22 Days bird watching safari

A 22 Days bird watching safari in Uganda is an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse and unique birdlife of the country. Uganda is home to over 1,000 bird species, including several endemic and rare species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

During this safari, you will visit some of Uganda's best birding destinations, including national parks, forests, wetlands, and other birding hotspots. You will have the chance to see a wide variety of bird species, from the famous shoebill stork to the colourful turacos and kingfishers, among many others.

Your itinerary will be tailored to your interests and can include activities such as guided birding walks, boat safaris, and game drives, among others. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to experience Uganda's rich cultural heritage, meet local communities, and witness the country's stunning scenery.

Some of the highlights of the 22-day bird-watching safari in Uganda may include visiting Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Other destinations may include Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and various forest reserves, wetlands, and birding hotspots.

Overall, this safari offers a unique and unforgettable experience for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and travellers looking to explore the beauty and diversity of Uganda.

22 days bird watching safari gives you a chance to see Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-headed coucal, Brown-chested Lapwing, Carruthers cisticola, Greater painted snipe, Hairy-breasted barbet, Mosque swallow, Papyrus gonolek, Papyrus yellow warbler, Red-faced Barbet, Shoebill, Tabora cisticola, White-winged Warbler, Yellow-rumped tinkerbird.

There can be few bird-watching safari destinations on Earth where one can expect to find over 600 bird species in one park alone – Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is one. Uganda is arguably the best birding destination in Africa. With over 1040 bird species already recorded in the country, Uganda is the best place to go birding in Africa.

Uganda bird-watching safari

Uganda is not new to birders. Several tourists have visited the country on different birding trips and visited different bird-watching destinations that include forests, wetlands, savannah grasslands etc. Accolades for Uganda’s birding delights are rarely understated. Nigel Wheatley, for instance, in Where to Watch Birds in Africa (1995), said: “In terms of its size, Uganda is the richest country for birds in Africa.” And this immense volume and diversity occur in a space that keen birders can cover in a short visit.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Transfer to your midrange or luxury hotel for check-in and rest.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp

Guided birding tour of the Mabamba Swamp.

Day 3-4: Jinja

Guided birding and boat safari on the Nile River in Jinja.

Visit the Source of the Nile and Bujagali Falls.

Day 5-6: Mbale

Guided birding and nature walks in the foothills of Mount Elgon in Mbale.

Visit Sipi Falls and the coffee plantations.

Day 7-8: Kidepo Valley National Park

Guided birding and game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Day 9-10: Murchison Falls National Park

Guided birding and game drives in Murchison Falls National Park.

Boat safari to the base of the falls.

Day 11-12: Kibale Forest National Park

Guided birding and nature walk in Kibale Forest National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking.

Day 13-14: Semuliki National Park

Guided birding and nature walks in Semuliki National Park.

Day 15-16: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Guided birding and boat safari on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Game drives in the park.

Day 17-18: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking and guided birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 19-20: Lake Bunyonyi

Relaxation on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi with guided birding activities.

Day 21: Lake Mburo National Park

Guided birding and game drive in Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 22: Departure

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Included in the Package:

Accommodation in the midrange or luxury lodges

Meals as specified in the itinerary

Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

English-speaking tour guide/driver

National park fees and permits

Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits

Boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bottled water during safari drives

All activities and excursions as specified in the itinerary

Accommodation Options: Midrange:

2 Friends Beach Hotel

Jinja Nile Resort

Mbale Resort Hotel

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Murchison River Lodge

Kibale Forest Camp

Semuliki Safari Lodge

Parkview Safari Lodge

Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

Rwakobo Rock

Airport Guesthouse Entebbe

Luxury:

Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe

Wildwaters Lodge

Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa

Apoka Safari Lodge

Bakers Lodge

Kyaninga Lodge

Semliki Safari Lodge

Mihingo Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge

Birdnest Resort

Terms and conditions of 22 days bird watching safari

Book with a deposit of 40% of the total amount of the trip.

Book at least 60 days before the date of departure.

Steady Safaris Ltd reserves the right not to accept bookings made less than 60 days prior to the date of departure.

Full payment has to be made not less than 30 days before the departure date of the tour.

If the full amount is not paid in due time, Steady Safaris Ltd reserves the right to treat it as cancelled.

Cancellations: 60 days prior to the departure date of the tour, full refund of deposit; between 60 and 30 days, refund of 50% of deposit; less than 30 days, no refund.

Gorilla permits are non-refundable.

Notes

Travellers should reach Entebbe on the tour starting the day before 8 am and leave from the same airport at the end of the tour after 8 pm.

If these times can't possible, then 1 or 2 days should be calculated for the overnight in Kampala.

Children under 12 years of age will not see chimpanzees.

Kibale National Park offers small walks of 1 or 2 hours with creative activities.

Gorilla trekking is not for anyone under 15 years of age.

Prices for private safari. No extra passengers.

All prices have VAT.

Prices are in United States dollars (USD).

Gorilla permits are available at least two months before the departure date.

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba swamp is a wetland area located in Uganda, East Africa. It is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, near the town of Entebbe. The swamp covers an area of approximately 16,500 hectares and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including over 300 bird species.

Mabamba Swamp is famous for its population of shoebill storks, which are one of the most sought-after bird species for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Other bird species that can be spotted in the swamp include the papyrus gonolek, African water rail, and blue-breasted bee-eater.

In addition to birdwatching, the Mabamba swamp offers visitors the opportunity to explore the local communities and learn about their traditional ways of life. The swamp is also an important source of livelihood for many local people, who rely on it for fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

Mabamba swamp has been designated as a Ramsar site, which is an international designation for wetlands of global importance. This designation recognizes the importance of the swamp as a critical habitat for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a beautiful lake located in southwestern Uganda. It is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa, with a maximum depth of around 900 meters. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and is dotted with around 29 small islands, which adds to its scenic beauty.

The name "Bunyonyi" means "place of many little birds" in the local language. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, including the African harrier hawk, the grey-crowned crane, and the African fish eagle. In addition to bird watching, visitors can also enjoy activities such as canoeing, hiking, and swimming in the lake's clear waters.

Lake Bunyonyi is also located near the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to half of the world's remaining population of mountain gorillas. As a result, many visitors to the lake also choose to go on gorilla trekking tours in the nearby park.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is a national park located in the northeastern part of Uganda, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. It is considered one of the most remote and isolated national parks in Africa, but it is also one of the most beautiful and untouched wilderness areas on the continent.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 77 mammal species and over 475 bird species. Some of the notable animal species found in the park include lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The park also has a unique and diverse birdlife, including ostriches, eagles, vultures, and many other raptors.

Kidepo Valley National Park is also renowned for its scenic beauty, with stunning landscapes of rolling hills, deep valleys, and vast savannah plains. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, bird watching, hiking, and cultural tours to visit the local Karamojong people.

While Kidepo Valley National Park may be difficult to access due to its remote location, it is well worth the effort for those looking for an authentic and unforgettable safari experience in Uganda.