Discover Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity with Facile Safaris on an 8-day birding and nature adventure, immersing you in the “Pearl of Africa’s” vibrant avian life and lush landscapes. Home to over 1,000 bird species, including the iconic shoebill and great blue turaco, Uganda offers unparalleled birdwatching in diverse habitats, from wetlands to rainforests. This tour explores Mabamba Swamp, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, blending guided birding, scenic trails, and a thrilling gorilla trek. With expert ornithologist guides, eco-conscious lodges, and seamless transfers, Facile Safaris’ Uganda birding tours deliver an unforgettable journey for nature enthusiasts seeking rare species and pristine wilderness.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding Beginnings
Your journey begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where a Facile Safaris representative greets you and transfers you to the charming Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe, overlooking Lake Victoria. After settling in, embark on an afternoon birding excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a lush haven for spotting African paradise flycatchers, black-and-white casqued hornbills, and palm-nut vultures. Your expert guide introduces Uganda’s avian diversity, setting the stage for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner of Ugandan specialties like luwombo, relaxing by the lake as you prepare for the days to come.
Day 2: Entebbe to Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Safari
After an early breakfast, drive to Mabamba Swamp, a premier birding site on Lake Victoria’s shores, renowned for its elusive shoebill stork. Glide through the wetlands in a traditional canoe, guided by a local ornithologist, spotting shoebills, papyrus gonoleks, and swamp flycatchers amidst papyrus reeds. Enjoy a packed lunch by the water, with chances to see malachite kingfishers and African jacanas. Return to Protea Hotel in Entebbe for a relaxed afternoon, perhaps strolling the lakeside to spot grey parrots. Dine under the stars, sharing sightings and anticipation for the journey to Murchison Falls.
Day 3: Entebbe to Murchison Falls – Nile River Birding
Depart Entebbe for a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest reserve, known for its powerful waterfall and over 450 bird species. Stop en route at a local village for a cultural interaction, learning about Lugbara traditions. Check into the Nile Safari Lodge, nestled along the Nile River, and join an afternoon boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls. Watch for rock pratincoles, red-throated bee-eaters, and African fish eagles as the Nile roars through a narrow gorge. Savor a riverside dinner, with the falls’ thunderous backdrop, before a restful night.
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Savanna and Waterfall Trails
Rise early for a morning game drive across Murchison’s savanna, seeking savanna species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill, martial eagle, and Shelley’s sparrow, alongside giraffes and buffalo. After a bush breakfast, hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile’s dramatic plunge offers a stunning backdrop for spotting bat hawks and grey kestrels. Return to Nile Safari Lodge for lunch, followed by an afternoon birding walk along the river, targeting swallow-tailed bee-eaters and northern carmine bee-eaters. Enjoy a cozy dinner, recounting the day’s highlights with fellow birders.
Day 5: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest – Forest Birding
Travel south to Kibale Forest National Park, a biodiversity hotspot with over 375 bird species and abundant primates. Check into Kibale Forest Camp, surrounded by lush greenery, and enjoy a forest-side lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a guided birding walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, spotting the dazzling great blue turaco, white-thighed hornbill, and yellow-billed barbet. Look for red colobus monkeys swinging overhead as your guide explains the wetland’s delicate ecosystem. Return to the camp for a hearty dinner, with the forest’s nocturnal calls lulling you to sleep.
Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Wetland Wonders
After breakfast, journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boasting over 600 bird species across diverse habitats. Check into Kyambura Gorge Lodge, offering stunning savanna views. Join an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a birdwatcher’s paradise teeming with African skimmers, yellow-backed weavers, and water thick-knees. Spot hippos and crocodiles as your guide highlights rare species like the lesser flamingo. Return to the lodge for a sunset dinner, reflecting on the day’s avian spectacle, with the park’s tranquility preparing you for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi – Gorilla and Birding Bliss
Start with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth’s Kasenyi Plains, seeking black-bellied bustards and Senegal lapwings, alongside lions and elephants. After a picnic breakfast, drive through Uganda’s lush highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO site famed for its mountain gorillas and 350 bird species. Check into Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, nestled in the forest. In the afternoon, join a guided gorilla trek, encountering these gentle giants while spotting forest birds like the short-tailed warbler and Grauer’s broadbill. Celebrate with a cultural dinner featuring Bakiga dances, resting amidst Bwindi’s misty beauty.
Day 8: Bwindi to Entebbe – Farewell to Uganda
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, soaking in Bwindi’s serene ambiance. Depart for Entebbe, stopping at a community craft market to see local beadwork and carvings. Arrive in Entebbe for a farewell lunch at a lakeside restaurant, with time to spot red-chested sunbirds or relax by Lake Victoria. A Facile Safaris representative transfers you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, leaving you with memories of Uganda’s vibrant birdlife, lush forests, and warm hospitality, courtesy of Facile Safaris Uganda.
Estimated Price for 2 People Sharing
The estimated cost for this 8-day birding and nature tour with Facile Safaris is $5,800 for two people sharing, based on double occupancy. This includes eco-friendly accommodations (Protea Hotel Entebbe, Nile Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp), daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, all ground transfers, park fees, one gorilla trekking permit per person, boat safaris, and expert ornithologist guides. Prices exclude international flights, additional meals, personal expenses, and optional activities. Rates are subject to availability and may vary by season; contact Facile Safaris for a tailored quote.
