Day 1: Airport transfer to check in at the hotel. Afternoon birding in The botanical gardens and the Heritage Park trail. Expect to spot Great Black headed Gull, Little ringed Plover, European turtle dove, Crowned Hornbill,Slender billed Gulls, Angola Swallow, Rock pratincoles, Diederik Cuckoo And the like. Overnight Windsor Lake Victoria.
Day 2: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park with an afternoon en Route bird watching tour to the top of the falls. Birding through the Budongo Forest and along the Sambiya River forest Valley introduces you to Silverbird, Steel Blue Whydah, Viteline masked weaver, Rock pratincoles,Palmnut Vulture,Over Night Sambya River Lodge.
Day 3: Morning launch cruise aboard the “Shoebill boat” to the delta Area for a half day bird watching cruise in the swamps. Bird species here Include the rare Shoebill stork, saddle Bille & Abdim’s Stork . Also look out for Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, nesting Red Throated bee eaters and the African skimmer. Return for lunch then take an evening drive though the park to arrive late evening for Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.
Day 4: Morning transfer to Pabidi Forest. Birds here include the Black collared Lovebird, Brown Illadopsis, Jameson’s Wattle eye, Brown Twin spot and others. Later after lunch, take another boat cruise to the Delta. Water birds residing in the rich swamps here include Grey Headed Kingfisher, Great white egret, African Darter, Spoon bills, Black crane, and the Lilly trotter. Drive to the Inns of Uganda/Nile Safari Camp for Overnight.
Day 5: Depart for a forest walk in Budongo forest,Picnic Lunch after the forest walk and drive to Kibale arriving late afternoon for an evening Bird walk highlighting the Scaly Francolin, Black bellied seed cracker, Marsh Tchagra, Narina Trogons and many more along the edges of the Kibale Forest National Park. Meals and overnight at Ndali Lodge.
Day 6: Full day in Kibale and Bigodi swamp which will probably yield spotting of Abyssinian ground Thrush, Papyrus Gonolek, Snowy Robin chat,the Endemic Kabale Thrush Grey – capped Robin chat, White spotted Flufftail… Meals and overnight Ndali Lodge.
Day 7: Depart for Queen Elizabeth arriving for afternoon Kazinga Channel Launch cruise. You will most likely spot, African Skimmer, White Pelican,White faced whistling duck, African Fish Eagle, Cormorants and many more Fresh water Birds. Birding the Mweya Lodge Grounds is as well rewarding, Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 8: Birding en route to Bwindi along the Maramagambo Forest Margins, where again many forest species can be spotted together with arrange of Western Uganda raptors before arriving Bwindi Impenetrable Park for an evening bird walk along the Munyaga River. This walk is recommended for the spotting of Blue fly catcher, Ludher’s bush shrike, Long crested eagle, Black roughwing swallow,Great blue turaco and many other species. Meals and overnight at Bwindi Tented Camp.
Day 9/10: Bird watching in the forest including the visits to the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi and the swamps allows spotting of Shelley’s Crimson wing,Green tinker bird, Mountain Illadopsis, Handsome Francolin, yellow billed barbet, carruther’s Cisticola Dusky crimsonwing…. Meals and overnight at Bwindi Camp.
GORILLA TREKKING OPTION SUPPLEMENT OF $300PP – current Price for Mountain Gorilla Permits Booked with Uganda Wild Life Authority.
Option Drive for half day trip to the source of River Nile in Jinja for final birding or Rafting on the river or Airport transfer to outbound flight.
Bwindi National Park was formerly known as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is a magnificent green swathe of dense rainforest on the steep ridges of the Western Rift Valley in southwest Uganda, very close to the border with the D.R.C. This ancient rainforest succeeded in surviving the last Ice Age and is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. A recently proclaimed World Heritage site, its unique and precious flora sustains roughly half of the worldwide population of mountain gorillas – believed to be only around 600. Of these, there are three groups of habituated gorillas in Bwindi that can be visited on a gorilla track.
The Bwindi chimpanzee population is roughly estimated at 350-400. The nearby Virunga Volcanoes Conservation Area (Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda and the D.R.C) has a population of 300 mountain gorillas, but no chimpanzees, making Bwindi the only forest in Africa in which these two apes live together.
Apart from gorillas and chimps, Bwindi is home to nine other primate species, including baboons, black and white colobus, red colobus and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey and L’Hoest’s monkey. Bwindi covers 331 square kms of intensely thick and tangled forest – hence the name ‘impenetrable’ – over a series of hills ranging in height from 1000-2000 metres.
The flora is known for its exceptional bio-diversity. There are more than 320 species of trees, 10 of which occur nowhere else in Uganda, and over 100 species of ferns and vines. The park (rainforest) receives some 2 000mm of rain every year and it’s wet, so come prepared. Apart from gorilla tracking, there are a number of other hikes and trails within the park, all accompanied by an experienced guide.
It’s a great way to fill time while you wait for your prearranged date with a gorilla and to learn about the other animals, birds, butterflies, trees and plants. The campsite and accommodation is in a stunning spot right beside the park head quarters. Over the last few years facilities have improved steadily. There is now a lively village housing the park guides and trackers as well as providing visitors with snacks and drinks.
29 Days Birding, Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Uganda
THE GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR
WELCOME TO OUR GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR.THIS TOUR IS FULL OF GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES, AMONG WHICH YOU WILL CIRCLE AROUND SITES FAMOUS FOR THE RARE AND ENDANGERED AFRICAN WILDLIFE TO INCLUDE : AFRICAN WILD DOGS,SHOEBILL STORK,BLACK RHINO, CHEETAH AND MOUNTAIN GORILLAS.THIS IS OUR GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCOVERING OUR OWN NEW ” big five”
African wilddog, Cheetah, BlackRhino, Shoebillstork and the Mountain Gorillas
Day 1: Arrive Dar es Salaam Air port, meet and Transfer to New Africa Hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Early departure with packed lunches for Ruaha National Park. Afternoon birding and Game viewing in the Park. We expect to look out for the rare Blue wax bill, Crested Barbet and many other southern dry Country species. Mammal list will include Sable and Roan Antelopes restricted to the South. Dinner and overnight at Mwagusi Safari camp / Ruaha wild life Lodge.
Day 3: Morning game drive and Birding in the Park, return to the Camp for lunch and Drive to Udzungwa . Accommodation in the Udzungwa Mountains is basic . Overnight at Udzungwa Mountain View lodge.
Day 4: The Morning is Spent in the forest where we search for the southern Banded Snake Eagle, Crested Guinea fowl, Red capped Robin chat…. Return to the lodge for lunch. PM drive to Kilombero flood plains looking out for the Endemic Kilombero Weaver, Kilombero Cisticola and the un named Melodious Cisticola, other specialities here include the Coppery tailed Coucal and Black egret may also be spotted. Return to Udzungwa Mountain view lodge for dinner and over night.
Day 5: Morning Drive to Mikumi National Park , doing the park the rest of the day, overnight will be in a basic Lodge at Genesis Lodge Mikumi.
Day 6: Early morning doing the Kilosa woods for the Miombo wood lands species to include Red necked Wryneck, Kurichane Thrush, and a variety of many other Miombo woodland specialities. Return to Mikumi for an early lunch and drive to Morogoro town for over night at Kulo Hills Hotel at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains.
Day 7: Drive Morogoro to Mkomazi Game reserve stopping at various breaks en route sampling Bushes for birds and late evening settle at Mkomazi Tented Camp.
Day 8: Full day Mkomazi game Reserve birding and Viewing the endangered African Wild dog, over night.
Day 9: Drive Mkomazi Game Reserve to Tarangire National Park over night Sopa Tarangire Lodge.
Day 10: Full day Birding and Wildlife Photography in Tarangire National Park, over night Sopa Lodge.
Day 11: Drive Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater passing through the Scenic Lake Manyara Rift Valley escarpment and Picturesque Villages of Karatu into the Ngorongoro Highlands.Bird the Crater rim for the Schallow`s Turaco, Broad bill and Negro finch. Rest of the day on the Crater Tour expecting to view Tanzania’s only Black Rhinos,Cheetahs,Lions and may be Leopards may be spotted Over night Ngorongoro Sopa lodge.
Day 12: After Breakfast drive to the Serengeti plains via the historic site of Olduvai Gorge visiting the pre- historic Museaum where the famous archaeologist Dr. Leaky discovered the first remains of Man. Continue to the Serengeti following the Wildebeest Migration Routes towards your Lodge, overnight Serena Lodge.
Day 14: Full day on the Serengeti plains searching for the endemic Grey breasted spurfowl and the Fischer’s love bird. Your Mammal list should be growing as you add up a wide range of carnivores and Grazers on the Serengeti plains. Over night Serena Lodge.
Day 15: Drive to Mwanza, arriving at Tilapia Hotel for lunch. After lunch, we will bird around the lake Victoria shores were we expect to spot fresh water birds including the African skimmers and pink backed Pelicans .Overnight at Tilapia Hotel.
Day 16: Optional Ferry crossing in the morning from Mwanza to Bukoba or an alternative to take a scheduled flight from Mwanza to Bukoba. Depending on the crossing mode chosen, we will meet up our Ugandan counterpart at the and transfer to Bukoba Guest house, relaxing the rest of the afternoon in anticipation for the next day’s drive into Uganda.
Day 17: After Our early Breakfast, our Ugandan Driver picks us up from the Guest house and straight drive to the Tanzania / Uganda Border. Clear Border formalities and straight drive to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving for late lunch. Rest of the after noon Game driving and Birding around Lake Mburo. Overnight Montana Tented camp.
Day 18: Dawn game drive in Lake Mburo National Park,return for Breakfast and checkout. Drive to Bwindi Forest, lunch at White Horse inn Kabale ( depending on time,we may have chance to visit the neighbouring lake Bunyonyi – a little crater lake locally named the “lake of little birds” . Continue with your Drive to Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla forest. Afternoon Birding the area around Munyaga River. Overnight Buhoma Tented Camp.
Day 19: This day marks one of out highlights on the trip,Gorilla Tracking , return to camp, rest and evening bird around the waterfalls area in the Forest. Bird life may include western Honey Buzzard, Cassin’s hawk, Blue Quail, Scarce swift, Broad billed Roller, Black wood hoopoe, Green backed wood pecker, White winged warbler, Yellow browed camaroptera and the African sooty flycatcher and many western Forest species. Over night at your Camp.
Day 20: Depart Bwindi Gorilla forest to Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park . Lunch at Mweya safari lodge. PM, Boat Cruise on Kazinga channel expecting to spot a variety of Birds along the river and the Swamp Beds. Dinner and overnight Mweya safari lodge.
Day 21: Morning optional birding around the Mweya Lodge grounds. Breakfast and depart for Kibale forest: The afternoon will be spend exploring Bigodi Swamp expecting to spot the Western Black headed Oriole, Greensun bird, Rusty faced Warbler, Whistling Cisticola… Overnight at Ndali lodge.
Day 22: The day will be spent birding in Kibale forest National, Where we expect our list to grow as we find more bird species with our Kibale resident Forest local guide.birds here will include the Viellots black weaver and the Afep Pigeon. The endemic Kibale Thrush will be a highlight here too. Over night Ndali lodge.
Day 23: Depart Kibale forest through the Tea plantations, past the scenic town of Fort Portal, heading for the Murchisons falls. The afternoon will be spent birding the top of the mighty Murchison falls where a number of Rock Pranticoles, Banded snake eagles and a variety of other Raptors, Transfer to Para Sarova lodge on the northern Bank of River Nile for Dinner and overnight.
Day 24: Morning boat cruise expecting to spot the gigantic Shoe bill stork- another trip highlight, the Red throated Bee eater,compact weaver and PiacPiac will be a common sight. Return to the lodge for lunch and Drive in the Afternoon to Kampala . Overnight at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel.
Day 25: Today’s excitement begins with a drive to Mabamba swamp a very productive swamp in bird life, we expect views of the Shoe bill stork – if missed earlier – Mabamba Swamp is a new site less than an hours drive from Kampala city where the shoe bill stork has been recorded in very recent months we then divert back to our main itinerary, driving East words to words Jinja town – the source of River Nile. Dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort.
Day 26: This morning before we finally leave the area, we will try out our luck on the endemic Fox weaver, then Drive through to the East of the Country bordering western Kenya, We will drive skirting through swamps, meandering Rivers, Forest patches and Rocky out crops which all indicate super Country habitat for birding. Our destination will be Mount Elgon, where we expect to arrive in the evening with some time birding the forested slopes. Dinner and overnight at Sipi falls camp.
Day 27: The day begins with an early breakfast so as to catch up with the forest birds. We should expect a Majority of Western Kenyan specialities as we quietly bird the slopes as Mount Elgon. After the morning exploration of the area, we will return to our camp for an early lunch and depart for Kampala, our final destination will be Entebbe, over night Entebbe Windsor lake Victoria Hotel.
Day 28: The day will be spent birding the Entebbe area searching for endangered Entebbe weaver and Brown Parrots etc. this will include the exploration of Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Victoria shores at the Entebbe pier, Entebbe wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe sewerage pond and later sum up the day with a visit to Bugungu fish Landing site. Dinner and Overnight at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel.
Day 29: Depending on flight timings, you may choose to sleep at your Hotel or do a day Kampala city Tour and transfer in time for your outbound flight.
Some 35km south of Fort Portal lies a vast piece of equatorial rainforest, the Kibale Forest National Park. This recently established reserve is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world. Eleven different species have been counted there, including Black-and-White and Red Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and Galagos. The main attraction, however, are the 500 Chimpanzees, which have been habituated to human visitors since 1992. You can search for some of our closest relatives on a guided 4-hour forest walk.
More than likely, the Chimps will be found on one of the huge figtrees where they spend the day, feeding on the sweet ripe fruits. Every once in a while, a young male tries to threaten the visitors, but those mock-attacks are more funny than scary.
Compared to montane forests, the trees here grow much higher and reach incredible circumpherences. Broad roots support the giants, small streams find their way through the dense undergrowth, and once in a while, the forest opens into swampy clearings, where buffalos and antelopes graze. The forest is also home to Uganda’s third largest population of Elephants. With its varied flora providing a plentiful habitat to many species of butterflies and birds, including Hornbills and Turacos, it is a paradise for botanists and ornithologists alike.
Accommodation
There are a number of hotels in Fort Portal.
The Ruwenzori View Guesthouse is situated in beautiful and quiet Surroundings. All rooms have hot and cold running water, shower and toilet. In this family-run establishment the ambience is friendly and the food is extraordinarily good.
At Ndali Lodge, each of the four cottages face the Mountains of the Moon. On a clear morning, the snow on the peaks is clearly visible. All cottages have private facilities. The lodge sits near a delightful crater lake. Mark Price provides a friendly welcome and an interesting stay.
CVK (Crater Valley Kibale) Resort Beach Lodge, 21 km from Fort Portal town and just on the border of the Park, 10 km from Kanyanchu, is another alternative to the above. It is elevated to provide beautiful views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and has a myriad of crater lakes to which tourists can walk. CVK is a beautiful example of ECO-TOURISM being practised.
Kanyanchu Tourist Camp just 35 km from Fort Portal town.
With an open forest and large community of chimpanzee, Kanyanchu offers an enjoyable chimpanzee tracking experience. There is an on-going habituation project of chimpanzees and monkeys run by The Jane Goodall Institute & Uganda Wildlife Authority. All of the guides are actively involved with the Kibale Habituation Project. Visitors are assured that they are supporting a sustainable eco-tourism initiative for effective conservation of the Park.
At the nearby villages of Bigodi and Nkingo, there are simple Lodges and Camps, and meals are available.
A good spot for campers and backpackers is Rwengo Lakeside Tourism Camp.
Inside the park, camping facilities are available. There are two, private campsites, each with a tent which sleeps two. Bedding is provided. There are four additional campsites, where you must bring your own tent and bedding. At all sites, you must bring your own food and utensils. Fuel can be provided for cooking.
Vegetation
This is the richest forest in Uganda, in terms of the number of plant species, as the area is one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa where lowland and montane communities merge. The valley bottoms contain a dense ground cover of herbs, vines, and shrubs with only a few trees hence its name, the ‘impenetrable forest.”
Kidepo is one of the most spectacular parks in Uganda (1,344 sq.km). The Park possesses scenery unsurpassed by any other park in East Africa. In the vast panorama you can take on a safari to watch a constant parade of wildlife: elephant, zebra, buffalo, countless antelope and over 200 species of birds. As Kidepo Valley is quite remote, it is easily the most tranquil park. Tucked into the corner of Uganda’s border with Sudan and Kenya, the Park contains sensational mountain and savannah landscapes.
The Northern section of the Park is currently closed due to insecurity in Sudan.
Two game-viewing loops connect the rest-camp with prime wildlife areas near the Winy River and the rock escarpment to the south-west. On the northern border of the Park are the Kananorok Hot Springs.
This safari Park has spectacular mountains and savannah landscape. The Napore Nyangea Range is located to the west of the camp and the Natera Hills to the east. In the north you can see the 236 meter high peak of Mt. Lotukei.Two game viewing loops connect the Rest Camp with prime wildlife areas near the Winwing River and with the rock escarpment to the Southwest into which Grand Katarum Lodge is being built. Further tracks take you to the Lokadul Palm Tree Forest, at Kananorok Hot Springs on the Park’s Northern border with Sudan.
The thrilling wildlife seen in this area (which is part of the Karamoja region) includes lion, ostrich, cheetah, zebra, kudu and dik-dik.
The mountain is positioned approximately 100km northeast of Lake Victoria and straddles the border of Uganda and Kenya.
The international boundary is marked by the Suam and Lwakaka Rivers, and the beacon on Sudek Peak. Administratively, the mountain falls into two districts (in Uganda); Kapchorwa District to the north and Mbale district to the south.
Measuring about 80km from north to south, and 50km east to west, more than half of Mt. Elgon (including the majority of its caldera) lies in Uganda.
The fourth largest Ugandan national park, MENP encompasses 1154 sq. km and stretches between 0° 52’-1° 25’N and 34° 14’-34° 44’E. The majority of the park is situated above 2000m and extends up to the highest peak (Wagagai) at 4321m.
Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and after clearing immigration formalities you will be welcomed by Swift Freight Tours & Travel representative and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. Overnight L.Victoria (BB).
Day 2: After breakfast take water safari on Lake Victoria. This trip takes to Ngamba Island were you will get chance to view Chimps on this small Isolated Island. Later return to Entebbe and visit Botanical Gardens if wished Lunch will be at the hotel and later road to Kampala for dinner and overnight.
Overnight Speke Resort Hotel (BB).
Day 3: Breakfast will be taken at the hotel and you will be transferred by road to Lake Mburo National Park for game drives. Lunch will be taken in the park, after lunch take a guided bush walk and game drives. Lake Mburo is a beautifully tranquil park offering a gentle introduction to the flora and fauna of Uganda. Among animal you may see includes zebras, Impalas, oribi, dik dik, klipspringer, bush buck, buffalo and abundant and diverse birdlife.Overnight Lake View Hotel (BLD).
Day 4: Continue by road to Kabale for lunch at White Horse Inn, this is a mountainous area in Uganda referred to as little Switzerland of Uganda. Later proceed to Bwindi Forest for overnight.Overnight African pearl Lodge (BLD).
Day 5: Breakfast will be taken early and then transfer to park gate where you will meet your guides and porters before you start your long day of tracking. The rugged terrain makes hiking in search of gorilla mountains exciting and adventurous. Bwindi has other diurnal mammals making one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Other primates include Chimpanzee, L’hoests monkey, black and white colobus monkey and baboons. The length of time spent tracking will depend on the location of the gorillas, a picnic lunch will be taken and you will only be allowed one hour to stay with gorillas. After viewing gorillas return back to the camp.
Overnight African Pearl Lodge (BLD)
Day 6: Another chance to track gorillas this time it will be a different group, return to the lodge for dinner .Overnight Mweya Safari Lodge (BLD).
Day 7: after breakfast at the lodge, we commence with packed Picnic lunch and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha, if there are no excessive rain. In such a rainy day, you will be travelling via Rukungiri. Ishasha is the Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and it is well known for its tree-climbing Lions. If you are lucky you may see them lazing on fig tree branches on a hot sunny day. A picnic lunch will be taken in these scenic surroundings. You then arrive at Mweya Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight. One has an option to enjoy evening drinks relaxing on the verandahs at Camp fire.Overnight Mweya Safari Lodge (BLD)
Day 8: Breakfast will be taken at the lodge followed by game drives in the crater area. Animals that may be seen include buffalo, elephant, lion, hippo, leopard, hyena and a variety of antelope species. Return to the lodge for Lunch to be taken at lodge and after lunch travel a short distance to the foot of the lodge and board a launch for magnificent water safari on Kazinga Channel. Along this channel many bird species are seen as they keep near fresh water. Return to the lodge for dinner.Overnight Mweya Safari Lodge (BLD).
Day 9: After breakfast at the lodge transfer by road to Kibale Forest National Park. A picnic lunch will be taken en route as view birds. Continue your drive with excellent scenic views especially as you approach Fort Portal, where you will pass through forests surrounded by tea plantations. Overnight Rwenzori Guest House (BLD).
Day 10: Today start early after breakfast and travel to the park headquarters where you will meet your guides before you enter real African jungle. The forest is a host of mainly Chimpanzees and ten other resident primate species. These include I’hoester, red colobus monkey, red tail and grey cheeked mangabey. Picnic lunch will be taken while in the forest. If time allows you may visit Lake Nkruba.
Overnight Ndali Lodge (BLD).
Day 11: Breakfast at the hotel transfer by road to Murchison Falls National Park. A picnic lunch will be taken en route. Continue you drive stopping at the Top of the falls for spectacular views. At this point the mighty Nile is forced through a seven-meter gap before plunging the 40 meters depth below. Continue your drive to the Southern bank of river Nile.Overnight Paraa Safari Lodge (BLD)
Day 12: After breakfast at the lodge take game drives to the delta and lunch at the Paraa Lodge. Afternoon board a launch for one of Africa’s most spectacular water safari up the Nile to the base of the falls themselves. As you travel up the Nile enormous Nile crocodile may be seen basking on sandbanks or silently gliding through the water. Other animals that may be seen include elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo, and variety of antelope species. Murchison falls is a home of many birds and chances are high of seeing the rare shoebill stork. The return journey as the sun is setting is one of the beautiful African experiences.Overnight Paraa Sarova lodge (BLD).
Day 13: After breakfast transfer at your hotel transfer to Kampala via Lwero Triangle. Lunch will be taken en route. You will go through excellent scenic landscape as go through Lwero plains, continue to Jinja town stopping en route at Owen Falls Dam-Uganda’s biggest hydro
power station. The scenic views are excellent as you drive through gentle slopping hills with both tea and sugar cane estates on either side.Overnight Nile Resort Hotel (BL).
Day 14: After breakfast at the hotel drive for a short distance and visit the source of River Nile. This is a point where the great Nile starts its long journey up to Mediterranean Sea. Continue for some three more kilometers and visit Bujagali Falls. After lunch transfer back to Kampala (BL).
Overnight Sheraton Hotel (BB).
Day 15: After breakfast transfer to Entebbe Airport for your departure flight, depending on Flight details(BB).
WELCOME TO THE GRAND TOUR. THIS TOUR TAKES US TO EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN TANZANIA SITES OF RARITIES AND ENDEMICS AND PASSES THROUGH THE USAMBARA MOUNTAINS FOR THE USAMBARA MOUNTAIN FOREST SPECIALITIES AS WELL AS ENDEMIC SITES,THEN CIRCLES TANZANIA’S FAMOUS NORTHERN WILDLIFE DESTINATIONS AND FINISHING WITH THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS AND THE SHOE BILL STORK SITES IN UGANDA.
Day 1: Fly in Dar-es Salaam Airport, meet and Transfer to Peacock Hotel for Dinner and over night.
Day 2: Drive Dar es Salaam to Kilombero flood plains for the Endemic Kilombero weaver and the un named Cisticola. Overnight Udzugwa Mountain View Lodge.
Day 3: Morning Forest birding around Udzungwa Mountain Forest ,Drive on to Mikumi,Arrive at Genesis Mikumi Lodge for lunch .Rest of the afternoon in Mikumi National Park. overnight Genesis Mikumi Lodge.
Day 4: Early Morning drive to Kilosa area doing to Miombo woodland specialities. Return to Genesis Lodge for lunch. After lunch drive to Morogoro Town for dinner and overnight at Kolu Hill Hotel at the foot of the Uluguru ranges.
Day 5: Drive Morogoro to East Usambara Mountain arriving in the afternoon and birding the lower Mountain forest and the tea plantations for the Usambara Endemics and specialities at Amani Information Centre Rest House.
Day 6: Full day Birding East Usambaras Mountain forest.Over Night at Amani information Centre Rest House.
Day 7: After breakfast we transfer to the West Usambara Mountain forests afternoon birding in the area. overnight at Muller’s Mountain Lodge.
Day 8: Full day Birding the West Usambara Mountain Forest for the more Usambara endemics and specialities. Overnight at Muller’s Mountain Lodge.
Day 9: Drive out of the Usambaras to Arusha stopping at the site for the Taveta Golden Weaver, skirting the slopes of Mountain Kilimanjaro into Arusha and Continue to Tarangire National Park.Arriving at Tarangire Safari Lodge for Dinner and Overnight.
Day 10: After an early break Embark on the Tarangire Tour Birding for the Tarangire Endemics and wildlifeviewing and photography. Rest of the day exploring Tarangire National Park. dinner and overnight at Tarangire Safari Tented Lodge.
Day 11: After a leisurely breakfast we will drive out of Tarangire Passing by the Manyara Ranch area birding and continue to Ngorongoro crater. The rest of the afternoon will be spent doing the Ngorongoro Crater Tour. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.
Day 12: Early breakfast, descend the crater floor again for a couple of hours before departing for Serengeti National Park. Arrive at Seronera Wildlife Lodge.
Day 13: Full day on the Serengeti plains birding and Wildlife Photography. Overnight at Ikoma Bush Camp.
Day 14: Drive to Mwanza, arriving at Tilapia Hotel for lunch. After lunch, we will bird around the lake Victoria shores were we expect to spot fresh water birds including the African skimmers and pink backed Pelicans . Over night at Tilapia Hotel.
Day 15: Optional Ferry crossing in the morning from Mwanza to Bukoba or an alternative to take a scheduled flight from Mwanza to Bukoba. Depending on the crossing mode chosen, we will meet up our Ugandan counterpart at the and transfer to Bukoba Guest house, relaxing the rest of the afternoon in anticipation for the next day’s drive into Uganda.
Day 16: After Our early Breakfast,our Ugandan Driver picks us up from the Guest house and straight drive to the Tanzania / Uganda Border .Clear Border formalities and straight drive to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving for late lunch. Rest of the after noon Game driving and Birding around Lake Mburo. Overnight Montana Tented camp.
Day 17: Dawn game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, return for Breakfast and checkout.Drive to Bwindi Forest, lunch at White Horse inn Kabale ( depending on time, we may have chance to visit the neighbouring lake Bunyonyi – a little crater lake locally named the “lake of little birds” . Continue with your Drive to Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla forest. Afternoon Birding the area around Munyaga River. Overnight Buhoma Tented Camp.
Day 18: This day marks one of out highlights on the trip,Gorilla Tracking , return to camp, rest and evening bird around the waterfalls area in the Forest. . Bird life may include western Honey Buzzard, Cassin’s hawk , Blue Quail, Scarce swift, Broad billed Roller, Black wood hoopoe , Green backed wood pecker, White winged warbler, Yellow browed camaroptera and the African sooty flycatcher and many western Forest species.Over night at your Camp.
Day 19: Depart Bwindi Gorilla forest to Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lunch at Mweya safari lodge. PM Boat Cruise on Kazinga channel expecting to spot a variety of Birds along the river and the Swamp Beds. Dinner and overnight Mweya safari lodge.
Day 20: Morning optional birding around the Mweya Lodge grounds. Breakfast and depart for Kibale forest: The afternoon will be spend exploring Bigodi Swamp expecting to spot the Western Black headed Oriole, Greensun bird, Rusty faced Warbler, Whistling Cisticola… Over night at Ndali lodge.
Day 21: The day will be spent birding in Kibale forest National , Where we expect our list to grow as we find more bird species with our Kibale resident Forest local guide.birds here will include the Viellots black weaver and the Afep Pigeon. The endemic Kibale Thrush will be a highlight here too. Over night Ndali lodge.
Day 22: Depart Kibale forest through the Tea plantations, past the scenic town of Fort Portal, heading for the Murchisons falls . The afternoon will be spent birding the top of the mighty Murchison falls where a number of Rock Pranticoles, Banded snake eagles and a variety of other Raptors, Transfer to Para Sarova lodge on the northern Bank of River Nile for Dinner and overnight.
Day 23: Morning boat cruise expecting to spot the gigantic Shoe bill stork- another trip highlight , the Red throated Bee eater,compact weaver and PiacPiac will be a common sight. Return to the lodge for lunch and Drive in the Afternoon to Kampala . Overnight at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel.
Day 24: Today’s excitement begins with a drive to Mabamba swamp a very productive swamp in bird life, we expect views of the Shoe bill stork – if missed earlier –Mabamba Swamp is a new site less than an hours drive from Kampala city where the shoe bill stork has been recorded in very recent months we then divert back to our main itinerary, driving East words to words Jinja town – the source of River Nile . Dinner and over night at Jinja Nile Resort.
Day 25: This morning before we finally leave the area , we will try out our luck on the endemic Fox weaver, then Drive through to the East of the Country bordering western Kenya, We will drive skirting through swamps , meandering Rivers, Forest patches and Rocky out crops which all indicate super Country habitat for birding. Our destination will be Mount Elgon, where we expect to arrive in the evening with some time birding the forested slopes. Dinner and overnight at Sipi falls camp.
Day 26: The day begins with an early break fast so as to catch up with the forest birds. We should expect a Majority of Western Kenyan specialities as we quietly bird the slopes as Mount Elgon. After the morning exploration of the area, we will return to our camp for an early Lunch and depart for Kampala, our final destination will be Entebbe, over night Entebbe Windsor lake Victoria Hotel.
Day 27: The day will be spent birding the Entebbe area searching for endangered Entebbe weaver and Brown Parrots etc.this will include the exploration of Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Victoria shores at the Entebbe pier, Entebbe wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe sewerage pond and later sum up the day with a visit to Bugungu fish Landing site. Dinner and Over night at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel.
Day 28: Depending on flight timings, you may choose to sleeping at your Hotel or do a day Kampala city Tour and transfer in time for your outbound flight.
Day 1: Airport transfer to check in at the hotel. Afternoon birding in The botanical gardens and the Heritage Park trail. Expect to spot Great Black headed Gull, Little ringed Plover, European turtle dove, Crowned Hornbill,Slender billed Gulls, Angola Swallow, Rock pratincoles, Diederik Cuckoo And the like. Overnight Windsor Lake Victoria hotel.
Day 2: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park with an afternoon en Route bird watching tour to the top of the falls. Birding through the Budongo Forest and along the Sambiya Riverine forest Valley introduces you to Silverbird, Steel Blue Whydah, Viteline masked weaver, Rock pratincoles, Palmnut Vulture, Black Kite. Sambiya River Lodge.
Day 3: Morning launch cruise aboard the “Shoebill boat”to the delta area for a half day bird watching cruise in the swamps. Bird species here include the rare Shoebilled, saddle Billed & Abdim’s Stork . Also look out for Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher and the African skimmer. Return for Lunch then take an evening drive though the park to arrive late evening for Dinner and overnight at Sarova Paraa Lodge.
Day 4: Morning transfer to Pabidi Forest. Birds here include the Black collared Lovebird, Brown Illadopsis, Jameson’s Wattle eye, Brown Twin spot and others. Later after lunch, take another boat cruise to the Delta. Water birds residing in the rich swamps here include Grey Headed Kingfisher,Great white egret, African Darter, Spoon bills, Black crane, and the Lilly trotter. Meals and overnight at Nile Safari Camp where you can bird along the river while at your Tent balcony over looking the Nile River.
Day 5: Depart Nile Camp driving to Kibale via the Rift Escarpment arriving late afternoon for an evening bird walk highlighting the Scaly Francolin, Black bellied seed cracker, Marsh Tchagra, Narina Trogons and many more along the edges of the Kibale Forest National Park. Meals and overnight at Ndali Lodge.
Day 6: Full day in Kibale and Bigodi swamp which will probably yield spotting of Abyssinian ground Thrush, Papyrus Gonolek, Snowy Robin chat,Grey – capped Robin chat, White spotted Flufftail..some times the Ruwenzori Apalis may be spotted, Black winged oriole, ground thrush, spot-breasted Ibis, White Throated Blue Swallow, Grant’s Blue Bill,Dwarf Kingfisher are some others that require luck.
Day 7: Depart for Queen Elizabeth arriving for afternoon Kazinga Channel Launch cruise. You will most likely spot, African Skimmer, White Pelican, White faced whistling duck, African Fish Eagle, Cormorants and other birds. On the second day, you will have a morning birding before returning to the bird hide where spotting of birds will be done in concealment. Meals and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 8 & 9: Birding en route to Bwindi along the Maramagambo Forest Margins before arriving Bwindi Impenetrable Park for an evening bird walk along The Munyaga River. This walk is recommended for the spotting of Blue fly catcher, Ludher’s bush shrike, Long crested eagle, Black roughwing swallow,Great blue turaco and many other species. Meals and overnight at Bwindi Tented Camp.
Day 10: Bird watching in the forest including the visits to the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi and the swamps allows spotting of Shelley’s Crimson wing, Green tinker bird, Mountain Illadopsis, Handsome Francolin, yellow billed barbet, carruther’s Cisticola Dusky crimsonwing…. Meals and overnight at Bwindi and Ruhija Mobile Camp.
Day 11 & 12: Depart for Lake Mburo National Park where bird walks are Allowed in the park. Birding walks can also be done along the Lake shore to See Pelican, Marabou Stork, African Fish Eagle, barefaced go away birds, Broad billed roller, Black bellied bustards, Blue napped mousebird, Temminck’s courser, Greater Blue eared starling, Yellow throated long claw, spur Winged plover……..Meals and overnight at Mantana Mburo Tented Camp.
Day 13: Morning transfer to Kampala,afternoon Forest walk in Babira Forest towards Jinja,through the Tea and Sugar Plantation you will arrive in Jinja for Overnight at the Nile Resort Hotel.
Day 14: Full day around Jinja area,source of river Nile and Bujagali falls for Pranticoles.
Day 15: Drive to Kampala,Brief city Tour,transfer to airport for Flight home.
Uganda has a variety of National Parks with different activities and each park in its own uniqueness. In all the parks of Uganda, birdwatching is possible. You can also take on nature guided walks, game viewing, gorilla trekking and so much more.
Bwindi National Park:
One of the top visited parks in Uganda. Activities include gorilla tracking, nature guided walks and forest birding trips.
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
Queen Elizabeth incorporates a variety of fresh water and crater lakes. It is a classified by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area with 568 of Uganda’s 1017 bird species, more than any other park in Africa, and the mammals checklist of Queen Elizabeth is up to 66 species.
Murchison Falls National Park:
The Murchison Falls National Park is cut in half by the mighty River Nile as it squeezes itself through a 7-metre gap in a cleft of rock, creating an explosion of white water.
Kibale National Park:
This recently established reserve is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world. Chimpanzee, eleven different species have been counted there, including Black-and-White and Red Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and Galagos.
Kidepo Valley National Park:
Kidepo is one of the most spectacular parks in Uganda (1,344 sq.km). The Park possesses scenery unsurpassed by any other park in East Africa. In the vast panorama, you can go on a safari to watch a constant parade of wildlife: elephant, zebra, buffalo, countless antelope and over 200 species of birds.
Lake Mburo National Park:
The closest savannah reserve to Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is centred on a series of swamp-fringed lakes known for their rich birdlife, notably the secretive African finfoot.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park:
The park has afromontane vegetation dominated by bamboo, a delicacy to the mountain gorillas. Animals in the park include; the mountain gorilla, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, Colobus Monkey, Jackal, Porcupine, Golden Cat, Duiker, Aardvark, Giant forest hog.
Mount Elgon National Park:
Visiting Mount Elgon presents an exciting setting for extended hikes, interesting and unique flora and fauna, magnificent water falls, enormous caves, scenic peaks, gorges and hot springs which bubble up at 48ºC (118ºF). No technical climbing equipment or skills are required, as all major peaks are accessible.
Rwenzori Mountains:
The 120 km Rwenzori chain is regarded to be the legendary snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, described by Ptolemy in AD150. Reaching an elevation of 5,109m at its highest peak, it is also Africa’s tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude only by the free-standing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.
Semuliki NP:
Semuliki National Park is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest and forms part of the forest continuum during the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene; this is one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa. (Especially for birds)
