7 Days Ultimate Uganda Bird Watching, Primates and Wildlife Safari

Safari Outline

Day 1- Bird Watching in Mabamba Swamp

Day 2- Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Day 3- Game Drive/Bird Watching and Boat cruise on the Nile

Day 4- Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 5- Chimpanzee trekking/Bird Watching, Bigodi Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Day 6- Game Viewing/Bird Watching and Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

Day 7- Transfer to Kampala and Departure

Safari Details

Day 1- Birding in Mabamba Swamp

In the morning, drive to Mabamba swamp for the Shoebill Stork and other water birds. Look out for many different birds on our way to the swamp, like the Papyrus Gonolek, White Winged Warbler and Weyns Weaver. This Swamp is one of the best places to spot the exceptional Shoebill Stork. But we should not under look other species found here, like the Allen’s and Purple Gallinule, Grey, Purple, Rufous Bellied and Goliath herons, African and Lesser Jacanas, Squaco Herons, the Globally threatened Pallid Harrier and Blue Swallow the migrant species, a variety of egrets, ducks etc. The best way to enjoy the rich bird life is by canoe and you might even have the luck to encounter the elusive Sitatunga Antelope, adapted to swampy habitats.

Accommodation options
Moderate:  Cassia Lodge/ Speke Resort Hotel/Protea Hotel/Hotel Africana/Cassia Hotel/Golf Course Hotel

Day 2- Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, you will drive from Kampala towards the northwest, visit the impressive Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to track rhinos and have lunch along the way. From there you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park, taking a short stop at the top of the falls, and then proceed to your lodge.

 Accommodations:
Mid-range: Fort Murchison (in rooms)/ Murchison River Lodge

Day 3- Game Drive and Boat cruise on the Nile

In the morning you will have a game drive along the Northern banks of the river and with the help of your guide you will see various animals. After you will return at the lodge, rest and lunch. In the afternoon, you will have a boat ride to the bottom of the falls and you will see several animals such as hippos, giant crocodiles and birds, and not so far away Uganda Kobs, elephants and waterbucks.

 Accommodations:
Mid-range: Fort Murchison (in rooms)/ Murchison River Lodge

Day 4- Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Today you will depart from Murchison Falls National Park and head southwest driving through the impressive Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley; have Lunch en route. Go through Hoima to the beautiful Fort Portal town which is located in the shadow of Mountain Rwenzori.

 Accommodations:
Mid-range: Mountains of the Moon/Kibale Forest Camp/Isunga Lodge

Day 5- Chimpanzee trekking, Bigodi Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Early morning after a breakfast, you will set off for trekking chimpanzees in the forest. These primates are quite mobile and seeing them is not guaranteed, forest walk will be very rewarding with views of other primates and birds like the hoestes, grey cheeked mangabeys, Red-colobuses, Red-tailed monkeys and the Blue tailed monkeys plus butterflies. Your guide will detail you about the impressive flora and fauna found in this verdant forest.  After lunch, you will visit the Kasenda Crater Lake area or take the Bigodi swamp walk. Later, you will leave Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge

 Accommodations:
Mid-range:  Bush Lodge (in rooms) / Simba Safari Camp in rooms/ Ihamba Safari Lodge
 

Day 6- Game Viewing/Bird Watching and Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

 Begin the day with a game drive in the morning along the Kasenyi plus Queens Mile to see elephants, mangoose, Uganda Kobs, buffaloes, lions, spotted hyenas, waterbucks and warthogs, plus various bird species. This drive will take you up to Lake George and later return for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon you will have a boat cruise on the famed Kazinga Channel and this will take you past very high populations of hippos, plus other several animals. This boat cruise offers you a great chance for photography, game viewing as well as bird watching.

Accommodations:
Mid-range:  Bush Lodge (in rooms) / Simba Safari Camp in rooms/ Ihamba Safari Lodge

Day 7- Transfer to Kampala and Departure

After breakfast at the lodge, you will drive to Kampala/Entebbe, you will have stop at the equator for photographs and lunch, later proceed to Kampala/Entebbe Airport for your departure flight.

Requirements for this Safari:

• A Visa – you can apply for the visa online or very easily get one at the point of entry into the country (airport)
• Cameras
• Chimpanzee permits
• Travel &Health insurance – This should be arranged by you in your home country before you travel.
• Physical fitness

Included in the price:

• Airport transfer to/from
• Ground transport
• English speaking driver/guide
• Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals as described in the itinerary
• Bottled mineral water in the vehicle
• Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks
• Activities mentioned in the program
• Permit for chimps trekking

Exclusions:    

• International flight
• Any optional activities
• Meals and drinks not mentioned above
• Items of personal nature
• Tips