Main Info
Discover Uganda’s incredible avian diversity on this 13-day birding safari through some of Africa’s top birding destinations. From misty rainforests to open savannas and tranquil wetlands, this tour takes you through Uganda’s varied ecosystems, providing opportunities to observe over 1,000 bird species. Led by experienced birding guides, this tour is designed for avid bird watchers and nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable journey into the heart of East Africa’s birdlife.
Package Highlights
- Expert Birding Guides: Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll explore Uganda’s top birding hotspots, learning about the behavior and habitats of unique species.
- Special Birding Destinations: Visit Uganda’s most renowned birding locations, including Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and more.
- Diverse Wildlife Experiences: While focused on birding, the tour also includes chances to see other wildlife such as chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, and the Big Five.
- All-Inclusive Package: Covering accommodation, meals, park entrance fees, birding guides, and activities, this package ensures a seamless and memorable birding experience.
Price: $4,800 per person
(Includes accommodation, meals, park entrance fees, expert birding guides, and activities as listed.)
13-Day Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Evening
- Airport Pickup: Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight Stay: Relax at a bird-friendly hotel in Entebbe.
Day 2: Birding at Mabamba Swamp
Early Morning
- Mabamba Swamp Birding Excursion: Begin the adventure with a visit to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s best birding spots. This wetland is home to the elusive Shoebill, African Jacana, Papyrus Gonolek, and more.
Afternoon
- Birding in Botanical Gardens: After lunch, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, known for species like the African Grey Parrot, African Fish Eagle, and Great Blue Turaco.
Overnight: Return to your hotel in Entebbe.
Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Morning
- Drive to Murchison Falls National Park (5-6 hours): Embark on a scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside toward Murchison Falls.
Afternoon
- Arrival and Check-in at Lodge: Settle into a lodge near the park and relax.
Evening
- Sunset Birding Walk: Enjoy a short birding walk near the lodge, spotting the colorful Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and other savanna species.
Overnight: Lodge stay in Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 4: Birding and Wildlife Safari in Murchison Falls
Morning
- Game Drive and Bird Watching: Explore the park’s savannas, where you can spot the African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, Red-throated Bee-eater, and other savanna birds. You may also see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and lions.
Afternoon
- Boat Safari on the Nile: Enjoy a boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting water birds like the Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, and Saddle-billed Stork along the way.
Overnight: Return to your lodge in Murchison Falls.
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Morning
- Drive to Kibale Forest (7-8 hours): Travel through picturesque landscapes toward Kibale, known as Uganda’s “Primate Capital.”
Afternoon
- Birding at Crater Lakes (Optional): If time allows, enjoy an optional birding walk around Kibale’s crater lakes, home to species like the Great Blue Turaco and Black Bee-eater.
Overnight: Lodge stay in Kibale Forest.
Day 6: Birding and Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Morning
- Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding: Start with a guided chimpanzee tracking trek, also offering birdwatching opportunities for species like the African Grey Parrot, Green-breasted Pitta, and White-naped Pigeon.
Afternoon
- Birding in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: Visit Bigodi Wetland, a top birding spot for species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Barbet, and White-winged Warbler.
Overnight: Return to your lodge in Kibale.
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning
- Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (2-3 hours): Head south to Uganda’s second-largest park, known for its incredible bird diversity.
Afternoon
- Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: Enjoy a bird-focused boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to African Skimmers, Yellow-billed Storks, Malachite Kingfishers, and more.
Overnight: Lodge stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 8: Birding and Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning
- Game Drive and Bird Watching in the Kasenyi Plains: Spot birds like the African Wattled Lapwing, Grey-crowned Crane, and Shoebill. You may also see tree-climbing lions, buffalo, and elephants.
Afternoon
- Birding in Maramagambo Forest: Explore Maramagambo Forest, where you can spot the African Emerald Cuckoo, White-naped Pigeon, and Red-tailed Bristle-bill.
Overnight: Return to your lodge.
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Morning
- Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (4-5 hours): Journey through scenic landscapes toward Bwindi.
Afternoon
- Birding Walk near the Lodge: Bird around your lodge area for chances to see the Black Bee-eater, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, and African Green Broadbill.
Overnight: Lodge stay near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 10: Full-Day Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Morning and Afternoon
- Birding in Bwindi: Spend the day birding with expert guides, seeking out rare forest species such as the African Green Broadbill, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, and Mountain Masked Apalis.
Evening
- Relaxation at Lodge: After an intense day of birding, relax at your lodge.
Overnight: Return to your lodge in Bwindi.
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation
Morning
- Drive to Lake Bunyonyi (2 hours): Travel to Uganda’s birders’ paradise, Lake Bunyonyi.
Afternoon
- Birding and Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi: Spot bird species such as the Grey-crowned Crane, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, and Bronze Sunbird as you canoe on the lake.
Overnight: Lodge stay on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 12: Return to Entebbe via Lake Mburo National Park
Morning
- Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park (3 hours): En route to Entebbe, stop at Lake Mburo for a final birding session.
Afternoon
- Birding and Wildlife Viewing: Enjoy a birding walk in Lake Mburo, where you can spot species such as the Red-faced Barbet, Papyrus Gonolek, and African Finfoot.
Evening
- Continue to Entebbe: Drive to Entebbe for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel stay in Entebbe.
Day 13: Departure
Morning
- Airport Transfer: After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an incredible birding journey.