21 Days Bird and Wildlife Photography through Uganda and Rwanda, two of Africa’s most biodiverse regions, designed for birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. This tour takes you through wetlands, savannahs, and montane forests, offering encounters with rare bird species like the Shoebill and Albertine Rift endemics. Beyond birding, experience the thrill of trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, photographing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera National Parks, and cruising along waterways brimming with hippos and waterbirds. Every day promises breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife moments.
More than just a wildlife tour, this journey immerses you in East Africa’s cultural richness, blending traditional practices with modern conservation efforts. Explore Uganda’s and Rwanda’s iconic ecosystems under the guidance of expert naturalists while enjoying the warmth of local communities. From the roaring Murchison Falls to the serene shores of Lake Kivu, this expedition is a celebration of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage, offering unparalleled opportunities for discovery, photography, and connection with the wild.
Detailed Itinerary For 21 Days Bird and Wildlife Photography
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe for 21 Days Bird and Wildlife Photography
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your expert guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy birding at the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens or shores of Lake Victoria, spotting species like the Pied Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Leaflove, and Great Blue Turaco. Overnight stay in Entebbe.
Day 2: Birding at Mabamba Swamp en Route to Lake Mburo National Park
The day begins with a morning drive to Mabamba Swamp, renowned for the elusive Shoebill. Glide through the wetlands on a canoe as you spot other waterbirds, including the African Jacana, Swamp Flycatcher, and Papyrus Gonolek. Continue to Lake Mburo National Park, home to acacia savannah bird species like the Red-faced Barbet and African Finfoot. Overnight at Lake Mburo.
Day 3: Transfer to Rwanda via Uganda’s Birding Route
Enjoy morning birding at Lake Mburo National Park, where sightings may include the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Spot-flanked Barbet, and Black-bellied Bustard. After lunch, travel southwards into Rwanda, crossing through scenic landscapes. Evening arrival and rest near Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 4: Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Begin a thrilling day exploring the Nyungwe Forest, a birding hotspot boasting species like the Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Rwenzori Turaco. Nyungwe’s misty montane forests also offer a chance to spot primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys. Overnight near Nyungwe.
Day 5: Another Day of Birding in Nyungwe Forest
Spend a second day traversing Nyungwe’s lush trails, focusing on Albertine Rift endemics like the Purple-breasted Sunbird, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Handsome Francolin. Capture the beauty of forest birdlife while soaking in the serene surroundings.
Day 6: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Travel east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah park. The drive showcases stunning scenery en route. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on an introductory birding session, encountering species like the Ross’s Turaco, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, and African Wattled Lapwing. Overnight in Akagera.
Day 7: Full Day Birding in Akagera National Park
Spend the day exploring Akagera’s varied habitats, from open savannahs to papyrus swamps. Key species to look for include the African Fish Eagle, Shoebill, and Papyrus Canary. Enjoy scenic views and opportunities to photograph large mammals like elephants, lions, and giraffes.
Day 8: Birding Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Leave Akagera and cross back into Uganda, heading to the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evening arrival allows time to prepare for the next day’s exciting adventures.
Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Tracking and Birding in Bwindi
A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits as you embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s lush forest. After the trek, continue birding in search of Albertine Rift endemics like the Grauer’s Broadbill, Dwarf Honeyguide, and Archer’s Robin-Chat.
Day 10: Birding Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning birding in Bwindi, followed by a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse savannah park. Enjoy evening birding near the Kazinga Channel, looking out for the African Skimmer and Grey-headed Gull.
Day 11: Full Day Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore Queen Elizabeth’s diverse ecosystems, spotting savannah residents like the Grey Crowned Crane, Black-headed Gonolek, and African Crake. A boat ride along the Kazinga Channel offers close encounters with waterbirds.
Day 12: Birding Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Travel to Kibale Forest, home to over 370 bird species, including the Green-breasted Pitta, and 13 primate species. Evening birding introduces species like the Red-chested Owlet and Blue-throated Roller.
Day 13: Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding in Kibale
Begin the day with an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. In the afternoon, focus on birding the forest trails to spot species like the Abyssinian Ground-Thrush and African Emerald Cuckoo.
Day 14: Birding Transfer to Masindi
Drive to Masindi, stopping for birding en route. Highlights may include the White-thighed Hornbill and Speckle-breasted Woodpecker. Evening rest in preparation for birding Budongo Forest.
Day 15: Birding at the Royal Mile of Budongo Forest
Spend the day at Budongo Forest, particularly the renowned Royal Mile, where specialties like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Pitta-like Ground-Roller, and Ituri Batis are found.
Day 16: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Morning birding in Budongo, followed by a transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Evening game drive introduces savannah species such as the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Secretary Bird.
Day 17–18: Birding and Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Spend two days exploring the park’s diverse habitats. Highlights include a boat ride to the Delta, a game drive in the savannah, and sightings of the Saddle-billed Stork, African Quailfinch, and Red-throated Bee-eater.
Day 19: Transfer to Entebbe
After a final morning birding session, drive back to Entebbe. Use the evening to relax or visit local attractions.
Day 20: Conclude Your 21 Days Bird and Wildlife Photography Tour
Conclude your 21 Days Bird and Wildlife Photography tour with transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, leaving with incredible memories and photos of Uganda and Rwanda’s extraordinary biodiversity.