Price per person based on a group of 6persons
Day by Day Program
Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park offer a diverse range of bird species across varying ecosystems. With over 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth is East Africa’s premier birding destination, hosting savannah, woodland, wetland, and forest species. Notably, the Kazinga Channel and Maramagambo Forest provide excellent viewing opportunities for water birds and forest specialists, respectively.
Semuliki, on the other hand, is a true birder’s paradise, especially for those targeting Albertine Rift endemics and Congo-Guinean biome species. It is one of the few areas in Uganda with strong West and Central African bird influences, offering a chance to spot rarities such as the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Nkulengu Rail, and White-crested Hornbill.
After you arrive in Entebbe or Kampala, you’ll be transferred westward to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the equator crossing and scenic countryside. During the drive, you may stop for roadside birding around Mpanga Forest or the papyrus wetlands, where you can spot species such as the Papyrus gonolek and White-winged warbler. Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth for dinner and an overnight stay.
Begin your day with early morning birding in the Kasenyi savannah plains, well-known for raptors, lapwings, and coursers. You’ll be looking out for Martial eagle, Temminck’s courser, African crake, and the Black-chested snake eagle. In the afternoon, visit the Lake George wetlands for waterbird viewing—expect sightings of Saddle-billed stork, African jacana, Yellow-billed stork, and various herons and egrets.
Today, you’ll enjoy a unique boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of the best spots in Uganda to see large flocks of waterbirds. You’ll encounter species such as African skimmer, Gull-billed tern, Great white pelican, and African spoonbill, among others. The shoreline is also frequented by elephants, hippos, and buffalo, providing excellent photographic moments. Continue birding on the Mweya Peninsula afterward.
After breakfast, venture into Maramagambo Forest, a dense tropical forest harboring rare species like the Forest flycatcher, White-naped pigeon, and Chestnut wattle-eye. After a rewarding morning, enjoy a packed lunch before beginning your journey northward to Semuliki National Park. The drive passes through Fort Portal with scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Spend the full day birding along the Kirumia Trail, one of Semuliki’s best tracks for deep-forest species. Look out for key targets such as the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Long-tailed Hawk, and Blue-billed Malimbe. The thick forest cover and riverine zones offer a true jungle birding experience rarely found elsewhere in East Africa.
Explore the Sempaya Hot Springs region, where open clearings and forest edges create a mosaic of habitats for birds like the Yellow-throated tinkerbird, Great blue turaco, and Red-rumped tinkerbird. This is also a great spot to look for the elusive Nkulengu rail. In the afternoon, enjoy community interactions or optional guided walks to observe butterflies and forest ecology.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, with a few birding stopovers along the way in wetland-rich areas. Depending on your schedule, you may have time to scan for species like the Black bishop, Fan-tailed widowbird, and White-shouldered tit. The safari ends with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight.
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