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.

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 Storks, Long-toed and Spur-winged Lapwings, Malachite Kingfishers, 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, the 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, that attracts a 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 its 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 western 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 rarely 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 the 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 Mousebird, 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 15: 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 in the afternoon.

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

Day 16: 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. 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.

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 is 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 the 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: Dinner depending on time of arrival.

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

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

Optional Activity: Bird watching at Entebbe Botanical Gardens offers a tranquil experience along the scenic shores of Lake Victoria. Located just 34 km from Kampala, this lush sanctuary is home to a diverse collection of indigenous trees, exotic plant species, and abundant birdlife.

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

Day 2: To Murchison Falls National Park- Top of the Falls

After an early breakfast at 7:00 am, begin your journey north to the captivating Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop over for lunch en route and visit the Top of the Falls before proceeding to your place of stay and relaxation.

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

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

This day will be fully dedicated to birding in Budongo Forest Reserve. With 360 different species, Budongo is famous for its biodiversity in birds and is home to the rare Puvel’s illadopsis, which is an endemic species to this area.

Other species include the Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, Chestnut-crowned Eremomela, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher, Little Green Sunbird, Grey-headed Sunbird, Slender-billed Greenbul, Green Crombec, and Forest Robin.

Birding at the Royal Mile offers chances to spot the Ituri species like the African Pygmy, Ituri Batis, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Chestnut Capped Flycatcher, Blue-breasted, and African Dwarf among others.

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

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal

After breakfast, transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with lunch en route, arriving in the evening for relaxation in Kibale National Park.

You may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and more primates hiding in trees along the road. You will have lunch in Fort Portal Town, this area is famed for the fabled mountains of the moon and many tea plantations.

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

Day 5: Birding in Semuliki Park, Sempaya & Ntandi Area

Start the day in the lowland rainforest heading to the hot springs area where the patch of forest is home to White-crested Hornbill, White-spotted Flufftails, Black-casqued Hornbills, African Green Pigeons, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, White-napped Pigeon, among others.

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.

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: Kirumia River Trail -Birding

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, Nkulengu Rail, Long-tailed Hawk, Spot-breasted Ibis, Yellow-throated Nicator, 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.

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

Day 7: Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

After breakfast, proceed to the Kasenyi Track, which is a hotspot for lion sightings, often seen hunting the large herds of Uganda kob that roam the area. Look out for herds of elephants and buffalo, leopards, warthogs, topis, and waterbucks, which are excellent photographic opportunities.

Later, check out and journey to the Ishasha Sector, the southern part of the park, arriving in time for a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, set off on an exciting game drive, keeping an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions.

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

Day 8: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth Park

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for lunch at the camp on this 15-day Birding Safari in Uganda. Later in the evening, you will have an evening game drive in the park in search of the first wildlife, including warthogs, buffalo, waterbucks, and elephants.  Classified as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birding International, Queen Elizabeth NP is home to over 600 species.

This is the greatest of any East African national park and a phenomenal number for such a small area. 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 & Boat Cruise

After breakfast, we start early for a birding session in Maramagambo Forest. We will have birding from the lodge towards the Maramagambo forest. Look out for the Whinchat, Common Redstart, White-fronted Black Chat, Sooty Chat, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Black, White-breasted, and Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrikes.

The Black and Penduline Tits, Nubian Woodpecker, White-tailed and Red-tailed Ant-thrushes, Brown Illadopsis, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Brown-eared Woodpeckers, Least Honeyguide, Grey Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, and many others.

After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George.

This cruise is a birders’ paradise, the shores of the channel offer a variety of habitats, each appealing to different species of bird species Greenshank, Common Ringed Plover, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, and Grey (Black-bellied) Plover, African Skimmers, Yellow-Billed Stork,

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

Day 10:  Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi -Buhoma Sector

We drive through verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views, arriving in Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas, in time for lunch.

Bwindi offers some of the finest montane forest bird watching in Africa and is an unmissable destination for any birder visiting Uganda.

There are an estimated 350 bird species, with 23 endemics to the Albertine Rift and 14 recorded nowhere else in Uganda.

Globally threatened species such as the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimsonwing are also found here.

Other birds include 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, Mountain-masked and Collared Apalis, Mountain and Yellow-streaked Greenbul, and Many-colored Bush-Shrike, among others.

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

Day 11:  Munyanga Waterfall Trail – Ruhija Sector

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling 3-hour birding expedition along the Munyaga Waterfall Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for a diverse array of bird species, numbering between 40 to 50, such as Bee-Eaters, Bar-tailed Trogon, various Tinkerbirds, Wood-hoopoes, Barbets, Woodpeckers, African Broadbill, assorted Greenbuls, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, and Brown-capped Weaver.

Other bird species include Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Pink-footed Puffback, Grauer’s Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Oberlander’s Ground Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Luhder’s Bush-shrike, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Starlings, Black-billed Weaver, and many others.

After this rewarding birding experience, enjoy lunch before continuing to the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi National Park.

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

Day 12:  Bwindi Forest – Ruhija Sector

Head for the Mubwindi swamp trail, birds in Ruhija include the Regal Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, African green broadbill, Caruthers cisticola, Handsome francolin, African Hill babbler, Banded Prinia, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Bushrike, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, Western Green Tinkerbird, Olive, Elliot’s, and Fine-banded Woodpecker, African Green-Broadbill, Mountain, Yellow-whiskered.

Other species include Yellow-streaked Greenbul, African Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Grey Cuckoo Shrike Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Blue-Headed Sunbird. Later, head back to camp.

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

Day 13:  Bwindi -Lake Mburo Park – Boat Cruise

After breakfast, we depart the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park on the 15-day Birding Safari in Uganda.

Lake Mburo alone is home to 350 species of birds, and some of the spots where you can find the birds include swampy valleys, the forest, along the boat cruise, and the viewing platform near the salt licks.

After checking in, head for a boat ride on Lake Mburo in the afternoon to check out some of the water bird species such as African Finfoot, Saddle-billed Stork, Long-toed Lapwing, Papyrus Gonolek, Rufous-bellied Herons, Papyrus yellow warbler, Malachite Kingfishers, and Giant Kingfisher, among others.

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: Mpogo Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 14: Kigambira Loop Birding – Entebbe

After breakfast, you will have a game drive while birding along the Kigambira loop. Looking out for the savanna and Acacia woodland species that include the Blue-napped Mousebirds, Spot-flanked Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-Faced Barbet, Red-Headed Lovebird, Lead Colored Flycatcher, African Marsh Harriers, Banded Snake Eagles, African Hawk Eagles, and many more. Return to the lodge for breakfast, depart the protected area, and drive back to Entebbe.

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

Day 15:  Mabamba Swamp- Departure

After breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp, taking a canoe ride in search of the rare Shoebill Stork. The Mabamba Swamp is more renowned for its amazing bird record of about 260 bird species, and it’s a sanctuary to four threatened species, including the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, Pallid Harrier, and White-Winged Warbler.

Look out for other bird species such as the Yellow-throated Greenbul, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Ducks, Yellow-backed Weaver, Yellow warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-Billed Stork, Yellow-billed duck, Yellow-billed Kite, Woodland Kingfisher, Wood Sandpiper, Winding Cisticola, White-winged Warbler, White-winged Black Terns, among others.

Depending on your flight departure, you will have lunch and continue to Entebbe airport for your international flight at the end of the 15-day Birding Safari in Uganda Tour.

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 Birding and Gorilla Safari.

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

Day 2: To Pian Upe Reserve – Birding

After breakfast, set off for Pian Upe Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. This game reserve is the 2nd largest in Uganda and offers some of the best bird-watching experiences. There are approximately 242 bird species recorded, among which are endemics such as the Fox Weaver bird and Karamoja Apalis.

Bird along the way and some evening birding, look out for bird species such as Fox Kestrel, Black Coucal, Nubian Woodpecker, Western Black-headed Batis, Green-backed Eremomela, Pale Prinia, and Red-pate Cisticola.

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

Day 3: Birding in Pian Upe Reserve and the Cheposukunya Hot Springs

This day will be spent birding in the reserve and at Cheposukunya Hot Springs in the morning. Look out for bird species such as the Silverbird, Spot-flanked Barbet, Stone Partridge, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Red-fronted Barbet, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, 4-banded Sandgrouse, African Grey Hornbill, Superb Starling, and Secretary Bird.

Other bird species include Green-breasted Pitta, Abyssinian ground hornbill, the rare shoebill stock and White-faced Whistling Ducks, African Paradise Flycatcher, Bruce’s Green Pigeons, Greyish Eagle Owl, and Marico Sunbird.

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

Day 4: Pian Upe – Kidepo Valley National Park

Breakfast and then head to Kidepo Valley National Park with lunch en route, arriving in the evening for relaxation.  About 480 species have been recorded in the park due to its varied vegetation. Kidepo Valley National Park is renowned for its dramatic savannah landscapes, surrounded by rugged mountains. It features the Kidepo and Narus Valleys, which provide water and attract wildlife year-round, with stunning views of the Mount Morungole range, home to the Ik people.

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

Day 5: Birding in Kidepo Valley NP

Today, you will explore the riches of Kidepo Valley National Park. You will have some birding sessions along the way.  Look out for bird species such as Black-breasted Barbet, White-backed Vulture, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Piapia, and some game such as Plains Zebra, African Buffalo, and Hartebeest. Head to the Barbet birding spot, a well-wooded rocky hill.

Explore some open and flood plains before returning for lunch and an afternoon rest.

After lunch break, head to the Namamukweny Valley noted for its astonishing bird sights, especially Green wood hoopoe, White-crested turaco, Eastern paradise whydah, Common bulbul, and Abyssinian roller.

Later, they head out to the Narus Valley where they get opportunities to view a large collection of bird species, such as Ostriches, Kori bustard, carmine, Black-breasted Barbet, Silver shrike, Scarlet-Chested Sunbird, Yellow-billed hornbill, white-bellied go-away bird, little weaver, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Little weaver, singing bush lark, and many other unique sighting birds. You can head back to the camp or relax

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

Day 6: 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, enrich the experience.

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

Day 7: Birding in Budongo Forest & the Royal Mile

After breakfast, this day will be fully dedicated to birding in Budongo Forest Reserve. With 360 different species. Budongo is famous for its biodiversity in birds and is home to the rare Puvel’s illadopsis, which is an endemic species to this area.

Other species include the yellow-footed flycatcher, chocolate-backed kingfishers, chestnut-crowned eremomela, dusky long-tailed cuckoo, yellow-browed camaroptera, black-headed paradise flycatcher, little green sunbird, grey-headed sunbird, slender-billed greenbul, green crombec, and forest robin.

After the lunch break, you will head out to the Royal Mile with chances of spotting the Ituri species such as African pygmy, ituri batis, lemon-bellied crombec, chestnut-capped flycatcher, blue-breasted and African dwarf kingfishers, Marsh Tchagra, Compact Weaver, among others.

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

Day 8: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal

After breakfast, head to Fort Portal with stopovers at Papyrus Swamps for a birding session along the way, look out for Red-necked Falcon, Marsh Tchagra, Thick-billed and Slender-billed Weavers, Black-crowned and Fawn-breasted Waxbills, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, and Black Bishop.

You may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and more primates hiding in trees along the road. You will have lunch in Fort Portal Town, this area is famed for the fabled mountains of the moon and many tea plantations.

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

Day 9: Birding in Semuliki National Park, Sempaya & Ntandi areas

After breakfast, we drive to Semuliki National Park for birding. You will head out to the lowland rainforest, proceeding to start in the hot springs area where the patch of forest is a habitat for White-crested Hornbill, White-spotted Flufftails, Black-casqued Hornbills, African Green Pigeons, Ayres Hawk-Eagle, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, White-napped Pigeon, among others.

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.

Other species on the 20-day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari 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 10: Birding along the Kirumia River Trail

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 & Bigodi Sanctuary

After breakfast set off for a birding session in Kibale Forest, look out for the Green Breasted Pitta African Broadbill, African pied wagtail · Great blue turaco, Pin-tailed whydah, and Slender-billed Weaver, Kibale Ground Trush, Blue-headed Sunbird, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Purple breasted sunbird and Red-faced woodland warbler among others.

After lunch, you will transfer to the Bigodi Sanctuary at the Magombe Swamp for a 2-hour nature walk. The sanctuary is home to 200 bird species, including the Papyrus Gonolek and the Great Blue Turaco.

Look out for the Swamp Flycatcher, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-spotted Barbet, yellow bill, White-spotted Flufftail, Western Nicator, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Grey-winged Robin-chat, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Grey parrot, Bronze Sunbird, Black-crowned waxbill, and Blue-throated roller, Black Bishop, White-breasted Negro finch among others.

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

Day 12: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for lunch at the camp. Later in the evening, you will have an evening game drive in the park in search of the first wildlife, including warthogs, buffalo, waterbucks, and elephants.

Classified as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birding International, Queen Elizabeth NP is home to over 600 species. This is the greatest of any East African national park and a phenomenal number for such a small area.

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: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 13:   Maramagambo Forest & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After breakfast, we start early for a birding session in Maramagambo Forest. We will have birding from the lodge towards the Maramagambo forest. Look out for the Whinchat, Common Redstart, White-fronted Black Chat, Sooty Chat, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Black, White-breasted, and Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrikes.

More species include Black and Penduline Tits, Nubian Woodpeckers, Cardinal Woodpeckers, Brown-backed Woodpeckers, White-tailed and Red-tailed Ant-thrushes, Brown Illadopsis, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Brown-eared Woodpeckers, Least Honeyguide, Grey Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, and many others.

After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George.

This cruise is a birders’ paradise, the shores of the channel offer a variety of habitats, each appealing to different species of bird species Greenshank, Common Ringed Plover, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey (Black-bellied) Plover, African Skimmers, and Yellow-Billed Stork.

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

Day 14:  Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi National Park- Buhoma

After breakfast, we drive through verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views with a picnic lunch/lunch en-route, arriving in Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Bwindi offers some of the finest montane forest bird watching in Africa and is an unmissable destination for any birder visiting Uganda. There are an estimated 350 bird species, with 23 endemics to the Albertine Rift and 14 recorded nowhere else in Uganda.

Globally threatened species such as the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimsonwing are also found here.

After lunch, head out to the forest for an introductory birding session. 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

After breakfast, head for a 3-hour birding session at the Munyaga Waterfall Trail. Look out for 40-50 bird species, including Bee-Eater, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black, White-headed, Tinker birds, Wood-hoopoe, Barbets, Woodpeckers, African Broadbill, assorted Greenbuls, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Brown-capped Weaver, Chapin’s Flycatcher, and Red-faced Woodland Warbler.

Other bird species include the Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Pink-footed Puffback, Grauer’s Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Oberlander’s Ground Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Luhder’s Bush-shrike,  Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Starlings, Black-billed Weaver, among other birds. Have lunch and head to the Ruhija Sector part of Bwindi National Park.

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

Day 16:  Bwindi Park – Ruhija sector

After breakfast, head out for the Mubwindi swamp trail, birds in Ruhija include the Regal Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, African green broadbill, Caruthers cisticola, Handsome francolin, African Hill babbler, Banded Prinia, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, Western Green Tinkerbird.

Other species include Olive, Elliot’s, and Fine-banded Woodpecker, African Green-Broadbill, Mountain, Yellow-whiskered, and Yellow-streaked Greenbul, African Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, and others.

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

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

After breakfast and a pre-tracking briefing by your ranger guide about gorillas, you will be assigned a gorilla family, as well as appropriate safety precautions after that, you will drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure.

Upon sighting the gorillas, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving, playing, raising their young, and sometimes wrestling by the juveniles – it is a unique and unforgettable experience! Later, head back to the camp at the end of the 20-day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari.

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

Day 18:  Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park – Boat ride

After breakfast, we depart the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo alone is home to 350 species of birds, and some of the spots where you can find the birds include swampy valleys, the forest, along the boat cruise, and the viewing platform near the salt licks.

After checking in, head for a boat ride on Lake Mburo in the afternoon to check out some of the water bird species such as African Finfoot, Saddle-billed Stork, Long-toed Lapwing, Papyrus Gonolek, Rufous-bellied Herons, Papyrus yellow warbler, Malachite Kingfishers, and Giant Kingfisher, among others.

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

After breakfast, you will have a game drive while birding session along the Kigambira loop. Looking out for the savanna and Acacia woodland species that include the Blue-napped Mousebird, Spot-flanked Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-Faced Barbet, Headed Lovebird, Lead Colored Flycatcher, African Marsh Harriers, Banded Snake Eagles, African Hawk Eagles, and many more.

Return to the lodge for breakfast, depart the protected area, and drive back to Entebbe.

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

Day 20:  Mabamba Swamp – departure

After breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp taking a canoe ride in search of the rare Shoebill Stork. The Mabamba Swamp is more renowned for its amazing bird record of about 260 bird species, and it’s a sanctuary to four threatened species, including the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, Pallid Harrier, and White-Winged Warbler.

Look out for other bird species such as the Yellow-throated Greenbul, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Ducks, Yellow-backed Weaver, Yellow warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-Billed Stork, Yellow-billed duck, Yellow-billed Kite, Woodland Kingfisher, among others.

Depending on your flight departure, you will have lunch and continue to Entebbe airport for your international flight at the end of the 20-day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari.

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