201: 4 DAYS BIRDING BREAK TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
A short and action packed bird watching safari to some of Uganda’s birding hotspots, including Murchison Falls and other forest, savannah and wetland habitats.
Budongo forest and Murchison falls national park boast of a rich habitat providing the perfect few days off or long weekend for birders wanting to escape the city or for business travellers or tourists wanting to extend their planned itinerary. The habitat supports 11 species of Guinea-Congo Forests, 6 species of the Afro-tropical Highlands and 3 of the Somali–Masai biome. You will have the opportunities to explore forest, open woodland, savannah, open water and wetland areas birding. Expert site guides will accompany you as you search for some of the hundreds of species to be found here and there is plenty of time for photography too. You can’t miss some of Uganda’s big game along the way including elephant, giraffe, lion and buffalo to name but a few.
Highlights
- An area boasting of 450+ bird species
- Track Uganda’s only Southern White rhinos and explore the sanctuary’s wetlands for Shoebill
- Birding by safari vehicle, foot and boat
Overview
Day 1: Travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Birding and rhino tracking
Day 2: Swamp local boat trip for Shoebill. Transfer to Murchison Falls National park
Day 3: Birding game drive. Nile River cruise to falls; hike to top of the falls
Day 4: Birding in the Kaniyo Pabidi section of Budongo forest. Return to Kampala
When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?
Although Ugandan seasons have become less predictable in recent years, peak tourist seasons usually coincide with dry seasons. When choosing your dates consider:
- Uganda is an all-year round destination with a pleasant climate and temperatures averaging in the mid 20s0C. The huge variety in altitude means temperatures vary around the country (but this also means increased biodiversity)
- Flight prices often increase in European/American holiday seasons
- There are fewer tourists in low seasons so you can have the place to yourselves!
- Many hotels offer all-year prices so the price of your visit may not change much between seasons
- Most major roads going from the capital, Kampala, up-country are tarmac. Conditions on murram roads may worsen, to varying degrees, in rainy season
- Rainy season can be good for birding as there is more food (bugs) available
- If you are targeting certain birds, ask our advice on breeding and migration seasons
- Should you plan to climb the Rwenzori mountains, dry seasons are best
- Hiking may be better in rainy seasons when it is cooler
View similar itineraries
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Included
BirdingBoat cruiseGame driveRef: 201Rhino TrackingShoebillWildlife -
Not Included
AdventureChimpanzee trackingCultureDomestic flightsEquatorGorilla TrackingHikingPhotographyRef: 101Ref: 103Ref: 104Ref: 105Ref: 106Ref: 107Ref: 202Ref: 203Ref: 301Ref: 302Ref: 303Ref: 304Ref: 401Ref: 402Ref: 403Ref: 404Ref: 501Ref: 502Ref: 601Ref: 602Ref: 701Ref: 703Ref: 802Ref: 901Ref: 902Ref:102Rwenzori MountainsWildlife photographyWork retreatZanzibar
Day 1: Travel to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Birding and rhino tracking
Accommodation: Amuka Lodge - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Meals: B, L, D
Day 2: Swamp local boat trip for Shoebill. Transfer to Murchison Falls National park
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge - Murchison Falls national park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Birding game drive. Nile River cruise to falls; hike to top of the falls
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge- Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Birding in the Kaniyo Pabidi section of Budongo forest. Return to Kampala
Meals: B, L
We can provide additional accommodation at the beginning and end of your holiday, depending on your requirements.
Guide price: from US$ 1,745 per person
Based on 2 adults sharing a double room, in mid-range accommodation, in low season and travelling in a safari Land Cruiser (all our safaris and tours can be adapted to high-end, mid-range or budget versions)
The price for every safari depends on the number of people travelling, their ages, the time of year, whether or not international flights are included, the type of transport and accommodation used and the activities undertaken.
We calculate according to the specific dates of your booking because after we publish our itineraries some things may change. For example, hotels may increase their prices, exchange rates fluctuate, the government may introduce new taxes or some discounts may become available. Unfortunately, we also have to pass on surcharges imposed on us by, for example, airlines when fuel prices or airport taxes are unexpectedly increased.
We would be happy to prepare a quotation, based on your requirements. We normally include most costs in the price so all you need to bring with you is ‘pocket money’ for items like drinks, tips and personal shopping e.g. souvenirs.
Price includes
A double room in mid-range, non-air-conditioned accommodation with a full board meal plan
Private safari vehicle with driver and fuel for this itinerary
All entrance and other fees for the activities included in the itinerary
Mineral water in transit
All government taxes
Price does not include
International flights
Visas
Travel insurance
Personal expenses: alcohol, laundry services and souvenirs
Tips (normally 5–10% and around $10 per day for your guide).