An extraordinary 23 days Uganda Birding Tour meticulously crafted for avid birders and nature enthusiasts. This journey unveils the unparalleled avian diversity of western Uganda, home to the coveted Albertine Rift endemics, Congo forest specialties, mountain birds, savannah residents, and water birds. With habitats ranging from lush rainforests and wetlands to sprawling savannahs, this professionally guided adventure promises stunning bird photography opportunities, delightful weather, and encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic mammals. The tour starts and ends in Entebbe, a serene town on the shores of Lake Victoria, offering a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s richest birding destinations.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Your adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a haven for birders. Expect sightings of the African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, and Ross’s Turaco. Overnight stay in Entebbe.
Day 2: Birding Mabamba Wetland and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Today begin with a visit to the famous Mabamba Wetland, a Ramsar site and home to the elusive Shoebill. Navigate the wetland by canoe, keeping an eye out for African Jacanas, Blue-breasted Bee-eaters, and Papyrus Gonoleks. After an exhilarating morning, drive to Lake Mburo National Park. En route, you may spot Long-crested Eagles and Grey Crowned Cranes. Overnight at a lodge near Lake Mburo.
Day 3: Birding Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo’s varied habitats host a plethora of bird species. Today’s highlights include the Red-faced Barbet, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. A boat ride on Lake Mburo offers sightings of African Finfoots and White-backed Night Herons. In the evening, enjoy a guided night game drive, possibly spotting nocturnal species like the Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl.
Day 4: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most diverse park. Along the way, enjoy scenic landscapes and birding stops. Possible sightings include the Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater and White-necked Raven. Overnight in Kisoro, at the park’s edge.
Day 5: Birding Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga’s montane forest is a treasure trove of Albertine Rift endemics. Target species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and Kivu Ground Thrush. Trek through bamboo zones for views of the Golden-breasted Bunting and Dusky Crimson-wing.
Day 6: Transfer to Ruhija
Drive to Ruhija, a section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park renowned for its birdlife. En route, enjoy sightings of Black-headed Waxbills and Mountain Yellow Warblers. Overnight stay in Ruhija.
Day 7: Birding Ruhija and Optional Gorilla Trekking
Ruhija’s Mubwindi Swamp is a prime birding destination. Look for the Grauer’s Broadbill, Rwenzori Batis, and Strange Weaver. For those interested, an optional gorilla trekking experience is available, offering a chance to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Day 8: Birding Mubwindi Swamp
Spend the day exploring Mubwindi Swamp, home to Albertine Rift specialties like the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Apalis, and Purple-breasted Sunbird. The challenging trek is rewarded with unforgettable sightings and breathtaking views.
Day 9: Transfer to Buhoma
Travel to Buhoma, another sector of Bwindi. En route, enjoy forest birding with chances to see Black-faced Rufous Warblers and Collared Apalises. Relax at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Day 10: Birding Buhoma Main Trail
The Buhoma Main Trail offers diverse birding opportunities. Target species include the African Broadbill, Neumann’s Warbler, and Red-throated Alethe. The trail also presents excellent photography opportunities.
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping for birding en route. Expect to see the African Skimmer, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and Palm-nut Vulture. Enjoy an evening game drive upon arrival.
Day 12: Birding Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore the park’s vast savannah and wetlands. Highlights include the Martial Eagle, White-backed Vulture, and Black-headed Gonolek. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel offers sightings of African Spoonbills and Malachite Kingfishers.
Day 13: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Travel to Kibale, Uganda’s primate capital. En route, enjoy birding stops for species like the Green-breasted Pitta and African Emerald Cuckoo. Overnight near Kibale.
Day 14: Birding Kibale and Optional Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale’s forests are teeming with birdlife. Target species include the Red-chested Owlet and Grey Parrot. An optional chimpanzee tracking experience is available, offering an up-close encounter with these fascinating primates.
Day 15: Transfer to Semuliki National Park
Journey to Semuliki, known for its Guinea-Congo forest biome specialties. Birding en route may yield sightings of Black-and-white Casqued Hornbills and Great Blue Turacos.
Day 16: Birding Semuliki Forest
Semuliki’s lush forests host unique species like the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, and Nkulengu Rail. Enjoy a full day immersed in this birding paradise.
Day 17: Transfer to Masindi
Travel to Masindi, with birding stops en route. Expect to see species like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Piapiac. Overnight in Masindi.
Day 18: Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest
The Royal Mile is a premier birding destination. Look for the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Pygmy Kingfisher, and African Dwarf Kingfisher. The forest also supports diverse butterfly species.
Day 19: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Drive to Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest national park. Enjoy birding stops for species like the Black-billed Barbet and Speckle-fronted Weaver. Overnight near the park.
Day 20: Game Drive and Boat Ride to Murchison Falls
Morning game drives reveal savannah residents like Abyssinian Rollers and Secretary Birds. In the afternoon, a boat ride to the base of the falls offers sightings of Goliath Herons and African Fish Eagles.
Day 21: Delta Boat Ride and Evening Game Drive
A boat ride to the delta unveils waterbirds like the Shoebill and Saddle-billed Stork. Evening game drives may yield encounters with nocturnal species.
Day 22: Transfer to Entebbe
Begin the journey back to Entebbe, with birding stops along the way. Possible sightings include Grey Kestrels and Black-headed Herons. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 23: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final birding session around Entebbe. Transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an incredible 23-day birding adventure.