Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Murchison Falls

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and drive to Murchison Falls National Park, passing Uganda’s lush countryside. Along the way and near your lodge, you might spot large and iconic birds such as the grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, sacred ibis, and hammerkop. These impressive species provide a spectacular introduction to Uganda’s avian life even before the main safari begins.

Day 2: Murchison Falls – Game Drive & Birding

Spend the day on a game drive in the park, where the landscapes of savannah and riverine forest reveal elephants, giraffes, and lions. Birding highlights include the rare and iconic shoebill stork, the tall goliath heron, palm-nut vultures, and African openbill storks along the wetlands. These large birds make every sighting memorable for photographers and bird enthusiasts.

Day 3: Boat Cruise to the Base of Murchison Falls

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, observing the power of the waterfall. On the riverbanks and small islands, you may see the impressive giant kingfisher, African fish eagle, goliath heron, and black-crowned night heron, adding excitement to the wildlife viewing. A short hike to the top of the falls offers panoramic views and chances to spot soaring raptors.

Day 4: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

After breakfast, drive northeast to the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, stopping at wetlands along the way where large birds such as abdim’s stork, grey-headed gulls, and black storks can be seen. Upon arrival, the park’s rugged savannahs welcome you with dramatic landscapes, and an evening game drive may reveal early sightings of marabou storks and other striking species.

Day 5: Full-Day Birding & Game Drive in Kidepo

Spend a full day exploring Kidepo’s pristine savannahs. Iconic large birds like the secretarybird, bateleur eagle, lappet-faced vulture, and marabou stork dominate the skies, while endemic species such as the Kidepo sunbird delight birders. Wildlife sightings of giraffes, zebras, and hartebeest complement the avian spectacle.

Day 6: Birding at Narus Valley & Community Interaction

Focus on the Narus Valley, a hotspot for both resident and migratory birds. Large raptors such as the long-crested eagle, western banded snake eagle, and nocturnal northern white-faced owl are highlights. In the afternoon, a visit to a local Karamojong village offers cultural insight, balancing birding with authentic local experiences.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Return Towards Entebbe

An early morning game drive or birding walk lets you catch any birds you may have missed, including grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, great white pelicans, and marabou storks. Afterward, begin the scenic return drive to Entebbe, with opportunities to spot large birds at rivers and wetlands along the way.

Day 8: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, a final morning birding walk near Entebbe may reveal shoebill storks, grey crowned cranes, or African fish eagles before transfer to Entebbe International Airport, concluding an unforgettable 8-day safari of Uganda’s iconic wildlife and extraordinary birds.