24 Days the Best of Uganda Birding Safari

Day by day

The journey, morning by morning

1. 1

   Welcome to Uganda

   Arrival at Entebbe and optional introductory birding at the Botanical Gardens.

   Entebbe
2. 2

   Mabamba Wetlands to Lake Mburo

   An early visit to Mabamba for the shoebill and papyrus endemics, then on to Lake Mburo.

   Mabamba Bay Wetland
3. 3

   Lake Mburo National Park

   Morning birdwatching along the lake shore, then an afternoon boat ride for kingfishers and the African Fish Eagle.

   Lake Mburo National Park
4. 4

   Transfer to Mgahinga

   A scenic drive west through the Kisoro region to the montane landscape of Mgahinga.

   Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
5. 5

   Full day in Mgahinga

   A full day searching for the Rwenzori Turaco, Dwarf Honeyguide and Shelley's Crimson-wing.

   Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
6. 6

   Birding in the Ruhija sector

   A nature walk and birding in Ruhija for the African Green Broadbill and Handsome Francolin.

   Bwindi — Ruhija
7. 7

   Birding in Mubwindi Swamp

   Rainforest birding at Mubwindi Swamp for the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher and Red-headed Malimbe.

   Bwindi — Mubwindi Swamp
8. 8

   Birding in the Buhoma sector

   Forest birding in Buhoma for Albertine Rift endemics including the Black Bee-eater.

   Bwindi — Buhoma
9. 9

   Optional gorilla tracking and birding

   A choice between gorilla tracking or continued birding in Buhoma.

   Bwindi — Buhoma
10. 10

    Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Drive to Queen Elizabeth, with savannah birding across the open plains.

    Queen Elizabeth National Park
11. 11

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

    An early game drive, then an afternoon boat ride on the Kazinga Channel for pelicans and skimmers.

    Queen Elizabeth National Park
12. 12

    Transfer to Kibale National Park

    Drive to Kibale, watching for widowbirds, bishops and bulbuls.

    Kibale National Park
13. 13

    Optional chimpanzee tracking and birding

    Chimpanzee tracking or birding in Kibale for the Green-breasted Pitta and African Wood Owl.

    Kibale National Park
14. 14

    Birding in Kibale

    A second day in Kibale Forest with further chimpanzee tracking or birding.

    Kibale National Park
15. 15

    Transfer to Semliki Valley National Park

    Transfer to Semliki, home to Central African species not found elsewhere in East Africa.

    Semliki National Park
16. 16

    Semliki Valley National Park

    A full day for Central African specials including the Congo Serpent Eagle and Nkulengu Rail.

    Semliki National Park
17. 17

    Semliki to Fort Portal

    A morning in Semliki for any missed species, then transfer to Fort Portal.

    Fort Portal
18. 18

    Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

    A long, scenic drive through escarpment country to Murchison Falls.

    Murchison Falls National Park
19. 19

    Birding in Murchison Falls

    A morning game drive for kingfishers, then an afternoon cruise on the Victoria Nile for the shoebill.

    Murchison Falls National Park
20. 20

    Birding to Budongo Forest

    Depart Murchison Falls for Budongo, with a birding stop at Kaniyo Pabidi.

    Budongo Forest Reserve
21. 21

    Birding in Budongo Forest

    A day on the Royal Mile and other Budongo trails for Puvel's Illadopsis and Nahan's Francolin.

    Budongo Forest Reserve
22. 22

    Birding in Mabira Forest

    Birding in Mabira Forest near Kampala, home to around 315 species.

    Mabira Forest
23. 23

    Mabira Forest and transfer to Entebbe

    A final morning of birding in Mabira Forest before transferring to Entebbe.

    Entebbe
24. 24

    End of the birding tour

    A final breakfast and transfer to the airport for departure.

    Entebbe

Good to know

Questions travellers ask about this trip

How long is the 24 Days the Best of Uganda Birding Safari and where does it start and end?

24 days across Uganda, beginning and ending in Entebbe.

How fit do I need to be for this safari?

Moderate fitness is enough for most travellers. Both forest treks can last from one to several hours depending on where the family has moved to that morning, on steep and often muddy forest ground; porters are available and recommended, and the pace is set by the group. Everything else on this itinerary is done from the vehicle or on level ground.

When is the best time to take this trip?

June to August and December to February suit it best for the gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable. The two drier windows mean firmer trails and easier trekking — June–July is driest. Permits are limited daily; book well ahead, especially for these months. The route runs year round — the wetter months are greener and quieter, and only the forest walking really changes with the season.

What is the minimum age for the gorilla trek?

15, set by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and not something an operator can waive. Younger children can still travel with you — we build the rest of the itinerary around the trekking day.