Uganda Birding Photography Tour – We intend to cover some of the country’s most precious habitats. The western part of the country is probably the richest with a vast range of bird species a birder would consider while planning a birding in Birding Photography Tour to Uganda. It is home to the region’s highly sought-after Albertine Rift endemics, restricted species from the Congo forest, a good number of foresters, mountain birds, water birds and not forgetting the remarkable savannah residents.
This tour should see a satisfying number of species list. Most of the birds should present in a favourable photography position. Generally, Uganda weather is celebrated and immensely favouring to find the desired nature’s encounters.
The tour starts and ends in Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria. Early arrival may lead to birding the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. The next day proceeds to find the most iconic bird of this trip – the Shoebill. We spend the first morning in the Mabamba Wetlands before moving to Lake Mburo National Park
The tour continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has the highest record of Albertine rift endemics in the country. These popular endemics should include, the vulnerable Grauer’s Broadbill, Red-throated Alethe, Dusky Crimson-wing, Strange Weaver, Stuhlmann’s Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Robin-chat, Handsome Francolin and the almost impossible Shelley’s Crimson-wing. We bird North to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park the home to the Green-breasted and thirteen species of primates, Semuliki Valley for the Unique Guinea-congo Forest biome specialities, Murchison Falls National Park for more Savannah residents and Budongo Forest for the Ituri extension species.
The tour will cover a multitude of habitats from lush rainforests to wild savannahs, to wetlands and swamps. Panoramic scenic views and arguably the finest on the continent, and a mind-blowing mammal experience await.
Day 1: Arrival for Uganda Birding and Nature Photo Tour
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will welcome you. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. If time permits, you can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Here, you’ll photograph species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Ross’s Turaco, alongside primates like the Vervet Monkey.
Day 2: Birding to Lake Mburo National Park via Mabamba Wetland
Begin the day at Mabamba Wetland, a renowned birding site famous for the iconic Shoebill. Explore the swamp by canoe, where you’ll also spot Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, and Long-toed Lapwing. Afterward, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping en route for birding and photography. Arrive in the park for an evening walk to spot savannah birds.
Day 3: Birding Uganda Lake Mburo National Park
Spend the day exploring Lake Mburo’s varied habitats, from open grasslands to acacia woodlands and lakeshores. Early morning game drives will reveal species like African Finfoot, Crested Barbet, and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Mburo, capturing water birds such as White-backed Night Heron and African Fish Eagle.
Day 4: Birding to Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel through Uganda’s scenic highlands to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, stop for birding at forest patches and local farmlands. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy a short evening birding walk to spot Regal Sunbird and Yellow-streaked Greenbul.
Day 5: Birding and Optional Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija
Explore the montane forests of Ruhija, targeting Albertine Rift endemics like the African Green Broadbill, Rwenzori Batis, and Handsome Francolin. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional gorilla trekking experience, an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, or continue birding along the forest edges.
Day 6: Birding Mubwindi Swamp
Venture into Mubwindi Swamp, one of Uganda’s premier birding hotspots. This day involves trekking through dense forest trails, photographing rare species such as Grauer’s Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimson-wing, and Short-tailed Warbler. The pristine swamp also provides opportunities to see Bar-tailed Trogon and Mountain Illadopsis.
Day 7: Birding Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Transfer to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi, birding along the way. This lower-altitude area offers a change in scenery and species. Target highlights include Kivu Ground Thrush, Collared Apalis, and Black-faced Rufous Warbler. After arrival, enjoy a relaxed evening birding walk near your lodge.
Day 8: Birding Buhoma Main Trail
Spend the entire day on the Buhoma Main Trail, photographing iconic Albertine Rift endemics such as Red-throated Alethe, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Mountain Masked Apalis. This well-maintained trail also offers sightings of colorful sunbirds, turacos, and weavers.
Day 9: Bwindi Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Bwindi and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park. Stop for birding en route, especially in forested areas. Arrive in time for an evening game drive, targeting savannah species like Flappet Lark, Black-headed Gonolek, and Crowned Lapwing.
Day 10: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, photographing savannah birds and mammals like lions and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, an excellent spot for water birds such as African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Day 11: Birding Kibale Forest National Park
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, a primate and birding paradise. Upon arrival, explore forest trails, focusing on species like Green-breasted Pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet, and Speckled Tinkerbird. The dense forest canopy offers spectacular photography opportunities.
Day 12: Birding Tour and Optional Chimpanzee Tracking
Join an early morning birding walk to photograph species like Brown-chested Alethe and Black-billed Turaco. In the afternoon, you can opt for chimpanzee tracking, encountering one of the 13 primate species in Kibale, or continue birding for elusive species like the White-naped Pigeon.
Day 13: Birding from Kibale to Semliki Forest National Park
Travel to the lowland rainforests of Semliki National Park, stopping for birding along the way. This area features unique Guinea-Congo biome species like Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and White-crested Hornbill.
Day 14: Birding Semliki Forest National Park
Spend the day exploring Semliki’s trails, photographing rare and colorful species such as Piping Hornbill, Congo Serpent Eagle, and Nkulengu Rail. The forest’s biodiversity ensures a rewarding experience for photographers.
Day 15: Birding to Masindi
Drive to Masindi, with birding stops at forested and savannah patches en route. Key species to look out for include White-thighed Hornbill, White-spotted Flufftail, and Rufous-sided Broadbill.
Day 16: Birding the Royal Mile of Budongo Forest
Explore the legendary Royal Mile, known for its canopy of towering mahogany trees. This trail offers excellent chances to photograph Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Ituri Batis, and Cassins Spinetail.
Day 17: Birding to Murchison Falls National Park
Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park. Enjoy birding stops along the way, and an evening game drive to spot Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, and Red-necked Falcon.
Day 18: Game Drive and Boat Ride to Murchison Falls
Start the day with a game drive, targeting Northern Carmine Bee-eater and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the base of the falls, photographing water birds like African Darter and Shoebill.
Day 19: Boat Ride to the Delta and Evening Game Drive
Take a boat ride to the Albert Delta, photographing wetland species such as Goliath Heron, Papyrus Gonolek, and Saddle-billed Stork. Conclude the day with an evening game drive.
Day 20: Birding to Entebbe to End the Tour
Enjoy final birding stops as you return to Entebbe for your departure. Capture last-minute sightings of species like Marabou Stork and Black Kite. Your guide will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.