The Prefect Uganda Birding And Gorilla Trekking Itinerary

A Complete 11 Days Uganda Birding And Gorilla Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe — Shoebill tracking

Your driver will get you from Entebbe International Airport (15 minutes) and facilitate your check-in at your accommodation in Entebbe. You will convene with your tour consultant for a briefing just before supper.

You will explore the lake shores surrounding the peninsula and wetlands in pursuit of the elusive shoebill, as well as numerous other avian species including the Blue Monarch, Brown Twinspots, Fantailed Widowbird, Moustached Warbler, White-headed Barbets, Black-headed Gonolek, Striped Kingfisher, African Pied Hornbill, Diederik’s Cuckoo, and Black Bishop, among others. Post-lunch, proceed to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to observe several avian species, including ostriches, African grey parrots, peacocks, crested cranes, and Egyptian geese, among others.

Staying at: Papyrus Guesthouse (Comfortable)
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Drive Entebbe – Lake Mburo (5 hours)

Commencing at sunrise, you will go on a canoe excursion in Mabamba Wetland, located along the banks of Lake Victoria. Uganda is the premier habitat for observing the uncommon Shoebill birds. Additional avian species you may see comprise the Lesser Jacana, Black-Shouldered Nightjar, Blue Swallow, Blue-Breasted Bee-Eater, White-Winged Warbler, and Papyrus Gonolek, among others.

Following a late breakfast, go westward from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping for lunch along the way.

Day 3: Explore Lake Mburo National Park

Embark on an early game drive along the fog-laden trails of Lake Mburo National Park to observe the early risers on the savanna plains. Fortunate birdwatchers may observe the elusive leopard and several exotic wildlife. Nonetheless, you should capitalise on infrequent avian observations throughout the early hours of the journey.

Lake Mburo National Park, characterised by numerous lakes encircled by swamps, hosts a diverse array of aquatic avian species, including the Pelican, Black Crake, Heron, Cormorant, and Fish Eagle. The enigmatic shoebill is occasionally observed in the peripheries; be vigilant for its large, shoe-shaped head.

You will embark on a boat excursion on the tranquil waters to observe various riparian avifauna, including crocodiles and hippopotamuses.

Staying at: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Drive Lake Mburo – Lake Bunyonyi

You will go on an early birding excursion to identify several avian species before departing the park and heading southwest to Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its diverse birdlife.

You will travel through Kabale, the final town, before to checking in at a beach home. The Virunga Mountains group provide a stunning backdrop over the island-studded lake and the undulating terrain.

Lake Bunyonyi is among the most abundant avian habitats in Uganda; you will continuously turn your head during an evening stroll around your resort.

Day 5: Birding Around Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is renowned for its verdant, terraced hills and is home to over 200 avian species, including aquatic and migratory birds, particularly near the Nyombi marshes. Accompanied by the region’s ornithological specialist, you will navigate the lake’s peripheries on a fisherman’s vessel to visit islands scattered across the lake.

You will explore the renowned Akampene Island, traditionally known as the site where the Bakiga abandoned unmarried pregnant girls. In addition to the islands’ tumultuous past, it serves as an exceptional birding destination in Uganda.

The anticipated avian species include the grey crowned crane, Levillant’s cuckoo, white-tailed monad, slender-billed baglafetch, various weavers, African harrier hawk, egrets, cardinal woodpecker, African kingfisher, and herons.

Staying at: Bunyonyi Lake Resort
Meals: Brealfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi – Bwindi Forest (Boat & Drive)

You will embark on a motorised canoe from your beach resort and traverse Lake Bunyonyi to Muko Jetty, a journey of two hours. Your guide will collect you and transport you for two hours over a dirt road across the hilly terrain to your hut at the periphery of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The tour shows you to magnificent landscapes throughout the rift valley. For two hours, you will navigate the Impenetrable Forest, with intermittent views of the nebulous rainforest.

At the lodge, one can traverse the village to observe Bwindi’s unusual avian species.

Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.

Day 7: The Gorila Trek in Bwindi Forest

Your gorilla trekking expedition commences at dawn over the verdant woods of Bwindi. At 7:30 am, the enthusiasm is evident upon your arrival at the trekking centre, located a few distance from your lodging. The atmosphere is charged with expectation during a briefing by park rangers. They will delineate the protocols to guarantee both your safety and the welfare of the gorillas. You will be allocated to a particular gorilla family according to your fitness level and preferences, prepared to commence an extraordinary experience.

Accompanied by your intimate group and seasoned guides, you go on an expedition into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The forest is a vivid assemblage of lofty trees, entwined vines, and a symphony of unusual avian sounds. The gorilla trek has challenges, as one must navigate deep foliage and uneven terrain; nonetheless, the excitement of discovery motivates continued progress. Your guides proficiently monitor the gorilla family, imparting their expertise on gorilla behaviour and the park’s diverse ecosystem along the journey.

Suddenly, your heart accelerates as the guides indicate the gorillas’ nearness. Each rustle of leaves intensifies your awareness. Subsequently, the moment materialises. Amidst the verdant forest, a magnificent silverback gorilla appears, accompanied by his family. Time appears to halt as you witness these majestic creatures in their natural environment; their playful behaviour, affectionate interactions, and formidable presence will inspire admiration. The time you spend with them serves as an indelible reminder of our bond with the natural world and the necessity of safeguarding these remarkable beings.

Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.

Day 8: Bird watching Along The Kashasha Trail in Bwindi Forest

You will commence the route at approximately 8:30 am following a brief orientation with your walking safari guide at the lodge. Commence your trek during the fog-laden early morning hours to ensure that the harsh afternoon sunlight reaches you behind the jungle canopy. You are accompanied by a native guide and two armed rangers for security purposes. Travel lightly; carry only your rucksack containing food, a camera and essentials for strolling. The trek requires approximately 4 to 5 hours to traverse.

The trail provides exceptional opportunities for seeing montane forest avifauna in Africa. Approximately 350 bird species exist, with 14 species not documented elsewhere in Uganda. This route features some of the 23 avian species endemic to the Albertine Rift, including 90% of all Albertine Rift endemics, such as Neumann’s warbler and blue-headed sunbird. Migratory birds are observed from November to April.

Two trails converge in the rainforest and descend into Buhoma town; a choice must be made between them. The extended route requires approximately six hours and meanders across the Kashasha River and across multiple ridges. The shorter route commences at Kashasha River, traverses Nteko Valley, and meanders alongside Ivy River. One must travel around 15 kilometres to Nteko hamlet to commence the Ivy River Trail. Nonetheless, both pathways provide an equivalent thrill of adventure for enthusiastic birdwatchers.

You will rendezvous with your driver, who will transport you through the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth and facilitate your check-in at a bush camp for the night. In the fading light, observe the tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees or leopards concealed in the underbrush.

Staying at: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.

Day 9: Birds & Wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park

This day concludes the Uganda birding adventure with a serene exploration of the savanna environment at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The day will commence with a sunrise safari game drive around the southern trails of the park, proceeding northward from the Ishasha Sector.

Numerous bird species are highlighted alongside wild game. Be vigilant for the Martial Eagle, Lesser Flamingoes, Black-rumped Buttonquail, African Skimmer, Ovampo Sparrowhawk, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, White-tailed Lark, Saddle-billed Storks, Red-footed Falcon, Papyrus Gonolek, and Papyrus Canary, among others.

The Ishasha area is renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Giant forest hogs will also be observed; buffalo exhibit a striking reddish-brown hue because to interbreeding with forest buffalo from the rainforests. Numerous intriguing antelope species, like the Uganda kob, topi, and bushbuck, are likely to cross your path.

In the evening, you will visit the Katwe salt works to observe avian species such as flamingos, pelicans, plovers, and stilts. Register at an alternative campsite in the northern region of the park.

Staying at: Katara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.

Day 10: More of Queen Elizabeth National Park Wilderness

An early bird-watching tour will take place in the Maramagambo Forest. This tropical damp forest is home to various avian species, including Hornbills, Kingfishers, and Sunbirds. Additional notable features include Bat Cave, inhabited by thousands of Egyptian Fruit Bats, a small, translucent Blue Lake, and Hunter’s Cave.

You will subsequently advance to Mweya Jetty, arriving in time for a boat excursion in the Kazinga Channel.

The Kazinga Channel boasts abundant avian life, ensuring continuous observation for over two hours during a boat safari. Notable avian species in the channel are the African Shoebill, Yellow-Billed Stork, Great White Pelican, Pink-Backed Pelican, Open-Billed Stork, Saddle-Billed Stork, Great Cormorant, Long-Tailed Cormorant, Darter, Black Crake, and Jacana.

Hippopotamuses, elephants, and crocodiles are frequently observed along the banks of the Kazinga Channel.

Staying at: Katara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.

Day 11: Drive Queen to Entebbe – End of Trip

Commence with an early morning wildlife drive or birdwatching in the Kyambura Gorge, followed by a transport to Entebbe via Mbarara, including a lunch stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre.

Optional Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Packed), Dinner

Inclusions

• Accommodation in mid-range-priced lodges and meals as indicated in itinerary
• 1 gorilla trekking permit ($800)
• Park entrance fees
• All excursions and activities as indicated in the itinerary under the supervision of a professional English speaking birding guide.
• Ground transport and transfers in a 4×4 Custom Safari Landcruiser
• Government taxes

Exclusions

• Travel insurance
• International flights
• Visa fees and processing
• Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Extra luggage on domestic flights
• Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
• Accommodation after the end of the trip