Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Your safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala for overnight rest. This is a good day to relax and prepare for your adventure.
Day 2 – Birding Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Masindi
After breakfast, you will drive to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s top birding spots. Take a canoe trip through the swamp and look for the elusive Shoebill. Other birds you may see include the Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Goliath Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, and Common Moorhen. In the afternoon, you will drive to Masindi and check into Budongo Eco Lodge for your overnight stay.
Day 3 – Birding Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest Reserve protects the largest natural forest in East Africa and is home to over 350 bird species. Spend the day walking along the Royal Mile trail to spot birds like Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Xavier’s Greenbul, and many more. The forest also offers beautiful scenery, making it perfect for photography and nature walks. Overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge.
Day 4 – Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive in the park where you may encounter elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, primates, and mongoose. After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Nile River to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds such as the Shoebill, Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller, Pied Kingfisher, and Ground Hornbill.
Day 5 – Transfer to Kibale National Park
Drive to Fort Portal and then to Kibale Forest. Kibale is famous for chimpanzee tracking and is home to Uganda’s largest population of endangered chimpanzees, as well as L’hoest’s Monkey and Red Colobus Monkey. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 325 species, including Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, and the Crowned Eagle. Check in at Ndali Lodge for the night.
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetlands Birding
After breakfast, visit the Kibale visitor center for a briefing and track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This trek lasts 2–3 hours and also offers chances to see Black-and-White Colobus, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetlands for birding. Look for species such as Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Joyful Greenbul, White-spotted Flufftail, and Lesser Honeyguide. Overnight at Ndali Lodge.
Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited park. It hosts nearly 100 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Expect to see elephants, hippos, antelopes, and giant forest hogs along the Mweya Peninsula. Stay overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 8 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, and other wildlife. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lakes George and Edward. You will see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of waterbirds, making it a perfect opportunity for photography. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 9 – Transfer to Kampala
Depart the park and drive back to Kampala. Along the way, visit the Mpambire Royal Drum Makers and stop at the Equator for photos. Arrive in Kampala and check in at Metropole Hotel.