Birding, Mabamba Shoebill Watching, Albertine Rift Endemics, Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda

Day 1: Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Watching and Transfer to Lake Mburo: (Day Overview: Mabamba Swamp Shoebill, Shoebill watching Uganda, Lake Mburo wildlife)

Early morning excursion to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria for a boat trip to spot the elusive Shoebill. Look out for other wetland species. Afternoon transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and birdlife with lunch break at the Uganda Equator-a chance to take brief photos at the Equator line.

Your birding adventure starts with a morning meet-up with your expert guide at your hotel or airport. Drive to Nakiwogo fishing village, where you will take a canoe to Mabamba Swamp to search for the Shoebill. Along the way, you may also see birds like Papyrus Gonolek. After finding the Shoebill, drive towards Lake Mburo National Park, spotting birds like Lilac-Breasted Roller, Little Sparrowhawk, Augur Buzzard, African Openbill, and Grey-crowned Crane along the way. Enjoy a hot lunch at the Equator in Kayabwe before arriving early at Lake Mburo to do some birding inside the park.

Day 2: Lake Mburo Birding and Wildlife Viewing: (Day Overview: Lake Mburo birding, Uganda wildlife tour)

Morning game drive and birding walk in Lake Mburo National Park, seeking species like the African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, and various savanna birds. Wildlife sightings may include zebras, impalas, giraffes, leopards and buffaloes. Later you will transfer to the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for dinner and overnight.

Start the day birding in Lake Mburo National Park, searching for acacia-associated species such as African Grey Hornbill, Black-lored Babbler. You may also see zebras, elands, topis, impalas, cape buffalos, and warthogs.

After lunch, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma Sector) Scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world's mountain gorilla population and numerous Albertine Rift endemics.

Optional birding stops along the way, looking for forest-edge species and different types of monkeys. Early arrival allows for birding around the lodge, where you can spot Green-throated and Blue-throated Brown Sunbirds, Lühder’s and Bocage’s Bushshrike, Blue-shouldered Robin-chat, and African Blue Flycatcher

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Albertine Rift): (Gorilla Trekking Experience: (Day Overview: Gorilla trekking Uganda, Bwindi gorilla tracking)

Early morning briefing before embarking on your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in the dense forests of Bwindi.

Spend an hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural environment.

Afternoon at leisure or optional bird walk at the forest entrance.

Spend the day tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi. The trek can last between 3-6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Afterward, if you still have energy, enjoy slow-paced evening birding along the park entrance.

Explore Uganda During your 7 Days Uganda Shoebill Albertine Rift Endemics and Gorilla

Day 4: Albertine Rift Endemic Birding: (Day Overview: Albertine Rift endemics tour, Uganda rare birds, during your Birdwatching Albertine Rift)

Full day dedicated to exploring the birding hotspots within or around Bwindi, specifically targeting Albertine Rift endemic. Your experienced guide will lead you to the best locations.

Buhoma Sector – through the "Neck" to Ruhija Sector

Spend the morning birding in the Buhoma Sector, searching for Albertine Rift endemics. In the afternoon, drive to Ruhija Sector, stopping at a key birding site called "The Neck". Look out for Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-chat, and Dusky Twinspot.

Day 5: Albertine Rift Endemic Birding: Birding in Ruhijja Sector, Evening transfer to Kisoro

Mubwindi Swamp – Kisoro Town; After breakfast, carry a packed lunch and hike to Mubwindi Swamp, a prime birding site. This is one of the best places to find the African Green Broadbill and Grauer’s Rush Warbler. Other Albertine Rift endemics here include Handsome Francolin, Blue-headed and Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Regal Sunbird.

After birding, transfer to Kisoro Town for Mgahinga National Park.

Day 6: Uganda Birding: Mgahinga National Park

Spend the morning birding in Mgahinga National Park. Key birds include Rwenzori Turaco, Cape Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson-wing, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Doherty’s Bushshrike, and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher.

Day 7: Departure:

Morning birding or cultural experience (depending on flight schedule).

Transfer back to Entebbe Birding for your evening departure flight