This 6-Day Wildlife and Birding Safari takes you through Uganda’s most popular national parks. These are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. This Africa Safari tour offers an exciting mix of wildlife viewing, birding and scenery. The diverse habitant range from open savannahs, wetlands and closed tropical forests with opportunities to see numerous bird species. And also large game and primates including the rare mountain gorillas. Taking you approximately 900square kilometers, this 6-Day Wildlife and Birding Safari is sure to be an unforgettable experience of Uganda’s natural beauty.
Day 1: Pick up from Entebbe International airport or your Hotel – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your 6-Day Wildlife and Birding Safari adventure will begin on arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide. He will later brief you about the whole trip. The journey from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park which will be our first destination will begin, taking you through Uganda’s countryside, with glimpse of rural life and rolling hills. You will have a quick stop over at the equator for snacks as well as some photos and a brief demonstration of the Coriolis Effect. Continuing on through Mbarara, there are vast banana plantations and Ankole cattle to be seen grazing in open fields.
Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, there will be an evening game drive to offer the first chance to witness Uganda’s incredible wildlife. Keep an eye out for elephants, buffalos, Uganda kobs and some bird species such as the African fish eagle, Grey-headed kingfisher, White-backed vulture, long-created Eagle, African Wattle Lapwing among others, and if lucky, predators like lions or leopards preparing for the night hunt. As the sun sets over the savannah horizon, the sky becomes a Kaleidoscope of color, the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening at the lodge. The nocturnal sounds of the African bush will lull you into a comfortable night’s sleep, ready for the adventures of the following day.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Pumba safari cottages
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game drive and Afternoon Boat cruise
The 2nd day of your tour will begin with an early morning Game drive in the Kasenyi plains, which is one of the best places to see the Big Predators at work. The Open savannah of Kasenyi is spotted with huge herds of Uganda Kobs, which attract lions on the Hunt. Other sights that can be seen here are warthogs, hyenas and elusive Leopards resting in the acacia trees. The soft golden morning light makes each sighting special and a privilege. After your morning adventure, you will go back to the lodge for some Breakfast and refreshments before heading out for the boat cruise.
In the afternoon, go for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise is one of the most pleasurable activities in the park and offers close views of hippos and crocodiles and a plethora of birds on the banks such as the African Skimmer, Pink-backed pelican, Grey-headed Gull, Pied kingfisher, malachite kingfisher among others. The tranquility of the channel, coupled with the awesome scenery, making it a thrilling yet relaxing experience.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Pumba safari cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector
After an early morning breakfast, you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will a quick game drive in the Ishasha sector, famously known for its tree-climbing lions. Unlike other lions, these unique predators spend their most of their time on the branches of fig trees, possibly to escape the heat or biting flies on the ground, the journey then continues to Bwindi, switching scenery from Savannah to thick highland forests. The drive is picturesque, passing through tea plantations and rolling hills as you get closer.
As you ascend further up to the mountains, the air becomes cooler and the landscape becomes a dense, green mosaic. The sounds of the forest, from birdsong to the rustle of leaves, create a soft symphony that immerses you in Bwindi’s Natural beauty.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National park
The highlight of your safari today is trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi. After an early morning briefing, you will set off together with others trekkers into the dense forest to locate habituated mountain gorilla group. The trek can be tough, lasting 2-6 hours, but being among these gentle giants is a reward unlike any other. One hour with the gorillas provides a close-up experience, observing them as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat.
As you trek along the forest, you are surrounded by the sounds of the jungle- the crisps of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant wail of a gorilla. The terrain, dense with underbrush, has you treading cautiously through the ground, but the thrill of the trek compels you to continue. By the time you reach the gorillas, the experience is humbling and the majesty of the creatures leaves you breathless.
In the afternoon, go out for Bwindi’s incredible birdlife with a guided birding safari in the forest trails. The park is home to over 350bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. As you walk in the forest, the canopy overhead erupts with melodies from a number of bird species, and the guide identifies some of the rare and endemic species such as the Grauer’s Broadbill, Rwenzori Baits, Doherty’s Bush shrike, Bar-tailed trogon, black bee eater among others.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Gorilla Mist Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for evening game drive
After breakfast, you will depart Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park. The journey is picturesque, winding through hilly highlands before descending into Lake Mburo’s acacia-dotted savannah. Arrive and take an afternoon game drive during which you will see zebras, elands, giraffes, and topis. Lake Mburo is unlike Uganda’s other parks in that it has no big predators, so guided walking safaris are available.
As you go on the game drive in the park, the landscape unfolds with rolling hills, wooded valleys and sparkling lakes. The game drive provides an opportunity to see a number of antelopes like the impala, topi and bushbucks. The avifauna of the park is also on display with the African Finfoot and Red-faced Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, white headed go-away bird, Black-bellied bustard being seen.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock
Budget: Eagle’s Nest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Morning Nature walk and drive back to Kampala
Begin the last day of your 6-Day Wildlife and Birding Safari with a guided nature walk, a special experience in Lake Mburo where one can walk in the park. This enables close contact with impalas, warthogs, waterbucks, and giraffes, as well as great birdwatching along the lakeshore. The walk offers a chance to see the park’s varied habitats, from the grasslands to the woodlands, and to view some of the parks special bird species. Following the walk, return to the lodge for breakfast, then embark on the journey back to Entebbe. Lunch stop en route is offered in Mbarara or at the equator for souvenirs and refreshments. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Entebbe International Airport or at your hotel, bringing this amazing safari experience to a close.
This 6-Day Wildlife and Birding Safari provides a first-rate experience of three diverse national parks. From the savannah of Queen Elizabeth to the tropical rainforest of Bwindi and the picturesque Lake Mburo, travelers will witness Uganda’s staggering biodiversity. The combination of game viewing, gorilla trekking, and birdwatching promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether hiking to view the mountain gorillas, spotting the elusive Shoebill, or watching the tree-climbing lions. This trip has something for every nature enthusiast.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Package includes:
- Transportation in a 4*4 Safari vehicle
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Entry fees
- All activities mentioned
- Meals and drinking water
- An English speaking guide
- Airport pickups and drop offs
Package excludes:
- Air tickets
- Visas