14 Days Birding, Primate & Wildlife Safari in Uganda
Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to over 1,070 bird species, making it one of Africa’s top birding destinations. This 14-day birding, primate, and wildlife safari takes you through Uganda’s most iconic birding hotspots, wildlife-rich savannas, and tropical rainforests. Expect thrilling encounters with the Shoebill Stork, Albertine Rift endemics, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and the famous “Big Five” mammals.
Safari Highlights
Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill and wetland birds
Lake Mburo National Park – Acacia-dwelling species and savanna birds
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla trekking and Albertine Rift endemics
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Birding and classic game drives
Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee trekking and forest birds
Semuliki National Park – Central African bird specialties
Murchison Falls National Park – Shoebill, waterbirds, and big game
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Walking safari for rhinos and birding
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp (Shoebill Search)
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will receive you. Transfer to Mabamba Wetlands, a Ramsar site famous for the Shoebill Stork. Take a canoe ride with local guides to spot the Shoebill and other wetland species such as African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Purple Swamphen. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Entebbe – Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a savanna park with over 350 bird species. Stop at the Equator for photos and birding en route. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, spotting African Finfoot, Pied Kingfisher, and Fish Eagles. Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.
Day 3: Full Day Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Spend the whole day birding in Lake Mburo’s diverse habitats. Key species include:
Red-faced Barbet
Tabora Cisticola
Rufous-bellied Heron
Long-tailed Cisticola
Evening game drive for nocturnal birds and mammals. Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birding hotspot. The journey passes through rolling hills and farmlands, with en route birding stops. Bwindi is home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics, including African Green Broadbill and Regal Sunbird. Overnight near Bwindi.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, join a guided mountain gorilla trekking adventure. The trek takes 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movements. Spending an hour with these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afternoon birding around the lodge trails. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 6: Birding in Ruhija – Bwindi Sector
Spend the day birding in Ruhija, one of Bwindi’s best birding areas. Target species:
Grauer’s Broadbill
Rwenzori Turaco
Handsome Francolin
Black-faced Rufous Warbler
Overnight in Bwindi (Ruhija sector).
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and over 600 bird species. Stop in the Ishasha sector for a game drive. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 8: Birding & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Morning birding and game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Expect to see African Skimmer, White-winged Tern, and Martial Eagle. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting waterbirds like Pink-backed Pelicans and Goliath Heron. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Drive to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa with 13 primate species. En route, enjoy birding in forested areas and crater lakes. Evening birding walk around Bigodi Wetland. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking & Birding in Kibale
Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. After lunch, bird in the forest, looking for:
Green-breasted Pitta
African Pitta (seasonal)
Black-capped Apalis
Yellow-billed Barbet
Overnight in Kibale.
Day 11: Transfer to Semuliki National Park
Travel to Semuliki National Park, a true birding gem with Central African specialties. Evening birding in the park’s hot springs area. Overnight in Semuliki.
Day 12: Full Day Birding in Semuliki
Birding in Kirumya Trail and forest edges. Target birds include:
Nkulengu Rail
Congo Serpent Eagle
White-crested Hornbill
Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill
Overnight in Semuliki.
Day 13: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park. Evening game drive with birding. Overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Day 14: Murchison Falls – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Departure
Early morning game drive and birding. Later, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a walking safari to see rhinos and enjoy final birding. Continue to Entebbe for evening departure.
Safari Inclusions
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional birding and wildlife guide
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Park entry fees and boat cruises
Bottled drinking water
What to Carry
Binoculars & birding checklist
Camera with zoom lens
Light, neutral-colored clothes
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Hiking boots and rain jacket