14-day Safari for the Best of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania: Birding and Photography

This 14-day safari promises an exceptional experience for bird enthusiasts and photography lovers, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The trip takes you through various habitats, from swamps and savannahs to tropical forests and mountain vistas, offering ample opportunities to capture stunning bird species in their natural environments.

Day 1: Mabamba Island and Photographic Experience (Uganda)

• Start with a boat trip at Mabamba Swamp, famous for shoebill storks, and other birds like African fish eagles and African jacanas.

• Enjoy photography and birdwatching for over 4 hours.

• Relax at the botanical gardens afterward for more photos and scenic views.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP & Rhino Tracking (Uganda)

• A scenic drive to Murchison Falls NP with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking.

• Enjoy the park’s diverse bird species and stunning landscapes.

Day 3: Full Day Birdwatching (Murchison Falls NP)

• Spend a full day in Murchison Falls NP, searching for over 450 bird species, including crested cranes and Abyssinian ground hornbills.

• Take a boat ride along the Nile to observe water birds such as kingfishers and water ducks, alongside animals like crocodiles, hippos, and giraffes.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest NP (Uganda)

• After a scenic drive to Kibale Forest NP, enjoy dinner and rest at the lodge.

Day 5: Forest Birdwatching (Kibale Forest NP)

• Explore Kibale Forest for Albertine endemic species, such as the red-headed bluebill and purple-breasted sunbird.

• Visit Bigodi Wetland for more birdwatching opportunities.

Day 6: Transfer to Nairobi, Kenya

• Travel to Entebbe, then fly to Nairobi, Kenya.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Nakuru NP (Kenya)

• Drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingos and diverse birdlife.

Day 8: Full Day Birdwatching and Photography (Lake Nakuru NP)

• Spend the day birdwatching, capturing photos of the over 450 bird species in the park, including flamingos, eagles, and waterfowl.

Day 9: Transfer to Masai Mara and Sunset Game Drive (Kenya)

• Travel to the Masai Mara Reserve, enjoying a game drive to spot wildlife like lions, zebras, and buffaloes, while birdwatching for owls, egrets, and ostriches.

Day 10: Half-Day Birdwatching and Cultural Safari (Masai Mara)

• Spend the morning birdwatching in the savannah and interact with the Maasai community in the afternoon for a cultural experience.

Day 11: Transfer to Serengeti NP (Tanzania)

• Cross into Tanzania and head to Serengeti National Park.

Day 12: Full Day Birdwatching (Serengeti NP)

• Explore Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems, where you can spot birds like Kori bustards, Egyptian geese, and ostriches during morning and sunset game drives.

Day 13: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

• Visit Olduvai Gorge, then head to Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy breathtaking views from the crater’s edge and take in the stunning landscape, bird species, and wildlife.

Day 14: Sunrise Birding and Departure (Ngorongoro Crater)

• Capture morning birdlife in the crater before checking out and transferring to Arusha for your flight to your next destination.

This safari is packed with extraordinary opportunities to observe and photograph East Africa’s exceptional birdlife, while also offering encounters with some of the continent's iconic wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned bird watcher or a photography enthusiast, this journey offers unforgettable memories of vibrant birds, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.