Forest landscape in Uganda on a birding safari

14 days · Uganda

14 Days Forest Birding Safari

A fourteen-day birding tour through Uganda's forests, from Mabira and Budongo to Kibale, Semliki and Bwindi, focused on rainforest and Albertine Rift endemic species. Chimpanzee and gorilla tracking are available as options.

Length
14 days
Country
Uganda
Experiences
Birdwatching · Nature Walk · Scenic Drive

Along this route

The world this journey moves through

Representative photography of the landscapes and wildlife on this route — tap any photo to view it full screen.

The route

How this journey unfolds, 7 stops in 14 days

Mabamba Bay WetlandMgahingaQueen ElizabethMurchison FallsVolcanoes NPAkagera
Slide, or tap a stop on the map

Day by day

The journey, morning by morning

  1. Arrival — Entebbe Botanical Gardens

    Arrive and meet your bird guide, with an optional afternoon session at the Botanical Gardens.

    Entebbe
  2. Birding in Mabira Forest

    Bird in Mabira Forest, home to over 315 species including Tit Hylia and Forest Wood-hoopoe.

    Mabira Forest
  3. Transfer to Budongo Forest

    Transfer to Budongo with roadside birding stops along the way.

    Budongo Forest
  4. Birding at the Royal Mile

    Explore the Royal Mile trail for Puvel's Illadopsis, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher and Black-eared Ground-Thrush.

    Budongo Forest
  5. Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

    Bird at Busingiro in the morning, then transfer to Kibale, home to over 330 species.

    Kibale National Park
  6. Birding at Kibale

    Bird in Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetland and Sebitoli, with chimpanzee tracking available on request.

    Kibale National Park
  7. Birding at Kibale

    Continue birding in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland.

    Kibale National Park
  8. Birding in Semliki National Park

    Explore Semliki, Uganda's lowland tropical forest, home to the Congo Serpent Eagle.

    Semliki National Park
  9. Full day in Semliki National Park

    Continue searching for rare species including the Nkulengu Rail and African Piculet.

    Semliki National Park
  10. Further birding in Semliki

    Spend a further day searching for elusive birds in Semliki National Park.

    Semliki National Park
  11. Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    Drive to Bwindi, looking for Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco.

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  12. Albertine Rift endemics tour

    Search for Bwindi's endemics including the African Green Broadbill, with optional gorilla trekking.

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  13. Birding at Ruhija

    Visit Ruhija for the Rwenzori Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit and Purple-breasted Sunbird.

    Bwindi — Ruhija
  14. Return to Entebbe

    Make final birding stops en route before returning to Entebbe for your flight home.

    Entebbe

What the price covers

Included and not included

Included

  • Your gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking permits — arranged and secured as soon as your booking is confirmed, because daily numbers are strictly limited; we confirm in writing whether they sit inside your package price or are quoted separately
  • All ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
  • Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide and an experienced birding guide
  • All park entrance fees
  • Game drives, boat cruises and activities listed in the itinerary
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs

Provisional — this list is being confirmed with the operator and may change before booking.

Good to know

Questions travellers ask about this trip

How long is the 14 Days Forest Birding Safari and where does it start and end?
14 days across Uganda, beginning and ending in Entebbe.
How fit do I need to be for this safari?
No particular fitness is needed. This itinerary is largely vehicle-based — game drives, boat cruises and short walks — so it suits travellers of most ages and mobility levels. Tell us about anything we should plan around and we will shape the days accordingly.
When is the best time to take this trip?
June to August and December to February suit it best for the birding at Entebbe. Mabamba shoebill canoe trips run year-round; calmer water and firmer tracks in the drier windows. Palearctic migrants boost lists November to April. The route runs year round — the wetter months are greener and quieter, and only the forest walking really changes with the season.

Ready when you are

Share your dates and party and we'll shape this journey around you — a real reply from the people who'll be driving.

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