Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in Entebbe. As Uganda’s gateway, Entebbe provides an ideal starting point for your birding journey. Depending on your time of arrival, you may choose to relax after your flight or explore some of the nearby birding spots, such as the Entebbe

Botanical Gardens, known for its abundance of bird species, including the Black-and-white- casqued Hornbill and the colourful Ross’ Turaco. After which you will head back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Early morning after your breakfast, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Mabamba swamp, an extensive marshland located on the edge of Lake Victoria. Well known for its Shoebill population, Mabamba is a must-visit for any birding enthusiast. Upon arrival, you’ll board a traditional canoe, expertly navigated by local guides who know the best spots for bird sightings. As you glide through the channels, the swamp comes alive with the sounds of countless bird species, including the Shoebill, Swamp Flycatcher, and Malachite Kingfisher.

With its prehistoric appearance and distinctive bill, spotting the Shoebill is an unforgettable experience. Other notable birds include the African Pygmy Goose, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and Papyrus Gonolek. Spend the day immersed in this vibrant ecosystem, capturing incredible photographs and enjoying close encounters with some of Uganda’s rarest bird species.

After your breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and journey southwest to Lake Mburo National Park, a compact gem well known for its biodiversity and birding opportunities. This drive will take approximately 5 hours. En route, keep your binoculars ready, as you may spot various birds on the drive.

Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge, have lunch after which embark on a game drive that introduces you to the park’s open savannah, lakes, and acacia woodland. Key bird species to watch for include the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Black-bellied Bustard, and White- winged Warbler. Marvel at the interactions between the birds and other wildlife, including zebra and impala, as they coexist within this beautiful landscape.

Today, dedicate your day to exploring this park’s incredible birdlife, particularly in the wetland areas and woodland habitats. You will begin your day with a guided nature walk, where you’ll explore birding trails on foot, providing a closer look at the park’s diverse avian population.As you traverse the park’s landscapes, you’ll encounter unique bird species like the African Finfoot, a rare sight, and the Grey Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird. The park’s woodlands are also home to the Brown-chested Lapwing, Crested Barbet, and the Red-faced Barbet, the latter being endemic to East Africa. Your expert guide will provide fascinating information about the birds’ behaviors and ecology, making this a richly informative experience. Capture memorable moments as you observe the park’s resident and migratory birds in their natural environment. After lunch, you will go for a boat cruise and experience more birding from this end.

After your breakfast, you will set off on a scenic drive towards Lake Bunyonyi, the second- deepest lake in Africa, known for its beauty and tranquility. Along the way, stop for birdwatching opportunities in the countryside, with your guide pointing out notable sightings. Upon reaching Lake Bunyonyi, you will have lunch after which embark on an afternoon birding session around the lake. The calm waters and surrounding hills provide a perfect habitat for species such as the White-tailed Blue Monard, African Harrier Hawk, and Slender- billed Weaver. As the sun begins to set, take a boat cruise, allowing for a peaceful and picturesque end to your day while observing water birds like Pied Kingfishers and Little Grebes against the colorful evening sky.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the richest forest in East Africa in relation to its trees,butterflies, and birds. It is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. The bird list for the park currently totals 347 species. The forest has 10 of the 26 globally threatened species in Uganda, five of which are vulnerable, and boasts 24 of Uganda’s 25 Albertine Rift endemics.

In Ruhija the birds we hope to sight include the; Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Collared Apalis, White-starred Robin, Banded Prinia, Strange Weaver, Mountain Greenbul, Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Blue-headed Sunbirds, Abyssinian, Crimsonwing, Black-headed Waxbill, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Sharpe’s Starling

You will have stopovers at Echuya Forest for good birding opportunities and possible sightings of Albertine Rift endemics.

A highlight of any Uganda safari, today you’ll venture into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. After an early start, prepare for an extraordinary trek through dense forest terrain to encounter a gorilla family. Spending time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience, as you observe their social behaviors and interactions.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided birding excursion to Mubwindi Swamp, a renowned birding location within Bwindi. The swamp’s unique habitat attracts many Albertine Rift endemics, including the sought-after Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Handsome Francolin, and the Archer’s Robin-chat. With patience and a keen eye, you may also spot the African Green Broadbill, one of Africa’s rarest birds.

Journey to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its population of tree-climbing lions. While on a game drive, keep your eyes peeled for these unusual felines resting in the branches of fig trees. Beyond the lions, Ishasha offers fantastic birding opportunities, with species like the African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, and Martial Eagle often spotted. The evening will be dedicated to birdwatching, as the park’s varied habitats attract numerous bird species, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife in this area.