This is a dedicated birding itinerary, not a general safari with birds noted along the way — three countries chosen specifically for radically different habitats, from Rift Valley lakes to Uganda’s Albertine Rift forests, giving a genuinely long combined species list.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Nairobi, then a drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater Rift lake with strong waterbird diversity.
Arrive Nairobi, Transfer to Lake Naivasha
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
LuxurySawela Lodges
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day birding by boat and on foot around the lake and Crescent Island, targeting fish eagles, kingfishers and a wide range of waterbirds.
Full Day Birding, Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A flight to Entebbe, then a drive to Semuliki National Park, a lowland rainforest extension of the Congo Basin.
Fly to Entebbe, Transfer to Semuliki National Park
Accommodation Options
BudgetSemuliki Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A full day on the Kirumia Trail, one of Uganda’s premier birding routes, with over 400 species recorded in the park including many Central African specials found nowhere else in East Africa.
Full Day Birding, Semuliki, Kirumia Trail
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A drive to Bwindi, another exceptional Albertine Rift birding destination alongside its famous gorillas.
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeEngagi Lodge
LuxuryBuhoma Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A full day on Bwindi’s forest trails, targeting Albertine Rift endemics including several turaco and sunbird species.
Full Day Birding, Bwindi’s Buhoma Trails
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A further birding day, or an optional gorilla trek for those who’d like to add it to the trip.
Second Day Birding, Bwindi, Optional Gorilla Trek
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A flight via Entebbe and Kilimanjaro or Arusha, then a drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
Fly to Arusha, Transfer to Lake Manyara
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryTarangire Treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
A full day on Lake Manyara’s shoreline and groundwater forest, with over 350 species recorded, including large flamingo flocks in season.
Full Day Birding, Lake Manyara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
A further day, targeting species not yet logged from the previous day’s outing.
Second Day Birding, Lake Manyara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
A drive down to Arusha, with the afternoon free to review your combined trip species list with your guide.
Transfer to Arusha, Species List Review
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeHatari Lodge
LuxuryRivertrees Country Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Semuliki & Bwindi park entry | ~$40–$40 per person per day |
| Lake Manyara park entry | ~$60 per person per day |
| Optional gorilla permit | $800 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Committed birders building a serious East Africa species list, prioritising habitat diversity over any single headline destination.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Specialist birding guides at each destination
- Regional & domestic flights
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Optional gorilla permit (if selected)
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance