Experiencing 8 days Uganda birding safari in the Albertine Rift area, visiting such popular locations as Mabamba Swamp, Semiliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Semliki Forest represents the only example of Congo-Basin vegetation in Uganda given that a significant number of Guinea-Congo biome species reach their Eastern limits in Semuliki, making it one of the richest for forest birds in the nation. Semiliki National Park is home to over 400 bird species recorded in this park, making it one of the top birding safari destinations in Africa earning a title of “True birders Haven.”
There are 375 different bird species in the Kibale Forest National Park, and you can see some of them while going on a chimpanzee trekking adventure there. However, the best location to see a wide variety of birds and primates is in the Bigodi Swamp.
With 600 different bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most alluring locations for tourists taking a trek in Uganda. There are 375 different bird species in the Kibale Forest National Park, and you can see some of them while going on a chimpanzee trekking adventure there. However, the best location to see a wide variety of birds and primates is in the Bigodi Swamp. The world’s home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers visitors the finest gorilla encounter with the greatest amount of adventure for both habituated and semi-habituated gorilla families. 60 percent of Uganda’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are visited during this 8 day Uganda Safari.
Safari highlights
Day 1: Birding excursion at Mabamba wetland and transfer to Semiliki wildlife reserve.
Day 2: Full day game drive in Semiliki national park (Kirumira trail) – Kibale national park
Day 3: Birding and Bigodi swamp walk – Queen Elizabeth national park.
Day 4: Morning game drive and birding in Kasenyi and crater drive – Kazinga boat cruise.
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park via Ishasha – Evening birding at the waterfall trail
Day 6: Gorilla trekking experience
Day 7: Mubwindi swamp birding experience
Day 8: Transfer back to Kampala
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Birding excursion at Mabamba wetland and transfer to Semiliki wildlife reserve.
On the first day of 8 days birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. You will be welcomed by your safari guide and connected to the Mabamba wetlands, depending on where you are in Entebbe. One of the finest birding locations in Uganda, Mabamba Swamp is near the Lake Victoria shoreline and provides visitors with a wonderful opportunity to observe various bird species. Additionally, this location is one of the few in Uganda where the likelihood of seeing the rare shoebill stork is greater. After meeting you, your safari guide will depart for the Mabamba wetlands to go wildlife watching. At Mabamba, you can go on a canoe trip to get up close to the various bird types that live there. The unusual shoebill stork might also be visible. You’ll go bird viewing for an hour and a half.
After lunch in Mubende, continue your trip to the Semiliki wildlife reserve. After spending the afternoon birdwatching along the Ntoronko Drive, arrive at the reserve. Arrive at your lodge to relax, have supper, and spend the night at Semiliki Safari Lodge.
Day 2: Full day game drive in Semiliki national park (Kirumira trail) – Kibale national park.
On the 2nd day of 8 days birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. Wake up early in the morning and be served with hearty breakfast. After breakfast, meet with your safari guide and make it to the Kirumia trail in Semiliki National Park in time for a complete day of bird watching with a packed lunch. This 13 km walk route, which begins at 8 am and travels through the centre of the forest towards the River Semiliki, takes about 8 hours. The distance to the path from Ntandi’s park headquarters is about 8 km. This path is suggested for birders and people interested in butterflies because of the variety of birds that can be seen there. You might see woodland species like the black-and-white casqued hornbill.
Transfer to Kibale national park later in the evening. The distance to the area is about three hours. Dinner and an overnight stay at Chimpundu Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, or Isunga Lodge, depending on your price.
Day 3: Birding and Bigodi swamp walk – Queen Elizabeth national park.
On the 3rd day of the 8 days birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. Wake up early, eat breakfast, and check out then link to the park for a birding experience in Kibale forest on the third day of your 8 Days Uganda Albertine Rift area birding Safari Experience. The area is home to more than 375 different bird species. A few of the unique birds found in Kibale are the African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, Afep Pigeon, White-naped Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, Red-chested Owlet, Black Bee-eater, Western Nicator, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Little Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Grey Parrot, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Brown I
Take the Bigodi Swamp Trail as well for additional wildlife viewing opportunities. Lunch on the way, then continue on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Driving for three hours while looking for wildlife. Queen Elizabeth safari Lodge is a mid-range choice, Elephant Plains Lodge is a luxury option, and Pumba Safari Cottages is a low-cost option.
Day 4: Morning game drive and birding in Kesenyi and crater drive – Kazinga boat cruise
On the 4th day of 8 days Uganda birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. Wake up early in the morning and be served with breakfast. After breakfast, you’ll head to Kasenyi for a morning wildlife drive and birding on the fourth day of your 8-day safari experience in the Albertine Rift region of Uganda. Join a boat tour on the Kazinga channel later in the day to see various birds like African jacana, Egptian goose, long tailed cormorant, pelican, little egret and aquatic creatures like hippos and crocodiles. After dinner, go back to your lodge and spend the night there as before.
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park via Ishasha – Evening birding at the waterfall trail.
On the 5th day of 8 days Uganda birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. Wake in the morning and be served with breakfast. Check out of the lodge and travel to Bwindi Forest after brunch. The drive takes between 5 and 6 hours, with a lunch break at Ishasha Sector for some bird watching.
When you get to Bwindi Forest, meet up at the waterfalls path to begin your afternoon or evening birding experience. Connect later to your reserved lodging for supper and an overnight stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp for a more affordable option, Buhoma Haven Lodge for a midrange option, or Buhoma Lodge for a luxury option.
Day 6: Gorilla trekking experience.
On the 6th day of 8 days Uganda birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning, then walk to the park headquarters with your packed lunch for a briefing from the ranger guides before beginning your trek through the jungle. Depending on the gorillas’ movements, Bwindi gorilla trekking can last anywhere from two to eight hours. There is no way to predict where these primates will be on any given day as they are allowed to freely roam the area. Once you locate them, you will have an hour to observe and photograph these friendly primates, enjoy your lunch, and then meet your driver and guide for the trip back to your resort.
After your trek, you can relax at the lodge or take a village visit as you reflect on your Bwindi gorilla trek and get ready for the next day. At the same lodge, have dinner and spend the night.
Day 7: Mubwindi swamp birding experience.
Mubwindi swamp
On the 7th day of 8 days Uganda birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. After an early breakfast on the seventh day of your 8-day Uganda Albertine Rift region birding safari trip, travel to Mubwindi Swamp for an exciting birding adventure. This route is about 4-5 hours long and follows a path through the jungles. It slopes/descends through the enchanted rainforest and offers breathtaking views of lush valleys and the Virunga massif along the way. Because most of these animals are found in this region of the Forest, visitors are likely to see some primates, particularly chimpanzees and monkeys, as well as numerous bird species, forest elephants, and, fortunately, even mountain gorillas and bush pigs. Bakiga Lodge serves dinner and overnight guests on a cheap, midrange, or luxurious basis.
Day 8: Transfer back to Kampala.
On the 8th day of the 8 days Uganda birding safari in the Albertine rift area of Uganda. Wake up early in the morning and be served with breakfast. After eating breakfast, you will leave the park and continue your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping for lunch along the way and exploring some fascinating birding spots. Drive to Entebbe, where you will either be dropped off at the hotel you have reserved, based on your flight, or you will be taken to the airport for your subsequent flight back home.
End of 8 days Uganda birding safari in the Albertine Rift area
