7 Wonders Birding Tours

Uganda-Shoebill, Gorilla and Chimpanzee in one week
2026-06-27 - 2026-07-03
Name three things you want to see in Uganda! Easy, right?
Shoebill, Gorilla and Chimpanzee!
But all the birding trips there are so long, and so expensive.
What if you could see all three (OK..no guarantees… but a very good chance) and only take 5 days off from work.
The price per day is expensive, but time is money and in the end, you will see your bucket list species at a fraction of the price of big birding companies.
The itinerary for 2022 departure has been expanded to10 days. It is likely we shall be back to 7 or 8 days again in 2023.
You’ll have a good shot at 23 of the Albertine Rift endemics, many iconic African mammals and a special effort to get representatives of African bird families such as Modulatricidae (Gray-chested Babbler), Flufftail and Green-breasted Pitta.
It is possible to add an extension before and after the core trip for more birding and wildlife.
Check the complete itinerary in this link.

Wild lowland Borneo: Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Elephant, Pittas and Hornbills
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-26
Yes, you can do Borneo in 5 days. Mammals such as Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and with luck Pygmy Elephant are the main targets, as well as the Bornean Bristlehead, which is the only endemic bird family in Borneo. We spend two nights at the exclusive Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Additionally, there will be loads of birds with Pittas, Broadbills, and Hornbills being particularly in focus.
Check the link for the itinerary and the pre-trip extension.

Birding and summiting Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
2026-10-18 - 2026-10-24
7 Wonders Birding is probably the first birding tour company that offers an itinerary that combines birding and trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
There is a huge draw to climb Kilimanjaro and it is very high on non-birders bucket list. It is hard to know how many birders are actually in shape to do this trip, but we are sure there are quite a few birders who have thought of summiting the highest peak of Africa. It is certainly the dominating and genuinely iconic feature on the horizon of the savanna.
From a climber’s point of view, it is also relatively easy to summit. It is a classic trekking peak. You don’t need climbing skills to reach the top. What you do need is determination, being in relatively good shape, and coping with the altitude.
We have come up with an itinerary where you can summit Kilimanjaro, do a lot of birding, and only take 5 days off from work. So even from the west coast of North America leaving Friday night, it is possible to be back on Sunday evening the next week!
The fastest route takes five days. Longer treks on other routes take up to nine days. It is pretty common to add one day to the short route to have an acclimatization day. We shall also add one day to our customized program for birders, with one difference. We add a day to have more time to bird and to acclimatize much better than the regular trekkers.
In many ways, our strategy works better than the traditional program of the trekkers. On day most trekking companies climb from 2700m to 3700m, and on day three make an excursion to about 4000 meters and back to sleep at 3700m a second night.
We do it differently!
At 3700 meters, there is heath and very few species of birds. Also, at this altitude one does not sleep well. At 2700 meters there is cloud forest and many more birds. It makes a lot of sense for birders to spend as much time as possible in the forested areas.
In fact, many birding companies include a day walking the first part of the Marangu trail, as it gives easy access to forest birds that are not seen on regular safaris. Also, you are rarely allowed to walk in nature on safaris. Kilimanjaro NP offers a nice contrast to this fact.
So, what about the acclimatization?
We have developed a strategy that will give you better birding results and which will prepare you even better for the high altitude.
We use the alpinist mantra.
• Work high.
• Sleep low.
By working high, you get exposed to altitude. By sleeping low, you oxygenate your body and get better rest.
Trekking companies don’t use our strategy because they have to adapt to the weakest people in the group. For slow walkers it would be counterintuitive backtracking and doing the same uphill hike two days in a row, even if it is the most sensible thing to do.
For birders, it is different. It will allow us more time in prime habitat and more birding.
We will walk some extra miles to get more birds.
The detailed itinerary can be found here.
There are two possible extensions.
One is a week birding for endemic species in the Usambara Mountains.
The other is a classic one week Safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro and nearby sites. If possible we will adapt the program to go where Wildebeest migration is taking place.
In the Serengeti we will, apart from the big five, put much effort trying to see Cheetah, Serval and Caracal.
We shall also look for regional special birds of course within the allotted time we have.

Peru: Machu Picchu and Abra Malaga: Inca Culture, Condors and Endemics​
2026-10-25 - 2026-10-30
Best birding in Peru with Machu Picchu!

The last few decades have seen Machu Picchu grow to become one of the world’s most popular bucket list destinations. In this top-end hotel program, we give you a well-rounded tour that includes Machu Picchu and its history, the Inca culture, and some great birding at the Abra Malaga pass. The price is somewhat elevated because we stay at the best hotel for birders near Machu Picchu – the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel has ample beautiful gardens that attract many birds, and there are hummingbird and tanager feeders giving an opportunity for great bird photography. This trip is just as exciting for the non-birding spouse or friend as it is for the birder in the family.
Serious birders and photographers will have ample opportunity to connect with the region’s endemics and near-endemics, of which many are not found on the famous Manu Road. Manu Road could be added as an extension if you have more time.
Join us for a visit to one of the new 7 wonders of the world and add some special bucket list birds to your list such as Condor, Torrent Duck, and Andean Cock of the Rock, as well as many endemics of the region. The photography opportunities are excellent.
Check out the detailed program here.

India: Birding, Tigers and Taj Mahal
2026-11-02 - 2026-11-06
This is India!

It is amazing how much India you will see on this short tour that includes Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National park, one of the most impressive wetlands in the world at Keoladeo National Park next to Bharatpur, Indian Skimmer and Gavial on the Chambal River and finally the beautiful mausoleum Taj Mahal.
Check out the detailed program here.

Birding and Buddhism in the Kingdom of Bhutan - Copy
2026-11-09 - 2026-11-20
Birding and Buddhism in the Kingdom of Bhutan​
Bhutan has been protected by both its isolation within the Himalayas and the topography of its mountainous land, resulting in over 70% of the land remaining forested, with approximately 25% protected by 10 National Parks. The diverse range of environments varies from sub-tropical at 150m to alpine over 4,000 m, supports a natural habitat, and a wide range of ecosystems with rich and varied bird-life, flora, and fauna.
Our 7WB leader will have the help of a Bhutanese local expert guide who is an accredited naturalist and birder who will ensure that your trip through this varied and beautiful landscape is full of birding excellence.
The tour begins in India and ends in Paro in western Bhutan.
There are 680 species of birds in Bhutan, and we will help you discover as many of them as time allows. Check the detailed itinerary for more information.

Philippine Eagle on the Bucket List
2027-01-09 - 2027-01-15
The prime target is the Philippine Eagle – a species very high on many birders’ Bucket Lists. A post-tour extension to the lowland tropical forest at PICOP is also offered. Both sections contain a lot of walking. While it is cool at Mt Kitanglad, it is very hot, and tropical conditions at PICOP for the extension.
The lodging at the birding sites is very basic. The birding, in contrast, is extremely rewarding.
Domestic flights, food, lodging, entrance fees, and expert local guides, together with Gunnar Engblom.
The itinerary has been planned by Pete Simpson, a long-time resident and the foremost birder in Mindanao.
The Philippines is a nation with more than 7,000 islands covering a land area only slightly larger than the state of Texas, but with more endemic birds than the USA, Europe, and China combined. With 270 endemic bird species (and increasing), it is no wonder that the Philippines is a top destination for all birdwatchers, and the most wanted bird for all visitors is the Philippine Eagle. Critically Endangered, with population estimates as low as 100 birds and declining, it is an increasingly difficult bird to see. Although distributed through the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, it is only regularly seen by birdwatchers in Mindanao in the south.
This tour is devised to give the maximum chance of seeing Philippine Eagle in the wild, spending four days on Mount Kitanglad, and for those who want to additionally cover the lowland endemic species, there is an option to spend 2 days in the famous PICOP forest at the end.
See the tour website for more information.

Birding Holiday in Cambodia and Angkor Wat
2027-01-31 - 2027-02-07
Birding Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
The fascinating Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, built as a Hindu temple in the early 12th century, but gradually transformed into a Buddhist Temple. It is the most important tourist attraction of Cambodia and obviously on many people’s bucket lists. But there is also excellent birding available nearby.
Our tour to Cambodia focuses on the unique birds and especially several Critically Endangered species such as Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, and White-winged Duck. We run this tour in cooperation with Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation – the prime conservation organization in Cambodia with projects aiming to conserve threatened birds.
After the main tour, we offer a 3-day extension for serious birders to hike Mt Aural in the Cardamom Mountains for the endemic Cambodia Laughing-Thrush and several endemic subspecies.
See the detailed itinerary by clicking this link.

Japan Winter Wonderland Birding
2027-02-14 - 2027-02-20
When birders come back from their VERY EXPENSIVE two-three week trip to Japan and start showing off their pictures on Social Media, it is mainly JUST FOUR main targets they brag about: Steller’s Sea-Eagle, Red-crowned Crane, Blakiston’s Fish-Owl, and the famous Snow Monkeys. We have news for you. You can get the same in less than a week when traveling with 7 Wonders Birding.
Winter Japan in 2026 will be our 7th season in Japan. See the detailed Itinerary here.
There are extensions offered before and after the trip for additional birding.

Japan Winter Wonderland Birding
2027-02-28 - 2027-03-06
When birders come back from their VERY EXPENSIVE two-three week trip to Japan and start showing off their pictures on Social Media, it is mainly JUST FOUR main targets they brag about: Steller’s Sea-Eagle, Red-crowned Crane, Blakiston’s Fish-Owl and the famous Snow Monkeys. We have news for you. You can get the same in less than a week when traveling with 7 Wonders Birding.
Winter Japan 2025 will be our 7th season running these tours. See the detailed Itinerary here.
There are extensions offered before and after the trip for additional birding.

Birding Taiwan's Beautiful Endemic Birds
2027-03-11 - 2027-03-17
Taiwan is the land of the cute – “kawaii”. A Japanese word, but Taiwan has adopted it to the extreme. The birds in Taiwan are also kawaii. They are not boring Little Brown Jobs, but spectacular in their color variation and cuteness.
Taiwan has no less than 30 endemics, plus many local subspecies that may be considered good species when the systematics catch up.
There are the small and cute endemic Flamecrest, Taiwan Yellow Tit, and Taiwan Cupwing, as well as the small panda patterned Black-throated Tit.
The larger endemic birds are equally spectacular, with two species of beautiful pheasants, two partridges, and the iconic Taiwan Blue Magpie.
The birding in Taiwan is not complicated, and there is easy walking on good surfaces, never far from the vehicle. The large number of bird photographers feeding birds has made the game birds extremely confident.
There are no real dangers, with an extremely low crime rate, and no malaria, dengue, ticks, leeches, or rabies.
Taiwanese food is delicious, and there are excellent options for vegetarians.
See the tour website for more information.

Uganda-Shoebill, Gorilla and Chimpanzee in one week
2027-06-26 - 2027-07-02
Name three things you want to see in Uganda! Easy, right?
Shoebill, Gorilla, and Chimpanzee!
But all the birding trips there are so long and so expensive.
What if you could see all three and only take 5 days off from work?
The price per day is high, but time is money, and in the end, you will see your bucket list species at a fraction of the price of big birding companies.
Additionally, you have a good shot at 23 of the Albertine Rift endemics, many iconic mammals such as Leopard, Lion, Zebra, Hyena, Hippos, Elephants, Cape Buffalos, and Bushbuck.
Crowned Cranes, Bateleurs, and various species of Bee-eaters are other bird highlights.
It is possible to add an extension until July 7, after the core trip, for more birding and wildlife.
Check the complete itinerary in this link.
