The tour is offered in two versions. 11 day and 20 day. Please note that in one tour gorilla tracking is included in the package although 3 months advanced booking is required for this option!

Climate, suggested clothing, etc. - Situated at the equator, Uganda enjoys a tropical climate with very little temperature variation throughout the year. If you are planning a trip to Uganda as a birder, the main factor determining your timing will be pattern of rainfall. In the southern part of the country the wettest month is April with the rainy season stretching from April to May and October to November. The wet season in the North is from April to October with the rest of the year fairly dry with low humidity. Whilst travelling might be easier in the dry season, bear in mind the fact that bird activity is much higher during the wetter months when most of the breeding takes place.

Birds that may be seen - The birds listed below are birds that occur along the route at various times of the year. As with any trip one cannot guarantee that every bird mentioned will be seen.

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe

Depending on time of arrival, stay at Hotel and bird Entebbe Botanical Gardens est. 1898. The gardens host a variety of open woodland species and offer a superb introduction to Ugandan birds.

Target birds: Vereaux's Eagle, Owls, Red-chested Sunbirds, Orange Weaver, Slender-billed, Brown-throated, Yellow-backed, Jackson's Golden-backed, Black-headed and Vieillot's Black Weavers. Around the shore-Long tailed Cormorant, Common Squacco and Black-headed Herons, Hammerkop, African Open-billed Stork, Yellow-billed Duck, Grey-headed Gull, various terns and Pied Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Rock Pratincoles, Black-headed Gonolek, Red-chested Sunbird, Great Blue Ross' Turacos, Klas' & Dierderik Cuckoos, Woodland Kingfisher, Black-billed Roller, Black & White Casqued Hornbill, Splendid Starling, African Fish Eagle & Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Angola Swallow, Winding & Red-faced Cisticolas, Grey-capped Warbler, Common Wattle-eye, Green throated & Scarlet-chested Sunbirds.

Overnight: Imperial Botanical Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Jinja and bird Mabira forest

The list for Mabira Forest Reserve contains almost 300 species with two known globally threatened species including Nathan's Francolin (relatively common in Mabira) and the Papyrus Gonolek There are also 75 Guinea-Congo forest -biome species which are not well represented in other areas including the Black shouldered Night jar, Capuchin Babbler, Grey longbill and Blue Crested Fly Catcher. Other species: Uganda spotted woodpecker, Cassin's Hawk Eagle, Blue throated Roller, Forest Wood Hoopoe, Black & White-casqued Hornbill, Allied Hornbill, Harry Breasted Barbet, Yellow spotted Barbet, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow throated Tinkerbird, Yellow Billed Barbet, Cassin's Honeyguide, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Brown eared Woodpecker, Yellow- Crested Woodpecker, Green Breasted Pitta, Little Grey Greenbul, Simple Greenbul, Leaflove, Toro Olive Greenbul, White Throated Greenbul, Western Nicator, Sooty Boubou, Fiery- Breasted Bush Shrike, Fire Crested Alethe, Forest Robin, Blue Shouldered Robin, Akalat Rufous Ant Thrush, Dusty Blue Fly Catcher, Chestnut Wattle eye, Green throated Sunbird, Yellow mantled.
Overnight: Jinja Nile Resort

Day 3: Mabira Forest & Budongo Forest Reserve

Mabira forest in the early morning then drive to Busingiro, Budongo Forest Reserve. Night at Ecotourism Project. The vast bird forest lies at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley boasting an impressive bird list of over 350 species.

Target birds: Nathan's Francolin, Cassin's Spinetail, Ituri Batis, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher & Banded Snake-eagle

Overnight: Ecotourism Project

Day 4: Budongo Forest Reserve

'The Royal Mile' in the morning and Busingiro area in the afternoon. Nights in Budongo Forest Reserve

Target birds: Crowned African Pied Hornbill, Bat Hawk, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Marsh Tchagra, Black Bishop, Brown Twinspot, Black-bellied Firefinch, Chocolate-backed, Blue-breasted, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Black & White Casqued Hornbill, Yellow-spotted, hairy-breasted & Yellow Barbets, Western black-headed Oriole, Purple Starling, Greenbuls are abundant and include the Cameroon Sombre, Slender-billed, Honeyguide, White-throated, Red-tailed and the striking and conspicuous Spotted Greenbul . Other key species: Cassin's Hawk-Eagle, Nahan's Francolin, Black-collared Lovebird, Cassin's and Sabine's Spinetails, Chocolate-backed, Blue-breasted and African Dwarf Kingfishers, Piping Hornbill, Green-breasted Pitta, Puvel's Illadopses, Spotted Greenbul, Fire-crested Alethe, Black- eared Ground Thrush, Black-capped Apalis, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Wattle Eye, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Brown Twinspot and Grey- headed Olive-back.

Overnight: Budongo Forest Reserve - Nyabyeya Forestry Project cottages or at Busingiro Bandas (Chalets).

Day 5: Budongo Forest Reserve

Drive early to Kaniyo Pabidi sector of Budongo Forest Reserve en route to Paraa Murchison Falls NP. Spend the morning chimpanzee-tracking and birding in Kaniyo Pabidi forest and the afternoon in Murchison Falls south of the Nile (the area above the falls, woodland around the Sambiya River and dry scrub around Paraa). After check in and lunch arrange a boat trip to the falls and to the Delta before returning for dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari lodge.

Overnight: Paraa Lodge

Day 6: Budongo Forest Reserve

After early breakfast, spend the whole day on the game-viewing tracks north of the River allowing extensive game viewing on the scenic savanna habitat.
arget birds: Dry woodland along the stretch leading to Paraa lodge is a good place to look for Grey-headed Kingfisher, Red-throated Bee-eater & Bar-breasted Firefinch. The road emerges into rolling plains that support Secretary Bird, Black-chested Snake, Tawny & Martial Eagles, Red-necked Falcon, Harlequin Quail, Swallow-tailed & Carmine Bee-eaters, Sooty Chat, Siffling & black-headed Cisticolas, Bronze-tailed Starling & Quail Finch. Also Stately Abyssinian Ground Hornbills are a common sight in the Borases Palm Savannah and the best spot for the Abyssinian Roller. Other species: Shoebill, Secretary Bird, Bat Hawk, Red-necked Francolin, Heuglin's Francolin, Denham's Bustard, Senegal Thickknee, African Skimmer, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Bruce's Green Pigeon, Vivacious Dove, Beautiful Sunbird, Northern Red Bishop
Overnight: Paraa Lodge

Day 7: Budongo Forest Reserve

Check out early and head for the top of the falls for breath-taking views. Picnic Lunch at the falls. Afternoon drive to Masindi, birding Lake Albert and the escarpment of the Albertine Rift valley en route. Other game: Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Waterbuck, African Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffes, Hartebeests, Oribis, Uganda Kob, Chimpanzee.

Overnight: Masindi Hotel

Day 8: Kibale Forest National Park

Drive from Masindi to Kibale Forest National Park Kibale Forest National Park birding the entrance road to the forest in the late afternoon. Check the scrubby fringes of the overgrown bushes for birds.

Target birds: Scary Francolin, Marsh Tchagra, Grey-headed Olive-back and a host of Seed eaters including Black-bellied Seed Cracker, Fawn-breasted and Black-crowned Waxbills, Green-backed Twinspot and Black & White Manikin & Conspicuous Greenbul.

Overnight: Ndali Lodge

Day 9: Kibale Forest National Park

Bird the Kanyanchu area (chimpanzee-tracking in the forest or the main road). Arrange a guide for the Magombe Swamp walk.

Target birds: Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail, White-naped Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Masked and black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tuffed and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive Back.

Overnight: Kibale Forest Tree Houses

Day 10: Mweya Peninsular

View Magombe swamp in the early morning then drive to Mweya Peninsular Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will arrange a boat ride in the Kazinga Channel for early morning the following day. Watch out for resident birds. A recently constructed hide at the tip of the Peninsular provides the opportunity to see water birds and a selection of Warblers and Weavers. Afternoon birding in crater area and around Mweya peninsula.

Target birds: African Morning Dove, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Grey-capped Warbler, Black-headed Gonolek, Red-chested Sunbird, Lesser Eurasian Honey Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Amur Falcon [or Lesser Kestrel during March-April].

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 11: Lake Kikorongo

Lake Kikorongo for the Shoebill in the papyrus swamp adjacent to the lake and Kasenyi track which supports a large flock of Adbim Storks in season, Woolly-necked & Shoe-billed Stork, Raptors, African Harrier Hawk, Martial Eagle & Grey Kestrel. Lion kills attract up to six species of Vulture including Egyptian, Ruppels', Griffon & Lappet-faced.

Target birds: Shoebill, Adbim Storks, Woolly-necked & Shoe-billed Stork, Raptors, African Harrier Hawk, Martial Eagle & Grey Kestrel. Vultures including Egyptian, Ruppels', Griffon & Lappet-faced.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 12: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Drive to Buhoma the headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park boasts no fewer than 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics including the spectacular, and globally threatened, African Broadbill and Shelly's Crimsonwing. Bwindi is richest in terms of birds, butterflies and trees. We will bird the camp area in the afternoon. Arrange a guide for the following day.

Target birds: 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics

Overnight: Buhoma Homestead

Day 13: Waterfall Trail

From Buhoma head very early into the forest and onto the waterfall trail, one of Bwindis star avian attractions; the diminutive Pitta-like Short-tailed Warbler may be heard calling in the undergrowth and easily spotted. Also the Red-tailed Bristlebill and the handsome Black-faced Rufous Warbler. Work slowly back along the main track. Afternoon on the main track.

Target birds: Short-tailed Warbler, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Black-faced Rufous Warbler etc.

Overnight: Buhoma Homestead

Day 14: Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking and birding on the main track. Afternoon take the village walk to experience cultural performance, banana brewing, traditional medicine and tea plantations.

Target species: Gorilla

Overnight: Buhoma Homestead

Day 15: Ruhizha

Early departure for Ruhizha birding the 'Neck' for a few hours en route. Birds are both plentiful and easy to see associating in mixed feeding flocks. Afternoon along the winding road towards Kabale.

Target birds: An early start offers the best chance of finding the striking Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Green Tinkerbird, Mountain and Yellow-Streaked Greenbuls, Mountain, Masked and Chestnut-throated Apalises, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, White browed Crombec, Rwenzori Batis, White tailed Fly catcher, Collared Apalis Banded Prinia, Montane Sooty Boubou, Grauer's Warbler, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Shelly's Crimsonwing, Mountain Illaopsis, Red-throated Alethe, Archer's Robin-Chat, White-starred Robin, Northern Olive Thrush, Cinnamon Bracken, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Black headed Waxbill.

Overnight: Ruhizha Guest House

Day 16: Mubwindi Swamp

Walk along the trail to Mubwindi Swamp. This is the most accessible site on Earth for the rare & localized African Green Broadbill, one of Africa's most sought-after birds. Afternoon around Ruhizha.

Target birds: African Green Broadbill, Red-throated Alethe, Archer's Robin Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Montane Masked Apalis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis. Also Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Dusky and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Frazer's Eagle Owl, Montane (Rwenzori Nightjar, Black Bee-eater, Grey-chested and Mountain Illadopses, Red-fronted Antpecker, & Oriole Finch.

Overnight: Ruhizha Guest House

Day 17: Mubwindi Swamp & Ruhizha

Walk the short trail to Mubwindi Swamp, afternoon around Ruhizha.

Target birds: As above

Overnight: Ruhizha Guest House

Day 18: Lake Mburo National Park

Bird slowly along the road towards Kabale, and then depart for Lake Mburo National Park. Late afternoon birding along entrance road to Rwonyo. This is the best and sometimes the only place to see typically southern species such as the Red-faced Barbet. The lake area is also the best place to find the African Finfoot and most of the Papyrus endemics.

Target birds: Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, Brown-chested Finfoot, Southern Ground Hornbill, Spot-flanked, Red-faced and Black-collared barbets, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Carruthers' Cisticola, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Oxpecker and Northern Brown-throated Weaver.

Overnight: Mantana Tented Camp

Day 19: Kigambira

Early morning along the idyllic lakeside track and Kigambira loop which traverses a variety of productive habitats. It is home to the most sought-after bird, the localized Red-faced Barbet. Drive to Entebbe in the afternoon. Night in Entebbe.

Target birds: Red-faced Barbet

Overnight: Imperial Botanical Hotel

Day 20: Entebbe

Bird Entebbe area if time allows - Departure

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Entebbe Airport and proceed to Sheraton Hotel Kampala or Speke Hotel for overnight stay.B/B.

Overnight: Sheraton Hotel Kampala or Speke Hotel

Day 2: Kampala

After early breakfast take a bird watching tour around Kampala and its environs to get us used to some of the common birds of Uganda.

Target birds: Best chance to see certain species such as the Bat Hawk and African Hobby, which breed around Sheraton and Makerere University. Proceed for Lake Mburo National Park dominated by tall grass and Savannah trees Common and conspicuous here are the Crested Francolin, Emerald Spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Bare faced Go-away Bird, Blue Naped Mouse Bird, Lilac-breasted Roller, Green Wood Hoopoe, Common Scimitar Bill , African Grey Hornbill, Spot Flanked Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Yellow breasted Apalis, Northern Black Tit, Chin- Spot Batis, Greater Blue-eared Starling, and Marico Sunbird.

Overnight: Rwonyo Tented Camp

Day 3: Montane Forest

After early morning breakfast and game drive, continue westwards to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offering some of the finest montane forest birding in Africa.

Target birds: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers no fewer than 23 of 24 Albertine Rift endemics including the globally threatened

Overnight: Bwindi Tented Camp

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Whole day birding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Look for: Target birds African Green Broadbill, Albertine Rift endemics - Red-throated Alethe, Archer's Robin Chat, Kivu Ground Trush, Montane Masked Apalis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis. Also Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Dusky and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Frazer's Eagle Owl, Montane (Rwenzori Nightjar, Black Bee-eater, Grey-chested and Mountain Illadopses, Red-fronted Antpecker, Oriole Finch.

Overnight: Buhoma Tented Camp

Day 5: Ruhizha

Early departure for Ruhizha, birding the 'Neck' for a few hours en route. Birds are both plentiful and easy to see associating in mixed feeding flocks. Afternoon along the winding road towards Kabale.

Overnight: Ruhizha

Day 6: Mubwindi Swamp

Walk along the trail to Mubwindi Swamp. This is the most accessible site on Earth for the rare & localized African Green Broadbill, one of Africa's most sought-after birds. Afternoon around Ruhizha.

Target birds: Albertine Rift endemics - Red-throated Alethe, Archer's Robin Chat, Kivu Ground Trush, Montane Masked Apalis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis. Also Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Dusky and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Frazers Eagle Owl, Montane (Rwenzori Nightjar, Black Bee-eater, Grey-chested and Mountain Illadopses, Red-fronted Antpecker, Oriole Finch.

Overnight: Ruhizha

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Mweya Peninsular, Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon birding in crater area and around Mweya peninsula. We will arrange a boat ride in the Kazinga Channel for early morning the following day.

Target birds: African Morning Dove, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Grey-capped Warbler, the beautiful Black-headed Gonolek, Red-chested Sunbird, Lesser Eurasian Honey Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Amur Falcon or Lesser Kestrel during March-April. A recently constructed hide at the tip of the Peninsular provides the opportunity to see water birds and a selection of Warblers and Weavers. The new bird observatory has enabled new species to be identified since its set up in 1997 including the first recorded Bar-tailed Godwit.

Overnight: Jacana Safari Lodge

Day 8: Kazinga Channel & Lake Kikorongo

After early morning trip along the Kazinga Channel explore Lake Kikorongo for the Shoebill in the papyrus swamp adjacent to the lake and Kasenyi track which supports a large flock of Adbim Storks in season. Lion kills attract up to six species of Vulture.

Target birds: Shoebill, Adbim Storks, Woolly-necked & Shoe-billed Stork, Raptors, African Harrier Hawk, Egyptian, Ruppels', Griffon & Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle & Grey Kestrel.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 9: Kibale Forest National Park & Budongo Forest Reserve

After early morning breakfast head for Murchison Falls National Park through Kibale Forest National Park. Bird the Kanyanchu area enroute. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park through Kaniyo Pabidi sector of Budongo Forest Reserve en route to Paraa Murchison Falls National Park. Afternoon in Murchison Falls south of the Nile (the area above the falls, woodland around the Sambiya River and dry scrub around Paraa). After check-in and lunch arrange a boat trip to the falls and to the Delta before returning for dinner and Overnight at the Lodge.

Target birds: Red-winged Francolin, Red-chested Flufftail, White-naped Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Masked and black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-winged Starling, Orange-tufted and Tiny Sunbirds, Grey-headed Olive Back.

Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 10: Sambiya River

After an early breakfast, spend the whole day on the game-viewing tracks north of the River allowing extensive game viewing on the scenic savannah habitat. Dry woodland along the stretch leading to Paraa lodge is a good place to look for Grey-headed Kingfisher, Red-throated Bee-eater etc. The road emerges into rolling plains that support Carmine Bee-eaters et al. Also Stately Abyssinian Ground Hornbills are a common sight in the Borases Palm Savannah and the best spot for the Abyssinian Roller.

Target birds: Grey-headed Kingfisher, Red-throated Bee-eater & Bar-breasted Fire finch, Secretary Bird, Black-chested Snake, Tawny & Martial Eagles, Red-necked Falcon, Harlequin Quail, Heuglin's Francolin, Swallow-tailed & Carmine Bee-eaters, Sooty Chat, Siffling & Black-headed Cisticolas, Bronze-tailed Starling & Quail Finch, Stately Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Abyssinian Roller, Shoebill, Secretary bird, Bat Hawk, Red-necked Francolin, Heuglin's Francolin, Denham's Bustard, Senegal thick-knee, African Skimmer, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Bruce's Green Pigeon, Vivacious Dove. Beautiful Sunbird, Northern Red Bishop.

Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 11: Check out & Departure

Check out early and head for the top of the falls for breath taking views and photos. Picnic Lunch at the falls. Head for Kampala arriving on time for departure to Airport transfer to Entebbe International Airport.