Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights Start / End: Entebbe, Uganda Operator: Terrain Safaris, Uganda

Destinations Covered

1. Entebbe
2. Mabamba Wetland Sanctuary
3. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
4. Budongo Forest (Royal Mile)
5. Murchison Falls National Park
6. Kibale National Park
7. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
8. Semuliki National Park
9. Entebbe (return)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Entebbe & Mabamba Swamp

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and a guide briefing, followed by a canoe excursion into Mabamba Swamp in search of the Shoebill Stork. Other targets include African and Lesser Jacana, White-backed Duck, African Pygmy Goose, African Fish Eagle, Pelicans, Grey Parrots, Grey-crowned Crane, and several weaver species. Overnight: 2 Friends Hotel, Entebbe.

Day 2 — Luwero Triangle to Masindi (via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary route)

A birding drive north through savannah and woodland habitat. Species along the way include Hooded Vulture, Marabou Stork, African Hoopoe, White-crested Helmet-Shrike, White-crested Turaco, and various firefinches and cuckoos, with a chance of Shoebill in wetland patches. Overnight: Masindi Kolping Hotel.

Day 3 — Royal Mile, Budongo Forest (Full Day)

A full day on the famous Royal Mile, a former royal hunting trail known for exceptional forest birding. Highlights include Yellow and Grey Longbill, three Illadopsis species, Chocolate-backed and African Dwarf Kingfishers, African Crowned Eagle, and multiple barbet and hornbill species. Overnight: Masindi Kolping Hotel.

Day 4 — Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Birding transfer into Uganda’s largest protected area (~3,893 km²), home to nearly 450 bird species. En-route targets include Bat Hawk, Denham’s Bustard, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Rock Pratincole. Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge.

Day 5 — Murchison Falls Delta & Nile Launch Cruise

A full day combining game viewing (elephant, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, lion, leopard) with birding in the Delta region — Black-bellied and Denham’s Bustard, multiple Cisticola species, Martial Eagle, and Shoebill near the swamps. The afternoon Nile launch cruise (~3 hours) heads to the base of Murchison Falls, offering close views of hippos, crocodiles, and riverside birdlife. Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge.

Day 6 — Transfer to Kibale National Park

A scenic drive via the Buliisa escarpment, Lake Albert, Hoima, and the tea plantations near Fort Portal. Limited birding en route, with possible sightings of Vinaceous Dove, Cut-throat Finch, Papyrus Gonolek, and White-winged Warbler. Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge.

Day 7 — Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Morning forest birding targeting Green-breasted Pitta, African Broadbill, Black Bee-eater, African Crowned Eagle, and various robin-chats and starlings. Afternoon guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for wetland specialists such as Papyrus Gonolek, Shining-blue Kingfisher, and White-spotted Flufftail. Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge.

Day 8 — Transfer to Semuliki National Park

Drive into the Albertine Rift Valley toward Semuliki, the easternmost extension of the Congo Basin’s Ituri Forest. Early targets include Nkulengu Rail, Spot-breasted Ibis, Grant’s Bluebill, and a striking range of hornbill species. Overnight: Bumaga Camp.

Day 9 — Kirumya Trail, Semuliki National Park (Full Day)

A full day on the Kirumya Trail, seeking Guinea-Congo biome endemics such as African Piculet, Capuchin Babbler, Fire-crested Alethe, Zenker’s Honeyguide, and Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, among many forest specialists. Overnight: Bumaga Camp.

Day 10 — Return to Entebbe & Departure

Return drive to Entebbe via Mubende and Mityana, with roadside birding opportunities. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure.

Tour Highlights

• Birdwatching at some of Uganda’s premier birding hotspots
• Rhino trekking and birding at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• The Royal Mile, Budongo Forest
• Game drives and birding at Murchison Falls National Park
• Nile launch cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
• Chimpanzee trekking and birding in Kibale Forest
• Birding at Semuliki National Park
• Guinea-Congo biome species at Semuliki

What’s Included

• Transport
• Private guide
• Accommodation
• All meals
• Selected drinks
• Entrance fees
• Park fees
• Trekking permits

What’s Not Included

• International flights
• Uganda visa costs
• Medical and travel insurance
• Additional drinks beyond those selected
• Gratuities
• Laundry
• Personal expenses
• Other activities not listed in the itinerary

Pricing Summary

Tour operated by Terrain Safaris, Uganda — East Africa.