7 DAYS BIRDING AND CHIMPANZEE TRACKING SAFARI

7 Days birding and Chimpanzee tracking safari

This 7 Days birding and Chimpanzee tracking safari: gives you an exceptional nature and bird watching experience through some of Uganda’s best spots. This safari will take you to Kibale Forest National Park with a variety of birds and for your chimpanzee tracking. The safari will also take you to Semuliki and Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for Acacia Associated Birds.

Travel schedule

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking-Birding

Day 3: Transfer to Semuliki National Park

Day 4: Whole day birding in Semuliki National Park

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6: Game drive-Boat cruise

Day 7: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After your early morning breakfast, you will start on your journey to Kibale forest National Park driving through the green country side and tea plantations. The park is the most magnificent of Uganda’s tropical rain forests and one the most rewarding areas to explore. The park basically boasts over 372 bird species with 13 primate species. Upon arrival, you will check in the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you will head for your first birding activity looking out for different bird species. Some of these include; Grey winged robin chat, Blue shouldered robin chat, Yellow spotted barbet. Black billed turaco, White-napped pigeon, Green breasted pitta, Red chested fluff tail, African pitta. Joyful green bull, Cabanis green bull, Grey throated fly catcher, Nathan’s Francolin, Tinny sunbird, etc. Later head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

  • Ndali lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking-Birding

After early morning breakfast, you will transfer to the headquarters for briefing then later hit the forest in search of the chimpanzees. Their location will depend on their movements and upon locating them, you will be given one hour their presence.  Here, you will enjoy their daily activities like the young ones playing, etc. Do not forget to carry your binoculars as the chimps tend to foliage in the tree canopies. The chimp trek may yield sightings of other primates like the colobus monkeys, baboons, red tailed and velvet monkeys among others. Afterwards, head back to the lodge for lunch as you prepare for your afternoon birding. Later head to Bigodi wetland sanctuary in search for different bird species. Some of these include; Malachite kingfishers, African jacana, grey crowned crane, Papyrus gonolek, Brown throated wattled eye, Black billed turaco, Great blue turaco etc. Head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

  • Ndali lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Semuliki National Park

After your morning breakfast, check out of the lodge and start on your journey to Semuliki National Park. This park hosts over 441 recorded species. And 46 Guinea-Congo biome bird species cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa. Upon arrival check in your lodge have lunch and later head for birding looking out for different bird species. Some of these include; Congo serpent eagle, black throated coucal, long tailed hawk, spot breasted ibis, Yellow throated nicater. Northern bearded scrub robin, Red chested owlet, Western bronze, etc. Head back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

  • Ntoroko lodge

Day 4: Whole day birding in Semuliki National Park

After an early morning breakfast, you will have your packed lunch and go for birding for the whole day in the forest. Kirumira trails have become the most popular trail because of its richness in diversity of bird species. Here you will look out for a variety of different bird species therefore, don’t forget your binoculars as well as birding books. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

 Accommodation

  • Ntoroko lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast check out of the lodge and later drive southwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the second largest park in Uganda and hosting over 600 bird species. It has an excellent variety of birds which can be viewed and these include; Pelicans, Skimmers, kingfishers, Thick-knees, storks Martins, Swallows, Weavers, canaries, kites, etc. Check in your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

  • Buffalo Safari Lodge

Day 6: Game drive-Boat cruise

After early morning breakfast, will go for a morning game drive looking out for different mammals as well as bird species. Return for lunch at your lodge and later in the afternoon go for a boat cruise on Kazinga channel. The channel connects Lake George and Edward, best known in the region for its diversity of bird species. Some of the birds to spot while on the boat include; African skimmers, Green backed heron. African spoonbill, African crake, Water thick-knee, wood and common sandpiper, grey headed gull. Plain Martin lesser swamp-warbler and Yellow-billed oxpecker, etc. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Accommodation

  • Buffalo Safari Lodge

Day 7: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and head back to Kampala/Entebbe for your scheduled flight back home.

End of Birding Safari

Includes

  • Transport for the whole journey.
  • Bottled drinking water.
  • Meal at the lodge.
  • Entrance fees.
  • Services of an English-speaking bird guide
  • All mentioned activities.

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses: alcohol, laundry services and souvenirs
  • Tips