Uganda Birding Tour

14 days—Discover Uganda’s spectacular birdlife, from Shoebills to Albertine Rift endemics, on a 14-day journey through rainforests, wetlands, and savannahs.

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$7300 USD

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Safari summary

This 14-day birding safari explores Uganda’s remarkable range of ecosystems, from lush lowland forests and papyrus swamps to crater lakes, woodlands, and savannas. Few countries in Africa can rival Uganda’s variety of habitats, and the sheer abundance of species found here makes it a dream destination for birders. Highlights include more than 20 Albertine Rift endemics and a range of sought-after species, from the iconic Great Blue Turaco and the dazzling Green-breasted Pitta to the prehistoric-looking Shoebill, one of the world’s most unique birds.
The tour is designed not just for superb birding, but also for an all-around immersive experience. In addition to visiting some of the top birding sites in the country—including Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park—the itinerary includes three scenic boat cruises, offering fantastic opportunities to spot waterbirds, crocodiles, hippos, and more from the water.

Between birding excursions, enjoy Uganda’s delicious local cuisine, excellent coffee, and warm hospitality. Photographers and nature lovers alike will find endless inspiration in the dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vivid colors of both flora and fauna.
The tour includes the services of a full-time English-speaking professional safari driver-guide, ensuring expert navigation and local knowledge throughout the journey. Accompanying the group is a dedicated specialist Nature Travel Bird Guide, providing expert insights and assistance for optimal birding experiences. Travel is conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle for the full duration of the tour. Accommodation is provided on a full board basis from Day 2 through Day 13, with all meals included. The tour also covers all boat cruise fees, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities from the water. Bottled drinking water is supplied throughout the trip to keep guests refreshed and hydrated.
This is more than just a birding tour—it’s a deep dive into one of Africa’s most rewarding natural environments. Come experience the wildlife, landscapes, and avian wonders that make Uganda truly worthy of its nickname: The Pearl of Africa.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	June, July, August
	Countries	Uganda
	Parks	Bwindi Impenetrable Kibale Lake Mburo Murchison Falls Queen Elizabeth Semuliki

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide

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

Arrival in Entebbe

The birding adventure begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where a transfer representative will be waiting. Depending on arrival time, optional visits may include the National Botanical Gardens, Uganda Reptiles Village, or the National Zoo. Early arrivals may enjoy sightings of species like the Great Blue Turaco, Grey Parrot, and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, along with primates such as Red-tailed Monkey. The day ends with dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay.

Boma Hotel

Entebbe to Masindi

The day begins with a visit to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance known for hosting the endangered and iconic Shoebill. Birding is done by canoe, guided by a local expert, along narrow papyrus-lined channels. Other highlights may include sightings of the Papyrus Gonolek and African Fish Eagle. Lunch is enjoyed en route during a scenic five-hour drive to Masindi, arriving in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay at a comfortable lodge.

Kabalega Resort

Masindi to Murchison Falls NP

Murchison Falls

After an early breakfast, the journey continues west to Budongo Forest Reserve, a pristine tropical forest on the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park and the largest natural forest in East Africa. Renowned for towering mahogany trees, rich biodiversity, and a thriving chimpanzee population, the area boasts over 360 bird species. The forest road may reveal rarities like Nahan’s Partridge and Blue Malkoha. A picnic lunch is followed by a scenic drive to the next lodge.

Murchison River Lodge

Murchison Falls NP to Masindi

Murchison Falls

The day begins with a boat ride to the Nile Delta in Murchison Falls National Park, offering a chance to spot the iconic Shoebill, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Long-toed Lapwing, and other waterbirds. Hippopotamus, African Elephants, and Nile Crocodiles are often seen along the banks. After the cruise, game drives continue through the park, with a picnic lunch along the Nile. The journey then leads to the dramatic viewpoint atop Murchison Falls before crossing the river by ferry and heading to Masindi.

Kabalega Resort

Masindi to Kibale NP

Kibale

The drive south leads to the Albertine Rift, known for dramatic escarpments, rift valley plains, and views of Lake Albert. Birding along the way includes stops in Kagadi’s wetlands and Kagorro Forest Reserve, with chances to spot species such as Long-crested Eagle, and Vieillot’s Black Weaver. Arrival in Fort Portal is around lunchtime, followed by a transfer to Kibale NP, famed for its rich primate diversity. Birding begins in the Sebitoli area before reaching camp in the late afternoon.

Kibale Forest Camp

Kibale NP to Fort Portal

Kibale

Kibale Forest hosts 325 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics such as Dusky Crimsonwing, Black-collared Apalis, and Purple-breasted Sunbird. The morning is dedicated to birding in this lush reserve, followed by a packed picnic lunch. An optional chimpanzee trekking experience is available in the afternoon. The day concludes with a return drive to Fort Portal.

Mountains of the Moon Hotel

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki

A full day is dedicated to birding in Semuliki National Park, reached via a scenic two-hour drive. This unique forest, East Africa’s only lowland tropical rainforest, harbors over 440 bird species, including 50 found nowhere else in the region. Special sightings may include Guinea-Congo biome species such as Congo Serpent Eagle, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and Bate's Nightjar. After exploring this exceptional habitat, the journey returns to Fort Portal for the evening.

Mountains of the Moon Hotel

Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth NP

Queen Elizabeth

The journey continues south with a 2 to 3-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving at the lodge in time for lunch. While dining, keep an eye out for species like Snowy-crowned Robin-chat and Swamp Flycatcher. A short afternoon game drive offers views of diverse wildlife, with 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species recorded in the park. The day ends with a scenic sundowner boat cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.

Bush Lodge

Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi NP

Bwindi Impenetrable

The day begins with a game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rare tree-climbing Lions. The journey then continues to the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Lunch is enjoyed en route, with arrival expected by mid-afternoon. Bwindi hosts over half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas and nearly 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Afternoon birding may reveal highlights like Grey-throated Barbet and Green-throated Sunbird.

The Haven Lodge Buhoma

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Most of the day is dedicated to exploring the rich forests of Bwindi, with opportunities to spot raptors such as Augur Buzzard, African Goshawk, and Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle. Depending on the schedule, lunch may be enjoyed as a packed meal in the forest or back at the lodge with time to rest. The day concludes with an evening gathering for relaxation and dinner.

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Gorilla trekking, though optional, is a truly unforgettable experience and highly recommended as part of this safari. After breakfast and checkout, the day continues with birding in Bwindi, accompanied by a packed picnic lunch. Species of interest include African Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, and Equatorial Akalat. Although birding remains in Bwindi for two more days, tonight's overnight stay will be at a different lodge just outside the park.

Gorilla Mist Camp

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Another full day is dedicated to birding in Bwindi, with lunch either as a packed meal in the forest or back at the lodge with time to rest. The focus will be on the Ruhija sector and surrounding cultivated and bracken-covered areas, home to species such as Ross’s Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Western Bronze-naped Pigeon. If time allows, birding may extend to the renowned Umubwindi Swamp in search of the rare and endangered Grauer’s Broadbill. The day ends with dinner and a species review.

Gorilla Mist Camp

Bwindi NP to Lake Mburo NP

Lake Mburo

The journey continues northeast to the final destination of the tour, Lake Mburo National Park a renowned wetland and Acacia savanna park recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Hosting around 350 bird species, this sanctuary is a favorite among serious birders. Key targets may include Red-faced Barbet, Rufous-bellied Heron, and African Marsh Harrier. The day concludes with an afternoon or early evening game drive through the park.

Rwakobo Rock

Lake Mburo to Entebbe

Lake Mburo

After an early breakfast, the day begins with a short private boat cruise on the lake—offering one final chance to spot key species such as African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, and Squacco Heron. The journey then continues with a 4 to 5-hour transfer to Entebbe, including a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe, where it's possible to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Arrival at Entebbe International Airport marks the end of this memorable birding adventure.

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