Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 1,070 bird species across diverse habitats, from wetlands and savannas to tropical forests and highland regions. This 20-day birding tour is designed for serious birders and nature enthusiasts who want to explore Uganda’s endemic, rare, and migratory birds while also enjoying wildlife and cultural encounters.
Safari Highlights
Mabamba Wetlands – Shoebill Stork & wetland birds
Murchison Falls National Park – Savanna and riverine species
Budongo & Semuliki Forests – Albertine Rift endemics and forest birds
Kibale Forest – Chimpanzees and forest bird species
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Albertine Rift endemics
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel birding
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – High-altitude species & golden monkeys
Lake Mburo & crater lakes – Savanna and wetland birds
Opportunities for cultural experiences with local communities
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1–2: Arrival in Entebbe & Mabamba Wetlands
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to Mabamba Wetlands. Spend the next day exploring this wetland birding hotspot, searching for the elusive Shoebill Stork, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Purple Swamphen. Overnight in Entebbe.
Days 3–4: Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo NP, stopping for birding along the way. Enjoy a boat cruise to spot African Finfoot, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and White-backed Night Heron. Morning and evening game drives for savanna bird species such as Red-faced Barbet, Rufous-bellied Heron, and Tabora Cisticola. Overnight in Lake Mburo.
Days 5–6: Murchison Falls National Park
Transfer north to Murchison Falls NP, Uganda’s largest park. Enjoy a morning game drive to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and buffaloes. Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River, focusing on waterbirds, herons, and kingfishers. Overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Days 7–8: Budongo & Semuliki Forests
Drive west to explore the rich Albertine Rift forests. Bird along forest trails in Budongo and Semuliki National Parks, targeting rare species such as the Congo Serpent Eagle, Nkulengu Rail, and African Green Broadbill. Overnight near Semuliki NP.
Days 9–10: Kibale Forest National Park
Travel to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world. Conduct forest birding along trails and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, seeking species like Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, and Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo. Optional chimpanzee trekking. Overnight near Kibale.
Days 11–13: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP. Morning and afternoon game drives in Kasenyi Plains and Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions, antelopes, and savanna birds. Take a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, spotting African Fish Eagle, Shoebill Stork (rare), Pelicans, and herons. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Days 14–16: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Birding in Buhoma and Ruhija sectors for Albertine Rift endemics:
White-bellied Robin-chat
African Broadbill
Bar-tailed Trogon
Optional gorilla trekking experience. Overnight in Bwindi.
Days 17–18: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Drive to Mgahinga NP, ideal for high-altitude birding. Look for Rwenzori Turaco, Alpine Chat, and Kivu Ground Thrush. Optional golden monkey tracking and scenic hikes. Overnight in Mgahinga.
Days 19–20: Return to Entebbe via Kampala
Drive back to Entebbe with scenic stops at crater lakes and traditional communities. Final day birding along the way. Drop-off at Entebbe International Airport for departure.