An extraordinary 15 days journey through Uganda, a land of remarkable biodiversity and captivating landscapes. This tour offers an unparalleled blend of birding, primate trekking, and wildlife experiences, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Begin your adventure in the renowned wetlands of Mabamba, where the elusive Shoebill Stork and a host of other wetland species await. Traverse Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, from the open savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park teeming with both birds and big game, to the enchanting forests of Kibale and Bwindi, home to some of the most sought-after bird species in Africa. With each destination, you’ll be immersed in habitats that boast a stunning array of avifauna, including Albertine Rift endemics, forest specialists, and savannah favorites, alongside iconic wildlife such as elephants, lions, and antelopes.
Adding to the excitement, this adventure provides rare opportunities to connect with Uganda’s primate inhabitants. Trek through the dense forests of Kibale National Park to encounter playful chimpanzees, whose vocalizations echo through the canopy. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, stand face-to-face with mountain gorillas in an awe-inspiring encounter that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Each day is carefully planned to maximize your birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, with expert guides leading you through trails, boat safaris, and game drives. This tour is a celebration of Uganda’s unparalleled biodiversity, offering a deeper connection to the natural world and unforgettable experiences in the Pearl of Africa.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your birding guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy birding in the nearby Botanical Gardens, where species like the Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Parrot, and Palm-nut Vulture are often spotted. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Wetlands
Begin your adventure with a visit to Mabamba Wetlands, one of Uganda’s most famous birding hotspots. Take a boat ride through the swamp, searching for the elusive Shoebill Stork, as well as wetland species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana, and Malachite Kingfisher. In the afternoon, return to Entebbe and relax at your lodge.
Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park and a birding paradise. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for birding and rhino tracking. Look out for species like the African Fish Eagle, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Red-throated Bee-eater. Overnight near the park.
Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Enjoy a morning game drive, spotting savannah birds like the Secretarybird, Black-bellied Bustard, and Northern Carmine Bee-eater. In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Look for waterbirds such as the African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, and Pied Kingfisher. Overnight at your lodge.
Day 5: Birding in Budongo Forest
Transfer to Budongo Forest, a birding hotspot known for its rich avifauna. Explore the Royal Mile, where you can spot forest species like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, and Ituri Batis. Spend the day birding in this pristine forest and enjoy its serene beauty. Overnight near Budongo.
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Drive to Kibale National Park, a region renowned for its chimpanzee population and bird diversity. The journey offers birding opportunities along the way, with sightings of species such as the Lizard Buzzard, Grey Kestrel, and various sunbirds. Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your lodge near the forest.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding in Kibale Forest
Set out early for a chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. As you track these primates, you’ll also encounter various bird species, such as the Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher. In the afternoon, enjoy more birding along the forest trails. Overnight near Kibale.
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping at the Kasese escarpment for birding en route. Look out for the Black-headed Batis, Lesser Flamingos, and White-browed Robin-Chat. After arrival, take an evening birding drive in the park. Overnight at your lodge in the park.
Day 9: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive along the Kasenyi Plains, spotting species like the African Wattled Lapwing, Grey-crowned Crane, and Yellow-throated Longclaw. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter waterbirds such as the African Spoonbill, White-faced Whistling Duck, and Great Cormorant.
Day 10: Birding in the Ishasha Sector
Transfer to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and birdlife. Look for species such as the Ross’s Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, and Broad-billed Roller. After a full day of birding, relax at your lodge in Ishasha.
Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s richest ecosystems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, enjoy birding stops at key locations. Arrive at the park in the afternoon and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Overnight near the park.
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the dense forests of Bwindi. While trekking, you may also spot bird species like the African Green Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, and Black-faced Rufous Warbler. Spend an hour with the mountain gorillas before heading back to your lodge to relax.
Day 13: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Dedicate the day to birding in Bwindi, home to over 350 bird species. Explore the trails for Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Overnight at your lodge near the park.
Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping for birding en route. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening birding walk, where you may spot species like the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-faced Barbet, and African Scops Owl. Overnight at a lodge near the park.
Day 15: Birding and Departure
On your final day, enjoy a morning birding session in Lake Mburo National Park. Look out for waterbirds such as the African Finfoot and White-backed Night Heron. Afterward, drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight, marking the end of an incredible 15-day adventure.