24 Days The Best of Uganda Birding Safari

Did you know that the grey crowned crane is Uganda’s national bird? Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your friendly bird guide—easily identified by a placard with your name—will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to embark on an introductory birding session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, setting the stage for the wonders that lie ahead.
Activity: Birding
Accommodation: ViaVia Guest House
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Rise early and set off to the mystical Mabamba Wetlands in search of the elusive Shoebill, along with a host of papyrus endemics and other water bird species. A refreshing break at the Equator provides a unique photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, where you will spend the night immersed in nature’s embrace.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Eagles Nest
Meal Plan: Full board

After an early breakfast, begin your day with focused birdwatching along the shores of Lake Mburo. Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch, then set off in the afternoon on a boat ride across the lake in search of Harlequin and Blue Quails, Common Button Quail, various barbets, hoopoes, and an impressive array of kingfishers including the African Fish Eagle.
Activity: Birding / Game Drive
Accommodation: Eagles Nest
Meal Plan: Full board

Today, you journey towards Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—the most scenic protected area in Uganda. Enjoy a picturesque ride westwards through the charming region of Kisoro as you make your way to this montane paradise, where nature’s splendor awaits.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Murehe Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Spend the entire day immersed in the montane habitats of Mgahinga National Park. Traverse trails in search of a myriad of bird species including the Rwenzori Turaco, Dwarf Honeyguide, Kivu Ground Thrush, various sunbirds, Archer’s Robin Chat, Cinnamon Bracken, Mountain Yellow Warblers, and the much sought-after Shelley’s Crimson-wing. Each moment here is a testament to Uganda’s avian richness.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Murehe Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Today, combine a nature walk with intensive birding in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the charming African Green Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, Shelley’s and Dusky Crimson-wings, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, and many other captivating species.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Venture into the heart of the African rainforest at Mubwindi Swamp. Here, the melodious calls of the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Brown-capped Warbler, Black-billed and Black-necked Weavers, Red-headed Malimbe, Grey-headed Sparrow, and an assortment of starlings and shrikes create a symphony of nature that will leave you enchanted.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Today, focus on the forested Buhoma sector, where you will seek Uganda’s Albertine Rift endemics and other forest species. Your quest includes spotting the Black Bee-Eater, Dusky Tit, Brown-caped Weaver, various barbets, Shrike Flycatchers, and the Common Stonechat among other fascinating birds.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Buhoma Community Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Today presents a choice: opt for an intimate gorilla tracking experience—bearing in mind the permit cost of USD 600—or continue your dedicated birding tour in Buhoma. Should you choose birding, you will have further opportunities to observe the forest’s rich avifauna, deepening your appreciation for Uganda’s natural history.

Activity: Gorilla Tracking
Accommodation: Buhoma Community Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

After breakfast, depart from Bwindi and journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you traverse diverse landscapes, prepare to be mesmerized by the sight of hundreds of savanna bird species populating the open plains.

Activity: Birding & Game Drive
Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Rise early for a dynamic game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to observe savanna wildlife in their natural rhythm. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, where you can admire water birds such as Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, African Skimmers, and an array of storks and waders.

Activity: Game Drive and Boat Ride
Accommodation: Enganzi lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

After an early breakfast, set out for Kibale National Park. As you traverse the scenic countryside, anticipate sightings of species like the Fan-tailed Widowbird, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Black and Black-winged Red Bishops, and a host of swifts, bulbuls, doves, and pigeons, adding another vibrant layer to your birding odyssey.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Guest House
Meal Plan: Full board

Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Kibale Forest. Whether you choose to embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking expedition—where a full hour of interaction with these fascinating primates awaits—or simply continue birding, you will encounter the alluring Green-breasted Pitta, Brown Illadopsis, Brown-capped Weaver, Brown-chested Alethe, Black-headed Oriole, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Green-pigeon, Black-crowned Tchagra, and African Wood Owl, among others.

Activity: Chimpanzee Tracking
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Guest House
Meal Plan: Full board

Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Kibale Forest. Whether you choose to embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking expedition—where a full hour of interaction with these fascinating primates awaits—or simply continue birding, you will encounter the alluring Green-breasted Pitta, Brown Illadopsis, Brown-capped Weaver, Brown-chested Alethe, Black-headed Oriole, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Green-pigeon, Black-crowned Tchagra, and African Wood Owl, among others.

Activity: Chimpanzee Tracking Or Birding
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Guest House
Meal Plan: Full board

After a fulfilling birding session in Kibale, continue your journey by transferring to Semliki Valley National Park, where a unique Central African avifauna awaits discovery.
Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest House
Meal Plan: Full board

Explore Semuliki Valley National Park, celebrated for its Central African species that are found nowhere else in East Africa. Key targets include the Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, Blue Swallow, White-throated Swallow, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Spotted Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Lowland Akalat, and Red-throated Alethea.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest House
Meal Plan: Full board

Spend your morning in Semuliki searching for any forest species you may have missed, then transfer to Fort Portal, where the welcoming environment sets the stage for another memorable evening.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Rwensori View Guest House
Meal Plan: Full board

Today is a long but scenic drive through dramatic landscapes, including striking escarpments, as you head towards Murchison Falls National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for species such as the Yellow-rumped and Yellow-fronted Tinkerbirds and the Foxy Cisticola, among others.

Activity: Birding / Scenic Drive
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Rise early to set off on a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where you can observe a spectacular array of kingfishers—including the Giant, Pied, Malachite, Stripped, Chestnut-bellied, Blue-breasted, Woodland, and African Pygmy Kingfishers—as well as House Martins and other species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, where the elusive Shoebill Stork, Little Grebe, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, and Red-knobbed Coot will captivate your attention.

Activity: Birding / Game Drive
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and journey towards Budongo Forest, Uganda’s largest forest reserve. Stop at Kaniyo Pabidi for a few hours of intensive birding before proceeding to Masindi for an overnight stay.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Budong Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Today, immerse yourself in Budongo Forest’s rich birdlife. Traverse the famous Royal Mile and other scenic trails in search of unique species such as Puvel’s Illadopsis, Nahan’s Francolin, and many more that define the intricate blend of the Sudan–Guinea Savannah and Guinea–Congo Forest biomes.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Rain forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Conclude your birding adventure with two full days in Mabira Forest, the largest forest reserve near Kampala. Home to over 315 bird species, including 74 species of the Guinea–Congo Forest biome, Mabira offers a treasure trove of avian wonders, including the endangered Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, White-spotted Flufftail, Afep Pigeon, Grey Parrot, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Black-shouldered Nightjar, and many more.

Activity: Birding
Accommodation: Rain forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Conclude your birding adventure with two full days in Mabira Forest, the largest forest reserve near Kampala. Home to over 315 bird species, including 74 species of the Guinea–Congo Forest biome, Mabira offers a treasure trove of avian wonders, including the endangered Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, White-spotted Flufftail, Afep Pigeon, Grey Parrot, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Black-shouldered Nightjar, and many more. At the end of Day 23, transfer to Entebbe.

Activity: Birding / Transfer to Entebbe
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel
Meal Plan: Full board

After a final breakfast, your unforgettable journey concludes as you are transferred to the airport for your departure, carrying with you the memories of Uganda’s unparalleled avian beauty.

Activity: Departure
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Half Board