This 10 days birding adventure takes you to Uganda’s lush rainforests, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe some of the most sought-after forest bird species in Africa. Uganda’s forests are home to a rich array of avian diversity, including numerous endemic and rare species. Highlights include birding in Mabira Forest, Budongo Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Semliki Forest, showcasing a variety of habitats and a spectacular range of birds.
Expect to spot rainforest specialists such as the Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, African Dwarf Kingfisher, and many Albertine Rift endemics. This moderate-paced itinerary also provides excellent bird photography opportunities amid Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes.
- Nahan’s Francolin
- Cassin’s Hawk Eagle
- African Dwarf Kingfisher
- Albertine Rift Endemics
- African Green Broadbill
- Grauer’s Warbler
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Handsome Francolin
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing
Day 1: Arrival for Uganda Rain Forests Birding Tour
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy introductory birding at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or along the shores of Lake Victoria. Notable sightings may include the Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Swamp Flycatcher. Dinner and overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Birding in Mabira Forest
After breakfast, drive to Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s largest remaining tropical rainforests. Spend the day birding along its well-maintained trails, looking for species such as the Nahan’s Francolin, Forest Wood Hoopoe, African Grey Parrot, and Dusky Tit. Mabira is also home to the Tit Hylia, Grey-throated Barbet, and White-spotted Flufftail. Dinner and overnight near Mabira Forest.
Day 3: Birding Safari to Budongo Forest
Depart early for Budongo Forest, a prime birding destination near Murchison Falls National Park. Stop en route for birding in savannah and woodland habitats, which may yield sightings of Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Foxy Cisticola, and Blue-naped Mousebird. Arrive at Budongo in the afternoon and enjoy introductory birding around your lodge. Dinner and overnight near Budongo Forest.
Day 4: Full-Day Birding in Budongo Forest
Explore Budongo Forest’s renowned Royal Mile, considered one of the best birding trails in Africa. Key species include the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Ituri Batis, and Yellow-billed Barbet. The forest is also home to primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys. Enjoy a full day immersing yourself in this birding paradise. Dinner and overnight near Budongo Forest.
Day 5: Birding in Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi
Continue birding in Budongo Forest and nearby Kaniyo Pabidi, an excellent spot for the rare Puvel’s Illadopsis. Other highlights include the Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, and Yellow-footed Flycatcher. Kaniyo Pabidi is also known for its mahogany trees, providing a serene environment for birding. Dinner and overnight near Budongo Forest.
Day 6: Birding Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with birding stops en route. As you approach Bwindi, the lush montane forest offers sightings of highland species like the Ruwenzori Batis, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, and African Hill Babbler. Arrive in Bwindi’s Buhoma sector in the evening. Dinner and overnight near Buhoma.
Days 7 & 8: Birding in Semliki Forest and the Kirumiya Trail
Spend two days exploring the Semliki Forest, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The Kirumiya Trail offers incredible birding opportunities, with possible sightings of species such as the Black-wattled Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, and African Piculet. Look out for other forest specials, including the White-crested Hornbill and Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill. Dinner and overnight near Semliki Forest.
Day 9: Birding Transfer to Kampala
Enjoy morning birding as you leave Semliki, targeting any missed species. The drive back to Kampala offers additional birding opportunities, particularly in wetlands and forest patches. Arrive in Kampala in the evening for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kampala.
Day 10: End of Birdwatching Safari – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. If time permits, enjoy final birding in Entebbe, adding any last-minute species to your checklist. Depart with cherished memories of Uganda’s rainforest birding experiences.