu, we enter beautiful mature Acacia woodland with alkaline lakes and swamps. The lodge’s waterhole is a bird magnet with the ever-present Fischer’s Lovebird, a variety of bishops, waxbills, widowbirds, and the endemic Gray-breasted Francolin. The woodlands harbor Rufous Chatterer, Cardinal and Bearded Woodpeckers, Black-faced Babbler, and Green Woodhoopoe.

With a bit of luck, and depending on the rains, the wildebeest might have recently calved in this area, and up to half a million females may be in attendance with their young, presenting a wildlife spectacle of awesome proportions, impossible to describe and enthralling to experience.

The attendant predators, particularly lions and hyenas, follow their movements closely, and the vultures await each kill with renewed enthusiasm.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge| Comfort Level: Midrange

Days 12-13: Serengeti National Park –  Central Plains

We explore the vast acacia-studded plains of Serengeti NP, encountering herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and giraffe alongside their associated predators. Although it’s always difficult to find, this is one of the best places in East Africa for Leopard. The birds, of course, are party to this drama. We’ll search for Meyer’s Parrot, Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Usambiro Barbet, and Gray-headed Silverbill.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 14: Serengeti to Arusha Town

Accommodation: Arusha Moivaro Lodge| Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 15:  Arusha – Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Arusha town and proceed to JRO Airport in time for your departing flight. If time permits, you may explore the Cultural Heritage and Art Gallery, visit Arusha town, or browse the Maasai curio market for unique souvenirs at the end of the Birding in Tanzania Safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your place of overnight stay at the start of the Kenya Birding Tour.

If you arrive early, you may have the chance to explore Nairobi National Park, situated on the outskirts of Kenya’s capital. This park is home to Africa’s iconic big game species, as well as smaller animals like Thomson’s Gazelle. It also serves as a rhino sanctuary and is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Kick off your birdwatching experience with potential sightings of notable species such as the Saddle-billed Stork, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Martial Eagle (the largest eagle in Africa), Rüppell’s Vulture, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Common Ostrich, Hartlaub’s Bustard, and the East African endemic Red-throated Tit.

Meal Plan: Dinner | Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 2: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha

Today head out for Lake Naivasha ,this stunning lake is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 200 bird species recorded in the area. In the afternoon, we will explore the rich birdlife, hoping to spot species such as the Tropical Boubou, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, White-headed Barbet, Variable Sunbird, and the striking Purple Grenadier. We might also be treated to the melodious calls of the White-browed Robin-Chat and encounter the dryland specialist Buff-bellied Warbler and the Red-faced Crombec. Along the lakeshore, Look out for Yellow-billed Stork, Long-toed and Spur-winged Lapwings, Malachite Kingfisher, and Pink-backed Pelicans.

Alternatively, you may decide to have a birdwatching session at Lake Naivasha, a bird-watcher’s paradise. Take a tour of Lake Elementaita for flamingo viewing and other birdlife that includes Black Crakes and African Jacanas, kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, Grebes, Pink-backed Pelican, Long-tailed Cormorant, herons, egrets, ibis, and lapwings. There are also rare ones such as Black Heron, Lesser Moorhen, and Greater Painted Snipe.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 3: Lake Naivasha – Crescent Island Game Park

We’ll start the day with some early morning birdwatching before breakfast. Afterward, we’ll head to Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary located on the eastern shores of Lake Naivasha. Established in 1988, the island became a peninsula when water levels dropped in 2000. Visitors can get up-close views of large mammals like Plains Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle, Impala, and Maasai Giraffe, as well as other species such as Defassa Waterbuck, Common Eland, and Common Wildebeest.

The area is a hotspot for birdlife, with up to 80 waterbird species recorded, including White-backed Duck, Saddle-billed Stork, Marabou Stork, African Spoonbill, Great Crested Grebe, the striking African Jacana, and various lapwings like Long-toed and Spur-winged Lapwings.

We’ll also be on the lookout for the Near Threatened (IUCN) Grey-crested Helmet shrike, the lively Grey-capped Warbler, White-bellied Tit, and a variety of other terrestrial birds such as Black-headed Oriole, Red-chested Cuckoo, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Grey-backed and Northern Fiscals.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 4: Lake Naivasha – Lake Bogoria

After an early breakfast, we will check out and set off for Lake Bogoria National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. Following lunch, we will explore the Lake Bogoria National Reserve. Lake Bogoria has maintained its salinity, preserving the spirulina (blue-green algae) that feeds the Lesser Flamingo. This gives us a great opportunity to observe large flocks of these flamingos. We may also encounter Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, African Fish Eagle, and other fascinating bird species in the surrounding woodlands, such as Pygmy Batis, Slate-colored Boubou, Nubian Woodpecker, and Red-fronted Barbet.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Bogoria Spa Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 5: Lake Bogoria – Lake Baringo

After breakfast, we set off early for Lake Baringo, and head out on a motorboat birding excursion. Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake, attracting a different variety of water birds. Here, we can expect to spot species such as the Goliath Heron, Hamerkop, Senegal Thick-knee, Gull-billed Tern, Grey-headed Kingfisher, the vibrant Northern Carmine Bee-eater, and Golden-backed Weaver, among others.

After a two-hour boat ride, we’ll spend some time on land searching for terrestrial birds, including the Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Spotted Palm Thrush, and Abyssinian Roller, before taking a break for lunch.

In the late afternoon, we continue birding along the cliffs, on the lookout for Hemprich’s Hornbill, Bristle-crowned Starling, Verreaux’s Eagle, and its primary prey, the Rock Hyrax. Guided by a local naturalist, we’ll explore the Tugen Hills, known for their impressive variety of raptors, owls, and passerines.

Other species include the Three-banded Courser, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Greyish Eagle-Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, White-bellied Canary, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Jackson’s Hornbill, Speckle-fronted Weaver, White-billed and White-headed Buffalo Weavers, Dark Chanting Goshawk, African Grey and Nubian Woodpeckers, Red-and-yellow and D’Arnaud’s Barbets, Purple Roller, and many more.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Bogoria Spa Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 6: Lake Baringo – Kakamega Forest

Depart Lake Baringo and thereafter head to western Kenya, to Kakamega rainforest which is one of the hot spots for bird watching in Kenya. Kakamega Forest National Reserve is Kenya’s only true tropical rainforest, similar to the central and west African forests and has been designated an Important Bird Area and supports more than 360 species of birds.

We will stop in the valley for a picnic lunch and do some birding, looking for White-crested Turaco, Beautiful Sunbird, Orange-breasted and Grey-headed Bush shrikes, and White-crested Helmet shrike, among others.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Rondo Retreat Centre | Comfort Level: Mid range

Day 7: Birding in Kakamego Forest

Today, we immerse ourselves in the captivating sights and sounds of Kakamega Forest, exploring its numerous trails in search of some of the 194 bird species that call this unique habitat home. This ancient rainforest, characterized by its West African influence, is the easternmost range for many species barely found elsewhere in Kenya. Besides its incredible birdlife, Kakamega is a sanctuary for vibrant butterflies and fascinating insects, enriching the ecosystem’s diversity.

As we venture through this lush, tropical haven, look out for stunning species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Joyful Greenbul, Shelley’s Greenbul, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Cabanis’s Greenbul, the shimmering African Emerald Cuckoo and the Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill.

Kakamega is renowned for its rare and localized barbets, including the striking Yellow-billed Barbet. We will keep an eye out for the Turner’s Eremomela, a Near-Threatened canopy warbler, in mixed-species flocks high above. If we’re fortunate, we may also spot the Endangered Grey Parrot, though sightings are rare and require a bit of luck.

The forest is also home to three species of wattle-eyes – Yellow-bellied, Jameson’s, and Chestnut Wattle-eye. Along streams near Rondo Lodge, we might catch a glimpse of the elusive White-spotted Flufftail. High in the canopy, species like Western Oriole, Red-headed Malimbe, Stuhlmann’s Starling, and Sharpe’s Drongo await keen birdwatchers.

Kakamega is not just about birds; it also shelters various primate species, including the playful Blue and Red-tailed Monkeys, the majestic Guereza (Black-and-white Colobus), and the elusive De Brazza’s Monkey. Additionally, 40% of Kenya’s butterfly species flutter through this vibrant rainforest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Rondo Retreat Centre | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 8: Kakamega to Lake Victoria

We’ll kick off the day with an early breakfast before embarking on a one-hour drive south to the shores of Lake Victoria—Africa’s largest freshwater lake and the second-largest in the world. This vast water body is shared by three East African nations: Tanzania (49%), Uganda (45%), and Kenya (6%), with the latter having the smallest portion. It also serves as the source of the Nile River, which flows north to Egypt.

Head out on an exciting boat excursion on the lake, where we’ll search for the reed beds surrounding Lake Victoria for papyrus specialists, including the Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, and Carruthers’s Cisticola. Additionally, the area is home to vibrant weaver species like the Black-headed Weaver, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, and Slender-billed Weaver.

After exploring the lake for a few hours, head back to Rondo Retreat for lunch. The afternoon will be spent birdwatching around the forest, making the most of our last opportunity to explore this rich ecosystem.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Rondo Retreat Centre | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 9: Kakamega Forest National Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in the early afternoon to explore the park, renowned for its birdlife. While Lesser Flamingos once filled the lake, they’ve been replaced by smaller numbers of Greater Flamingos due to changes in the lake’s salinity. Lake Nakuru is now an Important Bird Area (IBA), home to diverse bird species.

We may spot Mackinder’s Eagle-Owl on a rocky escarpment, and in the Acacia scrub, expect to see Little Rock Thrush, Mocking Cliff Chat, Pale Flycatcher, and Purple Grenadier. We may also encounter Great White Pelican, African Harrier-Hawk, Hildebrandt’s Spurfowl, and others.

Mammals are common, including both endangered White and Black Rhinoceroses, along with Rothschild’s Giraffe and Bohor Reedbuck.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 10: Lake Nakuru National Park – Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy,

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, with time to search for several notable species along the way. We’ll make a stop at Thomson’s Falls near Nyahururu, one of Kenya’s highest towns at 7,700 feet (2,360 meters). Thomson’s Falls cascades impressively down 230 feet (72 meters) into the dense forest below. The mist supports a variety of birdlife, including Chestnut-winged and Slender-billed Starlings, Rock Martin, Grey Cuckooshrike, Kikuyu White-eye, and Sunbirds.

After a lunch stop, we’ll continue toward Ol Pejeta with a brief detour at Wajee Nature Park to search for the Vulnerable Hinde’s Babbler and Holub’s Golden Weaver. An incredible 126 local species have been recorded in the park so you can expect to spot quite a few bird species during a visit. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Ol Pejeta for check in and relaxation.

Optional Activity: Head out for a thrilling game drive in search of Black and White Rhinos, along with other wildlife such as African Elephant, Grevy’s Zebra, Bushbuck, and Warthog. We may also take a walk in the nearby forest, where we’ll look for African Dusky Flycatcher, Cabanis’s Greenbul, and Abyssinian Thrush among others.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Sweetwaters Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 11: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy

Today begins with an early-morning game drive to observe Red-billed and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers, Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Meyer’s Parrot, and Augur Buzzard. You will also visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where we’ll learn about efforts to protect this endangered species from poaching and illegal trade. Evening relaxation at the camp or another birding session

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Sweetwaters Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 12: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy to Samburu National Reserve

After an early bird walk around the lodge grounds and breakfast, we’ll embark on a four-hour drive to Samburu National Reserve. We will take several birding stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy more of Kenya’s remarkable birdlife. We’ll look out for Long-tailed and Red-collared Widowbirds. You will arrive in time for a late lunch and in the evening, you will have an optional game drive in the reserve in search of the impressive Beisa Oryx.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 13: Samburu National Reserve

Samburu is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of species due to its diverse habitats along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. We’ll search for Somali Ostrich, African Hawk-Eagle, Crested Francolin, Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, and a wide array of other birds. This is also a great spot to see mammals such as Olive Baboon, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx.

Look out for the White-headed Mouse bird, a charismatic, uniquely African family of wonderfully long-tailed, crested birds), among many other Maasai-Somali biome species.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 14: Samburu National Reserve to Nairobi

After breakfast, we’ll head south toward Nairobi, making birding stops along the way. As we cross the equator and pass through the Central Kenya Highlands, we’ll have scenic views and the chance to spot birds like Black-winged Lapwing and Cape Crow. On a clear day, we may even catch a glimpse of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. We will arrive in Nairobi by the afternoon.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 15: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a city tour in Nairobi before heading to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of the Kenya Birding Tour

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport – Nyarutarama Lake

Upon arrival in Kigali meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation for check-in and relaxation at the start of the Rwanda Birding Safari. Once settled, head to Nyarutarama Lake, located next to the Kigali Golf Course, where you’ll encounter an abundance of bird species in a serene setting.

Observe a variety of species, including Yellow-billed Duck, Squacco Heron, White-faced Whistling Duck, Hottentot Teal, Red-billed Teal, African Spoonbill, Spur-winged Geese, Little Grebe, Common Moorhen, Hadada Ibis, Black Crake, Black Egret, Cattle Egret, and Black-headed Heron, among others.

The surrounding vegetation provides an ideal habitat for Black Kite, African Fish Eagle, Pygmy Kingfisher, White-browed Coucal, Grey-capped Warbler, Winding Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Paradise Flycatcher, African Hobby, and Swamp Flycatcher, to name a few.

On the eastern shore, acacia woodlands attract species such as the Mountain Buzzard, Swifts, and Sunbirds, adding even more excitement to your birdwatching experience. After this exhilarating day, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s sightings.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel | Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven

Day 2: Kigali – Akagera National Park

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your journey to Akagera National Park, arriving in time for check-in, relaxation, and lunch. Afterward, enjoy a bird-watching session along the marshy areas, where you may spot species such as Pied Crow, Veillot’s Black Weavers, African Darter, and Great Egret, among others.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Akagera Game Lodge | Luxury Level: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 3: Birding in Akagera National Park – Lake Ihema

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Akagera National Park, home to over 480 bird species across its savannah and woodland areas. Look out for special sightings, including the Red-faced Barbet, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Canary, Brown-Chested Lapwing, Caruthers’s Cisticola, White-collared Olive back, and Grey-crowned Cranes, among many others.

In the afternoon, head to Lake Ihema for a scenic boat cruise. Here, you can look for the elusive Shoebill Stork, African Finfoot, Papyrus Gonolek, White-Winged Swamp Warbler, African Fish Eagle, Grey Crowned Crane, and African Openbill, adding to your incredible birding experience in this rich ecosystem.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Akagera Game Lodge | Luxury Level: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 4: Akagera National Park -Kigali

After breakfast, head back to Kigali, arriving in time for lunch. Later, head to the Nyabarongo Wetlands, a prime birding location just outside the city. Nyabarongo Wetland, home to a variety of bird species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Olive Back, Madagascar Squacco Heron, White-winged Scrub Warbler, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, African Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing, African Openbill, Papyrus Canary, Caruthers’s Cisticola and African Marsh Harrier. The wetlands offer a unique birding experience, focusing on wetland and papyrus-loving birds.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel | Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven

Day 5: Kigali – Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, embark on your journey to Nyungwe National Park. The recommended birding trails include the Karamba Trail, Rangiro Road, and the Waterfall Trail.

After lunch, enjoy a birding session in Nyungwe Forest, where you’ll have the chance to spot frequently sighted species such as the Rwenzori Nightjar, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Handsome Francolin, Dwarf Honeyguide, Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Montane Double Collared Sunbird, and Red-throated Alethe. Keep your eyes peeled for these incredible birds amidst the lush rainforest!

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge | Luxury Level: One and Only Nyungwe House

Day 6: Birding in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to around 300 bird species, with 27 of these being endemic to the Albertine Rift. The park features several excellent birding trails, including Bigugu, Gisakura, Karamba, and Kamiranozu.

Start your birding adventure on the 13 km Bigugu Trail, one of the best spots to observe the Red-collared Warbler. Be on the lookout for some of Nyungwe’s unique species, such as the Kungwe Apalis, Regal Sunbird, Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Spurfowl, Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Blue-headed Sunbird.

Other notable species to spot include the Albertine Owlet, Congo Bay Owl, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Chestnut Owlet, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, and Olive and Elliot’s Woodpeckers.

On the Gisakura trails, keep an eye out for the Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-chat, and the elusive Kivu Ground Thrush.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge | Luxury Level: One and Only Nyungwe House

Day 7: Nyungwe National Park – Lake Kivu

After breakfast, depart for Lake Kivu and arrive in time for lunch on your Birding Safari in Rwanda. Following lunch, head out on a boat cruise while continuing your birding adventure. Look out for large numbers of White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers, Yellow-Bellied Waxbills, Familiar Chats, Brown-throated Wattle-eyes, and Spot-flanked Barbets. You may also spot an Osprey fishing during its migration.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Kivu Lodge | Luxury Level: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 8: Lake Kivu -Rugezi Swamp – Volcanoes Park

The drive from Lake Kivu in Gisenyi to Musanze takes about one hour. From there, head to Rugezi Swamp, Rwanda’s only RAMSAR wetland. This swamp is home to 194 bird species, including several globally threatened species and one endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Look out for the only Albertine Rift Endemic, the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. Other Species include Grey Crowned Crane, Caruthers’s Cisticola, Papyrus Canary, and the Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Afterward, make your way to Volcanoes National Park, where you can relax at your accommodation and unwind for the evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge

Day 9: Birding in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, set off on your birdwatching safari in Volcanoes National Park, home to over 200 bird species, with 16 being endemic to the Virunga mountains. Look out for unique species such as the Archer’s Ground Robin, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Black and White Mannikin, Rwenzori Batis, White-Tailed Blue Flycatcher, and more.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options : Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge

Day 10: Volcanoes National Park – Mt. Kigali

After breakfast, head back to Kigali, arriving in time for check-in, relaxation, and lunch. Later visit Mount Kigali, the largest hill in the city, which boasts a forested summit—a great birding spot. Here, you can observe birds like the African Paradise Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Southern Black Flycatcher, Red-chested Cuckoo, Green-backed Camaroptera, Thick-billed Seedeater, Tropical Boubou, Northern Puffback, Common Bulbul, Bronze Mannikin, and Yellow-fronted Canary. Return to the Hotel for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation Options: Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel | Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven

Day 11: Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home. As you depart, reflect on the unforgettable memories made during your journey on the Rwanda Birding Safari, from the breathtaking landscapes and rich avian diversity.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Your journey begins with arriving in Entebbe, the gentle gateway to Uganda. The name “Entebbe” itself means a “seat” or “stool,” a fitting welcome to this tranquil town resting on the shores of Africa’s largest lake. Here, the air is already thick with the promise of the incredible birdlife that awaits.

Strolling along the scenic shores of Lake Victoria, listen for the flash of a Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill and the distinctive call of the Orange Weaver. This lush sanctuary, which maintains a collection of indigenous flora, is a delightful introduction to Uganda’s biodiversity. By visiting the established Botanical Gardens, you contribute directly to the maintenance of this green space, supporting local conservation efforts in an urban setting. A great start to The Ultimate Uganda Birding Safari.

Meal Plan: Dinner  | Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 2: To Murchison Falls National Park

Today, your adventure leads you north along routes steeped in history, following the course of the mighty River Nile. Along the way, the landscape unfolds like a living tapestry: bustling roadside markets, lush green farmlands, and villages where life thrives in harmony with the land. Your journey culminates at Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a breathtaking display of nature’s power, a dramatic prelude to the wildlife and birding experiences ahead. En route, enjoy lunch at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where conservation efforts allow you to observe these magnificent creatures up close.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Fort Murchison | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 3: Birding in Budongo Forest and the Royal Mile.

Today is dedicated to the legendary Royal Mile, an ancient forest track once reserved exclusively for the traditional King (Omukama) of Bunyoro, which now offers passage for you into the deep canopy. This forest holds a secret jewel: the rare Puvel’s Illadopsis, found almost nowhere else.

Walk the historic Royal Mile, a world-renowned birding trail. Your focus will be on the Illadopsis, but the forest will reward you with flashes of brilliance: the stunning Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, the elusive African Pygmy (Kingfisher), and the vibrant Ituri Batis. Look out for the striking black-and-white of the Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher.

You are guided by locally trained expert bird guides whose specialised knowledge of the forest and its endemic species is key to its protection, directly supporting the local economy built on sustainable eco-tourism.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Fort Murchison | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal

A long, but richly scenic transfer day takes you from the low-lying grasslands and acacia of Murchison south and west towards Fort Portal. This is a region of dramatic change, where the flat savannah gives way to rolling hills and the distant, often cloud-shrouded peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, the fabled “Mountains of the Moon.” The drive showcases Uganda’s rich agricultural region, particularly its famous tea plantations, where communities live in perfect harmony with the green, manicured landscape.

Look out for primates along the road, the Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys and Baboons often line the roadside. Lunch in Fort Portal offers a taste of this charming town. Arrive at your lodge for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 5: Semuliki’s Western Flair and Sempaya Hotsprings

Today, you enter Semuliki National Park, a remarkable extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo basin, making it the only true lowland tropical rainforest in East Africa. The birdlife here has a distinct West African flavour. The park’s famous Sempaya Hot Springs, bubbling up from the earth, reveal a unique and powerful underlying geological force shaping this landscape.

Birding the Sempaya and Ntandi areas is a search for rarities. Key targets include nine spectacular hornbill species, such as the magnificent Black-casqued Hornbill and the elegant White-crested Hornbill. Listen closely for the tiny calls of the Orange-cheeked Waxbill and the elusive White-napped Pigeon. The deep forest also holds the endemic Red Rumped Tinkerbird and the Palm Greenbul.

Other species include the Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Yellow-footed Flycatchers, Chestnut-breasted Nigrita, Red-tailed Leaflove and Banded Prinia, Black-bellied Seedcracker, Shining-blue Kingfisher, and Hartlaub’s Duck, among others.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 6: The Long Walk of Kirumia River Trail

The Kirumia River Trail offers a deep immersion into the rainforest. This 13 km path takes you into the silent, damp heart of the forest, where light struggles to penetrate the dense canopy. It is here, along the water’s edge and within the darkest thickets, that some of the most sought-after forest specialists reside, demanding patience and a keen ear.

Spend the day walking the trail. The rewards can be exceptional: the Congo Serpent Eagle, the stealthy Long-tailed Hawk, the camouflaged Spot-breasted Ibis, and the rail duo of Grey-throated and Nkulengu Rail. The tiny, stunning White-bellied Kingfisher might flash past, while the call of the Yellow-throated Nicator echoes through the trees.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge  | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 7: Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Today’s journey takes you from the primate capital of the world, Kibale Forest, into the rolling savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You move through landscapes shaped by water and prey, culminating in the unique Ishasha Sector, famous for a bizarre spectacle: lions that have adapted to climb ancient fig trees, escaping the heat and perhaps the biting flies. It’s a remarkable example of adaptation in the wild.

Activity & Birding: Begin your day in Kibale, renowned for its chimps (not on the itinerary, but their calls are often heard). The drive to Ishasha takes you through the Kasenyi Track area—an excellent opportunity for classic savannah birding alongside mammal viewing. Keep your camera ready for the Uganda Kob and large elephant herds. In the afternoon, the Ishasha game drive is dedicated to spotting the tree-climbing lions, with raptors like Bateleur often overhead.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 8: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth Park

Welcome to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), a park classified as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birding International and a true meeting point of East and Central African biomes. With over 600 species, the park’s sheer volume of birdlife is simply astounding, a testament to its varied habitats, from sprawling savannah to connecting forest corridors.

This transfer day sets you up for an evening game drive to seek out the first of the park’s abundant birdlife. Look for species of the acacia and savanna, such as the Nubian Woodpecker and various Cisticolas.  The park’s confluence of savanna and forest, linking to the expansive forests of DR Congo, allows visitors to spot East as well as Central African species.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bush Lodge  | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 9: Maramagambo Forest and Boat Cruise

Start in the cool shade of Maramagambo Forest, listening for the tiny movements of specialized forest floor species.  The morning is spent birding near the forest, searching for the brilliant Shining-blue Kingfisher and the endemic Brown-chested Alethe. The afternoon boat cruise is a birders’ paradise. The shores are lined with hundreds of species: elegant waders like the Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit, and the iconic, sunset-feeding African Skimmer that slices the water with its lower bill.

The afternoon is defined by the shimmering Kazinga Channel, a 32km lifeline connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. It is here that one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of hippos and waterbirds congregates, offering a stunning spectacle of avian life and movement.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bush Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 10:  Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi -Buhoma Sector

Today is a pivotal journey as you climb towards the ancient, mist-shrouded ramparts of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a place of primal beauty and global significance, renowned as the final sanctuary for the endangered Mountain Gorilla. For birders, Bwindi represents the pinnacle of montane forest birding, a hotspot of endemism for the Albertine Rift.

The scenic drive through verdant hills and past traditional homesteads prepares you for arrival in the Buhoma sector. After settling in, listen for the calls of the forest. The park is home to globally threatened species like the elusive African Green Broadbill and the dazzling Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Every step here is a privilege.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Haven Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 11:  Munyanga Waterfall Trail – Ruhija Sector

Your day begins with a refreshing trek along the Munyaga Waterfall Trail, where the gentle rush of cascading water echoes through the ancient forest. As you wander beneath the towering canopy, every step reveals the wonder of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Here, the forest hums with life—listen for rustling wings and vibrant calls as you seek out treasures like the Bar-tailed Trogon and the shimmering African Broadbill.

By afternoon, the adventure ascends toward the misty highlands of the Ruhija Sector, where cool mountain air greets you and the terrain transforms into a sanctuary for rare Albertine Rift endemics. After lunch, as you climb higher through the lush montane forest, look out for the dazzling Purple-breasted Sunbird and the elusive Red-faced Woodland Warbler may grace your path amid breathtaking vistas.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 12: The High Altitude Endemics of Ruhija

You will journey deep into the mystical heart of the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, a hidden realm where time seems to stand still and nature reveals some of its rarest treasures. As you descend into this misty, marshy valley, each step feels like entering a living museum, where ancient species have quietly thrived in splendid isolation.

Your ultimate quest is to find the elusive African Green Broadbill, a dazzling gem among Africa’s most coveted birds. Along the way, keep your eyes open for the radiant Regal Sunbird, the secretive Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and the vivid Shelley’s Crimsonwing, each a masterpiece of color and rarity. The high-altitude forest hums with life too, from the striking Rwenzori Turaco to the elegant Handsome Francolin, completing an unforgettable day in this birder’s paradise.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 13: Journey to the Acacia Savannah – Lake Mburo

Leaving the mystical depths of Bwindi’s “impenetrable” forest behind, the landscape opens into the golden savannahs and rolling acacia woodlands of Lake Mburo National Park. Though Uganda’s smallest savannah park, its mosaic of wetlands, plains, and rocky hills teems with life. The shimmering lake at its center is a peaceful haven for waterbirds and a key stopover for migratory species.

After checking in, set out on an afternoon boat cruise, a serene glide across bird-rich waters. Watch for the elusive African Finfoot, the colorful Papyrus Gonolek, and the dazzling Malachite Kingfisher along the reed-lined shores. As dusk falls, the park stirs with evening calls, and even short walks near your lodge reveal woodland species thriving.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 14: Kigambira Loop Birding – Entebbe

Your final full birding morning unfolds along the Kigambira Loop, a picturesque sweep of acacia woodland alive with the sounds and colors of the savannah. The open terrain, dotted with umbrella trees and golden grass, offers a refreshing contrast to the dense forests of previous days, a fitting finale to your birding journey through Uganda’s varied landscapes.

As dawn paints the horizon, a take on a birding drive, seeking the rare and striking Red-faced Barbet, one of Uganda’s most prized endemics. The lively Red-headed Lovebird flutters through the treetops, while the regal African Hawk Eagle soars overhead, a perfect showcase of the park’s dryland specialists.

Begin the scenic journey back to Entebbe, your mind filled with reflections of forest whispers, wetland calls, and savannah songs. It’s a day to savor the rhythm of the road and the memories of the remarkable avian diversity that has defined your Ugandan adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 15: Track the Prehistoric Shoebill at Mabamba & Farewell

Your final birding adventure leads to the vast Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria, home to the legendary Shoebill Stork, one of Africa’s most extraordinary and elusive birds. Gliding quietly through the papyrus channels by canoe, you’ll search for this prehistoric giant, a fitting finale to your safari and a true symbol of Uganda’s wild beauty.

Along the way, watch for the vibrant Papyrus Gonolek and the graceful Blue Swallow, both treasures of this Ramsar-listed wetland. Beyond its birdlife, your visit helps sustain local canoe guides, the dedicated guardians of Mabamba, whose livelihoods depend on protecting this fragile ecosystem.

After this rewarding finale and a farewell lunch, transfer to Entebbe Airport, carrying memories of Uganda’s feathered wonders and the people working to preserve them.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for your adventure of the Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari.

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 2: To Pian Upe Reserve – Birding

After breakfast, we journey into the remote Karamoja region, heading for the vast, stunning plains of Pian Upe Reserve, Uganda’s second-largest protected area, offering exceptional Pian Upe Reserve Birding. This forgotten frontier is a birder’s dream, holding the promise of the endemic Fox Weaver bird and the elusive Karamoja Apalis among its 242 recorded species. We’ll start our search with evening birding, scanning for the Fox Kestrel, Black Coucal, and the vivid Red-pate Cisticola.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner|Accommodation: Karamoja Overland Camp |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 3: Pian Upe’s Avian Treasures and Hot Springs

A full day dedicated to uncovering Pian Upe’s rich Uganda Bird Species. We start with the silvery tones of the Silverbird and the striking plumage of the Superb Starling. Later, we explore the unique ecosystem around the Cheposukunya Hot Springs, a magnet for water birds and dry-land species alike. Look out for the Green-breasted Pitta, majestic Secretary Bird, and the endemic Abyssinian ground hornbill.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Karamoja Overland Camp |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 4: To Kidepo Valley – Where Mountains Meet the Plains

We continue our epic journey north to Kidepo Valley National Park, a place of dramatic savannahs cradled by rugged mountains, perfect for a Kidepo Valley National Park Safari. This is a park of genuinely Kidepo dramatic landscapes. The drive itself is a window into the unspoiled wilderness. We settle in our lodge with stunning views of Mount Morungole views home to the fascinating Ik people, as the sun sets on the magnificent Narus Valley.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 5: Kidepo’s Birding Hotspots: Barbet and Narus Valley

Today is a deep dive into Kidepo’s biodiversity, visiting the best Kidepo Birding Spots. We track the unique Black-breasted Barbet near its namesake rocky hill. The afternoon takes us to the Namamukweny Valley, a delight for species like the vibrant White-crested Turaco and the Abyssinian roller. Finally, we cruise the fertile Narus Valley, hoping to spot the enormous Kori bustard and the magnificent Ostriches, completing a day of stunning sightings.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 6: Kidepo to Murchison Falls – The River’s Roar

A scenic transfer day tracing the transformation of Uganda’s landscape. Leaving the Karamojong region behind, we travel south towards the mighty Nile. The journey culminates at Murchison Falls National Park, where we anticipate the sight of the Nile River squeezing through a 7-meter gorge, the legendary Murchison Falls journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Fort Murchison |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 7: Budongo Forest and The Royal Mile – Endemic Hunters

An essential day for serious birders! We delve into the dense, humid canopy of Budongo Forest Reserve, renowned for 360 species and as the only known site for the rare Puvel’s Illadopsis, specializing in Budongo Forest Birding. After a forest lunch, we walk the iconic Royal Mile Birding, a historic, wide-forested path offering spectacular views of canopy species like the African dwarf kingfisher and the Chestnut-capped Flycatcher.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Fort Murchison |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 8: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal

A transition day featuring roadside birding. We stop at the vibrant Papyrus Swamps to search for the specialized Marsh Tchagra and Yellow-mantled Widowbird, offering excellent Fort Portal Birding opportunities en route. Our destination is Fort Portal, a charming town set against the backdrop of the Fabled Mountains of the Moon, surrounded by lush, sustainable tea plantations.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 9: Semuliki National Park – The Congo Connection

Today, we explore Semuliki National Park, a true East African extension of the great Ituri Forest of DR Congo. This is the place to find West African species found nowhere else in Uganda, a prime Semuliki National Park for Birding. We explore the hot springs area near Sempaya Hot Springs, looking for White-crested Hornbills and the White-napped Pigeon.

There are more than 441 species of birds recorded in this protected area, including many West African forest species and 9 hornbill species. As you proceed deeper into the forest, look out for the Red Rumped Tinkerbird and Palm Greenbul, which are endemics.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 10: The Kirumia River Trail and Kibale Bound

Birding along the Kirumia River is another top birding spot, along the 13 km walking trail. Look out for the White-bellied Kingfisher, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Congo serpent eagle, Grey-throated Rail, Long-tailed Hawk, Spot-breasted Ibis, and Yellow-throated Nicator.

Other species include Northern red-chested Owlet, Western bronze-napped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird, Zenker’s honeyguide, White-throated Blue swallow, Bate’s nightjar, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and Orange-tufted Sunbird.

Later, head to Fort Portal and continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park on the 20-day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 11: Kibale Forest and Bigodi Sanctuary – The Pitta Search

Kibale is a hotspot! Our primary quest during our Kibale Forest Birding session is the brilliantly colored Green-breasted Pitta and the stunning African Broadbill. In the afternoon, we transfer to the community-run Bigodi Sanctuary at Magombe Swamp. This vital wetland is the best place to find the endemic Papyrus Gonolek and the majestic Great Blue Turaco.

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is an example of community-based eco-tourism. Your entrance fees directly fund local schools, health centers, and conservation initiatives, making your visit a vital contribution to community development.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 12: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park

A morning drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, recognized as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. This park boasts over 600 species, one of the highest numbers in Uganda’s national parks, due to its unique blend of savanna and forest connecting to the DR Congo, allowing us to spot a variety of bird species. After lunch, an evening game drive introduces us to the park’s wildlife.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 13:   Maramagambo Forest & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

We begin with Maramagambo Forest Birding, searching for deep forest species like the Black, White-breasted, and Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrikes. The afternoon is the highlight: a spectacular Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise. This aquatic paradise is guaranteed to deliver sightings of thousands of hippos and an endless array of waterbirds, notably the majestic African Skimmers and Yellow-Billed Storks.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 14: To Bwindi Impenetrable NP – Home of the Giants

We journey through rolling hills and stunning landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the climax of our safari and the sanctuary for the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Bwindi is a global birding destination, holding 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift Endemics, including the globally threatened African Green Broadbill and the Shelley’s Crimsonwing. An introductory forest walk this afternoon sets the stage for the days of Bwindi National Park Gorilla Trekking ahead.

Look out for the Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, African Broadbill, Black and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Western Green Tinkerbird, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed, and Regal Sunbirds; Short-tailed and Black-faced Rufous Warblers, among others.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Haven Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 15:  Munyaga waterfall trail – Ruhija sector

A morning exploration of the Munyaga Waterfall Trail in Buhoma, targeting sought-after species like the Bar-tailed Trogon and African Broadbill. We hope to spot the Handsome Francolin here. After lunch, we ascend to the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi, setting up in the high-altitude zone known for its distinct Albertine Rift endemics for our Ruhija Sector Birding.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 16: Ruhija’s Endemic Quest – The Broadbill Sanctuary

The Mubwindi Swamp Trail awaits. This is a critical birding day, offering our best chance for African Green Broadbill tracking and the magnificent Shelley’s Crimsonwing. We also keep a sharp eye out for the endemic Rwenzori Turaco and the Regal Sunbird, cementing Bwindi’s status as a top-tier birding destination.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 17:  Gorilla Trekking on the birding and gorilla safari in Uganda

The unforgettable climax of the safari. Following a pre-trek briefing, we enter the mist-shrouded forest to find one of the habituated Mountain Gorilla Bwindi families. Standing quietly, observing their family dynamics is a profoundly moving and Ethical Wildlife Encounter. This is the heart of the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience.

Your Gorilla Trekking Permit fees are the single most significant factor in funding the protection of these endangered species and provide essential economic support to the local communities surrounding Bwindi, ensuring the long-term survival of the Mountain Gorillas.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 18: Bwindi to Lake Mburo NP – The Tranquil Acacia

We trade the misty mountains for the tranquil, acacia-dotted savanna of Lake Mburo National Park. This park offers excellent Lake Mburo National Park Birding. After checking in, an afternoon boat ride on Lake Mburo is a must-do. We specifically seek the shy and sought-after African Finfoot and the endemic Papyrus Gonolek along the water’s edge.

Later return to the lodge, and as you head back, you will have some birding as well. Look out for the Long Willow Warbler and European Bee-eater.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 19:  Lake Mburo – Birding along Kigambira Loop – Entebbe

Our final birding session takes us along the Kigambira Loop Birding, targeting savanna and Acacia woodland species like the striking Red-Faced Barbet and the Blue-napped Mousebird. After checking out, we begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe, marking our Uganda Safari Departure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 20: Mabamba Swamp and Departure – The Shoebill Stork

Our grand finale will lead us to a morning excursion to the renowned Mabamba Swamp. We board a traditional canoe to navigate the marsh, on a dedicated quest for the prehistoric-looking and critically endangered Rare Shoebill Stork sighting. This iconic bird is the ultimate sighting to crown a magnificent Uganda birding trip end. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, with your soul renewed by the Pearl of Africa.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Day Room Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range