18 Days Uganda Birding & Wildlife Safari
From the papyrus swamps of Mabamba and the savannahs of Lake Mburo to the ancient forests of Bwindi, Semuliki, Kibale, Budongo, and Murchison Falls National Park, every destination introduces new habitats, endemic species, and unforgettable encounters.
Safari Overview
Discover why Uganda is regarded as one of Africa's premier birding destinations on this extraordinary 18-day Birding and Wildlife Safari. Home to over 1,090 recorded bird species, including the legendary Shoebill Stork, Uganda offers one of the richest birding experiences on the continent.
This carefully designed journey combines exceptional birdwatching with Uganda's iconic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. From the papyrus swamps of Mabamba and the savannahs of Lake Mburo to the ancient forests of Bwindi, Semuliki, Kibale, Budongo, and Murchison Falls National Park, every destination introduces new habitats, endemic species, and unforgettable encounters.
Along the way, enjoy spectacular game drives, boat cruises, scenic landscapes, and comfortable accommodations while accompanied by an experienced birding guide who understands the habits, calls, and habitats of Uganda's remarkable birdlife.
Whether you are a passionate birder, wildlife photographer, or nature enthusiast, this safari offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the very best of Uganda.
Safari Highlights
• Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers
• Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Excursion
• Lake Mburo National Park Birding
• African Finfoot Search
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Albertine Rift Endemic Species
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
• Ishasha Tree-climbing Lions
• Semuliki National Park
• Congo Biome Bird Species
• Kibale National Park
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
• Green-breasted Pitta
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Nile Delta Birding Cruise
• Budongo Forest Reserve
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional English-speaking birding guide who will accompany you throughout your safari.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening around Entebbe while receiving a detailed safari briefing.
Main Destination
Entebbe
Accommodation
ViaVia Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals & Drinks
• Dinner
• Drinking Water
Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Begin your safari with one of Africa's most celebrated birding experiences.
A traditional canoe excursion through Mabamba Swamp offers excellent opportunities to search for the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork, alongside African Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Lesser Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek and numerous wetland species.
Later, travel southwest towards Lake Mburo National Park with a stop at the Equator for photographs and lunch.
Main Destination
Lake Mburo National Park
Activities
• Shoebill Excursion
• Mabamba Canoe Ride
• Equator Stop
Accommodation
Rwakobo Rock Lodge (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Lake Mburo National Park
Spend the day exploring one of Uganda's finest birding locations.
Morning boat cruise searching for:
• African Finfoot
• African Fish Eagle
• Giant Kingfisher
• Pied Kingfisher
• Red-headed Weaver
Afternoon birding drive searching for:
• Red-faced Crombec
• Bare-faced Go-away Bird
• Trilling Cisticola
• Papyrus Gonolek
• Crested Francolin
• Emerald-spotted Wood Dove
Large mammals including zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes and elands are regularly encountered.
Accommodation
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 4 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel through the spectacular Kigezi Highlands towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Enjoy scenic birding stops before checking into your lodge.
Evening birding around the lodge searching for:
• White-starred Robin
• Petit's Cuckooshrike
• White-tailed Blue Flycatcher
Accommodation
Broadbill Forest Camp (or similar)
Day 5 – Full Day Birding in Bwindi
Today is dedicated to one of Africa's greatest birding forests.
Search for Albertine Rift Endemics including:
• Grauer's Broadbill
• Handsome Francolin
• Rwenzori Batis
• Neumann's Warbler
• Chubb's Cisticola
• Rwenzori Turaco
• Archer's Robin-chat
• Regal Sunbird
Bwindi also offers opportunities to encounter monkeys, butterflies and remarkable forest scenery.
Accommodation
Broadbill Forest Camp
Day 6 – Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha)
Travel north through the famous Ishasha Sector.
Besides exceptional birding, keep watch for the famous tree-climbing lions.
Bird specialties include:
• Brown-chested Lapwing
• Jacobin Cuckoo
• Wattled Starling
• Black-headed Gonolek
Accommodation
Topi Safari Lodge
Day 7 – Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning birding game drive.
Afternoon private Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.
Excellent species include:
• African Skimmer
• Great White Pelican
• Swamp Flycatcher
• Great Swamp Warbler
• Papyrus Gonolek
Large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and elephants are frequently seen.
Accommodation
Enshama Safari Lodge
Day 8 – Full Day Queen Elizabeth Birding
Full-day exploration of Kasenyi Plains and surrounding habitats.
Target species include:
• Martial Eagle
• Black Bee-eater
• Temminck's Courser
• Verreaux's Eagle Owl
• Grey Kestrel
Accommodation
Enshama Safari Lodge
Day 9 – Transfer to Fort Portal
Morning birding while departing Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjoy spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains and tea plantations before arriving in Fort Portal.
Accommodation
Rwenzori View Guest House
Day 10 – Semuliki National Park
Explore Uganda's richest Congo biome forest.
Target species include:
• African Piculet
• White-thighed Hornbill
• Black-casqued Hornbill
• Orange-cheeked Waxbill
• Maxwell's Black Weaver
• Piping Hornbill
Transfer to Kibale Forest.
Accommodation
Turaco Treetops
Day 11 – Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland
Early morning search for the elusive Green-breasted Pitta.
Additional species include:
• Black-throated Apalis
• Masked Apalis
• Little Green Sunbird
Afternoon birding in Bigodi Wetland.
Accommodation
Turaco Treetops
Day 12 – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Journey north towards Uganda's largest protected area.
Evening relaxation.
Accommodation
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 13 – Murchison Falls National Park
Morning game drive.
Bird highlights include:
• Heuglin's Spurfowl
• Denham's Bustard
• Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
• White-backed Vulture
• Secretary Bird
Wildlife:
Elephants
Lions
Leopards
Giraffes
Buffaloes
Accommodation
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 14 – Nile Delta Boat Cruise
Private cruise through the Nile Delta.
Target birds include:
• Shoebill
• Northern Carmine Bee-eater
• Grey-headed Kingfisher
• Red-throated Bee-eater
Transfer to Masindi.
Accommodation
Kabalega Resort
Day 15 – Budongo Forest & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Explore Budongo Forest searching for:
• Nahan's Francolin
• African Dwarf Kingfisher
• Ituri Batis
• Brown Illadopsis
• Rufous-capped Eremomela
Continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Accommodation
Amuka Safari Lodge
Day 16 – Full Day Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Enjoy a full day birding in Uganda's premier rhino sanctuary.
Species include:
• White-crested Turaco
• Purple Starling
• Yellow-bellied Hyliota
• Spot-flanked Barbet
• White-crested Helmetshrike
Optional Rhino Tracking.
Accommodation
Amuka Safari Lodge
Day 17 – Ziwa to Entebbe
Morning birding before returning to Entebbe.
Accommodation
Jet Villas Guesthouse
Day 18 – Entebbe Botanical Gardens & Departure
Conclude your safari with birding around Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Look out for:
• Orange Weaver
• African Grey Parrot
• Bat Hawk
• Golden-backed Weaver
Later transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Price Includes
✔ Airport Transfers
✔ Professional Birding Guide
✔ Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle
✔ Fuel
✔ Accommodation throughout
✔ Meals as indicated
✔ Drinking Water
✔ Park Entrance Fees
✔ Boat Cruises
✔ Birding Excursions
✔ Government Taxes
Price Excludes
✘ International Flights
✘ Uganda Visa
✘ Travel Insurance
✘ Alcoholic Drinks
✘ Laundry
✘ Personal Expenses
✘ Tips & Gratuities
✘ Optional Activities Not Listed
