The 8 Day Uganda Bird Watching & Wildlife Safari will lead you through the iconic Murchison Falls National Park, the captivating Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the enchanting Semuliki National Park. Amidst these diverse ecosystems, you’ll not only delight in the vibrant birdlife but also immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring presence of the savannah’s remarkable wildlife.
After a hearty breakfast, where your designated driver/guide will pick you up from your accommodation. The northwest route to Murchison Falls National Park treats you to a picturesque landscape, with verdant countryside, diverse vegetation, and glimpses of local homesteads along the way. A stop in Masindi town offers an en-route lunch, followed by a continuation of your drive, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty.
Upon reaching Murchison Falls National Park, the day’s adventure unfolds as you visit the iconic top of the falls. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of the Nile River surging through a narrow 7-meter gorge, cascading from a height of 50 meters. Amidst this awe-inspiring setting, your birdwatching journey has already begun, granting you a chance to spot various avian species. The day concludes with checking into your chosen accommodation, providing a tranquil evening, dinner, and a restful night.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge/ Baker’s Lodge
• Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Sambiya River Lodge
• Budget: Red Chilli Camp/ Global Village Guest House.
This day begins with an early morning birdwatching expedition after a nourishing breakfast. Armed with a packed lunch, venture into the park’s wilderness, guided by an expert birder. This captivating journey unveils a realm of avian wonders, where you might encounter species like Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Crowned Eagle, Hugli’s Francolin, White-thighed Hornbill, Dwarf Kingfisher, and more. The forested landscapes provide a habitat for diverse birdlife, offering opportunities to tick off rare and beautiful species from your list.
Return to your accommodation for a leisurely evening by the pool, followed by a delectable dinner that wraps up the day’s explorations.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge/ Baker’s Lodge
• Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Sambiya River Lodge
• Budget: Red Chilli Camp/ Global Village Guest House.
Have an early breakfast and set out for a game drive around the Nile Delta. This adventure unveils the savannah’s larger mammals, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and a variety of antelope species. As you spot these majestic creatures, keep an eye out for a diversity of birdlife, such as the Yellow-throated Nicator, Black Dwarf Hornbill, and more.
Leave Murchison Falls National Park and journey to Semuliki National Park, capturing the scenic beauty and glimpses of monkeys and baboons along the way. Pause for a lunch break in Hoima at Kolprings hotel before continuing your drive to Semuliki National Park. Accommodation awaits, offering a peaceful evening and a chance to reflect on your day’s experiences.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Semliki Safari Lodge/ Ntoroko Game Lodge
• Budget: Kirumia Guest House
Arise to breakfast, and with a packed lunch in tow, set out for a day of immersive birdwatching. Traverse the Kirumia trail, a 13-kilometer route that winds through the heart of the forest to Semliki River. The lush surroundings provide a haven for avian species like the shoebill stork, crested malimbe, Red-billed malimbe, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, and more. As you immerse yourself in this captivating realm, you might also encounter rare plant species and forest inhabitants.
Return to your accommodation for a serene evening, enjoying dinner and reflecting on the day’s discoveries.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Semliki Safari Lodge/ Ntoroko Game Lodge
• Budget: Kirumia Guest House
Embark on an early morning game drive across the grasslands of Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Keep an eye out for pygmy antelope, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, and more. Amidst the wildlife sightings, don’t miss the opportunity to spot birds like the piping hornbills, Black Dwarf Hornbill, and white-throated blue swallow.
After a rewarding morning, return to the lodge for lunch before setting out for a swamp walk through Sempaya and Ntandi. Observe swamp birds such as the Piping Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf, Yellow-throated Nicator, and more. The day concludes with a relaxed evening, dinner, and an early night’s rest.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Semliki Safari Lodge/ Ntoroko Game Lodge
• Budget: Kirumia Guest House
After breakfast you will be transferred from Semuliki National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through captivating landscapes and tea plantations, with a stopover in Fort Portal town for lunch. Arriving at Queen Elizabeth National Park, embark on an evening game drive in the Ishasha sector, famed for its tree-climbing lions.
As the day draws to a close, check into your chosen accommodation, where you can unwind by the pool, savor a delightful dinner, and rest in preparation for the next day’s explorations.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Ishasha Wilderness Camp
• Mid-range: Kasenyi Safari Lodge/ Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
• Budget: Kasenyi Wild Game Lodge/ Simba Safari Camp
After breakfast you will set out to Lake Kikorongo and Kasenyi tracks for a day of birdwatching. Marvel at common squacco herons, glossy and sacred ibises, as well as other captivating species. The kasenyi track, traversing grass plains, offers a haven for storks and birds, including the martial eagle and brown-necked eagle.
Lunch at the lodge precedes an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Here, water birds and wildlife await, providing a captivating spectacle as you immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. The day ends with a return to the lodge, reflecting on the myriad bird sightings and wildlife encounters.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Ishasha Wilderness Camp
• Mid-range: Kasenyi Safari Lodge/ Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
• Budget: Kasenyi Wild Game Lodge/ Simba Safari Camp
You will relish a final breakfast and embark on a drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s southern sector. Revel in sightings of wildlife and birdlife against the backdrop of lush vegetation and tea plantations. A stopover in Mbarara town offers lunch at Agip Motel, followed by a visit to the Equator for souvenirs.
With a wealth of memories and experiences, your driver-guide will accompany you back to Kampala or Entebbe, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable birdwatching and wildlife safari.