With over 1,000 bird species found in Uganda, bird watching has brought in growing numbers of hobby ornithologists from around the world but even within has ‘birding’ found new friends. This exciting adventurous 20 day Uganda Birders’ Paradise birding safari is to explore Uganda’s rich avian life and also discover Uganda’s magnificent rainforest jungles and savanna plains.
Nature Uganda and Birdlife International have mapped out 34 sites across Uganda as important bird watching areas, some inside but many outside the country’s protected areas which makes access possible without any park fees, though such payments, of course, go to the good use of maintaining park infrastructure. For instance Bwindi Forest, which the Africa Bird Club declared the Number One birding site in Africa or in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to over 600 bird species alone are included on this explosive Africa safari. So get your Birds of East Africa list and prepare for you ultimate birding adventure in Uganda.
Tour Highlights
Safari in Details
Day – 1 Arrival
You will be welcomed by a representative of Great Lakes Safaris who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on the time of arrival you might spend the afternoon at UWEC, home to captive animals and over 170 species of birds. This includes 7 species of weavers, such as the rare Northern Masked Weaver and Orange Weaver, etc. Dinner and overnight at Cassia Lodge.
Day – 2 Kampala – Queen Elizabeth National Park
From Kampala we will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. On our way we will pass the Ugandan equator where you can take pictures and shop for a souvenir. After lunch in Mbarara we continue to the southwest and head for the Western Rift Valley. Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park you will enjoy an evening game drive before you check in at the accommodation in the park. Dinner and overnight at Katara Lodge.
Day – 3 Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day starts early when we make a game drive to the northern parts of the park. This is not only an area for excellent game viewing but also offers much to birders. We move through open grassy plains which support large flocks of White and Abdims Stork as well as the spectacular Saddle Billed Stork during the migratory season. Raptors are well represented, including the Brown Snake Eagle, Whalbergs Eagle, Bateleur, African harrier-hawk, Marsha Eagle and Grey Kestrel.
We return for lunch and then take a boat launch. Watch hundreds of hippos, elephants and many migratory bird species, such as the Grey headed Gulls, White winged black Terns, African skimmers, Mourning Dove, Water Dikkops, Great white and Pink-Backed Pelicans, etc. Return for dinner and overnight at Katara Lodge.
Day – 4 Queen Elizabeth – Lake Bunyonyi
We depart from Queen Elizabeth with some game and bird viewing on our way out and proceed to the area that is often referred to as “Little Switzerland of Uganda”. Here you will find Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in Uganda and situated close to the borders. On a bright day you might even see the beautifully shaped volcano Mount Muhavura. Upon arrival at the “Lake of the small birds” a motor boat awaits you for transport to Bushara Island. Dinner and overnight at Birdnest Resort.
Day – 5 Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast you can hire a canoe and explore the surroundings from the water surface. Drift quietly to the several small islands and enjoy the rich birdlife. Return for lunch and then take on a Bird Walk in Mukoni Village. Pass small farms and enjoy the spectacular view as you look out for many birds. Generally 40 to 50 different species may be seen on this walk, including the African Hobby, Black Kite, Swamp Flycatcher, Scarlet-chested, Bronze and Red-chested Sunbirds, White-headed Saw-wing etc. Dinner and overnight at Birdnest Resort.
Day – 6 QLake Bunyonyi – Kampala
After breakfast we return towards the capital city, with lunch en route. The drive takes about 7 hours but runs through a beautiful countryside. Arrival in Kampala late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Cassia Lodge.
Day – 7 Departure
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for you flight back home. We are looking forward to seeing you again!
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
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