Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Take some time to relax and acclimate before your exciting 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife adventure begins. Entebbe is home to numerous bird species, which you can start to observe right from the hotel or during an afternoon walk along the shores of Lake Victoria. Spot various water birds such as the African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and Grey Heron. Near the lakeshore, keep your eyes peeled for the impressive Great Cormorant and the striking Malachite Kingfisher. The lush gardens of your hotel may also reveal birds like the White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher and the Yellow-billed Kite. In the evening, prepare for the coming days filled with incredible birdwatching and wildlife encounters that await you across Uganda.

On Day 2 of the 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife tour, you will visit Mabamba Swamp, one of the best spots to observe the elusive shoebill stork. This wetland habitat is a haven for bird species, offering opportunities to see not only shoebills but also a variety of waterfowl. Look out for the African Openbill, Reed Cormorant, and a plethora of kingfishers, including the Blue-breasted and Brown-hooded Kingfishers. Exploring the swamp by canoe allows for quiet movement, enhancing your chances of spotting birds amidst the lush vegetation. While searching for the shoebill, you may also come across the spectacular African Marsh Harrier and the striking Purple Heron. The tranquil environment offers the chance to enjoy sightings of both the avian and aquatic life that call this wetland home. After a full day of birding, you can return to your lodge in Entebbe for a restful evening and recount the day’s discoveries.

Day 3 of your 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife tour involves traveling to Murchison Falls National Park, about a 5- to 6-hour drive from Entebbe. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and then set off for an afternoon game drive. Expect to see savannah birds such as the Secretary Bird, African Grey Hornbill, and the striking Yellow-billed Oxpecker. The park is also home to larger mammals, including elephants, buffalo, and giraffes.

On Day 4, start your day with a morning boat cruise on the Nile River, offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities. Look for perched Fish Eagles, elegant African Jacanas, and elusive skimmers. The boat cruise provides views of the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gap. Along the banks, you may spot hippos and crocodiles, adding to your wildlife encounters. Return to your lodge for dinner, reflecting on a diverse range of wildlife observed in this expansive park.

On Day 5 of the 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife tour, you will explore the Royal Mile, a renowned birding area in Budongo Forest. This stunning rainforest is home to numerous rare forest specialists, making it a sought-after destination for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for the elusive Blue-shouldered Robin Chat, the endangered Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and the striking Yellow-throated Tinkerbird. Thrushes and flycatchers are also common in this area, providing great observation opportunities.

As you traverse the well-maintained trails, you might encounter monkeys such as the Red-tailed Monkey and the Vervet Monkey. The forest is also alive with sounds from various other bird species, including the majestic Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill and the lively Blue-billed Duck. After a productive day in Budongo Forest, you will return to your lodge to savor a well-earned meal and rest before continuing your adventure.

Day 6 of your 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife tour begins with a drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, allowing you to relax before venturing into the forest. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon of chimpanzee trekking where you can observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat. In addition to chimpanzees, you may also encounter various bird species like the Great Blue Turaco and the White-bellied Robin Chat.

On Day 7, head to the Bigodi Wetland for further birdwatching. This area is renowned for its vast array of birdlife, including the vibrant Papyrus Gonolek and the elusive Sitatunga antelope. The tranquil environment offers opportunities to see other wildlife, such as butterflies and various amphibians. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary represents community efforts in conservation, providing both wildlife viewing and educational experiences about the local ecosystem.

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park on Day 8, approximately a 2-hour drive from Kibale. Once you arrive, check into your lodge and prepare for an afternoon game drive. In this park, look for iconic wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. Birdwatchers will also delight in spotting birds like the African Fish Eagle and the vibrant Malachite Kingfisher along the Kazinga Channel.

On Day 9, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a hotspot for birdwatching. The waterways are fringed with beautiful vegetation and are lined with a variety of bird species. Look for African Spoonbills, Great White Pelicans, and the spectacular Pink-backed Pelicans. In addition, enjoy sightings of hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun along the banks. After a day filled with incredible wildlife, you can return to your lodge to relax while reflecting on your wildlife observations.

On Day 10 of the 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife tour, journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famed for its mountain gorillas. This trip takes around 2-3 hours, and upon arrival, you will settle into your lodge. The park is also home to various Albertine endemics like the Rwenzori Turaco and the Yellow-eyed Blackbird. Prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking, as this is a highlight of your safari.

On Day 11, early in the morning, begin your gorilla trekking adventure. After being briefed, you will hike through the dense forest to locate a gorilla family. Once found, you will have one hour to observe these magnificent creatures in the wild. During your trek, watch for unique bird species, including the African Green Broadbill. After gorilla trekking, explore the Mubwindi Swamp to spot additional bird species. Return to your lodge for a satisfying dinner and discuss the incredible encounters of the day.

On Day 12 of your 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife tour, depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and head to Lake Mburo National Park, which is about a 4-hour drive away. This smaller park is a hidden gem known for its rich biodiversity and is the best place to see savannah species. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, set off for an exhilarating game drive. Look for wildlife such as the eland, impala, and large herds of zebras. Birdwatching opportunities abound here as well, with chances to spot the Shoebill, African Finfoot, and various Hornbills. The park boasts a variety of habitats, from open savannah to wetlands, attracting diverse birdlife. Evening options may include a guided night drive to see nocturnal species such as bushbabies and serval cats. After a rewarding day, return to your lodge for dinner, celebrating the wildlife you've encountered.

On your final day of the 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife tour, enjoy a leisurely morning in Lake Mburo National Park before departing for Entebbe. The leisurely drive allows for potential birdwatching along the way, with stops to catch glimpses of resident species. Depending on the route, look for birds like the African Grey Hornbill or the Southern Ground Hornbill.

En route, stop at the Equator for a brief visit, where you can take photos, buy souvenirs, and perhaps enjoy a cup of local coffee. Upon arrival in Entebbe, enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant before preparing for your departure. Reflect on your 13 Days Uganda Birding Safari and Wildlife adventure, filled with diverse wildlife and rich birding encounters. From the shoebill in Mabamba Swamp to the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, the variety of encounters will leave lasting memories as you head home, enriched by your time in Uganda's remarkable natural habitats.