Little Rock Safaris

After breakfast, drive to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best locations in Africa to see the Shoebill Stork. A canoe ride through the papyrus-lined channels brings you close to this prehistoric-looking bird along with species like Lesser Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Blue-breasted Bee-eater.

Continue the drive west to Lake Mburo National Park, birding en route. Look out for African Crowned Hornbill, Red-chested Sunbird, and Scarlet-chested Sunbird.

Overnight: Rwakobo Rock, Lake Mburo NP

Enjoy a morning boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you’ll spot the African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, African Darter, and multiple kingfishers. After the cruise, set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse savannah park with a bird list exceeding 600 species.

Keep your binoculars ready as you bird en route, arriving in time for sunset and dinner.

Overnight: Pumba Safari Cottages

Start the day with a sunrise game and birding drive along the Kasenyi Plains, a bird-rich savannah ecosystem. Highlights include Saddle-billed Stork, African Crake, Palm-nut Vulture, Bateleur, and Black Coucal. Game sightings may include lions, buffalo, Uganda kob, and leopard.

In the afternoon, continue birding or enjoy a relaxed time at the lodge.

Overnight: Pumba Safari Cottages

Venture into Maramagambo Forest, an excellent site for forest specials. Search for the Narina Trogon, Rufous Flycatcher Thrush, Black Bee-eater, and White-tailed Ant-thrush. Visit the Bat Cave and nearby Blue Lake, home to African Rock Pythons and bat-loving raptors.

Optional visit to Kyambura Gorge for more forest birding and a chance to spot primates.

Overnight: Pumba Safari Cottages

Drive through the lush landscapes of western Uganda toward Semuliki National Park, located near the Congo border. Arrive in the evening and go for a night birding excursion searching for nightjars, owls, and other nocturnal species.

Overnight: Semuliki Ntandi Bandas

Rise early and head into the pristine Semuliki Forest for a full-day birding experience. This lowland rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot with Central African species rarely found elsewhere in East Africa, such as Long-tailed Hawk, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Black-wattled Hornbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and Congo Serpent Eagle.

Packed lunch will be enjoyed in the field to maximize birding time.

Overnight: Semuliki Ntandi Bandas

Travel northeast to Kibale Forest National Park, birding along the way. This region hosts Purple-headed Starling, Black-billed Turaco, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, and Western Black-headed Oriole.

In the evening, relax at your lodge overlooking the forest canopy.