Uganda’s unique location at the meeting point of five biomes and its diverse vegetation types make it one of the most remarkable birding destinations in the world. From Sudanian woodlands in the north to montane forests and wetlands, the country hosts a staggering variety of birdlife. Uganda is home to up to thirty Important Bird Areas (IBAs), with avifauna from the Sudan–Guinea Savanna, Guinea-Congo Forests, Lake Victoria Basin, Afrotropical Highlands, and Somali–Masai biomes. This 26 Days Best IBAs of Uganda is a deep dive into the birding marvels of Uganda’s most significant IBAs, blending exceptional bird watching with scenic landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Detailed Itinerary for 26 Days Best IBAs of Uganda
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda for 26 Days Best IBAs of Uganda Birding Safari
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will warmly welcome you and brief you about the upcoming birding adventure. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short birding tour around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Look out for species like the African Grey Parrot, Woodland Kingfisher, and Orange Weaver. Overnight at a hotel in Entebbe.
Day 2: Mabamba Wetlands to Lake Mburo National Park
Start the day with a boat ride through Mabamba Wetlands, a Ramsar site and IBA famous for its Shoebill sightings. Other notable birds include Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Papyrus Gonolek, and African Jacana. Afterward, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, enjoying roadside birding en route. Overnight near Lake Mburo.
Day 3: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Explore Lake Mburo’s savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, which host birds like the Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, and White-winged Warbler. Take a boat cruise to observe aquatic species and enjoy a guided nature walk for terrestrial birds. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Lake Mburo.
Day 4: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Embark on a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Stop for birding at strategic spots along the way, keeping an eye out for species such as Black-headed Gonolek and Handsome Francolin. Arrive in Mgahinga and settle into your lodge. Overnight near Mgahinga.
Day 5: Full Day Birding at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Spend the entire day exploring Mgahinga’s montane forests and bamboo zones. Notable birds include the Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu Ground Thrush, and the Rwenzori Batis. The park’s unique ecosystem provides a rich habitat for Albertine Rift endemics. Overnight at Mgahinga.
Day 6: Birding Transfer to Ruhija
Travel to Ruhija, stopping for birding en route. Look out for species like Grauer’s Warbler and the Dusky Crimsonwing. Arrive in Ruhija and enjoy a relaxed evening preparing for the next day’s adventures. Overnight in Ruhija.
Day 7: Birding Mubwindi Swamp
Mubwindi Swamp is a birding haven known for Albertine Rift endemics. Highlights include the Grauer’s Broadbill, Regal Sunbird, and Stripe-breasted Tit. Spend the day navigating the trails and soaking in the beauty of this IBA. Overnight in Ruhija.
Day 8: Birding Transfer to Buhoma
Continue your birding journey with a transfer to Buhoma. Bird along the way, with chances to spot species like the Black-faced Apalis and Archer’s Robin-Chat. Overnight at Buhoma.
Day 9: Optional Gorilla Tracking and Birding at Buhoma
Choose between tracking mountain gorillas or spending the day birding in Buhoma. This area boasts incredible species like the Black-billed Turaco and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Overnight at Buhoma.
Day 10: Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding en route. Highlights include the White-tailed Lark and the Collared Pratincole. Overnight near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 11: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore the park’s savannas, wetlands, and woodlands, home to the Grey Crowned Crane, African Skimmer, and Martial Eagle. Take a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel for waterbirds like African Spoonbill and Yellow-billed Stork. Overnight near Queen Elizabeth.
Day 12: Birding to Kibale Forest National Park
Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, stopping for birding along the way. Notable species include the African Pitta and Green-breasted Pitta. Overnight near Kibale.
Days 13-14: Birding and Optional Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Spend two days exploring Kibale’s lush forests. Look out for species like the Grey-throated Flycatcher and Red-headed Bluebill. For those interested, an optional chimpanzee tracking experience can be arranged. Overnight near Kibale.
Day 15: Transfer to Semliki Valley National Park
Drive to Semliki Valley National Park, an IBA rich in Guinea-Congo biome species. Overnight near Semliki.
Day 16: Birding in Semliki Valley National Park
Explore Semliki’s lowland forests for species like the Congo Serpent Eagle and Lyre-tailed Honeyguide. Overnight near Semliki.
Day 17: Transfer to Fort Portal
Enjoy a morning of birding before transferring to Fort Portal. Look out for forest-edge species like the White-thighed Hornbill. Overnight in Fort Portal.
Day 18: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, birding en route. Species to watch for include the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and the Denham’s Bustard. Overnight near Murchison Falls.
Day 19: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park
Spend the day exploring the park’s diverse habitats, home to the Shoebill, Goliath Heron, and Secretary Bird. Overnight near Murchison Falls.
Day 20: Birding to Budongo Forest via Kaniyo Pabidi
Transfer to Budongo Forest, stopping at Kaniyo Pabidi for species like the Puvel’s Illadopsis. Overnight near Budongo.
Day 21: Full-Day Birding in Budongo Forest
Spend the day exploring Budongo’s trails. Highlights include the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher and White-thighed Hornbill. Overnight near Budongo.
Day 22: Boat Ride to the Delta and Evening Game Drive
Enjoy a boat ride to the Nile Delta for aquatic birds like the Shoebill. In the evening, embark on a game drive to spot nocturnal species. Overnight near Budongo.
Day 23: Birding Lake Bisina
Transfer to Lake Bisina, an IBA known for species like the Fox’s Weaver and the Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Overnight near Lake Bisina.
Days 24-25: Birding Mabira Forest
Spend two days exploring Mabira Forest, a prime site for forest birds like the Nahan’s Francolin and Blue-throated Roller. Overnight near Mabira.
Day 26: Departure and End 26 Days Best IBAs of Uganda
After a rewarding birding adventure, transfer back to Entebbe for your departure flight ending your 26 Days Best IBAs of Uganda. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a final birding stop near the airport.