Uganda is home to hundreds of bird species, many of which are threatened. On this 15 day Uganda safari you'll have hours of birdwatching opportunities in the diverse landscapes and habitats afforded by the Pearl of Africa. Will you spot the elusive Shoebill or another favourite that you've always dreamed of seeing? We'll also take in some larger wildlife along our journey over land and water. Itinerary & Services 1 Arrival in Entebbe Arrival at Entebbe airport and transfer to your accommodation nearby. Full Board Topaz Guest Home 2 Budongo Forest Today we drive north to Budongo Forest Reserve, located at the south-western edge of the Murchison Falls. It is one of the largest forests in Uganda. With over 360 bird species, it's sure to be a great place to start your bird watching tour of Uganda. After we reach the forest you will take an easy birding walk. How many species will you see today? Budongo Forest 3 Budongo Forest - Murchison Falls We start today with an early bird-watching expedition. The cooler hours of the morning are often the best time to see Yellow-footed Flycatchers (Yellow-footed flycatcher and Illadopsis Puveli are found nowhere else in East Africa), Black-caped Apalis, Yellow-billed Barbet, Blue-breasted and Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, Cassin s Hawk-eagle, and many other bird species. There are also 290 different types of butterflies. Later, we will transfer to Murchison Falls. Fort Murchison Page 1 of 5
4 Murchison Falls - Hoima Another early start today. The long boat safari will take you to the delta of the Nile where you will look for the shy Shoebill. You also have the chance to spot Malachite Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, African Skimmers, Goliath Herons, Saddle-billed Storks, African Jacanas, Yellow-mantled Widowbirds and Black-winged Red Bishops. In the sandy areas of the Nile you might spot the nesting and colourful redthroated bee-eaters (depending on the season). In addition to all these bird species you will see buffalo, hippo, crocodile and even elephants on your tour to the bottom of the thundering Murchison Falls. In the afternoon we will drive to Hoima, where we will spend the night. Kontiki Hotel 5 Fort Portal Indulge in a lovely breakfast, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside on our 6 hour drive to Fort Portal. After arrival, relax at your accommodation or take a gentle walk around the town. Rwenzori View Guest House 6 Semuliki National Park We drive to Semuliki this morning. It is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda with over 400 species having been recorded here: Chestnut Owlet, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Blue-billed Malimbe, Northern Bearded Scrub-robin, Firey-breasted Bushshrike, Red-eyed Puffback and Palm Swamp Green Bulbul are just a few of the birds you might spot in this area. Always be prepared, with binoculars and camera ready in order not to miss the opportunity to capture something unusual. We drive on to Kibale Forest later in the day for our overnight stay. Kibale Forest Camp 7 Kibale In the morning you will take a primate and bird walk at Bigodi Swamp. Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-rumped and Yellow-throated Tinker Barbets and Double-toothed Barbets are only a few of the many bird species visible in this area. If you wish, you can also choose to do a chimpanzee tracking expedition, off the beaten track in the forest - a great birdwatching opportunity, also. This needs to be booked in advance. Meanwhile don't forget to take a birding walk around this great camp. Kibale Forest Camp Page 2 of 5
8 Queen Elizabeth On our 4WD vehicle journey to Queen Elizabeth we will cross the Equator. Hippos, buffalo and a myriad of birds like pelicans, fish-eagle and different plovers can be spotted during the afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Bush Lodge 9 Bwindi Impenetrable A leisurely drive through Queen Elizabeth brings us to Ishasha, one of the few regions in Africa where lions can be spotted climbing trees and lounging on branches. Therefore, make sure that during the game drive you are not only looking out over the savannah, but also have your eyes focused up in the trees! We are on our way to Bwindi Impenetrable for our overnight stay. depens on the tracking are 10 Bwindi Impenetrable Put your boots on and grab a sturdy walking stick, today is a once in a lifetime experience: Gorilla tracking! It is one of the best Ugandan travel experiences you can have. You will be hiking up in the mountains which can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on how far the Gorillas are. If you don t want to do Gorilla tracking you can spend the day bird watching. Bwindi is well known for being the home of mountain Gorillas but it also remains a special place for birders; 350 bird species have been identified here, and 23 of them are endemic. You can also take a nature walk or visit the local people. depens on the tracking area 11 Bwindi Impenetrable (Ruhija) After an early birding tour, we proceed to Ruhija, another paradise for birds. You can relax here and bird-watch in comfort as most of the birds in this area can be spotted right from your lodge. On the edge of Bwindi you have a panoramic view of the mountains and the World Heritage Site (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, due to its ecological importance). Gorilla Mist Camp 12 Bwindi Impenetrable (Ruhija) After breakfast we head out along the Ruhija birding trail, where you will hopefully spot Francolins and various Apalis species, African Green Broadbills and Grauer s Rush-warblers. Gorilla Mist Camp Page 3 of 5
13 Bwindi Impenetrable - Lake Bunyonyi Our next stop will be Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Africa. You will have time to relax, take a nature walk or go bird watching - Bunyonyi does mean "place of many little birds", after all! You could try your hand at paddling a dugout canoe or go swimming in the hippo, croc and bilharzia-free waters. You can also visit the local community. Bird Nest 14 Lake Mburo National Park After breakfast we will drive 4-5 hours to Lake Mburo. The park has a variety of animals such as leopard, zebra, impala, buffalo and over 300 bird species, many of which you will see on the afternoon game drive. Horseback safaris and boat trips on the lake are also available. Full Board Rwakobo Rock 15 Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe You can choose to do an optional morning walking safari to get closer to the animals, and it is the best way to spot birds. When leaving the park you get a final chance to view the animals, before heading back to Entebbe and your scheduled flight, stopping at the Equator on the way. As you take-off, we hope you'll already be dreaming of your next African safari. Breakfast Group of Price per person Roo type 6 USD 1,964 twin/double room Inquire for more rates All-Inclusive: Not 100%, but close! Check the excluded items below: International flights, Visa, Insurance, personal expenses (e.g. laundry, tips, etc.) Gorilla permit (USD 600), Chimpanzee permit (USD 150) It is possible to add gorilla tracking and chimpanzee tracking to your itinerary, just let us know. We assure you 100% that we shall arrange and book it for you. And now check what your tour includes. Page 4 of 5
Included: Accommodation Airport transfers Professional, English-speaking guide 4WD custom-built safari vehicle and fuel Park entrance fees Drinking water during trip Fruits along the road Cultural entertainments Spending a day in Ugandan community Dugout Canoe at Lake Bunyonyi Boat to the bottom of the Murchison falls Walk to the top of Murchison falls Ferry crossing Game drives in all the s All birding activities Meals as per your chosen plan Jessica s Ugandan home and meal life experience. You can t afford to miss this Ugandan Rolex Prepaid phone Tree planting Boat tour on Kazinga Channel Bigodi Primate walk This is your Endemic Birds Tour and we are 100% sure you will enjoy it! All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences. Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment. To shorten some of the longer distances (6-7 hours) at the beginning or at the end of your tour activities, which normally ends far away from Entebbe International Airport, we can arrange a flight to connect to the airport quickly for your scheduled return flight. Also, during your tour there may even be long journey times, it is possible to fly between the national parks. Please contact us for more details. Note: In the event of increases in government taxes and/or the Wildlife Authority rates, the above price shall be amended accordingly. All activities are subject to availability. Optional activities are not included in the above price, unless stated. Page 5 of 5