This 15-day birding safari will take you through Uganda’s most rewarding birding destinations including wetlands, savannas, tropical rainforests, and the Albertine Rift highlands. Expect to encounter the elusive Shoebill Stork, Albertine Rift endemics, forest specials, and migratory birds, alongside Uganda’s primates and classic wildlife.
Safari Highlights
Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill and wetland birding
Lake Mburo National Park – Acacia savanna specials
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Albertine Rift endemics
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – High-altitude birding and golden monkey trek option
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Savanna birding and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Kibale Forest – Birding and optional chimpanzee trekking
Semuliki National Park – Central African forest species
Budongo Forest – Pitta hunting and forest birds
Murchison Falls National Park – Shoebill and savanna birding
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhino tracking and woodland birds
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Mabamba Wetland (Shoebill Search)
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to Mabamba Wetlands. Take a canoe ride in search of the Shoebill Stork, as well as African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Purple Swamphen. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Entebbe – Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park with birding stops en route. Afternoon birding around the park and boat cruise on Lake Mburo to spot African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, and White-backed Night Heron. Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.
Day 3: Full Day Birding in Lake Mburo
Birding in the park’s acacia woodlands and savanna. Key species:
Red-faced Barbet
Rufous-bellied Heron
Tabora Cisticola
Bare-faced Go-away Bird
Evening game drive for nocturnal species. Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, birding along the way. Bwindi is home to over 350 bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Overnight near Bwindi (Buhoma sector).
Day 5: Birding in Bwindi – Buhoma Trails
Full-day birding in the Buhoma sector. Target species:
White-bellied Robin-chat
African Broadbill
Bar-tailed Trogon
Equatorial Akalat
Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking (Optional) & Birding in Bwindi
For those interested, embark on a gorilla trekking adventure. Others will continue with birding in the Buhoma sector. Afternoon birding around the lodge. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 7: Birding Transfer – Bwindi to Ruhija Sector
Bird along the way to Ruhija, one of the best birding areas in Bwindi. Overnight in Ruhija.
Day 8: Birding Mubwindi Swamp Trail – Ruhija
Bird the famous Mubwindi Swamp Trail for Albertine Rift endemics such as:
Grauer’s Broadbill
Regal Sunbird
Handsome Francolin
Rwenzori Batis
Overnight in Ruhija.
Day 9: Ruhija – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for high-altitude birding. Target species include:
Rwenzori Turaco
Alpine Chat
Dusky Turtle Dove
Kivu Ground Thrush
Optional golden monkey trek. Overnight in Kisoro/Mgahinga.
Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)
Birding transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP via Ishasha, home to tree-climbing lions and savanna species. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 11: Birding in Queen Elizabeth NP & Kazinga Channel
Morning birding and game drive in Kasenyi plains. Afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, with chances to spot African Skimmer, Pink-backed Pelican, and Yellow-billed Stork. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 12: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Drive to Kibale Forest with en route birding. Evening walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 13: Birding in Kibale Forest – Optional Chimp Trek
Full-day birding in Kibale. Target species:
Green-breasted Pitta
Black-capped Apalis
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
Optional chimpanzee trekking. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 14: Kibale – Semuliki National Park
Transfer to Semuliki NP, birding on the way. Afternoon birding near the hot springs and forest edges. Overnight in Semuliki.
Day 15: Birding in Semuliki – Transfer to Entebbe via Kampala
Morning birding on the Kirumya Trail, searching for Congo Serpent Eagle, Nkulengu Rail, and White-crested Hornbill. Later, drive back to Entebbe via Kampala. Drop-off at the airport or hotel, marking the end of your 15 Days Uganda Birding Safari.
Safari Inclusions
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional birding guide
Park entrance fees
Boat cruises & nature walks
Bottled drinking water
What to Carry
Binoculars & bird checklist
Camera with zoom lens
Lightweight neutral-colored clothing
Insect repellent & sunscreen
Hiking boots & rain gear