Overview:

This is a 9 nights Shoebill Stork birdwatching Uganda tour / safari special. Though other birds will also be seen or watched, it is a special birdwatching safari designed especially for those that are enthusiastic about seeing this bird; the Whale-headed, commonly known as the Shoebill Stork. It is an elusive prehistoric looking bird that is usually and commonly sought after by specialized birders and birding enthusiasts. It dwells in the dense tropical Marshes, swamps, and wetlands of Africa, it is commonly found in Eastern Africa, Sudan and Zambia with a global estimate of about 8000 individuals remaining in the wilds. It’s a hard to miss bird on a birdwatching Uganda safari if you are a keen birder.

Uganda is a top birding destination with nearly 11% of the global population and 50% of Africa’s total bird species. On this 10 days Shoebill Stork birdwatching tour / safari in Uganda, you will hunt for this bird in the wetlands of; Mabamba near Entebbe, Lugogo swamp in Zziwa Rhino sanctuary, the Nile Delta in Murchison Falls, Semliki River and Lake Albert in Semliki Wildlife Reserve. You will see lots of birds on this birding safari in Uganda apart from the Shoebill though it will be the main focus of the safari.

Details

Note: On the day of arrival for your Shoebill Stork birdwatching Uganda tour, you will be warmly received by the company guide, who will transfer you to your overnight accommodation in Kampala. This maybe time/day to change your money. O/N: Imperial Resort Hotel (Luxury)/ Lake Heights hotel (Mid-range)/ Airport view Guesthouse (Basic); Bed & Breakfast

Day 01: Birdwatching in Mabamba and travel to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary [Approximately 4hours drive]    

Start with an early breakfast at your o/n accommodation, transfer very early to catch the morning birding session at Mabamba wetland for the best opportunities to spot the Shoebill hunting in the Marsh. Other species you may come across include; African Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Pallid Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek and others. Birding here is done on a canoe paddled by a local skipper who knows every corner.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary where lunch will be or en-route. Dinner and overnight (o/n) will be at the sanctuary. Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner: Overnight: Amuka safari lodge (midrange) or Ziwa Guesthouse (basic).

Day 02: Searching for the Shoebill in Lugogo swamp and tracking the Rhinos at Ziwa  

An early start [0600hours] is required for the best opportunities to spot the Shoebill Stork on its morning hunt through the wetland. Therefore, you will carry a packed breakfast or have it very early at the lodge. The activity is done on a canoe with a professional guide taking you through, you will enjoy the splendor of the sun-rise over the Lugogo swamp. Expect to see a number of other birds including; the water birds such as; African Pygmy Kingfisher, Sacred Ibis, Yellow-billed Stork, Willow Warbler, Yellow-billed Shrike, Giant Kingfisher and many others.

In the afternoon after lunch, you will participate in Rhino tracking, traversing the sanctuary on foot with a ranger to see one of the members of the African Big Five.

Meal Plan: Full Board [FB]: Overnight: Amuka safari lodge (midrange) or Ziwa Guesthouse (basic).

Day 03: Transfer to Budongo Forest Reserve [Approximately 3hours drive] and birding here

After breakfast, checkout and travel northwards to Budongo Forest. On arrival, you will head to your accommodation where you will have lunch and in the late afternoon you go for birdwatching within the reserve along the Royal Mile or Kaniyo Pabidi. Expect to see; Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spine-tail, Blue-breasted Kingfisher and Blue-throated Roller among others. Meal Plan: Full Board [FB] Overnight: Nile Safari lodge (Premium) or Paraa Safari lodge (Luxury) or Murchison River lodge (Midrange) or Budongo Eco lodge (Basic).

Day 04: Birdwatching at the Nile Delta in Murchison Falls   

Leave the lodge after breakfast and transfer for an early birdwatching session, today you will participate in a birding nature walk around the Nile Delta searching for the elusive Shoebill stork with opportune moments to also see the; Goliath Heron, Great Egret, African Fish Eagles, Denham’s Bustard, Palm-nut Vulture, and many other wetland migrants.

After your lunch break, you will enjoy a late afternoon game drive to see more birds in the savanna plains and of course the game such as Rothschild’s Giraffe, Cape Buffalos, African Elephant, Jackson’s Hartebeests among others and if lucky the Lion and odd Leopard.

Meal Plan: Full Board [FB]: Overnight: Nile Safari lodge (Premium) or Paraa Safari lodge (Luxury) or Pakuba safari lodge (Midrange) or Heritage lodge (Basic).

Day 05: Birding on a launch trip; transfer to Hoima [Approximately 4 hours drive]    

An early start with breakfast and go for a morning launch trip from Paraa, to the bottom of the falls. Bird life is abundant along the banks and you will see variety of species on this launch trip along the Victoria Nile. From the boat hike all the way to the top of the falls characterized by exploding sounds, misty spray and trademark rainbow. You will meet with the driver here and later leave the park and transfer to Hoima.

Meal Plan: Full Board [FB]: Overnight: Bugoma Jungle lodge (Mid-range) or Miika Eco- Resort hotel (Basic)

Day 06: Transfer to Semliki [Approximately 3 hour], Evening birdwatching      

Begin with breakfast at the lodge/hotel and leave early for Semliki national park with a target of arriving before noon. Check-in at the booked lodge where you will have lunch and then go for an evening birdwatching session. Look out for the Shoebill and other species including the Albertine Rift endemics like the; Dwarf Honey-guide and Purple-breasted Sunbird as well as range species like the White-tailed Hornbill, Capuchin Babbler, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher and Orange Weaver. The park hosts more than 400bird species, and others include; Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Great Blue and Ross’ Turaco and others.

Meal Plan: Full Board [FB]: Overnight: Semliki Safari lodge (Premium - Luxury) or Nyati Game lodge (Midrange) or Kirimia Guesthouse (Basic).

Day 07: Full day birding in Semliki- Key bird; the Shoebill     

Leave the lodge after breakfast and go for an early birdwatching Uganda safari experience on a boat/canoe looking out for the Shoebill Stork. The park hosts variety of species including the Albertine Rift endemics so expect to come across them; on this birding Uganda safari you will participate in a boat ride and nature walk in Semliki. With more than 400bird species, the park offers exquisite birdwatching experience and that’s why it is commonly referred to as “The True Birders’ Haven”. On a 1-2 hours trail to the hot springs, expect to see wildlife such as primates. 

Meal Plan: Full Board [FB]: Overnight: Semliki Safari lodge (Premium - Luxury) or Nyati Game lodge (Midrange) or Kirimia Guesthouse (Basic).

Day 08: Travel to Queen Elizabeth, participate in launch cruise [Approximately 3hours drive]

Leave Semliki after breakfast and transfer early to Queen Elizabeth national park via Kasese taking in the stunning backdrop views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Continue to the booked accommodation, check-in and after lunch head to the park for a launch trip along the Kazinga channel. Here, you will spot lots of wildlife including mammals and birds at the shores. Later return to the lodge.

Meal Plan: Full Board [FB]: Overnight: Kyambura Gorge lodge (Premium) or Elephant Plains lodge (Luxury) or Buffalo Safari lodge (Midrange) or Simba safari camp (Basic).

Day 09: Birding around Lake George (Kikorongo) and Game drive 

Start with an early breakfast and head for a Uganda birdwatching tour experience around Kikorongo Lake; an extension of Lake George; key bird to look out for here is the Shoebill Stork. The papyrus of the wetland is a Ramsar site with lots of bird species such as; Sacred Ibis, Black Crake, Yellow Wagtail, Greater and Lesser Swamp Warbler. In the afternoon after having your lunch, you will go for birding on a safari drive around the Mweya Peninsular; an elevated area commanding gorgeous views of the Kazinga channel and surrounding savanna. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Meal Plan: Full Board.

Day 10: Transfer back to Kampala [Approx. 7 hour drive]

Early start with breakfast and sign off this Shoebill birdwatching Uganda safari, travel back to Kampala via Mbarara route with an enroute stop at the Equator for some snapshots. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch. End of Safari

Rate Inclusion

*Park entrance fees *All activity fees unless labeled as optional *Professional English Speaking guide/driver *Ground Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle (Van for Basic or Midrange and Land cruiser for Luxury or Premium) *Round trip Airport /Hotel transfers *Drinking mineral water in the car *Amref Air Ambulance *Sanitizers in the car

Rate Exclusions

*Tourist Visa fees (visa can be arranged on request) *Pre & Post Tour Accommodation (can be arranged on request) *International Airline ticket (arranged on request) *Tips, Gratuities and any expenses of personal nature *Personal Travel insurance.

Contact Us for low season discounts April, May and November and save more on your trip. To customize your trip or if more than 6 pax, request for a quotation safaris@avenstravelworld.com

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