20 Days Exclusive Uganda Birding Safari

Book this 20-day exclusive Uganda birding safari for a lifetime birding adventure exploring notable bird species in the Pearl of Africa, guided by Superfine Safaris Limited. Boasting 11% of the World’s avian species and 60% of Africa’s avian species, Uganda, dubbed the Pearl of Africa, is a Paradise for bird enthusiasts. On this 20-day Exclusive Uganda Birding safari, you will visit the top birding destinations in the country. Accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide/s, you will go off the tourist trails, venture deep and down remote jungle paths, and into National Parks to ensure you have the most unforgettable vantage points in which to sight these birds in all their glory.

Highlights

• Go birding in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Semliki, and Kibale Forest National Parks.
• Sight exotic bird species in the wetlands of Mabamba and Bigodi Sanctuaries.
• Hike the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains range and Mgahinga National Park for Albertine Rift endemic bird species.
• Tour the Botanical Gardens of Entebbe.
• Search for some of the rarest and iconic bird species like the shoebill stork in the Delta Nile (Murchison) and the Green-breasted pitta (in Kibale Forest National Park).

Brief Itinerary        

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda.

Day 2: Entebbe Birding Tour: Mabamba Wetland Tour and walk through Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

Day 3: Refreshing drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 4: Full-day Budongo Birding excursion.

Day 5: Birding and game drive in Murchison Falls National Park and Launch trip to the bottom of the falls.

Day 6: Birding along the Nile Delta and ride to Hoima Town.

Day 7: Morning Bugoma Forest Birding Tour and drive to Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 8: Morning Kibale Forest birding and afternoon chimpanzee trekking tour.

Day 9: Morning Bigodi wetland birding tour and drive to Semliki National Park.

Day 10: Full-day Semliki National Park birding Tour.

Day 11: Half-day Semliki Birding tour and drive to Rwenzori National Park.

Day 12: Rwenzori Mountains Birding Tour.

Day 13: Rwenzori Mountains to Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon birding on the Kazinga Boat ride.

Day 14:  Kyambura guided walk and afternoon game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 15: Ishasha birding tour and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 16: Buhoma birding tour (Munyanga waterfall trail).

Day 17: Buhoma-Nkuringo via the Ivi birding Trail.

Day 18: Depart for Lake Bunyonyi, afternoon guided walk.

Day 19: Birding and canoeing ride on Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 20: Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala/Entebbe- Departure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda

Welcome to Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa”. After arriving at Entebbe International Airport, your private guide will meet you outside the Airport building and drop you off at your Hotel. The rest of the day, you will have free time to explore the beautiful City at leisure.

Perhaps, take a stroll through the Entebbe Craft Market, which features hundreds of art and craft stalls and many others. For dinner, opt for the K Hotels rooftop restaurant (depending on the weather). This elevated restaurant provides panoramic views of Entebbe City and other surrounding areas. Dinner will be on your account.

Overnight at: Hotel Number Five (luxury), Boma Guesthouse (midrange), or Papyrus Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Own account.

Day 2: Entebbe Birding Tour: Mabamba Wetland Tour and walk through Entebbe Botanical Gardens

After breakfast at your Hotel, you will meet your private guide and embark on your Entebbe birding tour. The first stop is Mabamba Wetland Sanctuary, covering 2424 hectares on the pristine shores of Lake Victoria and home to over 300 bird species. All told, you will spend a total of 3 hours enjoying some incredible birding (this includes the total time for the speedboat, canoe ride through the swamp, and the birding experience). Common varieties include the iconic shoebill stork, Black crakes, purple herons, African pygmy goose, African jacana, Black-headed weavers, Black egrets, Blue-breasted bee-eater, and African marsh harrier, among others.

Afterwards, you will take the boat ride back to the pier and be followed by a drive to the Hotel for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Commonest species are Bat Hawks, Black and white casqued hornbill, Green Hylia, Common Sandpiper, Ashy Flycatcher, African Darter, Red-eyed and ring-necked Dove, Egyptian Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Speckled weaver, common sandpiper, and many others.

For dinner, you can dine at the Hotel or one of the restaurants in Entebbe Town.

Overnight at: Hotel Number Five (luxury), Boma Guesthouse (midrange), or Papyrus Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Own account.

Day 3: Refreshing drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

And you are off! Say goodbye to Entebbe as you meet your private guide this morning for the 7-hour drive north. Your final destination is Murchison Falls National Park, but en route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after a 3-hour drive.

Don your hiking boots for a guided walk through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to search for the Southern white Rhinos alongside bird species. While Rhinos are the main sighting, you will encounter several bird species that include the African jacana, Giant Kingfisher, Grey-crowned cranes, African fish eagles, Pied Kingfisher, African grey hornbill, Marabou stork, African pygmy kingfisher, Red-billed oxpeckers, white egret, Hamerkop, African Gray woodpecker, Black-headed Paradise-flycatcher, and Chinspot Batis among others.

Stop for lunch at Amuka Safari Lodge and continue with the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, you will check in and settle in at the Lodge.

Overnight at: Nile Safari Lodge (luxury), Sambiya River Lodge (midrange), or Heritage Safari Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Full-day Budongo Birding excursion

Today’s unforgettable birding adventure will uncover the unique bird species that call Budongo Forest home. After being picked up from your Lodge, you will be driven to the starting point to start the walk along natural trails that wind through the lush forest and offer sights and sounds of chirping birds. Look out for the Nahan’s Francolin, Tambourine Dove, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Crowned cranes, African March harrier, long-crested Eagle, Narina Trogon, Dark Chanting-Goshawk, White-thighed hornbill, Red-faced Crombec, Brown Babbler, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, Brown Twinspot, African Firefinch, Red-collared Widowbird, and Bar-breasted Firefinch among others.

Lunch at the Lodge, and in the afternoon, relax by dipping in the pool or sipping a glass of wine.

Overnight at: Nile Safari Lodge (luxury), Sambiya River Lodge (midrange), or Heritage Safari Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Birding and game drive in Murchison Falls National Park and Launch trip to the bottom of the falls

You have a full day of safari fun in store as you set off at dawn in a 4WD safari jeep for a sunrise game drive and birding adventure. Traverse various landscapes where you will find herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes roaming the open savannah plains. In between sighting the Park’s wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for the plethora of birds on show.

African darter, Marabou storks, Giant kingfishers, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African fish eagles, Grey-crowned cranes, African jacanas, Goliath heron,  Black-headed lapwing, and Grey herons are just a few of the 500 avian species that thrive in Murchison Falls National Park’s diverse ecosystems. Return to the Lodge for a hearty breakfast, lunch, and siesta, then on an afternoon Launch trip to the bottom of the falls.

As you explore the waters and pristine banks of the Nile, you will see plenty of animals- Hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and even birds. A little while after sunset, you will retire to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at: Nile Safari Lodge (luxury), Sambiya River Lodge (midrange), or Heritage Safari Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Birding along the Nile Delta and ride to Hoima Town

Rise and shine for another phenomenal day on the plains of Murchison Falls National Park. The morning kicks off with breakfast, followed by a pick-up from your safari guide. Then head to the Nile Delta to search for the iconic shoebill storks and other bird species.

Afterward, head for two hours to Hoima Town. After checking into your Lodge, you will relax and settle in as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Overnight at: Kikonko Lodge or Lake Albert Safari Lodge (midrange) or Hoima Cultural Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Morning Bugoma Forest Birding Tour and drive to Kibale Forest National Park

On this morning’s birding tour, you will discover Bugoma Forest’s iconic forest bird species through a guided walk. Keep an eye out for the Grey Parrots, Nahan’s partridge, and others that have been classified as “Vulnerable or threatened by the IUCN. Also expect to see Yellow-billed barbets, Little greenbul, and Yellow-whiskered greenbul among others.

Once you are done with the birding adventure, your safari driver will continue your journey to Kibale Forest National Park.

Overnight at: Volcanoes Kibale Lodge (luxury), Isunga Lodge (midrange), or Kibale Forest Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Morning Kibale Forest birding and afternoon chimpanzee trekking tour

On this day, you will be immersed in the captivating World of bird watching at Kibale Forest National Park, also known as the “Primate Capital of the World”. With its diverse natural habitats- tropical forest, grasslands, and wetlands, this Protected Area provides a memorable opportunity to watch, listen and photograph a wonderful range of bird species. Go on a guided walk along the scenic pathways to expand your bird checklist as you encounter between 30 and 80 species that include the green-breasted pitta, Black-eared ground thrush, Scaly spurfowl, speckled tinkerbird, Black-capped Apalis, western nicator, Chestnut wattle-eye, Dusky Crimsonwing, African pitta, Great blue Turaco, and Abyssinian ground thrush among others. Stop for lunch at Tinker’s homestay for a taste of typical Ugandan lunch or a nearby Lodge for International cuisine.

After lunch, you will return to Kibale National Park to track chimpanzees, mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom. These Great Apes are interesting to watch as they play, forage, rest, groom each other, and fight in the trees. There will be opportunities to see more birds and primates during the chimpanzee trek, and once sighted, spend one hour with them.

Overnight at: Volcanoes Kibale Lodge (luxury), Isunga Lodge (midrange), or Kibale Forest Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 9: Morning Bigodi wetland birding tour and drive to Semliki National Park

After breakfast at your Lodge, you will meet your safari guide and embark on your first destination on today’s Uganda birding safari. The first stop is the wetland of Bigodi, which is on the edge of Kibale Forest National Park. All told, you will spend about 2-4 hours enjoying a phenomenal wetland birding experience. Common bird species here include the Snowy-crowned robin-chat, Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus gonolek, Yellow-billed barbet, White-breasted Negrofinch, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, African Pitta, Western Nicator, Black-headed Gonolek, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Afep Pigeon, Black-capped Apalis, Ring-necked Dove, Snowy-crowned robin-chat, Red-headed bluebill, crowned eagle, Black Bishop, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Superb Sunbird, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, and White-winged Warbler, among others.

Afterward, you will check out of the Lodge and drive three hours to Semliki National Park. Don’t miss the breathtaking vistas en route.

Overnight at: Semliki Safari Lodge (luxury), Lake Mwamba Lodge (midrange), or Kirumia Guest House (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 10: Full-day Semliki National Park birding Tour

Semliki National Park is one of the beautiful gateways to Uganda’s Forest birdlife. Here, almost half of all birds in the country (approximately 441 species) have been spotted in the National Park. These include African Dwarf Kingfishers, Eastern Bearded Greenbul, Black-wattled Casqued Hornbills, African fish eagles, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Red-billed dwarf hornbill, Rufous-sided Broadbill, saddle-billed storks, Senegal thick-knee, Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Chestnut-winged Starling, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Goliath herons, Nkurengu Rail, Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, Papyrus gonolek, Piping Hornbill, Black-casqued hornbill, African Piculet, Ituri Batis, and many others. You will have breaks (for lunch) during this full-day Semliki National Park birding adventure.

Overnight at: Semliki Safari Lodge (luxury), Lake Mwamba Lodge (midrange), or Kirumia Guest House (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 11: Half-day Semliki Birding tour and drive to Rwenzori National Park

In the morning, you will transfer to Lake Albert shores for a boat ride, with the hope of spotting the aquatic and wetland-occupying bird species. Here, unique species such as Abyssinian ground hornbill, African fish eagles, Goliath herons, Papyrus gonolek, saddle-billed storks, Senegal thick-knee, and many others.

Later, leave for Rwenzori Mountain National Park for your next birding adventure. Upon arrival, you will check into your Eco Lodge and then head out to explore the surrounding areas. There is incredible birding around most Rwenzori Mountains properties, as they feature dense bushes and tall trees amid secondary forest.

Overnight at: Snow Heights Lodge (midrange), or Rwenzori Turaco View campsite (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 12: Rwenzori Mountains Birding Tour

Today, you will enjoy one of the most unforgettable birding tours in the country. The lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains are known for their phenomenal diversity of resident and exotic bird species. While on this birding tour, you will observe many varieties found only in this unique ecosystem.

Some birds you can spot include African Black-headed Oriole, Archers’ robin-chats, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Blue-headed Sunbird, Bamboo warbler, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome spurfowl, Black Saw-wing, Mackinnon’s shrike, Grauer’s Broadbill, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori batis, and many others.

This is a four-hour birding tour accompanied by an expert Ranger guide who will lead you to the best vantage points. After the thrilling tour, you will return to your Eco Lodge. Since you have the whole afternoon free, you can choose between a number of options, such as community walks or simply relaxing at the Lodge.

Overnight at: Snow Heights Lodge (midrange), or Rwenzori Turaco View campsite (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 13: Rwenzori Mountains to Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon birding on the Kazinga Boat ride

In the morning, you will leave the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains and travel two to three hours towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping along the way to enjoy breathtaking views. Check in at the Lodge, have lunch, and continue your birding adventure in the afternoon.

Then, you will visit one of the most phenomenal sights in the National Park: the Kazinga Channel, located in the heart of the Park. You will embark on a 3-hour boat ride through this 40-kilometer natural channel, passing several sites of interest like the shores with lots of wetland bird species. You will see grey-headed kingfishers, African Jacana, Red-necked Doves, African skimmers, Great swamp warblers, Black-headed weavers, Malachite Kingfishers, African fish eagles, sacred Ibis, Goliath herons, Pink-backed pelicans, slender-billed weavers, Nubian woodpeckers, Great cormorants, and many others.  

Overnight at: Elephant Plains Lodge (luxury), Parkview Lodge (midrange), or Simba Safari Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 14:  Kyambura guided walk and afternoon game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park

With your safari guide, you will drive a little over 30 minutes from the Lodge to Kyambura Forest Reserve. Spread over 15600 hectares, this Reserve is home to Tropical rainforest, wetlands, and savannah. The numerous forest trails here attract visitors year-round, and this includes bird lovers. Look out for the African finfoot, martial eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, White-tailed Lark, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Long-Crested Eagle, blue-headed bee-eater, African Broadbill, and the Black-rumped Buttonquail among others.

In the afternoon, you will have a game drive through one of the Park’s unmissable game tracks, with the hope of seeing African bush elephants, Uganda Kobs, Cape buffaloes, impalas, Defassa waterbucks, lions, and many others.

Overnight at: Elephant Plains Lodge (luxury), Parkview Lodge (midrange), or Simba Safari Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 15: Ishasha birding tour and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you and your safari guide will transfer three and a half hours south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is still raw and home to grasslands, forests, rivers, and wetlands. Here, African Firefinch, Red-billed Quelea, the Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Broad-billed Roller, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Martial Eagle, African Cuckoo-Hawk, and the African Green Pigeon are found.

Stop for lunch and continue with the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Overnight at: Buhoma Lodge (luxury), Engagi Lodge (midrange), or Gorilla Bluff Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 16: Buhoma birding tour (Munyanga waterfall trail)

Accompanied by an experienced Ranger guide, you will embark on your Birding adventure along one of the bird trails (Munyanga waterfall Trail) in the Buhoma sector. The sector sits in the northern part of the Park and abounds with resident and exotic bird species. Expect to see between 50 and 80 bird species during this morning adventure, including black bee-eaters, Pel’s fishing owl, red-headed bluebill, African green pigeons, sunbirds (such as the blue-headed sunbirds), Black bee-eaters, white-throated greenbul, and many others.

After your Buhoma Birding Tour and lunch at the Lodge, we recommend undertaking a tea plantation tour to learn about how tea is grown, harvested, and processed. There are also several bird species during this walk.

Overnight at: Buhoma Lodge (luxury), Engagi Lodge (midrange), or Gorilla Bluff Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 17: Buhoma-Nkuringo via the Ivi Birding Trail

In the morning, you will transfer to the Park headquarters for a briefing and later embark on a birding adventure through the popular Ivi (or Ivy) River Trail, which connects Buhoma to the Nkuringo sector on the southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This 13-kilometer-long trail is popular for the red-headed bluebill, Cape Robin-chat, African Emerald Cuckoo, Great blue Turaco, Grey sparrow, Black-billed weavers, Olive woodpecker, and sunbirds, among others.

After 4-5 hours of hiking, you will be in the Nkuringo sector, where your guide will be waiting to transfer you to the Lodge for lunch and the other activities.

Overnight at: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury), Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (midrange), or Bwindi Nshongi Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 18: Depart for Lake Bunyonyi, afternoon guided walk

Enjoy one last morning birding excursion in the Nkuringo sector and drive about 4 hours to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s deepest Lake. On the drive there, you can make periodic stops to admire exotic bird species and interact with the locals.

On arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you will enjoy a guided bird walk around the shores of the Lake and the surrounding Lodge gardens. Look out for the African Jacana, African pied wagtail, Baglafecht weavers, Black Kites, Black-headed weavers, Great cormorant, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, white-eyed slaty-flycatcher, sacred Ibis, Tropical Boubou, and many others.

Overnight at: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi (luxury), Bunyonyi Rock Resort (midrange), or Crater Bay Cottages (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 19: Birding and canoeing ride on Lake Bunyonyi

It is an early day, as your safari guide will meet you at 7:00am for a 2-hour canoeing/birding excursion. On the excursion, you will be able to spot several bird species like the Black Kites, Black-headed weavers, Tropical Boubou, Red-eyed Dove, Grey-crowned cranes, African Jacana, White-tailed blue flycatcher, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, white-eyed slaty-flycatcher, sacred Ibis, and many others.

If, after the canoeing ride, you are still in the mood for birding, you can continue exploring the areas around the property. Other interesting species you might spot include the Great Cormorant, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Blue-headed Coucal, African Pied Wagtail, Pied wagtail, and Baglafecht weavers, among others.

Overnight at: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi (luxury), Bunyonyi Rock Resort (midrange), or Crater Bay Cottages (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 20: Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala/Entebbe- Departure.

It is time to wrap up your Uganda Birding safari. Take the morning to enjoy one final breakfast in the Lake Bunyonyi area. Afterward, leave southwestern Uganda on an eight and nine-hour drive to Kampala or Entebbe, where you will catch your flight home. Safe travels!

Our 20-day Exclusive Uganda Birding safari includes;

• Entry fees to the National Parks, Sanctuaries, and other sites.
• Bottled water.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• 19 nights’ accommodation.
• Ground transport with a 4WD Safari vehicle.
• Services of a professional English-speaking guide.

The package excludes;

• Visa fees (but can be arranged on request).
• Post safari accommodation (although can be arranged on request).
• Airfares (can also be arranged on request).
• Gratuities (to guides, Rangers, porters, and Lodge staff).
• Personal and travel insurance.
• Porter fees.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Laundry fees.
• Telephone calls.