Price per person based on a group of 6persons
Day by Day Program
Kibale Forest National Park, a biodiverse wonderland home to over 375 bird species, including several rare forest endemics. Kibale is one of the best places in East Africa to find the Green-breasted Pitta, a prized bird among global birders. The tour also explores Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run ecotourism project that offers excellent sightings of papyrus specialists and forest-fringe species.
The rich mix of habitats, from moist tropical forest to swampy grassland and riverine ecosystems ensures a dynamic birding experience. Beyond birds, the forest is home to 13 primate species, and sightings of chimpanzees are common. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an enriching blend of birdwatching, community engagement, and forest ecology, all within a well-paced five-day itinerary.
You’ll begin your journey with a scenic drive from Entebbe or Kampala through Uganda’s lush countryside, heading west to Fort Portal town near Kibale National Park. Along the way, take brief stops to enjoy bird sightings in forested patches and wetland crossings. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit Crater Lakes or relax at your eco-lodge nestled near the forest. Overnight at a bird-friendly lodge in Kibale.
Rise early for a full-day birding trek in Kibale Forest with an experienced bird guide. Your main target today is the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, best sighted in the early morning hours as it calls and displays its distinctive plumage. You’ll also have the opportunity to see birds such as the African pitta (seasonal), White-naped pigeon, Yellow-spotted barbet, Black bee-eater, and Blue-throated roller. The forest is alive with bird calls and movement, making this a truly captivating experience. Enjoy a packed lunch in the forest and continue birding into the afternoon.
Today’s adventure leads you to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a prime spot for birders and nature lovers. The wetland walk will unveil species such as the Papyrus gonolek, White-spotted flufftail, Snowy-crowned robin-chat, and Great Blue Turaco. The area is also excellent for spotting monkeys, butterflies, and wetland plants. After the walk, visit the Bigodi women’s craft center for a brief cultural encounter and support local conservation efforts. Return to the lodge in the evening for relaxation and rest.
For those interested in primates, you can opt for an early morning chimpanzee tracking experience. While this activity focuses on chimpanzees, many birding opportunities arise en route, including sightings of the Red-chested Owlet, Narina Trogon, and African Emerald Cuckoo. If you prefer to skip the tracking, another guided birding walk in the forest can be arranged to focus on species missed previously. Later in the day, enjoy forest-edge birding or rest at the lodge.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way, there are opportunities for birding stops in tea plantations and open country, where birds such as the Pin-tailed Whydah, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, and Bronze Sunbird may be seen. The safari concludes upon drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of an enriching five-day birding and cultural experience in western Uganda.
With our exceptional personalised safaris throughout East Africa, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the debut wildlife safaris in Tanzania, magical gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, and experiential cultural tours that take you to the soul of Africa.
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Cheryl, the eldest daughter of Olive, has embraced the responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. After losing her father at the age of six, she was raised by her mother, Olive, with the support of Christer. Olive’s passing in 2017, when Cheryl was just 19, became a defining moment in her journey.
Having been involved in the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda from a young age, Cheryl stepped up to manage the businesses alongside Christer. Under his mentorship, she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and discovered her passion for tourism.
With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and hands-on leadership, Cheryl has been instrumental in maintaining loyal clientele at Sunset Hotel Entebbe, adapting it to post-COVID standards, and expanding Olive Safari Uganda. As a certified tour guide for Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, she remains committed to upholding her mother’s vision of exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences.
Christer, a Swedish education consultant with over 40 years of experience guiding travelers across Africa, co-founded Olive Safari Uganda with a deep passion for the continent’s wonders. His extensive journeying, particularly through Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, enriched his understanding of Africa’s landscapes and cultures. As a consultant, he also contributed to education and development, notably establishing an automotive school in Zimbabwe. His work with the Global Journey program brought him to Uganda, where he collaborated with municipalities and fell in love with the country’s heritage.
During this time, he met Olive, whose exceptional leadership and organizational skills later turned their professional relationship into a personal one. Their shared vision led to the creation of Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s, followed later by Sunset Hotel Entebbe. While Christer split his time in Sweden managing the Global Journey program, Olive oversaw daily operations. Today, Olive Safari Uganda embodies Christer’s seasoned expertise as a guide and strategic insight, paired with Olive’s dedication, delivering outstanding safaris that showcase Uganda’s beauty and beyond.
Ayebale Olive, co-founder of Olive Safari Uganda, brought over 20 years of community service experience into the world of tourism. As secretary to Entebbe’s Mayor, she honed her skills in program management and international partnerships, playing a key role in the Global Journey program that linked Uganda and Sweden.
It was through this program that she met Christer—three years after the passing of her first husband, while raising three children. United by a shared passion for travel and discovery, they founded Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s. Their commitment to exceptional service quickly set the company apart.
As demand grew, they expanded their vision by establishing Sunset Hotel Entebbe, creating a welcoming space for travelers exploring Uganda. Olive’s legacy lives on, shaping the company’s dedication to authentic and unforgettable safari experiences