Uganda is one of the top birding destinations in Africa, with over 1050 bird species in protected areas alone almost the same number as Europe keeps. In fact, Uganda is home to a bigger variety of bird species than any other country in Africa. The best time to spot these birds is in the early morning and late evening as they return from their food search, and in the park. Birding is also fantastic in the afternoon hours especially during the launch cruises along the shores of most water bodies in the National parks like along the Nile Delta in Murchison Falls National Park
Journey time: 15 Minutes
You will be received by our safari guide upon arrival & be transferred to your hotel/lodge in Entebbe. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to recuperate from the long flight.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Laico Lake Victoria Hotel
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Journey Time: 3 - 4 Hours
Early in the morning, your driver guide will pick you from the hotel to go birding in Mabamba Bay (in Lake Victoria), on a canoe.
This is a wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria, North West of the Entebbe Peninsular, with protected bird species to include the endemic shoebill stork and it is home to over 260 bird species; some of these will meet your expectations:
Journey time: 3 – 4hrs
In the morning with breakfast at the lodge, your day starts with the fun shoebill hunt (on a canoe) together with rhino trekking in the savannahs.
Presently the sanctuary is home to 22 southern white rhinos. And it has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk & Nature Walk.
In addition to the Shoebill stork, expect to watch other birds such as:
After an early breakfast, you will have a game drive through the delta circuit, reputably known for high concentrations of wildlife. This 4 – 5hour game drive will reward you with stunning views of the savanna and other plant vegetation of the acacia and borassus palm trees propagated by elephants all the way from Congo.
Expect a wide variety of wildlife including; Lions, hippos, waterbucks, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, oribis, Uganda Kobs, baboons and patas
Thereafter, embark on an afternoon launch cruise on the Nile; offering you a chance to experience a variety of wildlife as you enjoy the stunning views along the world’s longest river. In addition to taking you close to the base of the waterfall, the 3-hour launch trip follows a stretch of the Nile with a compelling African atmosphere. Game viewing is excellent and the birdlife on the banks is so captivating.
After the launch cruise, return to your lodge and spend the rest of the evening at leisure the golden sunset.
Overnight: Murchison River Lodge
Basis
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Early in the morning after your breakfast, you will depart for a 5 Hour Nile Delta Cruise.
The Victoria Nile delta, a 20km voyage downstream from a jetty at Paraa (South Bank), is home to rare wetland birds including shoebill and papyrus endemic species.
Expect to see birds such as: the rare Shoebill Stock, Goliath Heron and pairs of elegant Grey Crowned Cranes (Uganda’s national bird), the Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Black-headed Gonolek, Silver bird, Weaver Birds, Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Speckle-fronted Weaver and African Quail-Finch.
After this the birding cruise, you will return to the lodge for refreshment & lunch. And the rest of the day will be yours at leisure.
Overnight: Murchison River Lodge
Basis
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Journey time: 6 – 7 Hours
After breakfast at the lodge, next will be your journey to Kampala City.
Upon arrival in Kampala, the rest of your day will be spent at leisure arrival the rest of the evening will be at leisure.
Overnight: Fairway Hotel & Spa / Speke Resort Munyonyo
Basis
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport to check in for your home departure flight.
Basis
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
END OF SAFARI
DISCLAIMER: 1. The journey time(s) stated in the itinerary is an estimation and it is subject to variation depending on traffic and road conditions.
2. Listed accommodation options are subject to availability at the time of booking. If not available, similar properties will be considered.
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