Uganda Birding Highlights

8 days—Uganda is a fantastic destination for birding safaris, known for its diverse range of bird species. The varied landscapes contribute to this diversity

$4309-6375 USD

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Safari summary

With over 1,070 bird species (over 50% of Africa's species), Uganda is a birding hotspot. On this birding safari, you will look out for the prehistoric-looking shoebill to the tiny colorful kingfishers. Your safari will take you to wetlands, tropical forests, wide expanses of savannah, and the impenetrable forest in Bwindi. During this birding safari, you will have the chance to tick off 10s of species on your checklist. Opting for our guided birding tours is highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides can enhance your birding experience by helping you spot and identify various species. Best Time for Birding: The dry seasons (December to February and June to September) are generally considered the best times for birding as birds are more active and visible.

Besides the birdwatching excursions, you have the opportunity for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Uganda
	Parks	Bwindi Impenetrable Kibale Lake Mburo

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Primate trekking
Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Welcome to Uganda

On your arrival, your guide for this safari will meet you at the Entebbe International Airport. You will then be transferred to your accommodation for the night. For those who had earlier arrivals, there is an option to go birding in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Uganda Wildlife Education Center.

The Boma Entebbe

Birding Mabamba Wetlands

In the early morning, we leave for the Mabamba Wetland along your transfer route. The majority of the birding in the swamp is done in a canoe by our local site guides. Keep an eye out for the rare shoebills in the marsh and the sky. Lookout for papyrus specials such as the Papyrus Gynolek, White winged warbler. There are also chances of encountering the elusive sitatunga antelope adapted to swampy habitats. Transfer to your accommodation near the Kibale National Park.

Turaco Treetops

Chimpanzee Tracking, and Birding

Kibale

After an early breakfast, we go to the visitor centre of Kibale National Park for a briefing before the chimp trekking. The duration of the activity varies depending on the location of the chimpanzees, however, once encountered you will be with the chimps for 1 hour. In the afternoon go birding in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This is an excellent birding destination with riverine forest birds.

Turaco Treetops

Transfer Bwindi, afternoon Birding

Bwindi Impenetrable

You will travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha region, where, if you’re fortunate, you may see the famous tree-climbing lions. This large reserve is home to 23 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species and provides possibly the most fruitful montane forest birding in all of Africa. Bwindi is ranked as Uganda’s greatest place for forest birdwatching. At least 23 species found nowhere else on earth are found in the Albertine Rift.

Buhoma Community Haven Lodge

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable

You will get to track the endangered mountain gorillas. It may take one to eight hours to go for the ultimate Uganda gorilla trekking experience, which entails wandering through the bush in pursuit of these gentle giants. You should never miss this “once in a lifetime” gorilla trekking. Although every gorilla experience is unique and has its benefits, you are sure to love the up-close view of adults eating, grooming, and relaxing as the young playfully romp and swing from vines.

Broadbill Forest Camp

Birding in Mubwindi Wetland

Bwindi Impenetrable

We bird-watch in the Mubwindi Swamp region all day long. The best area to discover some of the most elusive rift endemics is along the 4-kilometer route to Mubwindi Swamp. This contains many bird species including the stunning Regal Sunbird, the Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill, and the Archer’s Robin-Chat. Dwarf Honeyguides, Stripe-breasted Tits, and Ruwenzori Apalis.

Broadbill Forest Camp

Road Transfer to Lake Mburo Park

Lake Mburo

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Even though the park is just 260 square kilometres in size, the different landscapes are alive with intrigue and colour on even a short trip. As you look for the diverse array of animals that these habitats sustain, you will travel through gallery forests, open savannah, acacia woodland, rocky kopjes, seasonal and permanent wetlands, and open water.

Eagle's Nest

Birding and Safari Walk

Lake Mburo

Go for a walking safari and birding with an armed wildlife ranger in the Lake Mburo National Park. At least 313 bird species have been recorded in the park. Some include the Red-faced barbet, Long-tailed Cisticola (Tabora), Papyrus yellow warbler, African finfoot, Northern Brubru, Rofous bellied and white-backed night heron, Black-collared barbet, Brown-chested plover, White-winged tit, Northern brown-throated weaver, White winged warbler. Later transfer to Entebbe for your journey back home.

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