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16 Days
Availability : Jan 1’ - Dec 31’
Entebbe
Uganda, Entebbe, Kampala, Kibale, Bwindi, Kasese, Semuliki
Min Age : 21+
Max People : 200

16 Day Birding and Primate Tour

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Immerse yourself in the captivating world of birds and primates on our exclusive 16 day birding and primate tour of Uganda. Harrier Tours will take you on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of this remarkable destination.

Locations

  1. Mabamba Swamp
  2. Kibale National Park
  3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  4. Queen Elizabeth National Park
  5. Murchison Falls National Park
  6. Royal Mile
  7. Semuliki National Park

Tour Duration

16 Days

Pickup / Drop off Offer

From Entebbe International Airport

Price Includes

  • Harrier Tours Leader and local guides
  • 15 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels and lodges
  • All main meals
  • All excursions, entry fees and permits

 

Price Excludes

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Insurance
  • Drinks, airport meals/snacks and other items of a personal nature.

What to Expect

This is a  16 Day Birding and Primate tour of Uganda that covers most of the key forest birding locations


Location Highlights:

  1. Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Mubwindi Swamp: Stand face-to-face with these gentle giants and create cherished memories in the presence of these magnificent creatures.
  2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda Mangabay: Witness the playful antics and complex social dynamics of chimpanzees as you venture deep into the lush forests.
  3. Shoebill Encounter in Mabamba Swamp: Seek out the elusive and prehistoric-looking shoebill, capturing a rare sighting of this iconic bird species.
  4. Birding at Budongo Royal Mile: Traverse the enchanting forest trails, where a vibrant symphony of bird species serenade you, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
  5. Exploring the Mystical Semuliki Forest: Enter a realm of lowland tropical forests and discover rare bird species, including the iconic shoebill, in this ethereal ecosystem.

Target species:

Wetland birds, Savanna birds, Albertine Rift endemics and Semuliki Ituri forest specials. Other expectations include Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking

Photos: 16 Day birding and Primate tour

Itinerary: 16 Day Birding and Primate tour

Day OneArrival and transfer to the Hotel

Arrival and Hotel Transfer Upon your arrival at Entebbe Airport, immerse yourself in seamless hospitality as we escort you to your luxurious accommodation, ensuring a tranquil start to your adventure. For those arriving early, enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the adjacent Entebbe Zoo. Encounter a variety of weavers, warblers, and migratory birds amidst lush greenery, with the chance to spot elusive green bulls in the dense forest patches of the zoo.

Day TwoMabamba Swamp enroute to Lake Mburo National park.

The 16 Day birding itinerary starts off with a drive to the famous Mabamba swamp.
Have an early breakfast and then go to Mabamba Swamp, which is west of Entebbe International Airport and lies on the shores of Lake Victoria. This important wetland is protected by the people who live nearby. It has huge areas of papyrus swamp with winding waterways and calm ponds in between. Mabamba is known as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it is the nesting ground of the Shoebill, Uganda’s most famous bird. The Shoebill is a well-known species that draws birdwatchers from all over the world with its unique beauty and ability to hide.
sshoebill in Mabamba wetland | 16 Day Birding and Primate Tour
 
Today, immerse yourself in a special excursion, paddling through the tranquil channels by boat in search of this remarkable bird. Along the way, encounter a plethora of classic African water birds, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Pink-backed Pelican, Long-tailed Cormorant, Goliath, Purple, Squacco , and Black-headed Herons, African Fish eagle and African Marsh Harrier, yellow-billed Duck, African and Lesser Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing, Blue-breasted bee-eaters, Swamp flycatcher, Hamerkop, African water Rail, Allen’s Gallinule, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Grey-crowned Crane, African open bill Stork, Northern Brown Throated, Orange, Golden-backed, Black-headed and Village weavers, Red-chested Sunbird, cape wagtail, Fan-tailed widowbird, winding Cisticola, African Grey parrots can be seen flying overhead, Lizard Buzzard.
 
As you explore the fringes of Mabamba Swamp, discover a rich tapestry of birdlife amidst the surrounding farmlands you are likely to find Great Blue and Ross`s Turacos, Western banded snake Eagle, Black and white casqued Hornbill, African pied Hornbill ,Superb Sunbird, Weyns`s Weaver, Purple and splendid glossy Starlings, Later proceed to Lake Mburo National park.

Day ThreeLake Mburo National Park

Begin your adventure bright and early after a delightful breakfast. Lake Mburo National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover an array of southern savannah species, making it a must-visit destination in Uganda.

African finfoot in Lake Mburo national park | Uganda
African finfoot in Lake Mburo national park | Uganda

Of particular interest are sightings of the Red-faced Barbet, Tabora Cisticola, African Finfoot, and White-backed Night Heron, which thrive within the park’s diverse ecosystem. As you traverse through the park, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery dominated by towering grass savannahs punctuated by majestic Acacia and Euphorbia trees.

Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant inhabitants of this remarkable habitat, including the Crested Francolin, Emerald- sported wood Dove, Brown Parrot , Bare-faced Go away bird, Blue napped Mousebird , Lilac-breasted Roller, Green wood hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill ,African Grey Hornbill, Sport Flanked, White Headed and double toothed Barbets, Nubian and cardinal Woodpeckers, Trilling Cisticola,Yellow breasted Apalis, Northern blackTit, Chin-spot Batis, Greater Blue Eared Starling , Marico Sunbird, Black headed Gonolek, Brown backed and white browed scrub Robin, Rufous Chested Swallow, Black Bellied Bustard, African Wattled Plover,Rufous Napped and Flapped Lark, Coqui francolin, Yellow-throated Long claw and southern Red Bishop, migratory brown Chested Plovers can be seen from the second week of July to December.

As dusk descends upon the savannah, embark on a thrilling nocturnal exploration, seeking out elusive nocturnal species such as the Black shouldered Nightjar , Swamp and Pennant winged Nightjars, Verreaux`s Eagle owl, African Scops Owl.

Let the allure of Lake Mburo National Park captivate your senses as you uncover the secrets of its vibrant avian community.

Day FiveBirding Mubwindi Swamp

Uncover the mesmerising allure of Ruhija’s renowned Mubwindi Swamp, an oasis teeming with rare and indigenous species. Immerse yourself in the verdant forests as you hunt for elusive treasures, from the captivating Handsome Francolin to the exquisite Mountain Masked Apalis. Nature will spellbind you as it reveals its magnificent spectacle, unveiling the mysteries of this vibrant haven.

Rwenzori Hill Babbler | 16 Day Birding and Primate Tour
Rwenzori Hill Babbler in Bwindi Forest

Prepare for an unforgettable highlight of our 16-day birding itinerary as we venture into Ruhija to discover the famed Mubwindi Swamp. Here, you’ll encounter an extraordinary array of species, including the elusive Handsome Francolin, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Ruwenzori Apalis, Cherry-throated Apalis, White-breasted Crombec, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, Scally-throated Honey Guide, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Doherty`s Bushrike, Mountain Illadopsis, Red-throated Alethe, Black-headed Alethe, Shelly`s Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dusky Twinspot, Grauer`s Warbler, Dwarf Honey Guide, White-started Robin, white-tailed-blue flycatcher, Mountain Thrush, Mountain Oriole,Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, Yellow-billed and grey-chase barbets, Waller`s Starling, Narina Trogon, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, African Green Broadbill, Ruwenzori Batis, Archer`s Robin, Evergreen Forest Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, Chubb`s Cisticola, Banded Prinia, Oriole Finch, Mountain and yellow-striped greenbulls, barred long-tailed cuckoos, streaky seed eaters, Brown Necked Parrot, Slender Billed Starling, Olive Pigeons, Mountain Buzzard, White Naped Raven, African Crowned Eagle, Regal Sunbird, Purple Breasted Sunbird, Blue Headed Sunbird, Northern Bouble couloured Sunbird and Variable Sunbird, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Western green Tinker bird, Strange weaver and Black Billed weaver, Mountain Yellow Warbler, yellow whiskered green bul. White-eyed slaty flycatcher, Nocturnal species that are likely to be seen include Ruwnzori nightjars and African wood owls.

Day SixBirding the Neck to Buhoma

The Neck, a slender divide between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Ruhija and Buhoma sectors, beckons with its verdant riverine forest canopy. Here, amidst this lush landscape, you’ll encounter a diverse array of avian delights.

Kakamega Greenbul | 16 Day Birding and Primate Tour
Kakamega Greenbul

Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher, African black duck, Mountain wagtail, kakamega, and red-tailed greenbulls, Toro olive, little grey, white-toothed, slender-billed, and Cameroon sombre greenbulls, yellow-spotted, hairy-breasted, yellow-billed, and grey-toothed barbets, olive long-tailed, dusky-long-tailed, and African Emerald cuckoos, black-billed and brown-capped weavers, dusky tit, grey-headed and Northern double-coloured, olive, and green sunbird, dusky blue and African dusky flycatchers, African shrike flycatcher, grey and buff-toothed and black-toothed apalises, red-headed Malimbe, red-tailed bristlebil,narrow-tailed, purple-headed, and Stuhllmann`s starlings, tambourine dove and Western bronze-naped igeon, It is also the best place in Uganda to find the black bee-eater.

Day SevenBirding in Buhoma main trail.

Today we shall leave early after our breakfast and bird Buhoma trail, here we shall look out for species such as, Newmann`s Warbler, African Broadbill, Black Faced rufous Warbler, Red capped, grey winged and Blue shouldered Robin chats , Chapin’s Flycatcher, Oriole Finch , Arsornge`s Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat and White bellied Robin Chat , Great blue and Black billed Turacos, Pink footed Puffback,Many Colored, Bocage`s and Luhder`s Bush Shrike, Scally Breasted, Pale Breasted and Mountain Illadopsis ,Thick Billed Seedeater, MacKinnon’s Fiscal, Elliot`s and Fine banded , Buff spotted and Cadinal Woodpecker, Brown throated wattle Eye, Baglafect Weavers, Red faced woodland warblers, White bellied crested Flycatcher,Blue throated brown Sunbird, Ayres`s Hawk Eagle, African Goshawk , Frazer`s eagle Owl Vanga flycatcher,Petti`s Cuckoo Shrike, Yellow Rumped Tinker bird, White chinned Prinnia, Grey Headed Negofinch, Red headed Bluedbill, Olive green Camaroptera ,Bronze , Scarllet chested , and Green headed sunbird, Cassin`s honey Bird, Honey guide greenbull , to mention but a few.

Day EightBirding in Queen Elizabeth

Today we start early after breakfast for Queen Elizabeth National park. This will be a whole day birding and travelling as we make several stops in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth in Ishasha birding on the way.
Queen Elizabeth is yet another area with some of the highest biodiversity ratings than any other game park in the world. Its varied habitat s of open savannah, Accacia woodlands, tropical rainforests, Dense papyrus Swamp and lakes makes it one of the richest parks in Africa. Here we shall look for species such as; Trilling , Red faced, Croaking, Stout and Zitting Cisticolas, Hollub`s golden weavers, White headed and Double toothed Barbets, Sooty Chat, Broad Tailed and African Moustached warblers, White winged Tits, Martial Eagle, Bateleur Eagle, Ovambo Sparrow hawk, long crested Eagle, White headed ,Lappet faced, African White backed and Ruppell`s griffon Vultures, Arrow marked and Black lored Babblers, Nubian and Cardinal woodpeckers, Here we have another chance to look for Brown Chested Lapwing, Grey backed and Common Fiscal, Woodland kingfisher, White browed Robinchat,Blue spotted Wood-Dove , Red eyed Dove, Blue Throated Roller, Blue Malkoha, Red colored Widowbird, Red capped Lark,Grassland Pipit and plain Backed Pipit .

Day NineDrive to Semuliki National Park.

On this day we shall leave Early in the Morning for a game drive in the Northern part of Queen Elizabeth and Boat Cruise Later transfer to Semuliki National park. Here we look out for African Crake, Black Chinned Quail finch, Black Coucal, Green winged Pytilia, Marsh Tchagra, Black crowned lapwing, Fawn breasted, Crimson rumped and Common Waxbills, Red shouldered Cuckoo Shrike. While on the boat Cruise we shall have our first chance to see the African Skimmers, Saddle-bill Stork, African Spoonbill,Kitlitiz`s plover, Yellow-billed Stork, Goliath and Grey Herons, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, Black Crakes and many other migratory and resident shore birds.

Day TenBirding in Semuliki valley National Park to the famous Kirumia Trail.

Semuliki national park lies in the Albertine Rift valley, north-west of the Ruwenzori Mountain. Semuliki forest represents an easterly extension of the great Ituri forest of the North-eastern DRC and its flora and fauna show strong affinities with the Congo basin forests, this therefore makes it the best place in Uganda with high chances of encountering most of the West African species that cannot easily be accessed from other places. We shall start at dawn after an early Breakfast and set off with our packed lunches and spend the whole day birding in the Kirumia trail or any other part of the forest, Key species include; Red-Billed Dwarf, Black Dwarf, Piping ,African pied, Black and White Casqued, Crowned, White Crested, Black Casqued Wattled , and White Thighed Hornibills, Red rumped, yellow rumped and Yellow Throated Tinkerbirds, Yellow throated, Dusky Long tailed, Red Chested, and African Emerald Cuckoos, Rufous Sided Broadbills, Blue Billed, Crested and Red Headed Malimbe, Green-Tailed and Red tailed Bristle bill Fire Crested and Brown Chested Alethe, Lowland Akalat and Eastern Forest Robin ,Leave-Love, Pale fronted and Chestnut fronted Negrofinches, African Piculet, Grey throated Rail, Nkulengu Rail , Swamp Palm Bulbul ,Ituri Batis, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Maxwell`s black Weaver, Yellow throated Nicator, Grey Headed Sunbird, Lemon Bellied and Green Crombec ,Lowland Sooty Boubou ,White naped and Olive Pigeon ,Red tailed and White tailed Ant-Thrush ,Rufous Flycatcher Thrush, Congo Serpent Eagle, Ayres`s and Cassin`s Hawk Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Grants and Red billed Blue bill, Yellow Long bill , Narina Trogon , Yellow Crested, Brown eared and Gabon Woodpeckers, Icterine,Xavier`s Simple Red tailed, and little Greenbuls , to mention but a few.

Day ElevenBirding to Kibale National Park

Today we shall leave at dawn and continue birding in this rainforest and our key species here will the Green-Breasted Pitta, kibale is so far the best place in Africa to find this Pitta. other species will be , White spotted Flufftail, Jameson`s Wattle Eye, African Blue Flycatcher, Afep , White naped and Western bronze naped Pigeon, Joyful Greenbul, Brown-Backed Scrub Robin, Purple headed and Chestnut winged Starling ,Red Chested Owlet, Shinning Blue and Blue Breasted Kingfisher, Brown and Scally breasted Illadopsis , Western Black Headed Oriole, Grey throated tit Flycatcher, Crested Guinea fowl, White Throated Greenbul Yellow Spotted, Yellow Billed and Hairy Breasted Barbets.

Day TwelveBirding to Budongo forest

We wake up this morning, Have breakfast and Set off for Budongo area. This will be a whole day travelling with a good chance of birding on the way, Stop over will be done on strategic points to provide Birding Opportunities, stretching our legs and enjoying our picnic Lunch, Arriving in Masindi Late in the evening.

Day Thirteen Whole Day Birding to the Famous Celebrated Royal mile

We shall have early morning Breakfast carry our packed Lunch and drive tone of Uganda `s Birdwaching hot spot, The Royal Mile, Historically known as leisure spot for the tradition King of Bunyoro hence the Royal. The forest comprises of very huge mahogany trees and the forest has been cut back a few meters along the sides of the mail trail providing excellent Viewing area .
Key species include African Dwarf and Chocolate Backed Kingfishers, African Pigmy, Blue Breasted and Shinning Blue kingfishers, Yellow and grey Longbill, Forest Flycatcher, Rufous Crowned Elemomela, Yellow browed Camaraptera, Spotted Greenbull, Cassin`s and Sabine’s Spinetail , Nahan`s francolin, Chestnut Capped flycatcher ,Yellow Mantled weavers, Cassin`s Hawk Eagle, Blue throated Roller, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Olive Bellied, Green Throated, Green headed, Grey Headed, Western Black headed Oriole, Yellow crested and Brown eared Woodpeckers, White thighed Hornbills, Ituri Batis, Chestnut wattle eye, White breasted Negrofinch, Pale breasted, Scally Breasted and Brown Illadopsis ,Rufous flycatcher Thrush , Tambourine dove, Slender Billed, Toro olive, Cameroon Sombre, White throated, little Grey and little Greenbulls, . Later after Lunch we proceed to Murchison Falls National Park.

Day FourteenBirding in Murchison Falls National Park

On this 16 Day birding itinerary we visit Uganda’s biggest National Park and famous for its big game, spectacular scenery and the falls for which the park was named. where we will enjoy game drive in the morning and a boat Cruise in the afternoon.
The birding experience here is greatly enhanced by the abundant wildlife and scenic landscape of wetlands; dry savannah and open habitats are more special Birds. The key species here will be ; Blue-naped and Speckled Mouse birds, Spotted Morning Thrush, Siverbird, Buff-bellied Warbler,Black Headed Batis, Black Headed Gonolek, Chestnut-crowned and white browed Sparrow weaver,Viteline Masked weaver and Green-winged Pytilia ,Denham`s and Black bellied Bustard, Crested and Heuglin`s Francolin, Red-throated, White Throated, Swallow-tailed and Little Bee-eaters, Black bellied and BarBreasted firefinches, Bruce`s and African Green pigeons, Red-necked Falcon and Grey Kestrel, Senegal and Spotted Thicknee, Black Billed and Blue spotted Wood-Dove ,Double toothed, Spot flanked, and Black Billed Barbets, White crested Turacos ,Speckle-fronted Weavers, Slender billed and Compact Weavers,Red-winged grey and Red winged Warblers, Broad-Billed and Abyssinian Rollers,Piapiac , Yellow Mantled Widowbird and Northern Red Bishop,Whisling,Siffling, Singing,Zitting,Rattling,Croacking and Foxy Cisticolas , Sooty and White Fronted black Chat ,Northern White Crested Helmet shrike, Yellow billed Shrike, Dark and Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Northern Camine Bee-eaters, Grey headed , Woodland, and Striped Kingfishers, Brown Babblers, Abyssinian Ground and Grey Hornbills ,Northern Black Flycatcher, Beautiful Sunbird, Vinaceous Dove, Osprey , Grey backed and Woodchat Shrike, Shelley`s Rufous

Day FifteenBirding on the way from Murchison falls National Park to Entebbe

Day sixteenDeparture

FAQ

How do I book a tour with Harrier Tours?

Booking with Harrier Tours is simple! You can either book directly through our website or get in touch with our friendly team via email or phone to discuss your preferences and customize your itinerary.

What sets Harrier Tours apart from other tour companies?

At Harrier Tours, we pride ourselves on our intimate knowledge of the local terrain, personalized experiences, and passionate guides who ensure every moment of your journey is unforgettable.

What type of accommodation can I expect during the 16-Day Birding and Primate Tour?

We offer comfortable and well-appointed accommodations ranging from boutique lodges to eco-friendly camps, ensuring a restful retreat after each day of exploration.

What level of birding expertise is required for the 16-Day Birding and Primate Tour?

Our tour is suitable for birding enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced birdwatchers. Our expert guides provide informative insights and cater to varying levels of expertise.

What is the cancellation policy for the 16-Day Birding and Primate Tour?

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the timing of your cancellation and other factors. Please refer to our terms and conditions or contact our team for detailed information on our cancellation policy.

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