A Uganda Tour that includes seeing wildlife and the shoebill stork

Are you planning to visit Uganda and you are interested in seeing the Shoebill Stork and other animals, the best option is to book a Uganda Tour that includes seeing wildlife and the shoebill stork. For a Uganda tour that includes seeing wildlife and the shoebill stork, consider booking through Eco Adventure Safaris the following itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

• Entebbe: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe and relax.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp

• Mabamba Swamp: Early morning birding excursion to Mabamba Swamp, famous for sightings of the shoebill stork. The swamp is also home to a variety of other bird species.
• Overnight at Mabamba Nkima Forest Lodge.

Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park

• Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park: Depart for Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of about 5-6 hours.
• Evening Game Drive: Enjoy an evening game drive to spot various wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes.
• Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge.

Day 4: Murchison Falls and Nile River Cruise

• Murchison Falls: Morning visit to the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile River forcefully squeezing through a narrow gorge.
• Nile River Cruise: Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of the falls. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
• Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park

• Transfer to Kibale National Park: Drive to Kibale National Park, known for its chimpanzee tracking.
• Overnight at Turaco Tree Tops lodge.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Morning trek to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Kibale is also home to other primates and a rich birdlife.
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: Afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for more birdwatching and primate spotting.
• Overnight at Turaco Tree Tops Lodge

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its diverse ecosystems.
• Kazinga Channel Cruise: Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
• Overnight in the park.

Day 8: Game Drive and Tree-Climbing Lions

• Game Drive: Morning game drive to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
• Ishasha Sector: Transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to look for the famous tree-climbing lions.
• Overnight in Ishasha.

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Transfer to Bwindi: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
• Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• Gorilla Trekking: Full day trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi

• Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda.
• Relax and Explore: Enjoy the scenic beauty, take a canoe ride, or visit the local communities.
• Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 12: Return to Entebbe

• Transfer to Entebbe: Drive back to Entebbe. This can be a long journey, so plan for breaks and lunch on the way.
• Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 13: Departure

• Entebbe: Depending on your flight time, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for your departure.

This itinerary covers major wildlife experiences in Uganda, including the unique opportunity to see the shoebill stork at Mabamba Swamp.

What is the best time to visit Uganda

The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, which typically fall between December to February and June to August. During these periods, the weather is more predictable, with less rainfall, making it ideal for activities like gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Here’s a breakdown of why these times are ideal:

1. June to August:
   • Gorilla Trekking: The dry weather makes trails less muddy and more accessible.
   • Wildlife Viewing: Animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources.
   • Weather: Comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.
2. December to February:
   • Wildlife Viewing: Excellent for spotting animals in national parks.
   • Bird Watching: This period coincides with the migratory bird season.
   • Weather: Warm temperatures and low humidity.

During these dry seasons, Uganda’s parks and natural attractions are at their most accessible, providing a better experience for travelers.

What to pack for a Uganda Safari

Packing for a Uganda safari requires preparing for a range of weather conditions and activities. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to help you prepare:

Clothing

• Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: Pack moisture-wicking t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and lightweight pants. Neutral colors like khaki, green, and brown are ideal for blending into the environment.
• Warm Layers: Early mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a fleece or light jacket.
• Rain Jacket: Essential, especially if traveling during the rainy season or visiting rainforests.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots for trekking and comfortable shoes for general use.
• Swimwear: For lodges with pools or visits to lakes.

Gear

• Binoculars: For better wildlife viewing.
• Camera: With extra batteries and memory cards for capturing the stunning scenery and wildlife.
• Daypack: To carry your essentials during daily excursions.
• Water Bottle: To stay hydrated throughout the day.

Health and Safety

• Insect Repellent: Preferably with DEET to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
• Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against the equatorial sun.
• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
• Anti-Malarial Medication: Consult your doctor for recommendations.
• Hand Sanitizer: For maintaining hygiene in remote areas.

Miscellaneous

• Travel Documents: Passport, visas, travel insurance, and photocopies of important documents.
• Cash: In small denominations for tips and purchases, as ATMs might not be readily available.
• Power Adapter: Uganda uses the British-style three-pin plugs.
• Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix for long drives and treks.

Optional

• Gloves: Useful for gorilla trekking, as the terrain can be rugged.
• Notepad and Pen: For jotting down notes or keeping a travel diary.
• Books or E-Reader: For downtime during your safari.

This packing list will help ensure you are well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience in Uganda.

Why book A Uganda Tour that includes seeing wildlife and the shoebill stork Through Eco Adventure Safaris. At Eco Adventure Safaris we provide personalized service with the utmost dedication to the safety and enjoyment of our clients visiting Uganda. We are committed to the well-being of our staff and guests as well as to having a positive impact on the communities and wild places that our operations reach. On all our operations and safaris, we embrace the environmental ethic “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints” all our packages are eco-friendly. Contact us here to get the planning started to book A Uganda Tour that includes seeing wildlife and the shoebill stork.