Uganda is a paradise for avid birders, offering an extraordinary 29 days Hardcore Birding Tour that showcases its unparalleled avian diversity. This immersive journey traverses the country’s most iconic birding hotspots, from the vibrant wetlands of Mabamba to the montane forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the pristine savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll encounter some of Uganda’s most sought-after species, including the rare Shoebill, African Green Broadbill, and Green-breasted Pitta. Each day unfolds with exciting opportunities to explore diverse habitats, such as the towering bamboo forests of Mgahinga, the serene shores of Lake Bisina, and the rich woodlands of Budongo Forest. Alongside birdwatching, the tour offers optional gorilla and chimpanzee tracking experiences, blending Uganda’s incredible wildlife encounters with unforgettable birding adventures.
This itinerary is designed to inspire and challenge even the most experienced birders, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you journey through Uganda’s five major biomes, you’ll marvel at the sheer variety of bird species, with some days yielding sightings of over 300 species. The lush landscapes, from the Rift Valley escarpments to the rolling hills of Fort Portal, provide a stunning backdrop for your birding quests. By the end of this intensive tour, you’ll have explored Uganda’s natural wonders in depth, gaining a profound appreciation for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation. Whether you’re seeking rare endemics or expanding your life list, this tour promises a deeply rewarding adventure in the heart of Africa’s birding haven.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival for Uganda Birding Tour
Welcome to Uganda, a birding paradise! Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our experienced birding guide will warmly greet you and brief you on the exciting 29-day birding adventure ahead. You’ll transfer to your hotel in Entebbe for rest, relaxation, and dinner. Entebbe’s proximity to Lake Victoria ensures you may spot birds like the African Openbill and the White-breasted Cormorant right from the start.
Day 2: Birding Mabamba Wetlands & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
The journey begins with a morning visit to Mabamba Wetlands, one of Uganda’s most renowned birding sites and home to the elusive Shoebill Stork. Glide through papyrus swamps on a canoe, spotting bird species such as the Malachite Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, and African Jacana. After lunch, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its savanna and wetland avian diversity. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 3: Birding Lake Mburo National Park
Spend the entire day exploring Lake Mburo’s habitats. Start with a boat safari on Lake Mburo, where species like the African Finfoot, Pied Kingfisher, and White-backed Night Heron thrive. Afternoon game drives and nature walks will reveal terrestrial species, including the Red-faced Barbet and Tabora Cisticola. A nocturnal birding drive may reward you with sightings of the Pennant-winged Nightjar.
Day 4: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Travel southwest to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a mountainous region rich in Albertine Rift endemics. Enjoy en-route birding and stunning landscapes as you approach this unique park. Upon arrival, an afternoon birding walk will introduce you to species like the Rwenzori Turaco and the Dusky Crimsonwing. Overnight at your lodge.
Day 5: Birding Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Spend a full day birding Mgahinga’s montane forests, grasslands, and bamboo zones. Key species include the Kivu Ground Thrush, Regal Sunbird, and Handsome Francolin. The park also offers a chance to see Gorillas or Golden Monkeys during your stay. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 6: Transfer to Ruhija in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today’s drive takes you to Ruhija, one of the best birding sites within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ruhija’s forested hills are home to rare birds like the Grauer’s Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and the Bar-tailed Trogon. Evening birding near your lodge may also reveal the Scarce Swift.
Day 7: Birding Mubwindi Swamp
Mubwindi Swamp is a premier birding destination for serious birders. Trek through this magical forest, searching for avian treasures like the African Green Broadbill, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Dwarf Honeyguide. This challenging hike is rewarded with exceptional bird sightings.
Day 8: Birding to Buhoma
Transfer from Ruhija to Buhoma, the lowland section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. En route, bird the forest edges for species like the African Hill Babbler and Mountain Illadopsis. Evening relaxation at your lodge sets the stage for the next adventure.
Day 9: Optional Gorilla Trekking and Birding at Buhoma
Today offers the option to participate in a gorilla trekking experience—a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Alternatively, dedicate the day to birding Buhoma’s trails, where you might spot the Black Bee-eater, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, and Western Bronze-naped Pigeon.
Day 10: Bird Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding along the way through Ishasha’s savannas. You may spot species like the Palm-nut Vulture and African Skimmer. Afternoon game drives introduce you to the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Day 11: Birding Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore the park’s prolific birdlife, including waterbirds on the Kazinga Channel, such as the Great White Pelican and African Spoonbill. A game drive through the Kasenyi Plains offers sightings of the Black-rumped Buttonquail and Harlequin Quail.
Day 12: Birding Kibale Forest National Park
Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, stopping en route for birding at key locations. Kibale is home to over 375 bird species, including the Green-breasted Pitta and African Pitta. An afternoon birding walk around Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary adds further excitement.
Days 13-14: Birding & Optional Chimpanzee Tracking at Kibale
Dedicate two full days to birding Kibale’s lush forests and surrounding areas. Spot species like the Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, and Red-chested Owlet. Optional chimpanzee tracking offers a unique primate experience.
Day 15: Transfer to Semliki Valley National Park
Travel to Semliki Valley National Park, a hotspot for Congo biome species. En route, birdwatch for unique savanna and forest species, and enjoy scenic views of the Albertine Rift.
Day 16: Birding Semliki Valley National Park
Bird Semliki’s lowland forests, where over 400 species reside. Look for the Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornbill, and Lyre-tailed Honeyguide. The swampy areas host the Hartlaub’s Duck and White-throated Blue Swallow.
Day 17: Transfer to Fort Portal
A morning birding session in Semliki precedes the drive to Fort Portal. Evening birding around Fort Portal town provides a chance to see species like the Mountain Wagtail.
Day 18: Birding Murchison Falls National Park
Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. Bird the Nile Delta and savanna grasslands for species like the Shoebill and Northern Carmine Bee-eater.
Day 19: Full Day Birding in Murchison Falls National Park
Explore Murchison’s varied habitats, focusing on game drives and boat safaris. Expect sightings of the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, White-crested Turaco, and Rock Pratincole.
Day 20: Transfer to Budongo Forest
Depart Murchison Falls for Budongo Forest, Uganda’s largest tropical rainforest. Afternoon birding introduces you to the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher and Yellow-billed Barbet.
Day 21: Birding Budongo Forest
Spend the day exploring Budongo’s Royal Mile, a prime birding trail. Key species include the Nahan’s Francolin, White-thighed Hornbill, and African Dwarf Kingfisher.
Day 22: Transfer to Lake Bisina
Travel to Lake Bisina, known for its papyrus specialties. Evening birding offers sightings of the Fox’s Weaver, a Ugandan endemic, and the Carruthers’s Cisticola.
Days 23-24: Birding Lake Bisina
Dedicate two full days to birding Lake Bisina and its surroundings. Species to watch for include the Papyrus Gonolek, Shoebill, and Lesser Jacana.
Day 25: Birding Mount Elgon National Park
Transfer to Mount Elgon National Park, where montane bird species thrive. Afternoon birding introduces you to Jackson’s Francolin and Moorland Francolin.
Day 26: Full Day Birding Mount Elgon
Spend the day exploring Mount Elgon’s diverse habitats. Key species include the Black-collared Apalis and the Tacazze Sunbird.
Day 27: Birding Mabira Forest
Return to Mabira Forest, stopping en route for additional birding. Mabira’s forest trails host species like the Forest Woodhoopoe and Blue-throated Roller.
Day 28: Full Day Birding Mabira Forest
A final full day of birding in Mabira Forest offers sightings of the Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, Yellow-billed Barbet, and Uganda Woodland Warbler.
Day 29: Departure
Conclude your epic birding journey with a transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the incredible birding moments and species encountered during this unforgettable adventure.