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

23 Day Mammal Watching and Birding Tour

Join us on an amazing 23 day Mammal watching and birding tour across the beautiful landscapes of Uganda, and prepare to have your mind blown. Harrier Tours has put together an exciting itinerary that includes both birding and encounters with intriguing mammalss. Uganda will enchant you with its magnificent national parks, abundant wildlife, and friendly locals.

Beginning with your arrival in Entebbe, where our seasoned crew will greet you with open arms, we will slowly but surely reveal the hidden treasures of this wonderful country. We’ll then go further into Uganda to learn about the country’s many ecosystems and help protect its animals.

This 23 day Mammal watching and birding tour offers an unparalleled chance to uncover the spirit of wanderlust in the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda, with its perfect combination of birding, animal encounters, and cultural immersions. Join us on this incredible adventure, designed with care and skill, as we make memories that will last a lifetime.

Locations

  1. Mabamba Swamp
  2. Mabira Forest
  3. Pian-upe Wildlife Reserve
  4. Moroto
  5. Kidepo valley National Park
  6. Murchison Falls National Park
  7. Royal Mile, Masindi
  8. Kibale National Park
  9. Semuliki National Park
  10. Queen Elizabeth National Park
  11. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  12. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
  13. Lake Mburo National Park

Tour Duration

23 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

Prepare for an extraordinary journey with Harrier Tours, where you can expect a range of incredible experiences. Explore Uganda’s diverse avian population and be astounded by the variety of bird species, including the elusive Shoebill and captivating kingfishers.

Encounter captivating wildlife up close, from tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to spotting majestic lions, elephants, and giraffes in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Embark on thrilling primate safaris, trekking through lush forests to witness chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and observing the playful antics of baboons and monkeys in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through engaging interactions with local communities, and be enchanted by the country’s breathtaking landscapes, from rolling savannahs to lush rainforests and majestic waterfalls.

Expect a journey filled with unparalleled birdwatching, fascinating wildlife encounters, immersive cultural experiences, and awe-inspiring scenic beauty. Join us on this remarkable tour and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Uganda.


Key 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 from Previous Tours

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Start of  Birding and Mammal Watching Tour

Transfer from Entebbe International Airport to the Boma Hotel or Airport Guest House upon arrival. You can visit Uganda’s national garden, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, depending on your arrival time.

The  Botanical Gardens were founded in 1898 and are situated along Lake Victoria’s famed beaches, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The area is a fantastic place to start learning about Uganda’s wildlife and basic birdwatching.

The grounds are home to thriving troops of red-tailed, velvet, and Guereza Colobus monkeys. Also, there is a significant possibility you may encounter a spot-necked otter along the lake. 

The following bird species can be seen: Pink-backed Pelicans, African Grey Parrots, Great Blue Turacos, Ross’s Turacos, Eastern Grey Planting Eaters, Black and White Casqued Hornbills, African Pied Hornbills, African Open-Bill Stocks, Yellow-billed Stocks, and Bat Hawks.

Day 2:  Birding Mabamba Swamp and Mabira Forest

After a leisurely breakfast, go to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria’s shoreline. A large papyrus swamp with channels and lagoons that is designated as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and is home to numerous pairs of Shoebills, Uganda’s most renowned resident birds, is one of the many wetlands in the nation that are preserved by the local community.

One of the most desired birds in Africa, this spectacular species is the lone member of its family. We’ll put extra effort into finding it today by boating through the waterways. Of course, there will be a good variety of African water birds.  

African Marsh Harrier, African Fish Eagle, African and Lesser Jacana;  Yellow-billed Duck; Long-toed Lapwing;  Hamerkop; Blue-breasted Bee-eaters;  Allen’s Gallinule; African Water Rail; Swamp Flycatcher; Papyrus Canary; Papyrus Gonolek; Grey-crowned Crane; Red-chested Sunbirds; African open-billed Stork; Northern Brown Throated; Orange, Golden-backed; Black-headed; and Herons;  Cape Wagtails, Winding Cisticolas, Fan-Tailed Widowbirds; and African Grey Parrots.

Later in the day, we will head for Mabira Forest. In this forest the chances of encountering African Wood Owl, Eastern Potto, Demiddoff’s Galagos, and Lord Derby’s anomalous are quite high.

Overnight at Mabira Forest Lodge

Day 3: Nature walk in Mabira and later transfer to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve 

Nestled between Lugazi and Jinja in Uganda, the magnificent Mabira Forest stands as a sprawling rainforest spanning approximately 300 square kilometers. With its rich biodiversity and captivating beauty, this forest has been safeguarded as the Mabira Forest Reserve since 1932, preserving its natural treasures for future generations to cherish.
The enchanting Mabira Forest Reserve is renowned for its rich avian population, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. With over 300 species of birds calling this forest home, you’ll have the opportunity to spot rare and endemic species as they flit through the canopy.

From the elusive African wood owl to the vibrant African grey parrots, each feathered inhabitant adds a touch of magic to the forest’s symphony of sounds.
But it’s not just the birds that make Mabira Forest Reserve a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. The forest is also home to a diverse range of mammals, including the agile Eastern potto, the charismatic Demidoff’s galagos and the threatened and endemic Uganda Mangabey Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of these elusive creatures as you embark on unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Birds you are likely to find: Nahan’s Francolin, Grey Long Bill, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Capuchin’s Babbler, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Forest Wood-hoopoe, Tit Hylia,  Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, Shinning Blue Kingfisher,  African Crowned Eagle, Red-caped Robin-Chat, Red-headed Blue Bill, Eastern Forest Robin, and Green-tailed Bristle Bill.

Day 4: Transfer to  Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve

Venture into the captivating realm of Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve, an exquisite conservation area nestled in the Karamoja subregion of northeastern Uganda. Prepare to encounter a diverse array of extraordinary creatures that inhabit this enchanting landscape, including Leopold, Cheetah, Sitatunga, Klipspringer, Uganda Kobs, Eland, Topis, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Serval Cats, Bat-Eared Foxes, White-Tailed Mongooses, Roan Antelope, Bush Pigs, Bohor Reedbuck, and Jackson’s Heartbeats each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of life in this remarkable sanctuary.
But the wonders of Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve extend far beyond its terrestrial inhabitants. Delight in the sightings of rare avian species that grace the skies above. Behold the captivating Fox’s Weaver, an exclusive endemic bird found only within the confines of Pian-Upe.

Joining this extraordinary creature are an array of other fascinating birds, including the Black-bellied Fire Finch, Clapperton’s Francolin, Common Ostrich, Karamoja Apalis, Lapped Vulture, Purple Grenadier, Red-and Yellow Barbet, Red-winged Lark, Rufous Chatterer, Stone Partridge, White-backed Vulture, White-bellied Bustard, White-bellied Tit, White-billed Buffalo Weaver, White-headed Buffalo-Weaver, Yellow-billed Shrike.

Day 5: Travel to the Moroto Mountains.

As we bid farewell to the awe-inspiring Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve, our path leads us towards the captivating Moroto Mountains. Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure as we traverse the untamed landscapes, punctuated by delightful stopovers that unveil a symphony of avian marvels.

Prepare to be enchanted by African Grey Flycatcher, Augur Buzzard, Black-headed Plover, Bristle Crowned, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Fan-tailed Raven, Fawn-coloured Lark, Four-banded Sand Grouse, Goliath Heron, Grey Wren Warbler, Hemprich’s Hornbill, Jackson’s Hornbill, Jameson’s Firefinch, Long-billed Pipit, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Pygmy Batis, Silverbird, Straw-tailed Whydah, Superb Starling, White-bellied Go-away Bird, White-crested Turaco, Yellow-bellied Eremomela.

Rufous-bellied herons, African jacanas, and Goliath herons in wetlands including swamps and marshes.

Day 6: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park 

Embark on a captivating expedition as we bid adieu to the breathtaking landscapes of Moroto and venture towards the mesmerizing Kidepo Valley National Park . Traverse vast stretches of savannah grasslands, immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of the untamed wilderness. Along this scenic route, we have the opportunity to encounter a plethora of extraordinary creatures, including those that may have eluded us in the remarkable Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve.

Day 7: Game Drive in Kidepo Valley National Park

The far north-east corner of Uganda, near Kenya and South Sudan, is home to this national park, which is the country’s most isolated and lonely.

African Elephant, Zebra, Spotted Hyena, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Side-striped Jackal, Giraffe, Defassa Waterbuck, Warthogs, Dwarf Crocodiles, Topi, Bat-Eared Fox, White-Eared Kob, Uganda Kob, Rock Hyrax, and Orib are among the wildlife that may be seen in this area.

Birds: species like the Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird,  Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Abyssinian Roller,  and black-breasted barbet are among those to keep an eye out for here. Tiny Weaver, Yellow-rumped Seed Eater, Yellow-billed Shrike, Red-tailed Chat, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Rufous Bushchat.

The following species are also present: Red-pate  and Foxy Cisticola, Red-faced Crombec, Vinaceous Dove, Buff-bellied Warbler, Black-bellied Bustard, White-crested Helmet-Shrike, Black-faced Waxbill,  Yellow-spotted Petronia, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Brown Parrot,  Pygmy Falcon, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Fox Kestrel, Beautiful Sunbird, Scaly Francolin, Little Green Bee-Eater,  Mountain Buzzard, Red-winged Starling, Dusky Turtle Dove,  and Abyssinian Scimtarbil

Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls; Stay at Pakuba Game Lodge  

The park, which is Uganda’s largest national park and a popular tourist attraction, gets its name from the magnificent falls that can be located right in the midst of this vast park. The abundant wildlife and beautiful wetlands landscape in the region greatly enhance the birding experience, but the birds really like the more unusual environments of the dry savannah and open spaces.

The Spotted Morning Thrush, Black-headed Gonolek, Grey Kestrel, Red-winged Warblers, Silverbirds, and Green-winged Pytilia will be the prominent species here. Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Red-throated Bee-eaters, Grey-headed Kingfishers, Denham’s Bustards, Black-Headed Batis, Sooty Chats, Yellow Mantled Widowbirds, Blue-naped Mousebirds, and more species are found in the area. Dark Chanting Goshawk, Broad-Billed Rollers, White-Browed Sparrow Weaver, Yellow-billed Shrike, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Black-billed Barbets, Speckled Mousebirds, White-Crested Turacos Flycatcher, Northern Black, Ground Hornbills of Abyssinia, Grey-backed Shrikes, Spotted Thicknee Sunbirds, African Green Pigeons, and other birds Masked weaver Vitelline, barbets with double teeth, Senegal thick-knees, compact weaver Firefinches with a red belly, buff-bellied Warblers, Bruce’s Pigeons, and other species Whistling Cisticolas, Singing Cisticolas, Rattling Cisticolas, Croaking Cisticolas, Foxy Cisticolas, Woodland Kingfishers, Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow, Whistling Cisticolas, Singing Cisticolas, Singing Cisticolas, Singing Cisticolas, Red-necked Falcon, Black-billed Barbets, Crested Francolin, Speckle-fronted Weavers, Black-bellied Fire Finches, White-throated Bee-eaters, Spot-Flanked Barbets, Black Headed Gonolek, Northern Red Bishop, Heuglin’s Francolin, White-Crested Turacos, and Vinaceous Dove

Murchison Falls National Park still provides good game viewing, with elephants, common warthogs, giraffes, buffalo, bushbuck, and oribi among the animals. Bohor Reedbuck, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, Kongoni, Bunyoro Rabit, lions, Leopold, mash mongooses, slim mongooses, banded mongooses, Pousargue’s mongooses, Patas monkeys, Jackson’s hartebeest, and several bat species

The availability of herbivores supports a strong lion population, and here is the only area to view Patas monkeys, Tantalus monkeys, and other bat species in the dry woods north of the Nile.

Day 9: Game drive and boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

Day 10: Travel to Masindi and Birding the Royal Mile  

We’ll eat breakfast early in the morning, pack a lunch, and travel to one of Uganda’s birding hotspots, The Royal Mile in Masindi, This area was traditionally renowned as a leisure location for the traditional King of Bunyoro, hence the name “Royal.” The forest is made up of massive mahogany trees, and it has been chopped back a few metres along the sides of the main route, creating an ideal viewing area.

Red-tailed monkeys, Guezera colobus, Ugandan crested mangabeys, blue monkeys,  and olive baboons are among the wildlife.

Among the most important species are: Cameroon Sombre, Tambourine Dove, Rufous Flycatcher Thrush, Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow Mantled Weavers, Olive Bellied, Blue-throated Roller, Green Throated, Chestnut Capped Flycatcher, White Thighed Hornbills, Chocolate Backed Kingfishers, Grey-headed Oriole, White-breasted Negrofinch, Sabine’s Spinetail, Grey Longbills, Yellow-browed Camaraptera, African Pigmy, Green-headed, Ituri Batis, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Shinning Blue Kingfishers, White-throated, Little Grey, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Olive Woodpeckers, Yellow-crested Woodpeckers, Cassin’s Spinetail, Rufous Crowned Elemomela, Spotted Greenbul, Brown-eared Woodpeckers, and Little Greenbulls

Stay at the Masindi Hotel

Day 11: Transfer to Semuliki Valley National Park 

Several species of bats and the Uganda Crested Mangabey, Velvet, Red-tailed, and L. Hoest monkeys, as well as Olive Baboons, Dent’s Monkeys, Semuliki Red Colobus, De-Brazza’s Monkeys, and Guezera Colobus, are mammals.

Species of birds include: Green Crombec, Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, Red-Thrush, Rufous Sided Broadbills, African Emerald Cuckoos, Yellow Long Bill, Lemon Bellied, Yellow-Throated Nicator, Piping Hornbill, African Crowned Eagle, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Red-Chested Cuckoo, Black Dwarf Hornbill, African Piculet, Red-Billed Dwarf Hornbill, Lowland Sooty Boubou, Congo Serpent Eagle, Olive Pigeon, Gabon Woodpecker, Green-tailed Bristle Bill, Grey Headed Sunbird, Grey-Throated Rail, Rufous Flycatcher Thrush, Yellow Crested Woodpecker, White Crested Hornbill, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Red-Headed Malimbe, Leave-Love Bird, Rufous Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-Throated Tinker Birds, Brown-Eared Woodpecker, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Crested Malimbe, and Brown Chested Alethe

Day 12: Birding in Semuliki and later transfer to Kibale; stay at Guereza Canopy Lodge 

Birding and primate watching in Semuliki, later transferred to Kibale National Park

Day 13: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park

The largest number of primates in Africa may be found in Kibale National Park, a tropical rainforest known for its domesticated chimpanzees and other primates. It is referred to as the global capital of primates.

Olive baboons, Guezera colobus, Ashy Red colobus, Uganda Crested Mangabey, L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys are among the numerous animals that may be found. Drive in the evening and at night to look for the African Golden Cat and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 14: Birding in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

The Green-Breasted Pitta will be our main species here as we continue birding in this jungle today. The finest location in Africa to locate this pita is by far Kibale.

Other species include Grey-Throated Titmice Flycatcher, African Blue Flycatcher, Dark-Backed Weaver, Dusky Cuckoo, White-Throated Greenbul, Red Chested Owlet, Yellow Billed Barbet, Hairy Breasted Barbet, Jameson’s Wattle Eye, Chestnut-Winged Starling, Yellow Spotted Barbet, Shinning Blue Kingfisher, Superb Sunbird, Olive-Tailed Cuckoo, Green-Headed Sunbird, Black-Mantled Weaver, Crested Guinea Fowl, Western Black-Headed Oriole, Purple Headed Starling, and African Goshawk.

The only guaranteed location in Uganda for seeing:  Eastern Potto Demidoff’s Galogos and Thomas Galogos, Mash Mongoose, and African Palm Civet is during an evening stroll in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Day 15/Night Stay at Bush Lodge

On this day, we’ll depart early for Queen Elizabeth National Park and spend the day on a boat excursion.

Our first opportunity to see the Saddle-bill Stork, African Skimmers, African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfishers, Goliath Herons, Black Crakes, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Grey Herons, and Pied Kingfishers, along with many other migratory and resident shorebirds, will be during the boat cruise.

Lions, leopards, waterbuck, elephants, Uganda kob, cape buffalo, spotted hyenas, serval cats, giant forest pigs, banded mongooses, bushbuck, and hippopotamus are among the other animals that may be seen in the area.

Another location with some of the greatest biodiversity ratings of any wildlife park in the world is Queen Elizabeth. It is one of the richest parks in Africa due to the diversity of its ecosystems, which include Acacia trees, open grassland, lush papyrus swamps, tropical rainforests, and lakes.

Here we shall look for species such as white-headed and double-toothed barbets, sooty chat, Holub’s golden weavers, African moustached warblers, white-winged tits, Ovambo Sparrowhawks, martial eagles, long-crested eagles, broad-tailed warblers, lappet-faced vultures, African white-backed vultures, Ruppell’s griffon vultures, and black-lored babblers.

Day 16: Stay at Ride4Woman

The next day, after breakfast, we will go on a game drive to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is well-known for its tree-climbing lions. To mention but a few, other birds to see include the Green Woodhoopoe, Banded Snake Eagle, Marsh Tchagra, Sooty Chat, Hooded Vulture, Yellow-throated Long Cock, Grey Crowned Cranes, White-backed Vulture, Red-coloured Widowbird, Crimson Rumped Waxbill, White-headed Barbet, Hamerkop on their huge nests, Long-crested Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, and White-headed Vulture.

Day 17: Gorilla trekking

We’ll eat a leisurely breakfast this morning and prepare our sandwiches in preparation for our gorilla trekking trip. A remarkable life experience is climbing a hill to witness gorilla families (gentle giants) cuddling in a relaxed flocking play. You also get a chance to witness other forest antelopes, including yellow-backed duikers, blue and L’hoest monkeys, Guereza Colobus monkeys, and more. You will get the chance to get up close and personal with adults as they eat, groom, and rest, all while young stars are gently swinging from vines.

Day 18: Birding on the Buhoma Main Trail

We’ll go birding today on the Buhoma Trail, keeping an eye out for animals like the African Broadbill, Newman’s Warbler, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin Chats, Blue-shouldered Robin Chats, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Equatorial Akalat, Arsornge’s Greenbul, and White-bellied Robin Chats, among others.

In the area, you can find a variety of bird species, including the Elliot’s Woodpecker, African Goshawk, Thick-billed Seedeater, Great Blue Turaco, Luhder’s Bush-Shrike, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Pink-footed Puffback, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Many-coloured Bush-Shrike, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Cassin’s Honey Guide, Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, Pale-breasted Illadopsis, Bronze Sunbird, Red-headed Bluebill, Cardinal Woodpecker, Greenbuls, Bocage’s Bush Shrike, Grey-headed Negofinch, Fine-banded Woodpecker, White-chinned Prinnia, MacKinnon’s Fiscal, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, White-throated Mountain Babbler, Red-billed Firefinch, Yellow-rumped Tinker Bird, and Vanga Flycatcher.

Day 19: Birding in Ruhija via the Neck; stay at Trekker’s Tavern

On this day, we will go bird watching through Ruhija and the Neck area. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Ruhija and Buhoma sections are divided by a small area known as “The Neck.” The African Black Duck, Mountain Wagtail, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Kakamega and Red-tailed Greenbuls, and Red-faced Malimbe; Barbets include yellow-spotted, yellow-billed, hairy-breasted, and grey-throated barbets; Grey-throated Apalis, Black Bee-eater, Ruwenzori Apalis,  African Shrike Flycatcher, Mountain Yellow Warble; African Emerald, Olive Long-tailed, and Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo.

Also to be seen are red-tailed bristlebils, starlings such as purple-headed, narrow-tailed,  and Stuhllmann`s starlings,  Western bronze-naped pigeons, and Tamborin doves.

The Neck is also regarded as Uganda’s prime location for viewing black bee-eaters.

Day 20: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 

We’ll go to Mgahinga today and have the chance to stay at Mucha Lodge. We will go birding at Mgahinga and keep an eye out for different bird species. The following are some of the species we might see: Mountain Buzzard, Dusky Twinspot, African Crowned Eagle, White-starred Robin, Olive Pigeons, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Mountain Oriole, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Striped Tit, Handsome Francolin, White-breasted Crombec, Chubb’s Cisticola, Mountain Thrush, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Purple-breasted Sunbird

Black-fronted duikers, yellow-backed duikers, L’Hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, and Guereza Colobus monkeys are among the mammals that can be spotted in this area. The African wood owl, Ruwenzori nightjar, Demidoff’s Galagos,  Spectacled Galagos, Eastern Potto, Rare African Golden Cat, African Civet Cat,  and Side-striped Jackal are among the nocturnal species that are likely to be sighted.

Stay at Mucha Lodge.

Day 21: Stay at Mucha Lodge and Rest

Golden monkey tracking and birding 

Mgahinga National Park is the smallest park in Uganda, comprising only 33.7 square kilometres. It includes the Ugandan foothills of Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo, three of the Virunga Volcanoes. Mgahinga National Park is adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; these three parks comprise the transboundary Virunga Conservation Area, which protects half of the 780 mountain gorillas in the world. The volcanoes are the last refuge of the Golden Monkey, whose bamboo habitat can be located on the foothills of Mount Gahinga.

In this area, you can also find a variety of unique species known as the Albertine Rift Endemics. Some of these include the Rwenzori Turaco, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Dwarf Honey Guide,  Ruwenzori Double-coloured Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Equatorial Akalat,  Chestnut-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Coloured Apalis,  and Doherty’s Bushshrike, among others.

Day 22: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park; stay at Acadia Cottage.

On this day, we will proceed to Lake Mburo, stopping at a number of wetlands in search of, among others, the Papyrus yellow warbler, Papyrus gonolek, Papyrus canary, white-winged warbler, and Caruthers’s cisticola. We will embark on a nighttime boat excursion in search of the White-backed Night Heron, African Finfoot, Giant Kingfisher, Shinning Blue Kingfisher,  and numerous other species of water birds.

This is the finest and only location in Uganda to observe the red-faced barbet, Tabora cisticola, a savannah-dwelling species of particular interest.

This park will also provide opportunities to view a variety of animals, including Impala,  Buffalos, Warthogs, Hippos,  Zebra, Defassa Waterbuck, Side-striped Jackals, Dwarf and Banded Mongooses,  Leopold, Bush Pigs,  Bushbucks, Topi, and Elands.

The majority of the park consists of a grassy savannah with Acacia and Euphorbia trees.
Crested Francolin, Brown Parrot,  Emerald-sported Wood Dove, Blue-naped Mousebird, Bare-faced Go-Away Bird,  Lilac-breasted Roller, Common Scimitarbill, Green Wood Hoopoe, African Grey Hornbill,  Cardinal and Nubian Woodpeckers, White-Headed, Sport Flanked, and Double-Toothed Barbets,   and African Grey Hornbill are among the birds that inhabit this habitat.

Greater Blue Ear Starling, Black-Headed Gonolek, Marico Sunbird, Brown-backed and White-Brown Scrub Robin, Rufous Chested Swallow, African Wattled Plover, Black-Bellied Bustard, Rufous Napped and Flapped Lark

Day 23: Drive to Entebbe and departure

Map

1 Review
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Isabella Müller

Group Traveller

My 23-day journey with Harrier Tours for the Mammal Watching and Birding Tour in Uganda was truly remarkable. From the outset at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where we encountered diverse wildlife including Colobus monkeys, to the captivating Mabamba Swamp where we spotted African Marsh Harriers and sought after the elusive Shoebill, each day was filled with excitement.

Venturing into Mabira Forest, we were treated to sightings of African Wood Owls and Eastern Pottos, enhancing our appreciation for Uganda’s rich biodiversity. The exploration of Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve and the Moroto Mountains brought encounters with Leopards, Cheetahs, and an array of avian species like the Rufous-bellied Herons.

Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park revealed iconic African wildlife such as Elephants and Lions, while Semuliki Valley National Park and Kibale National Park offered unique birdwatching experiences with species like the Green-Breasted Pitta and African Goshawk.

As our journey continued through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, we were privileged to witness majestic Saddle-bill Storks and rare African Golden Cats.

The tour concluded with unforgettable moments in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, leaving us with cherished memories of Uganda’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes. Harrier Tours’ expertise and commitment to conservation ensured an unforgettable adventure, highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts.

June 15, 2023
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