10 Days Uganda Birding, Rhinos And Primates Safari ( Private

The first day of the birding excursion is exlusively  to search for prehistoric shoebil at Mabamba Swamp and forest birds at Mpanga forest. Mabamba is an extensive marsh stretching through a long narrow bay, fringed with papyrus towards the western main body of Lake Victoria in Mpigi District. It has the status of unprotected area with bird categories, globally threatened species and Lake Victoria Basin biome species. This Important Bird Area (IBA) is one of the best marshy areas along the northern shores of Lake Victoria for bird watching: it is the closest place to Kampala. While looking for the shoebill, boats are used to paddle through the channels of the swamp.Generally; it takes between two to three hours to locate the Shoebill. The shoebill is normally spotted while standing waiting to catch its prey such as frogs, lungfish and water snakes. Other species of water birds like the African Jacanas, Yellow billed Ducks, White faced whistling ducks, Long toed Plovers, Village Weavers, Purple Swamphens, Northern brown throated weaver, Malachite king fisher, Grey headed gulls, Gull billed terns, White winged warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, African darter, Rufous bellied heron can be seen. After conducting this memorable birding experience at Mabamba, you proceed to Mpanga forest in search of forest birds such as Little Greenbul, Lesser Honey Guide, Grey headed Nigrita, White breasted Nigrita, Western black headed Oriole, White spotted Fluff tail, Red tailed Bristtlebill, Fire crested Alethe and so many different forest bird species. These birds can be seen while feeding, perching, displaying, mating while others can be seen establishing their colonies. Mpanga Forest is a small patch of natural equatorial rainforest covering about 453 hectares. It is found in Mawokota- Mpigi District about 37 kilometers southwest of Kampala and is conveniently located along the Kampala - Masaka highway. Despite of its small size, it supports an impressive biodiversity for such a small forest. It has 500species of trees and shrubs, 300 species of birds, 97 butterflies, and 112 moths. Three species of monkeys can be seen in the forest such as Red-tailed monkey, Black-and-white colobus monkeys and Vervet monkeys. There are also a number of small mammals including Pottos, Pangolins and Bushabies. Spending a night in this forest therefore gives you an opportunity to spot these rare nocturnals. After a busy day of birding/bird watching, you will drive to Kampala for your overnight stay. Accommodation at Speke Hotel

After breakfast, you will travel to Ziwa rhino sanctuary for Rhino tracking and birding. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful views of the varied landscapes and vegetation. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is the first sanctuary in Uganda with over 22 White Rhinos .It was founded in 2005 for the protection of the Rhinos and is the only place in Uganda where rhinos are tracked in the wild.  In the afternoon, you will go for birding in the sanctuary. Expected birds to be spotted from this sanctuary include, White crestedTuraco, Bruce’s green pigeon, Thick billed cuckoo, and White winged tit and so many other different species of birds.  After the day's activities, you will proceed to Masindi for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation at Masindi Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Budongo forest- the largest forest in Uganda for birding expedition. Budongo forest found in Masindi is an ideal place for birding with lots of special species of birds which are also found in Congo. Spend the whole day in Budongo and the expected birds to be spotted from this forest include, Chocolate Backed kingfisher, Dwarf kingfisher, Shinning Blue kingfisher, Blue breasted kingfisher, Chestnut wattle Eye, Ituri Batis, Chestnut capped Warbler, Lemon bellied Crombec, White thighed Hornbill, Eremomela to mention but a few.  Given time, this safari will take you for a visit to the top of the falls. This is quite a breath taking spot for every one to visit. Return to the lodge in the evening for your overnight stay. Accommodation at Masindi Hotel