Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Gorilla Sights Team will welcome you into the Pearl of Africa. The climate, lush greenery, and gentle breeze blowing off Lake Victoria immediately set the tone for a remarkable nature experience ahead. After hotel check-in, you enjoy some rest before an afternoon birding walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens — a magnificent blend of lakeshore forests and open woodland. Here, the first species of the trip begin to build excitement: 🦜 Birding expectations: Great Blue Turaco calling from high fig trees, African Grey Parrot flocking overhead, Eastern Plantain-eater, Palm-nut Vulture, Red-chested Sunbird perched on colorful flowers, Woodland Kingfisher and African Paradise Flycatcher dancing around the canopy, As the sunset paints the sky gold over Lake Victoria, the guide gives a detailed briefing on the 20-day birding journey ahead. Dinner follows, with the night offering the possibility of African Scops Owl calling nearby. Habitat introduced: Lakeshore forest — a perfect start to your East African bird checklist.

After an early breakfast, you drive to Mabamba, one of Africa’s prime wetlands and the best place in the world to spot the prehistoric Shoebill Stork. You board a local canoe guided by experienced community birders as you glide silently through channels surrounded by papyrus reeds, listening for the wingbeats of this iconic bird. 🎯 Key target: ✅ Shoebill — Observing hunting behaviour for lungfish is unforgettable 🦩 Other species likely seen: Papyrus Gonolek (bold red & black beauty unique to wetlands), African Jacana walking on floating vegetation, Blue-breasted Bee-eater hawking insects, African Pygmy Goose, Purple Swamp-hen, Malachite Kingfisher, Squacco, Heron, Glossy Ibis After a successful morning, enjoy a scenic drive toward the north, passing villages and savannah landscapes while picking up new species along the way. Late afternoon birding in acacia woodland habitats where we search for: White-crested Turaco, Black-bellied Bustard, Brown-backed Scrub Robin ,Evening dinner and checklist review.

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park — a true paradise of ecosystem diversity Where Eves call nature their nest, The drive takes you along endless Borbassus palm-studded plains, and your first game drive reveals incredible wildlife spectacles. 🦅 Birding Expectations: Abyssinian Ground Hornbill striding the plains,Secretary Bird hunting Northern Carmine & Red-throated Bee-eaters on steep banks, Black-winged Bishop and Silverbird among grassland shrubs 🦁 Wildlife Moments: Elephants dusting themselves, giraffes browsing acacias, Uganda kob antelopes in mating herds — with good luck, lions too 👀 In the afternoon, you board Private Specialized boat for a Nile River safari to the base of Murchison Falls — “the world’s most powerful waterfall.” Waterbirds entertain from every direction: Goliath Heron, African Skimmer gliding over the water, Rock Pratincole on exposed rocks, Crocodiles and hippos crowding the riverbank, Evening brings a breathtaking sunset and night sky full of stars.

Rise early for a Nile Delta boat safari — one of the best places for another chance with the Shoebill and rare water species. 🦜 Birding highlights:, Shoebill nesting areas, Long-toed Lapwing,Black Crowned Crane, White-winged Tern, African Darter, Giant Kingfisher catching fish mid-dive, Hippos snort nearby while African Fish Eagles call their iconic cry. After lunch, you drive to the Top of Murchison Falls — watching the Nile explode through a 7-meter gap with thunderous power. Spectacular photography awaits. Late afternoon birding along escarpments and riverine forests searching for: Spotted Morning-Thrush, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater

Today is dedicated to one of Africa’s most bird-rich lowland forests. The world-famous Royal Mile offers shaded trails where giant mahogany trees tower overhead and unique forest specialists thrive. 🦚 Key target species, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Yellow-footed Flycatcher Nahan’s Partridge (rare & shy), African Dwarf Kingfisher, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Primate sightings add extra joy: Olive baboons and numerous monkey species swing above. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch under the forest canopy as your guide helps you identify calls and behaviors. Evening transfer toward Kibale with birding stops along lush countryside and rift valley views.

Morning — Departure to Rift Valley vistas Depart early after breakfast. The road climbs the Rift Valley escarpment, opening a panorama of patchwork farmland, tea terraces, and distant mountain ridgelines. Stops are planned at viewpoints and small wetlands that attract grassland and escarpment species. we spot some Malimbe and Grey Parrots raptors and sunbirds that favour the coffee and tea plantations. Key birds en route: Crowned Hornbill, Red-rumped Swallow, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul. Afternoon — Arrival at Kibale outskirts & tea estate birding Arrive at your lodge near Kibale with time for a late-afternoon walk through cultivated edges, small forest fragments and wet edges. The tea estates and small farms attract sunbirds, weavers and seed-eaters; look for Bronze-tailed Starling and variable sunbird species feeding at flower borders. Evening — Lodge briefing & night sounds Dinner at the lodge followed by a short night walk (if permitted) along the lodge trails to listen for owls and nightjars. Expect chorus of forest frogs and distant primate calls. Night targets: African Wood Owl, Marsh Owl (if habitat suitable), and Rwenzori Nightjar (heard).

Morning — Deep forest trail walk Before dawn you enter Kibale’s forest, guided along undulating trails into primary canopy. The early hours are alive with mixed-species flocks. Our specialist Guide stages call playbacks for key skulking species while scanning the mid-canopy. Target species: Green-breasted Pitta (ground-level skulker), Black Bee-eater, White-naped Pigeon, African Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco. Afternoon — Chimpanzee optional hike & swamp edge birding If chimpanzee tracking is chosen, the afternoon is reserved for a guided primate encounter (permit dependent). If not tracking, you’ll explore the marshy edge and swamp gullies where papyrus specialists and marsh warblers live. Swamp species: Papyrus Canary, White-winged Warbler, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Little Bittern. Evening — Checklist & Q&A Return to the lodge for Checklist consolidation, photo downloads, and pre-brief for next day Adventure.

Morning — Secondary trails & fruiting trees A slow morning focusing on fruiting trees and canopy observation. Guides use canopy towers (if available) or elevated vantage points to watch canopy flocks and fruiting specialists. Our Day Targets include : Afep Pigeon, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, and co-operative barbet species. In the Afternoon — Community visit & mixed-habitat birding Visit a nearby community cooperative to learn about agro-ecotourism and how local livelihoods link with conservation. Birding resumes in the mosaic habitat — farm boundaries, small wetlands and forest edges that often yield species not found deeper in the forest. Birds to we are looking for: Village weavers, Toyoras, and species attracted to farmland (e.g. Angola Swallow), Evening — Optional night birding A brief nocturnal excursion for forest night birds such as African Wood Owl and possibly African Scoops Owl.

Morning — Crater lake rim birding (scenic & serene) Depart Kibale region and explore the chain of crater lakes. These sheltered waterbodies and surrounding montane bush can be productive for waterfowl and forest edge species. This stop provides excellent photographic light and easy walking. Targets: African Jacana, Little Grebe, and various sunbirds visiting lakeshore flowers. In the Afternoon — Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP; first plains birding Continue on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route expect scenic Rift valley views and occasional roadside species. Arrive in time for a late-afternoon game drive into the park’s savannah and bushland. Savannah species: Black-headed Gonolek, Rufous-chested Swallow, various pipits. In Evening — We go for Rwenzori Clif birding through the crater lakes of Queen Elizabeth wildlife chorus, Spotting the Sunset over the savannah with hippos vocalising in the distance. Dinner at the lodge with notes on tomorrow’s Kazinga Channel boat trip.

Morning — Kasenyi plains 🦅 Birding game drive Up before dawn for a gentle game drive through the Kasenyi plains to catch raptors on the wing and early morning passerine activity. Plains species gather in the bush and along watercourses. Key birds: Martial Eagle (if perched on termite mounds), Secretary Bird, Lilac-breasted Roller. In the Afternoon — Kazinga Channel boat safari Board a boat for the Kazinga Channel cruise — this concentrated waterway links two large lakes and hosts enormous numbers of waterbirds and hippos. The boat offers close views of waterbird colonies and shorelines alive with activity, Water species include : African Skimmer, Malachite Kingfisher, White-backed Duck, Great White Pelican, Grey-headed Gull, Wildlife: Dense hippo pods, Nile crocodiles on banks, elephants coming to drink. Evening — Forest edge birding & nocturnal search Drive back through riverine forest edges to look for nocturnal species and late flycatchers. Night sounds include hippos, frogs and nocturnal birds.

Morning — Early Departure to Ishasha Travel south into the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions and gallery woodland. The habitat shifts to patchy woodland, fig trees, and riverine strips. Birding focus: woodland species and riverine raptors. Expect to see: Ross’s Turaco, Brown-chested Lapwing (seasonal), and Pale Chanting Goshawk. Afternoon — Iishasha to Bwindi transit with stops After lunch, continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Stops at roadside viewpoints and wetlands to pick up species that prefer the mid-altitude transition zones. Birds en route: African Green Pigeon, various bulbuls and flycatchers. Evening — Arrival in Bwindi area Check into forest lodge near park edge. Early night in preparation for full days inside Bwindi

Morning — Forest trail immersion Enter the montane forest at first light. Bwindi’s thick mossy understory, ferns and giant ground-cover create a very different soundscape. Guides move slowly, using soft call playbacks and careful scanning. High-value targets: Regal Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Batis, Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler (rare). Afternoon — Swamp trails & mixed flock watching After lunch, focus on swampy gullies and bamboo zones. Mixed-species flocks can yield multiple endemic and near-endemic species in a single encounter. Possible mammals: Mountain gorillas (if trekking permits used earlier), elephant tracks, duikers. Evening — Nightbird search A guided nocturnal walk to target the Rwenzori Nightjar or scops owl species; Bwindi offers excellent opportunities for night birders.

Morning — Mubwindi Swamp (highly productive) Spend the morning at Mubwindi swamp — a must-visit for specialty endemics and montane species. This area is famous for its concentration of Albertine Rift endemics. Prime targets: African Green Broadbill (very special), Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Mountain Masked Weaver, and the shy Dwarf Honeyguide. In the Afternoon — High ridge viewpoints for Photography Move to higher ridge trails for open views and opportunities to photograph sunbirds and raptors crossing the valleys. Picnic lunch with forest canopy backdrop. Evening — Checklist & rest Review the day’s sightings and prepare for a Rwanda crossing tomorrow.

Morning — Scenic border crossing & birding stops After an early breakfast, cross into Rwanda. The drive takes you along terraced hills and into the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes. Stop frequently; the mosaic of farmland, bamboo patches, and secondary forest supports different sets of birds. En route species: Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Kandt’s Waxbill, and the often-seen Common Bulbul. In the Afternoon — Volcano foothills & reconnaissance walk Arrive in the Volcanoes region with time for a light walk around the lodge area — great for acclimatisation and gentle birding. Listen for high-pitched turacos and bulbuls in the wooded pockets. Evening — Cultural exchange option Opportunity for a short visit to a local community project to hear about conservation efforts. Dinner and early night to be ready for deep forest birding in Nyungwe

Morning — Canopy walkway experience Rise very early and head to Nyungwe’s famous canopy walkway. The elevated perspective places you among the treetops, bringing you level with canopy specialists and fruiting figs abundant with birds. Canopy targets: Rwenzori Turaco, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, African Broadbill (can sometimes be heard), and multiple sunbird species feeding at canopy flowers. In the Afternoon — Forest trails & primate watching After a midday break, continue on forest trails to seek montane specialties and watch Colobus and L’Hoest monkeys moving through the canopy. Nyungwe’s steep trails can be physically demanding but scientifically rewarding. Key endemics: Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (in appropriate sections), Archer’s Robin-chat. Evening — Night walk for Albertine owl & nightjars Nyungwe is exceptional for night birding. A guided nocturnal expedition aims for Albertine Owl (if present in area) and other nocturnal forest species.

Morning — Extended forest birding Spend a full morning tracking down specific targets in mixed habitat zones — swampy gullies, ridge crests and streamside thickets. Mixed-species flocks can produce several endemics in quick succession. Targets: White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Mountain Yellow-whistler, and other localised species. Afternoon — Watercourse and marsh birding Explore streams and marshy edges for more secretive species and insectivores. Take time for photography at shaded pools. Evening — Cultural storytelling & checklist Dinner followed by a review and the evening’s cultural storytelling — local folklore connected to the forest.

Morning — Long scenic drive toward Akagera Drive east across Rwanda’s hilly interior. Stops include small wetlands, roadside papyrus and agricultural edges — good for migrant and resident species. Potential en route birds: White-streaked Sparrow, various wagtails and White-browed Robin-chat. Afternoon — Arrival Akagera & first savannah drive Arrive at Akagera National Park and take a late-afternoon drive into the park, watching for the transition from woodland to open savannah and lakeshore species. Notable birds: Black-breasted Barbet, African Grey Hornbill, Gabar Goshawk

Morning — Early morning loop through acacia savannah Drive long loop focusing on acacia woodland and open plains, where vesper and bush species congregate at dawn. Raptors ride thermals, and early light makes for excellent photography. Targets: Grey-crowned Crane (in wetlands), Red-necked Falcon (rare), various larks and pipits. Afternoon — Picnic & late afternoon birding Picnic lunch at a shady tree, then continue to wetlands and papyrus channels for late afternoon activity. Look for marsh specialists moving to roost. Evening — Park wrap up & dinner Return to lodge for a final checklist review of Rwanda birding highlights and optional cultural dance performance.

Morning — Kigali city wetland birding After breakfast, transfer to Kigali for half-day of relaxed birding in city wetlands and gardens. These sites are surprisingly productive for final additions to your list and are also gentle walking for travel day pace. Final targets: White-browed Robin-chat, Common Waxbill, Yellow-billed Kite, various sunbirds and weavers. Afternoon — Cultural market & transfer to airport Spend final few hours at a cultural market or craft centre for gift shopping and photos. Transfer to the airport with a final farewell and debrief on the 20-day checklist. Departure: Afternoon-evening international flight home, carrying a massive species list, rich photos and unforgettable memories.