Uganda, with its extraordinary diversity of habitats ranging from tropical forests to high-altitude mountains, is a paradise for birdwatchers. The 17 Days Uganda Albertine Rift Endemic Birding Safaris offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s most biodiverse regions, particularly focusing on the Albertine Rift, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

This tour is tailor-made for avid birders, especially twitchers, looking to spot the rare and endemic species found only in this region. Key highlights include the Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Semliki Valley National Park, where you will search for Albertine Rift endemics like the African Green Broadbill, Dusky Crimson-wing, Rwenzori Turaco, and Kivu Ground Thrush, among many others. Beyond birdwatching, this safari also includes the chance to experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival for Uganda Albertine Rift Endemic Safaris

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation. After settling in, enjoy a brief orientation of the tour and an overview of the bird species to expect. If time permits, take an introductory birdwatching walk in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to species like the Gray Crowned Crane and White-cheeked Turaco.

Day 2: Birding Mabamba for the Shoebill and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

On your second day, head to Mabamba Swamp, a prime birding location famous for sightings of the Shoebill Stork. Other notable species include the African Jacana, White-winged Tern, and Marabou Stork. After birding, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its savannah birding and wildlife, where species such as Long-tailed Cormorant and Gray Hornbill are commonly seen.

Day 3: Birding to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. Along the way, birdwatching opportunities abound, including sightings of species like the Mountain Masked Apalis and Red-faced Woodland Warbler. The park itself offers a chance to see rare montane species and the stunning backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes.

Day 4: Birding Mgahinga – Uganda Birdwatching Safari

Spend the day birdwatching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can look for species like the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dwarf Honeyguide, and Dusky Crimson-wing. Enjoy a mix of hiking and birding as you explore the park’s varied habitats, from bamboo forests to montane meadows.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest -Birdwatching to Ruhija.

After breakfast, transfer to Ruhija in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, another key birding location in Uganda. Ruhija is known for its rich biodiversity and is a great base for spotting species such as the Purple-breasted Sunbird and Archer’s Robin-Chat.

Day 6: Birding to Mubwindi Swamp

In the morning, birdwatching continues as you head to Mubwindi Swamp, a prime birding site in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Species such as the African Green Broadbill, Collared Apalis, and Grauer’s Warbler are frequently seen in this area. The dense, moss-covered trees provide an atmospheric backdrop for birding.

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking and Birding to Buhoma

In the morning, enjoy a gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi, where you will encounter Uganda’s most famous residents: the Mountain Gorillas. In the afternoon, head to Buhoma, another birding hotspot within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you may spot the Rwenzori Nightjar and Grauer’s Rush Warbler.

Day 8: Whole Day Birding Buhoma Main Trail

Spend the entire day exploring the Buhoma Main Trail, where you will have the chance to encounter species like the Rwenzori Turaco, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Rwenzori Batis. Birding along the trail is varied, with opportunities to spot both forest and montane species.

Day 9: Birding to Kasese for Rwenzori Birding

Transfer to Kasese, located at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, for a day of birding. The area is home to many endemic species, including the Rwenzori Turaco and the Handsome Francolin. Explore the foothills of the mountains for a chance to spot these special birds.

Day 10 & 11: Hike Rwenzori Mountains (Day One & Day Two)

Embark on a two-day hike in the Rwenzori Mountains, where you will have the opportunity to spot rare montane species such as the Red-throated Alethe, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Strange Weaver. The rugged terrain offers spectacular views and rich birding experiences at higher altitudes.

Day 12: Bird Descending the Mountains

On day twelve, descend from the mountains while continuing your birding expedition. The return journey provides further opportunities to spot species like the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird and Grauer’s Warbler.

Day 13: Birding to Semliki Valley National Park

Travel to Semliki Valley National Park, a rich birding destination located along the western border of Uganda. The park is home to various forest and savanna species, including the Yellow-crested Helmet Shrike and Purple-breasted Sunbird. It’s also a great location for spotting the rare Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater.

Day 14 & 15: Birdwatching at Semliki Valley National Park

Spend two full days birding in Semliki Valley, one of Uganda’s top birding spots. Explore the valley’s tropical forests, where you’ll have the chance to see species like the Red-throated Alethe, Black-casqued Hornbill, and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher.

Day 16: Birding to Kampala/Entebbe

On the penultimate day, travel to Kampala or Entebbe, with additional birdwatching opportunities along the way. You may spot species like the Common Bulbul and African Fish Eagle as you return to the capital.

Day 17: Departure

On your final day, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, with memories of Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and rich birdlife.

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The 17 Days Uganda Albertine Rift Endemic Birding Safaris is the ultimate birding adventure, offering rare opportunities to spot some of the most sought-after species in Africa. With visits to key birding hotspots like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rwenzori Mountains, and Semliki Valley, this safari provides an in-depth exploration of Uganda’s unique avian diversity, including endemic and near-endemic species like the African Green Broadbill, Rwenzori Turaco, and Dusky Crimson-wing. Perfect for avid birders and twitchers, this tour blends exciting birding with a rich experience of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes.