Uganda is a true paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, boasting over 1,000 recorded species. This 17-day adventure is meticulously designed to take you to some of Uganda’s premier birding spots, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe a diverse array of avian life in their natural habitats. Beyond birdwatching, the journey seamlessly blends spectacular wildlife encounters, where you can witness majestic creatures such as elephants, lions, and giraffes up close. Additionally, immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences that provide insight into the local traditions and lifestyles. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of Uganda’s stunningly beautiful landscapes, from lush rainforests and serene wetlands to dramatic waterfalls and expansive savannahs. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast, this adventure promises a rich and fulfilling experience in one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.
Our Itinerary
Day 1 – From Entebbe to Jinja
Your Uganda adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will greet you and accompany you on a transfer to Jinja, famously known as the city at the source of the White Nile. En route to Jinja, you’ll make a stop in Mabira Forest to enjoy a scenic walk amidst a rich variety of birds and butterflies. Upon arrival in Jinja, take some time to relax and unwind, preparing for the exciting journey that lies ahead!
Day 2 – Boat Cruise to the Source of The Nile
Begin your day with a boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, offering a fantastic opportunity to observe many of the 60 bird species recorded in the area, including the Giant Kingfisher, Green-backed Herons, African Open-billed Storks, Rock Pratincoles, and Great Blue Turacos. Following the cruise, you’ll drive to Kapchorwa on the slopes of Mount Elgon, taking in the scenic views of villages, swamps, tea plantations, and fields along the way.
Day 3 – Exploring the Birdlife of Mount Elgon
Today, you’ll dedicate the day to exploring the birdlife of Mount Elgon National Park, home to over 300 recorded bird species. In addition to birdwatching, you’ll be treated to stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking views of the vast Karamoja plains, lying 1,000 meters below.
Day 4 – Hiking Sipi Falls
In the morning, embark on a hike to Sipi Falls, a series of three picturesque waterfalls in an area often likened to the Garden of Eden for its stunning natural beauty. After a leisurely lunch, transfer to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, the second-largest protected wildlife area in Uganda, celebrated for its rugged and untamed beauty.
Day 5 – Safari in Pian Upe
Spend the day immersing yourself in the beauty of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, starting with a morning game drive and followed by an afternoon nature walk. Here, you can encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, buffalo, eland, and roan antelopes. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 250 bird species such as ostriches, secretary birds, Abyssinian ground hornbills, and the Karamoja apalis.
Day 6 – Birding on Lake Opeta
Today, you will head to the wetland system of Lake Bisina, a crucial birding area in Uganda and home to the country’s only endemic bird, the Fox Weaver. Although the tourism infrastructure here is still developing, Alakara Travels’ intimate knowledge of the area allows us to offer a unique birding experience by traditional canoe, guided by highly knowledgeable locals. Rare species you might spot include the prehistoric Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, and Lesser Jacana. Tonight, you will stay in Kumi, the nearest town to Lake Bisina.
Day 7 – Safari and Scenic Journey
The day starts with a morning game drive, to look for any animals or birds that you may have missed, or simply want to see again! After the game drive, you drive through the beautiful landscapes of Karamoja to Kobulin Village in Napak. On the way you encounter traditional Karimojong communities, and also drive through Bokora-Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, known for its rich bird life.
Day 8 – Relaxing in Kobulin Village
After several hectic days, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of rural life. At Alakara Guest House, you can opt to unwind in a hammock in the shade or explore the village marketplace. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll through the local farms to a nearby swamp, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings.
Day 9 – To Kidepo Valley National Park
Travelling north from Kobulin to Kidepo Valley National Park takes you through shifting landscapes with vast plains dotted with volcanic hills and mountains. Along the way, your path will intersect with Karimojong herdsmen guiding their large herds of cattle in search of water and grazing grounds, a timeless scene that echoes through generations. Arriving in Kidepo Valley National Park, you’ll see lots of big game even on your way to the lodge.
Day 10 – Exploring Kidepo’s Wildlife
Explore the park on a full day game drive. Kidepo is known for its stunning landscapes, large herds of buffaloes, and has a healthy population of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, eland and other antelopes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the shy cheetah! Kidepo is an excellent park for birders, with about 470 different species, of which sixty haven’t been recorded in any other of Uganda’s parks.
Day 11 – Walking Safari and Night Game Drive
It’s time to experience the park on foot. A walking safari allows you to embrace a slower pace and a quieter approach, often leading to more intimate and rewarding wildlife sightings. After an early dinner, you’ll head back into the park at sunset for a night game drive. Here, you’ll encounter many of the animals you saw during the day, as well as elusive nocturnal creatures that only emerge after dark.
Day 12 – To Murchison Falls National Park
It’s time to head west towards Murchison Falls National Park, a scenic journey of about seven hours through Northern Uganda. As is often the case in Uganda, the drive through small towns, villages, and diverse landscapes is an adventure in itself. Along the way, you’ll stop in Gulu, the largest city in the northern region, to stretch your legs and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Then, you’ll continue on, arriving at the national park late in the afternoon.
Day 13 – Safari on the Savannah and on the Nile
Murchison Falls National Park is named after its iconic and powerful waterfall. Here, the White Nile narrows to a seven-meter-wide gorge, plunging 45 meters into the serene river below. The park is bisected by the Nile, offering excellent wildlife viewing on the northern side of the river, while the southern banks are covered with lush rainforest.
Today, you will start your adventure with an early morning game drive, witnessing wildlife at its most active. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari to the falls, followed by a hike to the top for a spectacular view of the world’s most powerful waterfall. This combination of experiences ensures a memorable day immersed in nature’s splendor.
Day 14 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
It’s time to explore the rainforest! In the morning, join an experienced guide to search for one of the habituated chimpanzee families. Besides chimpanzees, you may also encounter red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and olive baboons. The forest is home to an astounding 465 plant species, 360 bird species, and over 300 species of butterflies, offering plenty to see and admire. After your chimp trekking adventure, enjoy lunch at Budongo Eco Lodge. In the afternoon, return to the forest for a guided birdwatching walk, immersing yourself further in its rich biodiversity.
Day 15 – Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
It’s time to head back towards Entebbe. On the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will track the rhinos on foot. Rhinos were extinct in Uganda due to the wars in the 1970s and 80s, and at Ziwa, private actors in cooperation with Uganda Wildlife Authority work to build up a sustainable rhino population, that in time will be reintroduced in the wild. And hopefully, when seeing the rhino on your last day on safari, you might be able to tick off all “the big five” on your list!
Day 16 – Tracking the Shoebill Stork
In the morning, venture out to Mabamba Swamp just outside Entebbe town for a boat trip through the wetlands. Here, you’ll have another chance to spot the elusive shoebill stork, along with numerous other bird species. In the evening, head to the airport for your departure, or consider spending an extra night to unwind and immerse yourself once more in the sounds, scents, sights, and tastes of Uganda before your adventure concludes.
