The first four days of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation will be spent in Rwanda, focusing on two iconic national parks: Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. Nyungwe, with its dense forests and rich biodiversity, is known for the Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Warbler, and Mountain Masked Apalis. Accompanied by expert guides, birdwatchers will explore various trails while spotting numerous bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco, Red-faced Barbet, and numerous sunbirds.

In Volcanoes National Park, birding sessions will complement gorilla trekking, where you may encounter the Mountain Gorilla, a majestic creature. Other wildlife includes the Buffalo, Black-and-white Colobus, and Golden Monkey. The combination of birdwatching and wildlife tracking makes this segment an essential part of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation. Opportunities to observe the remarkable flora and fauna abound, making each day rich in discoveries.

Transitioning to Uganda for Days 5-7 of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation, travelers will explore the South/Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This park is renowned for its diversity of avifauna and is home to the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush-Warbler, and Handsome Francolin. Guided birdwatching walks through the dense forest provide chances to see these remarkable species closely.

Bwindi is also famed for its mountain gorillas, offering opportunities to see these primates as they forage and interact. Other wildlife includes the Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkeys, and various butterflies. Birding in Bwindi is particularly rewarding, as the calls of birds fill the forest, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Each morning, birdwatchers will set out at dawn to maximize sightings, adding species to their lists. This part of the itinerary emphasizes the incredible bird life while offering glimpses of Uganda's diverse wildlife, affirming its significance in the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation.

During Days 8-10 of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation, participants will travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Ishasha sector. Known for its diverse habitats, Queen Elizabeth is an excellent location for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The park is home to birds such as the Papyrus Gonolek and the highly sought-after Shoebill.

Morning boat trips along the Kazinga Channel provide opportunities for birdwatchers to see water birds like the African Fish Eagle, Herons, and various ducks. Game drives in the park are sure to reveal wildlife such as Elephants, Lions, and Buffalo. In Ishasha, visitors may spot the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. The abundant wildlife, combined with rich birding opportunities, enriches this segment of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation. With every turn, the park reveals new species, ensuring a fulfilling and diverse experience.

Days 11-13 of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation will explore Kibale Forest National Park and Semuliki National Park. Kibale is well-known for its chimpanzees and incredible bird diversity. Birdwatchers will seek out the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, which is highly regarded for its vibrant colors. Other species to watch for include the White-thighed Hornbill and African Grey Parrot.

Guided walks through Kibale will also lead to sightings of various primates, such as the Red-tailed Monkey and numerous forest species, including Flycatchers and Sunbirds. The dense forest environment enriches birding opportunities, with expert guides enhancing the experience by providing insights into local birds.

Following Kibale, participants will explore Semuliki National Park, known for its wetlands. Here, birdwatchers can spot the rare Nkulengu Rail and the striking Crested Crake. This segment of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation strengthens appreciation for both avian and mammalian species, providing a comprehensive view of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

In the final legs of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation, travelers will explore Murchison Falls National Park and Mabamba Swamp. Murchison Falls offers unique opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, including the Shoebill Stork along the banks of the Nile. Boat cruises reveal magnificent water birds such as the Giant Kingfisher and the Yellow-billed Duck, filling the air with lively calls.

In addition to birdwatching, Murchison Falls is home to wildlife such as Elephants, Crocodiles, and the elusive Leopard. Game drives through the expansive savannah provide excellent chances to spot lions and other big game.

After Murchison, the adventure continues to Mabamba Swamp, where the focus returns to the elusive shoebill. Exploring the wetland habitats, birders can expect to see a multitude of species including Papyrus Gonolek and water-loving birds. Each location during this portion of the trip enriches the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation, reinforcing its diversity through various habitats and species sightings.

On the final day of the 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation, participants will transfer to Entebbe for departure. With fond memories of fantastic wildlife and birding opportunities, travelers will reflect on the expansive diversity experienced during this incredible adventure. The journey back provides time for last-minute birdwatching in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, known for its resident birds like the African Grey Parrot and many other species.

As you finalize preparations for departure, the previous days in Uganda and Rwanda come to mind, highlighting encounters with Mountain Gorillas, Chimps, and iconic birds such as the Shoebill and Rwenzori Turaco. This combined vacation ends with a fulfilling sense of appreciation for the beauty of nature. The 17 Days Rwanda birding safari and Uganda birding tour combined vacation culminates in a rich tapestry of experiences, leaving you with lasting memories of Africa's extraordinary avifauna and wildlife.