24-Day The Best of Uganda Birding Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Welcome to Uganda

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.

Main Destination:

Entebbe (City)

Accommodation:

ViaVia Uganda Entebbe

• Budget guest house located in Entebbe (City)

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+38 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mabamba Wetlands – Lake Mburo National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Mabamba Swamp

Best Time To Go August to September and December to February (Best for spotting shoebill)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Eagle's Nest Camp

• Budget tented bush camp bordering Lake Mburo NP without fences

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Mburo National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Lake Mburo National Park

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to August (Dry seasons)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June to August and January to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

HippoCommon

LeopardOccasional

HyenaOccasional

Show more

ElephantNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Eagle's Nest Camp

• Budget tented bush camp bordering Lake Mburo NP without fences

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to January (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather Jun to Aug and Dec to Jan (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeNone

BuffaloOccasional

ElephantRare

LeopardRare

White RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Mgahinga Gorilla NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mgahinga National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Mgahinga Gorilla NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding in the Ruhija Sector

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.

Main Destination:

Ruhija Sector (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeRare

ElephantRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Bakiga Lodge

• Budget lodge located just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding in Mubwindi Swamp

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.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Bakiga Lodge

• Budget lodge located just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding in the Buhoma Sector

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 /Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Full board.

Main Destination:

Buhoma Sector (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Accommodation:

Buhoma Community Rest Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Optional Gorilla Tracking and Uganda Birdwatching in Buhoma

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.

Main Destination:

Buhoma Sector (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Accommodation:

Buhoma Community Rest Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional

ElephantCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloCommon

HippoAbundant

LeopardOccasional

Show more

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Enjojo Lodge (Cottage)

• Mid-range lodge bordering Queen Elizabeth NP without fences

+21 Photos

+20 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation:

Enganzi Game Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Kibale National Park

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 Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Chimp trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather January to February and June to July (Least rain)

Wildlife in Kibale NP

ChimpanzeeCommon

ElephantOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

LionVery Rare

LeopardVery Rare

HippoRare

Show more

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

• Mid-range guest house located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Optional Chimpanzee Tracking – Birding Continues in Kibale

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 Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

• Mid-range guest house located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Chimpanzee Tracking – Birding Continues in Kibale

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 Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

• Mid-range guest house located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Semuliki Valley National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Semuliki National Park

Best Time To Go December to March and June to August (Dry and early Wet seasons)

High Season June to September (But it is never busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Ruwenzori View Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located 1-2hr drive from Semuliki NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Semuliki Valley NP – Uganda Birding Trip

Explore Semliki 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.

Main Destination:

Semuliki National Park

Accommodation:

Ruwenzori View Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located 1-2hr drive from Semuliki NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding from Semuliki to Fort Portal

Spend your morning in Semliki 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.

Main Destination:

Fort Portal (Town)

Accommodation:

Ruwenzori View Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located in Fort Portal (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Murchison Falls National Park

Best Time To Visit December to February (Easier to spot animals)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)

Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloCommon

HippoAbundant

Show more

LeopardOccasional

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Murchison River Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls NP

+9 Photos

+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

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.

Main Destination:

Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation:

Murchison River Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding to Budongo Forest via Kaniyo Pabidi

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.

Main Destination:

Budongo Forest (Chimps)

Best Time To Visit April to August (Best for chimp trekking)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)

Wildlife in Budongo Forest

ChimpanzeeCommon

ElephantOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

LionVery Rare

LeopardRare

White RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Budongo Eco Lodge

• Budget lodge located inside Budongo Forest (Chimps)

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding in Budongo Forest

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.

Main Destination:

Budongo Forest (Chimps)

Accommodation:

The Rainforest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Mabira FR

+9 Photos

+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding in Mabira Forest

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.

Main Destination:

Mabira Forest Reserve

Accommodation:

The Rainforest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Mabira FR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Conclude Birding in Mabira Forest then Transfer to Entebbe

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.

Main Destination:

Mabira Forest Reserve

Accommodation:

Lake Victoria Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Entebbe (City)

+4 Photos

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of the Best of Uganda Birding Tour

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.

Main Destination:

Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.