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Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Albertine Rift Birding Tour: Rwanda & Uganda

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda) – Home to 270 species, including 25 Albertine Rift endemics.
  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) – Hosts over 180 bird species, with 14 Albertine Rift endemics.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) – Considered Uganda’s best forest birding destination.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) – A mix of woodland, savannah, and wetland species.
  • Mabamba Swamp (Uganda) – Famous for the elusive Shoebill.

Main Targets

  • Albertine Rift endemics
  • Forest specialists
  • Savannah species
  • Wetland birds
  • Shoebill

Tour Overview

This incredible 13-day birding adventure takes you through some of the most important birding areas in Rwanda and Uganda. You will explore lush forests, high-altitude swamps, and diverse savannahs while spotting rare and endemic bird species. The tour includes visits to Nyungwe Forest, Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering fantastic opportunities to see Albertine Rift endemics and other sought-after birds.

This tour offers a fantastic mix of birding, wildlife, and optional gorilla trekking. Get ready for an unforgettable birding adventure through Rwanda and Uganda

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Arrival at Kigali, Pick up and drive to your hotel for overnight. Relax, introduction and briefing for the albertine rift trip in Rwanda and Uganda

Day 2: Birding in Nyungwe Forest

Transfer birding to Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe forest is situated in south-west Rwanda between Lake Kivu and the international border with Burundi. This beautiful birding area lies west of Butare, with the Butare-Cyangugu road passing straight through the middle, providing excellent roadside birding. About 270 species have been recorded in Nyungwe, reflecting the wide habitat diversity and altitudinal range. These include all the 25 species of the Albertine Rift mountains Endemic Bird Area that occur in Rwanda, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Rockefellers’ Sunbird (both globally threatened, restricted-range and biome-restricted). Also, 11 of the 23 species of Guinea–Congo Forests biome and 71 of the 74 species of this biome of Afrotropical Highlands that occur in Rwanda have been recorded at this site!

Day 3: Full-Day Birding in Nyungwe (Uwinka Trail)

Whole day birding in the park-Uwinka trail for albertine endemics, lookout for; Stripe-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Miombo Rock-Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Kivu Ground-Thrush, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Red-chested, SunbirdRegal Sunbird, Olive Woodpecker, Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill-babbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Northern Puffback, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Thick-billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo etc

Day 4: Transfer to Uganda – Mgahinga National Park

Transfer while birding to Uganda-Mgahinga National Park via Cyanika border. Mgahinga boasts birding with a list of over 180 species of birds and at least 14 Albertine endemics can be seen here. Reach here, early arrival gives a chance to do evening birding around.

Day 5: Full-Day Birding in Mgahinga

Whole day birding in Mgahinga gorilla national park in search for Rwenzori Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, Black Kite and Crowned Crane, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Turtle Dove, Alpine Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Montane Double-collared Sunbird. Farmland along the Northern edge of the Park is guarded by a dry stone wall that keeps Buffalo in the Park and out of crops. The trail along the wall is ideal for birding. Along this trail look out for Chubb’s Cisticola, Banded Prinia and Doherty’s Bush Shrike are vocal yet inconspicuous in habitats of tangles at the forest edge whilst Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher and Mackinnons’s Fiscal favors more exposed perches. Common Stonechat is abundant but here shares the habitat with many of the typical African open-country species: including Wing Snapping Cisticola, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Grassland Pipit, and Yellow Crowned Canary.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija Sector)

Bird watching transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Ruhijja Sector. Forest birding in Bwindi ranks the best in Uganda with the best sight guides who use their mouth whistles to mimic the birds. A zigzag drive from the main gate to the lodge through the forest gives a chance to spot a handsome francolin on the roadside plus other birds. 

Day 7: Full-Day Birding in Bwindi (Ruhija – Mubwindi Swamp)

Whole day birding in bwindi impenetrable national park-Ruhijja sector. Today early after our break first, start our day birding the mail trail to mubwindi swanp. The main highlights of this trail is the African Green Broadbill and the Grauer’s Warbler and other birds/or endemics like Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Rockeffeller’s Sunbird, Purple-Breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-Wing, Red-Collard Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Neumann’s’ Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-Faced Apalis, Collard Apalis, Stripe-Breasted Tit, Grauer’s Cukooshrike, Yellow-Crested Helmetshrike, Ruwenzori Batis, Dwarf Honeyguide etc

DayDay 8: Birding Through “The Neck” to Buhoma

Morning birding in the community to try species that we could have missed I the previous day of birding and proceed with our transfer to Buhoma sector of bwindi via the “NECK” several stops will be made on this journey to try several spots for a couple specialties. Even further down on our road, cultivated areas provide feeding opportunities for many seedeaters. Our main targets here will be the highly sought-after Dusky Twinspot and Yellow-Bellied, Black-Headed and Black-Crowned Waxbills. African Stonechat; Streaky and Thick-Billed Seedeaters; African Citril and Cape Canary may also be found here. Noisy Chubb’s Cisticolas will mock us from deep within the bracken! And the beautiful Doherty’s Bushshrike can be lured out from the dense vegetation. Mackinnon’s Shrikes survey the road from high, exposed perches! The NECK,’ another well-known birding locality. Here we will search for species such as Black Goshawk; Bronze-Napped Pigeon; Cinnamon-Chested, Black Bee-Eater; Cassin’s Honeyguide; Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike; White-Chinned Prinia; the enigmatic Chapin’s Flycatcher; Mountain Wagtail; Pink-Footed Puffback; the rare Tiny Sunbird and the attractive Brown-capped Weaver. We have many chance of seeing the L’heost’s, Red Tailed and the Black and White Colobus Monkey on our journey! There are so many special birds at these elevations that we do not want to rush through, we continue with our drive to Buhoma 

Day 9: Full-Day Birding in Buhoma Sector

Whole day birding in Buhoma sector of bwindi impenetrable national park in search for; Cabanis’sGreenbul, Narrow-Tailed Starling, Grey-Winged Robin Chart, Eliots Woodpecker, Northern Double-Collard Sunbird, Black-Billed Weaver, Bocage’sBushshrike, Pink-Footed Puffback, Petit’sCukooshrike, White-Bellied Nigrafinch, Cameroon SombreGreenbul, African Broadbill, Buff-Throated Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Yellow Bill, Black-Faced Rufous Warbler, Little Grey Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat, Short-Tailed Warbler, Red-Headed Malimbe, White Browed Crombec, Mountain Black Boubou, Jameson’s Anti-Peckeretc

Day 10: Optional Gorilla Trekking or Birding in Buhoma

Trekking day for those interested in gorillas, on this day, we set of early, with packed lunch, to the park headquarters for a briefing prior to Gorilla Tracking. The gorillas are gentle animals and it is an unforgettable experience to photograph them as they interact. It is a wonderful experience to stare in to the eyes of these gentle giants; watch them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities. It is indeed a “once in a lifetime” experience that you must never miss! Each encounter is different and has its own rewards; you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngster’s frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display. Gorilla tracking involves part or one day in the Impenetrable Forest. Sometimes the gorillas can be located within an hour or so, but at other times it sometimes takes an entire day of quite hard trekking to find them and return, so you need to be physically fit if you wish to maximize your chances. Very occasionally, in spite of all efforts, the gorillas prove elusive. Depending on the time we get back we might have optional village to the communities around the gorillas the pygmies inclusive or evening birding around the self-guided train in Buhoma, another Eden of birding in Uganda and later transfer to our lodge for dinner and overnight (the trip could end here and return back to Kigali for the flight back home) or take some days further through queen Elizabeth national park for some interesting savanna species

Day 11: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Birding in queen Elizabeth national park (find the lions of Ishasha sheltering from the fierce rift valley sun on the boughs of ancient fig trees!). Early after breakfast we depart birding to queen Elizabeth national park through kanungu area where chances abound to trace for rarity of Rufous-Breasted Wryneck in this area, continue birding to the southern sector of queen Elizabeth where we can’t miss the likes of Whinchats, Greater Scimitarbill, Black Kit, Superb Sunbird, still on a way in ishasha area Little Button, Blue, Common, Harlequin Quails skulk in short grasses along the way. A couple of mammals like Cape Buffalo, Lions, Elephants, Uganda Kobs, Waterbacksetc thrill in this area.

Day 12: Birding and Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel

From early morning, birding in queen Elizabeth national park and evening boat cruise at Kazinga Channel. In this morning we try for Broad Tailed Warbler, Martial Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Striated Heron, African Spoonbill, Water Thick-Knee, Three-banded Plover, Marsh, Green, Wood and Common Sandpiper, Plain Martin, Lesser Swamp-Warbler, White-Winged Warbler, Caruther’sCisticola, Black-Headed Gonolek, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-Faced Cisticola, Red-Chested Cukoo, Northern Puffback, Tropica Boubou, Diederik, Klaas’s, African-Emerald Cukoos, Little Stint,  Yellow-Throated Long-Claw, East-African Swee, Common Waxbill, Crimson-Rumped Waxbill, and Yellow-billed Ox-pecker etc. mammals include; Olive Baboon, Valvet Monkey, in the kyambura gorge we find the Chimps, Blue and Red Tailed Monkey etc. evening we take boat ride at kazinga channel.

Day 13: Transfer to Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill

Stop at Mabamba Swamp to search for the Shoebill before heading to the airport for departure.

Tour price includes

  • Park fees for non-residents
  • All activities listed
  • Accommodation
  • Professional birding guide
  • Transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
  • Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

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Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Classic Uganda Birding and Wildlife Tour

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens
  • Mabamba Wetland
  • Lake Mburo National Park
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Semuliki National Park
  • Kibale Forest National Park
  • Budongo Forest Reserve
  • Murchison Falls National Park

Main Targets

  • Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Wetland
  • Albertine Rift Endemics at Bwindi
  • Green-breasted Pitta at Kibale
  • Savannah birds in Queen Elizabeth & Murchison Falls
  • Congo biome species at Semuliki
  • Forest specialties at Budongo Royal Mile

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Uganda’s birdlife and wildlife in this 25-day adventure. You’ll explore top birding destinations, from wetlands and savannahs to dense forests, spotting rare and endemic species. Enjoy boat rides, game drives, and guided birding walks while visiting Uganda’s incredible national parks and Important Bird Areas.

Main Target Birds

  • Shoebill Stork
  • African Green Broadbill
  • Green-breasted Pitta
  • Grauer’s Rush Warbler
  • Red-faced Barbet
  • Harlequin Quail
  • African Skimmer
  • Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
  • Yellow-billed Oxpecker

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

meet your driver and transfer to your nearby hotel in Entebbe for refreshment, dinner and overnight stay. Early arrivals will give a chance to bird the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens (EBG). EBG is a beautiful place situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, filled with colorful butterflies, birds and primates in an area of 40.7 ha. The gardens house a collection of species of plants of the tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones, besides several shrubs and other plants which regenerated naturally over the years. The habitat has attracted a diverse array of birds – 206 species (both forest and shorebirds) and monkeys; Black and White Colobus and Vervet Monkeys. The bird walk here is more leisurely and relaxed with an introduction to some Afro tropical species of birds. It may take 1 – 2hours. 

Accommodation: Lake Victoria view guesthouse or other located in or near Entebbe Airport, Meals & drinks: all meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 2: Mabamba Wetland & Transfer to Lake Mburo

we start early check out our hotel and drive to Mabamba. Main focus today is Shoebill. While at the swamp, we shall aboard a canoe riding through a channel of lagoons into the marsh. We look out for the shoebill. Besides the shoebill, there is a selection of common wetland species that we are likely to encounter here including, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, Papyrus Gonolek, White-Winged Warbler, Gull-Billed Terns, White-Winged Black Terns, Whiskered Terns, Common Moorhen, Swamp Flycatcher, Goliath and Purple Herons, Spur-Winged and Pygmy Geese, African Snipe, Blue-Headed Coucal,Carruther’sCisticola, Northern Brown-Throated Weavers, Winding Cisticola, White-Faced Whistling Ducks etc. Boat may take about 2hours. We shall be here till late morning hours; we continue to L. Mburo National Park stopping over at the Equator for Lunch.

Accommodation: rwakobo rock/ eagles nest camp 2nights 

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 3: Birding at Lake Mburo National Park

Morning bird walk in the woods for 2hours, afternoon boat rides (for 1.5 – 2hours) and spend the rest of the day on a game drive – birding in the vehicle. L. Mburo is the only wooded savannah only NP in Uganda where tourists enjoy freely grazing with wildlife on foot! Most sought-after species here include taboracisticola, red-faced barbet, possibilities of the rare Crested Barbet which are only known in the remote north-eastern Tanzania, Rwanda and here, brown-chested lapwing, chinspotbatis etc. The boat ride merits for specials like the white-backed and black-crowned night herons, rufous-bellied heron, African Finfoot, African darter, water thicknee, kingfishers etc. You will also encounter pools of hippos, crocodiles, and buffalos. Birding here is a delightful experience, with beautiful scenery and a markedly different fauna from other reserves. This is a great place to see game animals such as Eland, Zebra, Topi, Impala, and acacia-associated birds

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Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Ruhiija Sector

Today, we shall check out our lodge, have an early morning breakfast and drive slowly as we bird on the way to the Ruhiija section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We may have lunch in Mbarara or Kabale depending on our pace and later continue to Ruhiija. Early arrivals will give a chance to bird along the main road. Our first encounter with the AlbertineRift Endemics begins here. Bwindi is generally at a higher altitude and therefore is cooler. Temperatures range between 10-18°C. Forest birding at Bwindi ranks the best in Uganda and Africa as well. It is home to 23 highly localized Albertine Rift Endemics. 

Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge/ broadbill forest camp for 2 Nights 

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 5: Birding in Ruhiija – community road trail

If you are fit enough can do the mubwindi swamp (optional). After breakfast, we shall carry our picnic lunch and head for a whole day birding following the famous trail through the forest up to Mubwindi Swamp. The 4km trail to Mubwindi Swamp drops from 2350m to 2050m ASL and is the best place for some of the most difficult to find of all the Albertine Rift Endemics including; the rare and localized Grauer’s Rush Warbler, African Green Broadbill, the beautiful Regal Sunbird, and Archer’s Robin Chat. Mubwindi Swamp trail is home to DwarfHoneyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, RwenzoriApalis and African / Rwenzori Hill Babbler, and Carruthers’ Cisticola. Most of these species can equally be seen along the community road trail. Other key species here include Fraser’s Eagle-Owl, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Eastern Mountain-Greenbul, Strange Weaver, Black-headed Waxbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Waller’s Starling, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Ludher’s Bush-shrike, Handsome Francolin, Montane Oriole and Montane Nightjar

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Day 6: Ruhiija ‘NECK’ birding and transfer to Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable National park.

We shall travel to Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while birding on the way – we do the popular “NECK” birding in the morning. The neck is a relatively narrow stretch separating the two sections of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. It is characterized by riverine forest vegetation. Trekking up the hillside to view a family of gorillas nestled in casual, frolicking play is a fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime experience (optional). Some of the species we are likely to see here include; Mountain Wagtail, Red-tailed and Shelley’s Greenbul, Cassin’s Flycatcher, Black Duck, Banded Prinia, Grey-throated Barbet, Common Buzzard, Black-billed Turaco, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-tailed Greenbul, Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Many-coloured Bush-shrike, Ayres’s Hawk-eagle, Bronze-naped Pigeon, HoneyguideGreenbul, Red-throated Alethe, Gray Apalis, African Shrikeflycatcher, Red-headed Malimbe, Dusky Twinspot etc. Today we shall carry picnic lunch. We arrive at Buhoma late this afternoon. 

Dinner at Buhoma Haven Lodge/ ride for a woman 

Accommodation: Haven Lodge/ ride for a woman 2night 

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 7: Birding in the forest in the morning

We start birdwatching early after breakfast, carry picnic lunch and begin a whole day birding along the main trail at Buhoma. Key species here in the forest include Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Black-faced Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Ashy Flycatcher, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Dusky Tit, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Northern Doublecollared Sunbird, Sooty Boubou, and Pink-footed Puffback. 

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Day 8: transfer Birding to queen Elizabeth national  Park

Birding through Ishasha in the vehicle. This sector is famous for the lions those climb up in the trees. Some likely encounters include red-collared, white-winged widow birds, white-headed barbets, and stout cisticola. We shall be here for half day, if we still have time, drive to the northern sector of the park for a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. Kazinga Channel is a narrow neck of water body connecting lakes Edward and George. Our Kazinga Channel launch cruise is the most luxurious in the region; plying these waters with comfort, elegance and attentive service, affording superb wildlife viewing from your observation deck, is far much re-assuring!

Accommodation: Twin lakes Safari Lodge of other for 2nights 

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 9: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start early this morning after breakfast. We do a birding drive in the Savannah area for the whole morning; and in the afternoon, we may drive through another section of the park or do a community birding experience. Following one of the numerous trails in the park on a game / birding drive will produce interesting sightings of such species such as Harlequin Quail, Blue Quail, Small (Common) Buttonquail, African Crake, Martial Eagle, Stout Cisticola, Black-crowned Tchagra, Trilling Cisticola, Speckle-breasted woodpecker, African Skimmer, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers, Africancrake, marshtchagra, black coucal etc. 

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Day 10: Transfer to Fort Portal via Crater Lakes

Early morning breakfast we check out lodge and travel to Fort-Portal. This afternoon we spend some time birding along the craters in Fort-Portal Nyakasura Hills. The hills are famous for the singing cisticola. Along Lake Kigere, we look out for the Great-crested Grebe, little grebe, Giant Kingfisher etc. 

Accommodation: Mountains of the Moon Hotel/ rajjaexlesser for 2nights or KFC/KFL the second night.

Meals & drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinks not included 

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Day 11: Birding at Semuliki National Park

We drive for about 1.5 hrs to the park. Semliki forest is one of the richest for lowland forest birds in Uganda and marks the eastern extension of the great Ituri Forest. A large number of Guinea-Congo biome species reach their eastern limits here. We shall start at dawn after an early breakfast and set off with our packed lunch. We spend 2 – 3hours birding along the Kirumia trail. Key species include Redbilled, Black-wattled, Black-billed and White-crested Hornbills, African Piculet, Zenkel Honey-guide, Black-chested Cuckoo, Red-rumpedTinkerbird, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Nkurengu Rail, White-bellied, Dwarf, and Pygmy Kingfishers, Piping, White-thighed, and African Pied Hornbills, Fire-crested Alethe, Red-bellied and Blue-billed Malimbe, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Lowland Akalat, Forest Scrub Robin, GreentailedBristlebill, Leaf Love, Chestnut-breasted Negrofinches, Black-winged Oriole, etc. get back to our lodge or kibale forest camp/ kibale forest lodge

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Day 12: Birding to Kibale Forest National park

We start early after an early morning breakfast, check out the hotel, and bird to Kibale forest. Focus species is the Green-breasted Pitta. This afternoon we may choose bird in the Bigodi Papyrus Swamp or do Chimp tracking in the forest. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community owned and managed nature reserve. A 4km trail has been created in the wetland adjacent to the forest. The habitat here consists of a swamp surrounded by low, scrubby secondary forest and cultivation. Key species include among others; White-spotted flufftail, Green-backed Twinspot, Cabanis’s and Joyful Greenbuls, Scaly- breasted Illadopsis, Olive-green Camaroptera, White-collared oliveback, white-winged warbler, whitechinnedPrinia, Blue-shouldered Robinchat, Lesser honeyguide, Uganda Spotted and speckle-breasted Woodpeckers, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Red-capped Robin Chat, Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush, Great Sparrow-hawk, Red-headed Bluebill, and Luhdher’s Bush Shrike. 

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp or Kibale forest lodge other of the same kind

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 13: Travel to Masindi Town

We wake up this morning; have breakfast and set off for the Budongo area. This is another long journey on a dirt road that may take the whole day with chances of birding on the way. Stopovers will be done at strategic points to provide opportunities for birding, stretching legs and enjoying our picnic lunch. Arrival in Masindi will be late this evening.

Accommodation: Masindi Hotel for 2nights 

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

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Day 14: Birding in Budongo Forest Reserve along the celebrated “Royal Mile”

We shall have an early morning breakfast and drive to one of “Uganda’s bird watching hotspots”, the Royal Mile. This is the Uganda’s historically known leisure spot for the traditional King of Bunyoro, hence the name “Royal”. This forest comprises of very huge mahogany trees. Key species include; African dwarf and Chocolate-backed kingfisher, Yellow and grey Long bills, Olive-bellied Crombec, Browneared Woodpecker, Crowned Eagle, Forest Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Camaropera, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow-mantled Weaver, yellow-browed Camaroptera, Green Crombec, Crested and Redheaded Malimbe, red-headed bluebill, White-thighed hornbill, Yellow-spotted and Yellow-billed Barbets, Sabine’s and Cassin’s Spinetail.

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Day 15: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

This day we shall have an early morning breakfast, check out the lodge and transfer to Murchison Falls National Park as we bird on the way through the park up to the top of the falls. This afternoon, we shall do a launch cruise along the Nile River up to the bottom of the falls – 3hours. This is Uganda’s largest National Conservation area and it is famous for its big game, spectacular scenery and the falls for which the park was named. Abundant Hippos, Crocodiles, Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda Kob and Waterbuck can be seen along with occasional Lions, Leopard and Patas Monkeys. 

Accommodation: Pakuba Lodge or red chill or other for 2 nights 

Meals & drinks: All meals included, Drinks not included

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Day 16: Birding at Murchison Falls National Park

Birding the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park Birding the Northern bank of the park for the whole morning in the vehicle. We may choose to do another drive in the afternoon. Amongst a huge variety of widespread African bird species in the wetlands and various dry savanna and open woodland habitats are more special birds: Stanley’s Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, Rock Pratincole, Little Sparrowhawk, Bruce’s Green-Pigeon, Red-necked Falcon, Senegal Thick-knee, Long-toed Plover, Blue-headed Coucal, White-crested Turaco, Heuglin’s Francolin, & Abyssinian Ground Horn bill

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Day 17: Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park

We start early after breakfast, check out here and embark on a rather long, teeth-jeering journey to the remote Karamoja area. Nestled in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda, bordering with Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s wildest and most spectacular conservation area. We shall have lunch in Soroti town and continue driving on the rough roads all the way to park

Accommodation: Savanah Lodge for 2nights 

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

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Day 18: Game drive / birding in Kidepo Valley National Park

The park is famed for protecting remarkable wildlife that is not represented in any other Ugandan protected area. Much of the flora and fauna in the park is typical of northern Kenya. The birdlife is rich with a recorded bird list of 468. There over 60 bird species listed here and have not been recorded in any other Ugandan National Park. The park is outstanding for its birds of prey. Of 58 species recorded 14 are believed to be endemic to the region. Among those are Verreaux’s eagle, Egyptian vulture, lesser Kestrel and pygmy falcon. Other interesting species include birds like the karamojaapalis, kori bustard, red-billed hornbill, yellow-billed and Jackson’s hornbill, heuglin’s weaver, cut-throat finch, sand grouses etc. Various and unique antelopes like greater kudu, lesser kudu, Guenther’s dik-dik and mountain reedbuck are found nowhere else in Uganda. Primates like the localized Patas monkeys are abundant and five species have been recorded. 

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Day 19: travel while birding to Kotido Town.

This morning depending on the weather forecasts, you will carry along with your picnic lunch since we expect to have several stops to look at the birds along the roadsides. You won’t miss birds like D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Chestnut Sparrows, Red-billed Buffalo Weavers, White-headed Buffalo Weavers, Golden-backed Weavers and others.

Accommodation: Kotido 1Night, Meals & Drinks 

Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 20: Birding in Matheneko Game Reserve

Today we will be looking for specialties like Grey Wren Warbler, White-winged Black Tit, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Jackson’s Hornbill, Moustached Penduline Tit, Eastern Violet-Backed Sunbird, Straw-tailed Whydah, Eastern Paradise Whydah, Steel-Blue Whydah and many more. other non-bird biodiversity includes; Dik-dik, eland, mountain reedbuck, roan antelope, Uganda kob, Oribi, Bright’s gazelle, Topi, duikers, and waterbuck, Wild cats, hyenas, cheetahs, civets, leopards, and jackals

Accommodation: Kara Tunga 1night, Meals & drinks: 

All meals included Drinks not included 

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Day 21-23: Birding at Kidepo Valley National Park

Target species include Karamoja Apalis, Fox’s Weaver, and Yellow-billed Oxpecker.

Accommodation: UWA Bandas 1night, Meals & drinks: 

All meals included Drinks not included

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Day 24: Easy day, Visit Sipi Falls for relaxation, transfer to Jinja Town where we will have our lunch break and optional Visit the source of the Nile. 

Accommodation: The Rain Forest Lodge 1night, Meals & drinks

All meals included Drinks not included

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Day 25: Birding at Mabira forest

From morning to lunch time and later transfer back to Entebbe to prepare for your return flight. The forest boasts over 300 bird species, and its diverse ecosystems provide a home for both forest and woodland birds. While on your birding tour in Mabira Forest Reserve, expect to spot birds such as the magnificent African Grey Parrot, the striking Nahan’s Francolin, or the vibrant Blue-throated Roller, African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced go-away-bird, Eastern plantain-eater, Red-chested cuckoo, Black cuckoo, African cuckoo, Blue-throated Roller, White-browed coucal, Blue malkoha, Klaas’s, African emerald cuckoo, dideric cuckoo, dusky long-tailed cuckoo. 

Accommodation: N/A

All meals included Drinks not included

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Tour price includes

  • Park fees for non-residents
  • All activities listed
  • Accommodation
  • Professional birding guide
  • Transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
  • Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

Packages

You may also like


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Where to go when on east africa birding tour

Rwanda


Kenya


Tanzania


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Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Uganda Birding & Photography Safari

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens
  • Mabamba or Kamengo Wetlands
  • Murchison Falls National Park
  • Budongo Forest
  • Kibale Forest
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Lake Mburo National Park

Main Targets

  • Spot Uganda’s rarest and most sought-after birds
  • Capture stunning bird photography in natural settings
  • Explore diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to forests and savannas
  • Experience close encounters with Uganda’s wildlife, including primates and big game

Tour Overview

This 16-day birding safari takes you to Uganda’s best birdwatching destinations. You will explore key bird habitats and Important Bird Areas (IBAs) while capturing incredible wildlife moments. Expect to see a variety of bird species, mammals, and breathtaking landscapes. Our expert guides will ensure you have a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your bird checklist!

This 16-day adventure offers a mix of wetlands, forests, and savannas, making it a must-do for bird lovers and photographers.

Main Target Birds

  • Shoebill
  • Great Blue Turaco
  • African Pitta
  • Green-Breasted Pitta
  • Red-Throated Bee-Eater
  • Papyrus Gonolek
  • White-Crested Turaco
  • Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
  • Nahan’s Francolin
  • Standard-Winged Nightjar
  • Pennant-Winged Nightjar
  • Secretarybird
  • African Fish Eagle
  • Black-Bellied Bustard
  • Many more forest, wetland, and savanna species

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Early arrivals will give a chance for birding at Entebbe botanical gardens located on the northern part of Lake Victoria. The gardens harbor a collection of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate plants and shrubs which regenerate over the years. The place is a habitat of a large array of about 250 bird species. Among others, we shall have a chance to trace for; Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Saddle-Billed Stork, Golden-Backed Weaver, Yellow-Backed Weaver, Orange Weaver, African Palm-Swift, Winding Cisticola, Splendid Glossy-Starling, Northern Brown-Throated Weaver, Slender-Billed Weaver, Scaly Francolin, Green-Backed Heron, Tawny-Franked Prinia, Black And White-Casqued Hornbill, Back Kite, Yellow-Fronted Tinkerbird, Saddle-Billed Stork, Open-Billed Stork, Marabou Stork, Grey-Caped Warbler, Pied Crow, Little Egret, Black-Headed Heron, Cattle Egret, Spotted-Backed Weaver, Black And White-Manikin, Bronzy Manikin, Red-Cheeked Cordon-Bleu etc. 

Stay at Precious Guest House 

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DAY 2: BIRDING MABAMBA OR KAMENGO SWAMP – MPANGA FOREST 

Situated on western part of Entebbe, afternoon Mpanga forest.This morning, we have an early breakfast, and go birding to Mabamba or Kamengo. One of a few remaining productive wetland in Uganda protected by the local communities. extensive papyrus swamps with labyrinth’s channels and lagoons, classified as an important bird area (IBA), it’s a home of multiple Shoebills-Uganda’s most famous avian resident and the only representative in its family, is the amongst most sought after birds in the whole African continent! Its only traced by canoeing through the channels by the wooden boat. other birds at Mabamba or Kamengo include; Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-Breasted Bee-Eater, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, White-Winged Black Tern, Grey-Headed Gull, African Skimmers, Little Egret, Long-Toed Lapwing, Spur-Winged Lapwing, African Fish-Eagle, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Common Squacco Heron, Striated Heron, Blue-Headed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Black Crake, Hamerkop, African Marsh-Harrier, Yellow-Billed Duck, Hadada Ibis, White-Browed Scrub-Robin, Swamp Flycatcher, Vanga Flycatcher, Weyn’s Weaver, Eastern Grey Plantain-Eater, Sedge Warbler, Wood Sandpiper, Pied Kingfisher, Cape Wagtail, Rufous-Napped Lark, Green Backed Heron, African Snip, Croaking Cisticola, White-Faced Whistling Duck, Spur-Winged Goose, Black-Crowned Waxbill, Scarce Swift, Bern Swallow, African-Dusky Flycatcher, African Yellow Warbler, Collard-Sunbird etc.

 later go to Kampala Forest Cottages for overnight

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DAY 3: BIRDING TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK THROUGH MASINDI TOWN

After breakfast we depart for Murchison falls national park stopping at Masindi town for lunch. Murchison falls national park is the largest and oldest game park of all the parks in Uganda. It lies at the northern end of the Albertine rift valley hosting 76 species of mammals and about 460 bird species, the park is famous of its worlds powerful falls which appear along an area just 6m wide! It is dominated by vast palm-dotted savanna and forest patches in the south. Special birds there include among others; Red-throated Bee-Eater, Northern carmine Bee-Eater, Crested Francolin, Black-faced Waxbill, Marsh Tchagra, Northern Red bishop, Black-winged Red Bishop, Namaqua Dove, Wire-tailed Swallow, White-browed-sparrow Weaver, Cliff Chart, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, , Senegal Coucal, Silverbird, Standard Winged Night-Jar, Yellow-billed Duck, Black-headed Lapwing, Golden-backed Weaver, Green-winged Pytilia, Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, Black Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Buff-bellied Warbler, Abyssinian Roller, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Pennat-winged Night-Jar, White-rumped Canary,  etc.

 Stay at Murchison Falls Bamboo Village Lodge  

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DAY 4: Whole day birding in MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

We leave early with our packed lunch for morning game drive into the park birding towards the Nile ferry within the Borassus savanna where we will also encounter a variety of Antelopes, Elephants, Cape Buffalos, Giraffes, Lions and Leopards, Jackson’s Heart-beasts among others. In the afternoon we have a launch cruise to the bottom of the falls where a variety of water and special birds will be seen such as Rock Pratincole, Northern Carmine Bee-Eater, Red-Throated Bee-Eater, White-Crested Turaco, Vinaceous Dove, Beautiful Sunbird, Red-Winged Warbler, Senegal Thick-Knee, Grosbeak Weaver, Bruce’s Green-Pigeon, Chestnut-Crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Spotted Morning-Thrush, Osprey, Bar-Breasted Firefinch, Black-Headed Gonolek, Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Yellow-Fronted Tinkerbird, Red-Necked Francolin, Little Bittern, Namaqua Dove, Little Sparrow-Hawk, Senegal Thick-Knee, Bat Hawk, Heugln’s Francolin, Blue Spotted Wood Dove, Black-Billed Wood Dove, Swallow Tailed Eee-Eater, Madagascar Bee-Eater, Siffling Cisticola, Singing Cisticola, Yellow-Mantled Widowbird, Olive-Bellied Sunbird, African Quailfinch, Cabanis Bunting Etc.   

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DAY 5: BIRDING TO BUDONGO CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE

Budongo forest is one of the largest natural forests in Africa, home of a combination of vegetation and tree species found elsewhere in forests of Africa and has the most challenging bird species some skulk on the tree canopies which calls for kin observation with a kin ornithologist! Birding through Kanyiyo Pabidi area will give a chance to see rare species like puvel’s Illadopsis. In Budongo, we shall be looking for; Crested Malimbe, Red-Headed Malimbe, Lemon Bellied Crombec, Rufous-Crowned Eremomela, Black-Eared Ground-Thrush, Black-Throated Apalis, Black-Caped Apalis, Buff-Throated Apalis, Green Hylia, Nahan’s Francolin, Hairy-Breasted Barbet, Yellow-Spotted Barbet, Yellow-Billed Barbet, Western Black-Headed Oriole, Yellowbill, Brown-Eared Woodpacker, Yellow-Crested Woodpacker, Chocolate-Backed Kingfisher, African Dwarf, Shining Blue, Blue-Breasted Kingfisher, Yellow Longbill, African Crowned-Eagle, Forest Flycatcher, Yellow-Browed Camaroptera, Grey-Backed Camaroptera, Yellow-Mantled Weaver, Red-Heaed Bluebill, Sabines Spinetail, Casin’s Spinetail, Red-Tailed Anti-Thrush, Cameron Sombre, Slender Billed, Wilcock’s Honeyguides, Jameson’s Wattle-Eye, Blue-Throated Brown Sunbird, Little-Green Sunbird, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush etc.

 Stay at Masindi hotel 2nights 

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DAY 6: WHOLE DAY BIRDING IN THE ROYAL MILE – BUDONGO CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE

Early after breakfast, carry our picnic lunch and drive a short distance from the hotel that take us to one of the best birding spots in Uganda the royal mile and busingiro forest. The name reveals the African historical leisure spot for the traditional king of Bunyoro. At the mile, the forest being a bit dense, the trail lining was cleared to make a perfect view with good light for the bird photographs. And later after our excellent birding we get back to the hotel for refreshment, dinner and overnight.

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DAY 7: TRANSFER TO KIBALE CHIMPANZEE FOREST

Morning after breakfast, with our packed lunch, we depart for Kibale national park. It will be quite a long distance with numbered stops for stretching and look at birds. Early arrivals will give a chance to do evening birding around the hotel. This primarily forest park is not only the best place to track chimpanzees, but also its greatest primate diversity and a thrilling variety of forest birds! 

Stay at Chimpanzee Forest Guest house 2 nights 

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DAY 8: BIRDING AND OPTIONAL CHIMPANZEE TRACKING

(divided day; Birding and Chimp Tracking)

Wake up early and start birding along the roadside from the hotel to Bigodi sanctuary or wake up early at 5:00am and prepare ourselves for the most sought bird the Green-breasted Pitta! Thereafter we continue normal birding getting out from the forest to our hotel for lunch break. In the afternoon drive to the park visitor center for briefing and Chimp tracking. Kibale is a home of 13 primates and about 375 bird species. Primates include; L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red Colobus Monkey, Bush Baby, Olive Baboon, Red-Tailed Monkey, Grey-Cheeked Mangabey, Black And White Colobus, Blue Monkey, Chimpanzee etc. and a long list of sought bird species like; Afep Pigeon, Red-Winged Francolin, Narina Trogon, Bar-Tailed Trogon, Black-Billed Turaco, Black Bee-Eater, White-Headed Wood-Hoopoe, Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird, African Pitta, Velvet Mantled Drongo, Petit’s Cukoo Shrike, African Broad Bill, Wilcock’s Honeyguide, White-Spotted Flufftail, Western Nicator, White-Tailed Anti-Thrush etc.

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DAY 9: BIRDING TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

 

QUENP “Medley of wonders” is the second largest national park after Murchison, it’s a home of over 600 species of birds! Therefore, it’s one of the reason why this park is ranked among the best birding destinations in Africa. The park name was after the Queen of England’s visit in 1954. Common Scimitarbill, Whinchat, Spurb, Bronzy, Olive-Bellied, Marico, Purple-Banded, Orange-Tufted, Scarlet-Chested, Beautiful, Red-Chested Sunbirds, Three-Banded Plover, Caspian Plover, Kittlitz’s Plover, Red-Caped Lark, Brown Babbler, Temminck’s Courser, Northern Wheatear, Black-Winged Pratincole, White-Tailed Lark, Mosque Swallow, Black-Bellied Bustard, Little Swift, Harliquin Quail, Button Quail, White-Winged Warbler, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Ovampo Sparrowhawk, Secretarybird, Caruther’s Cisticola, African Skimmers, Black-Headed Gonolek, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-Faced Cisticola, Red-Chested Cukoo, Northern Puffback, Tropica Boubou, Diederik, Klaas’s, African-Emerald Cukoos, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint, African-Wood Owl, Black-Shouldered Night-Jar, Yellow-Throated Long-Claw, East-African Swee, Common Waxbill, Crimson-Rumped Waxbill, Fawn-Brested Waxbill, Zebra Waxbill, Village Indigobird etc.

Stay at Bush Lodge or Engiri Game Lodge 2 nights

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DAY 10: WHOLE DAY BIRDING IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Early after breakfast we leave the hotel for game drive. We’ll have a change to see a number of birds and mammals like Giant Forest Hog, Elephants, Bush Bucks, Water Bucks, Wart Hogs, Baboons, Uganda Cobs etc. early afternoon have our lunch and get ready for the afternoon launch cruise along the great Kazinga channel. Along this channel, you’ll have about 4 to 5KM boat ride that is rich in savanna and water birds as well as a plenty of mammals! On your ride, you’ll be guided by a well knowledgeable site guide and he/she will be in position to help you in all means concerning the wilderness of this park. 

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DAY 11: BIRDING AND WILDLIFE GAME DRIVE AT ISHASHA AS WE CONNECT TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK 

This area is key and most famous of tree climbing lions, but its also the best birding area to spot a few savanna speciest that youcould have missed in your previous day birding tour. You will later drive to Bwindi National park for overnight at Buhoma Sector. 

Stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp

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DAY 12: GORILLA TRACKING (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY)

Morning after breakfast you report to park headquarters for briefing prior to gorilla tracking excursion. This activity may take anywhere between one to eight hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required. Gorilla tracking is a remarkable experience to stare in the eyes of these gentle giants, watch them as they play, and go about their daily activities. Its indeed “once in lifetime” experience that you must never miss! Each encounter is different and has own rewards! But you’re likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters’ frolic and swing on the vines in a delightful display. Since this activity takes anywhere between 3 – 6 hours, you will then join evening birding at the entrance of this park or drive to Ruhija through the “NECK” searching for; Red-Throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Yellow Eyed Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Rockeffeller’s Sunbird, Purple-Breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-Wing, Red-Collard Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s’ Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-Faced Apalis, Collard Apalis, Stripe-Breasted Tit, Grauer’s Cukooshrike, Red-Billed Helmet Shrike, Ruwenzori Batis, African Green Broadbill, Dwarf Honeyguide, Prigogin’s Nght-Jar, Albertaine Owlet, Congo Bay-Owl, Ruwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin and other birds. 

Stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Broadbill Forest Camp

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DAY 13: WHOLE DAY BIRDING ON THE MAIN TRAIL TO MUBWINDI SWAMP 

Forest birding in Bwindi ranks the best in Uganda with the best sight guides who use their mouth whistles to call birds. At the main trail we bird all the way to Mubwindi swamp and the specials to look at are; Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Rockeffeller’s Sunbird, Purple-Breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-Wing, Red-Collard Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s’ Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-Faced Apalis, Collard Apalis, Stripe-Breasted Tit, Grauer’s Cukooshrike, Yellow-Crested Helmetshrike, Ruwenzori Batis, African Green Broadbill, Dwarf Honeyguide etc

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DAY 14: BIRDING TO LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast we depart for lake Mburo national park, it’s on a distance of about 400KM from Kisoro-Bwindi therefore our drive takes more hours of our day having strategic stops to stretch our legs and look at birds.

 Stay at Eagles-nest camp 2nights 

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DAY 15: EARLY BIRDING AND AFTERNOON BOAT CRUISE IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

While in the park we shall look out for birds like; African-Grey Hornbill, Black-Loward Babbler, Red-Headed Weaver, Greater Blue-Eared Starling, Trilling Cisticola, Green-Wood Hoopoe, Brown-Chested Lapwing, Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Lesser-Masked Weaver, White-Backed Vulture, Tabora Cisticola, Crestd-Spurfowl, Red-Faced Barbet, Little Bee-Eater Etc. And Mammals Like the Zebra, Eland, Topi, Impala, Cape Buffalo, Warthog etc. today we target the boat ride along lake Mburo where we hardly miss African Finfoot, White Backed and Black Crowned Night Heron, Giant Kingfisher. A night drive always produces good views of Black Shouldered, Northern Tanzania Fiery Necked Nightjar, Nocturnal Mammals and Bush Babies.

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Day 16: Transfer to Entebbe & Departure

Return to Entebbe with birding stops along the way before departure.

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Tour price includes

  • Park fees for non-residents
  • All activities listed
  • Accommodation
  • Professional birding guide
  • Transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
  • Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

Packages

You may also like


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Where to go when on east africa birding tour

Rwanda


Kenya


Tanzania


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Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Uganda Birding & Wildlife Photography Tour

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens
  • Mabamba Swamp
  • Murchison Falls National Park
  • Budongo Forest
  • Kibale Forest
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Lake Mburo National Park

Main Targets

  • Expert birding guides with extensive knowledge of Uganda’s avian species.
  • Stunning photography opportunities in diverse habitats.
  • Small group size for a personalized experience.
  • Combination of birding, wildlife viewing, and cultural encounters.

Tour Overview

15-day birding and wildlife photography adventure across Uganda’s top nature destinations. From the wetlands of Mabamba to the vast savannas of Murchison Falls, the dense forests of Bwindi, and the primate-rich Kibale Forest, this tour is designed for bird enthusiasts and nature photographers alike. Capture stunning images of Uganda’s diverse birdlife, experience breathtaking landscapes, and witness an array of wildlife including elephants, lions, and gorillas.

Main Target Birds

  • Shoebill
  • Green-breasted Pitta
  • Great Blue Turaco
  • African Fish Eagle
  • Papyrus Gonolek
  • Red-throated Bee-eater
  • African Green Broadbill
  • Secretarybird
  • Ruwenzori Batis
  • Black-bellied Bustard

Itinerary

Day 1: Spend a Day Birding at Mabamba Shoebill Swamp

You’ll spend the day birding at Mbamba Swamp and the neighborhood community bush. Local communities protect one of the few remaining productive wetlands in Uganda. Extensive papyrus swamps with labyrinth channels and lagoons, classified as an important bird area (IBA), it’s a home of multiple shoebills-Uganda’s most famous avian resident and the only representative in its family, is the amongst most sought-after birds in the whole African continent! It is only traced by canoeing through the channels with a wooden boat. Other likes of Mabamba include; papyrus gonolek, blue-breasted bee-eater, lesser Jacana, African Jacana, white-winged black tern, grey-headed gull, African skimmers, little egret, long-toed lapwing, spur-winged lapwing and a few more.

Accommodation: Forest Cottages

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Day 2: Birding at Mabamba Swamp & Mpanga Forest

This morning, we have an early breakfast, and go birding to Mabamba. One of a few remaining productive wetland in Uganda protected by the local communities. extensive papyrus swamps with labyrinth’s channels and lagoons, classified as an important bird area (IBA), it’s a home of multiple Shoebills-Uganda’s most famous avian resident and the only representative in its family, is the amongst most sought after birds in the whole African continent! Its only traced by canoeing through the channels by the wooden boat. other birds at Mabamba or Kamengo include; Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-Breasted Bee-Eater, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, White-Winged Black Tern, Grey-Headed Gull, African Skimmers, Little Egret, Long-Toed Lapwing, Spur-Winged Lapwing, African Fish-Eagle, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Common Squacco Heron, Striated Heron, Blue-Headed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Black Crake, Hamerkop, African Marsh-Harrier, Yellow-Billed Duck, Hadada Ibis, White-Browed Scrub-Robin, Swamp Flycatcher, Vanga Flycatcher, Weyn’s Weaver, Eastern Grey Plantain-Eater, Sedge Warbler, Wood Sandpiper, Pied Kingfisher, Cape Wagtail, Rufous-Napped Lark, Green Backed Heron, African Snip, Croaking Cisticola, White-Faced Whistling Duck, Spur-Winged Goose, Black-Crowned Waxbill, Scarce Swift, Bern Swallow, African-Dusky Flycatcher, African Yellow Warbler, Collard-Sunbird.

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DAY 3: BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast we depart for Murchison falls national park stopping at Masindi town or kabalega dinners for lunch. Murchison falls national park is the largest and oldest game park of all the parks in Uganda. It lies at the northern end of the Albertine rift valley hosting 76 species of mammals and about 460 bird species, the park is famous of its worlds powerful falls which appear along an area just 6m wide! It is dominated by vast palm-dotted savanna and forest patches in the south. Special birds there include among others; Red-throated Bee-Eater, Northern carmine Bee-Eater, Crested Francolin, Black-faced Waxbill, Marsh Tchagra, Northern Red bishop, Black-winged Red Bishop, Namaqua Dove, Wire-tailed Swallow, White-browed-sparrow Weaver, Cliff Chart, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, , Senegal Coucal, Silverbird, Standard Winged Night-Jar, Yellow-billed Duck, Black-headed Lapwing, Golden-backed Weaver, Green-winged Pytilia, Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, Black Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Buff-bellied Warbler, Abyssinian Roller, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Pennat-winged Night-Jar, White-rumped Canary

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DAY 4: WHOLE DAY BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

We leave early with our packed lunch for morning game drive into the park birding towards the Nile ferry within the Borassus savanna where we will also encounter a variety of Antelopes, Elephants, Cape Buffalos, Giraffes, Lions and Leopards, Jackson’s Heart-beasts among others. In the afternoon we have a launch cruise to the bottom of the falls where a variety of water and special birds will be seen such as Rock Pratincole, Northern Carmine Bee-Eater, Red-Throated Bee-Eater, White-Crested Turaco, Vinaceous Dove, Beautiful Sunbird, Red-Winged Warbler, Senegal Thick-Knee, Grosbeak Weaver, Bruce’s Green-Pigeon, Chestnut-Crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Spotted Morning-Thrush, Osprey, Bar-Breasted Firefinch, Black-Headed Gonolek, Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Yellow-Fronted Tinkerbird, Red-Necked Francolin, Little Bittern, Namaqua Dove, Little Sparrow-Hawk, Senegal Thick-Knee, Bat Hawk, Heugln’s Francolin, Blue Spotted Wood Dove, Black-Billed Wood Dove, Swallow Tailed Eee-Eater, Madagascar Bee-Eater, Siffling Cisticola, Singing Cisticola, Yellow-Mantled Widowbird, Olive-Bellied Sunbird, African Quailfinch, Cabanis Bunting

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DAY 5: WHOLE DAY BIRDING IN THE ROYAL MILE – BUDONGO CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE 

Early after breakfast, carry our picnic lunch and drive a short distance from the hotel that take us to one of the best birding spots in Uganda the royal mile and busingiro forest. The name reveals the African historical leisure spot for the traditional king of Bunyoro.At the mile, the forest being a bit dense, the trail lining was cleared to make a perfect view with good light for the bird photographs. And later after our excellent birding we get back to the hotel for refreshment, dinner and overnight.

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DAY 6: TRANSFER TO KIBALE FOREST

Morning after breakfast, with our packed lunch, we depart for Kibale national park. It will be quite a long distance with numbered stops for stretching and look at birds. Early arrivals will give a chance to do evening birding around the hotel. This primarily forest park is not only the best place to track chimpanzees, but also its greatest primate diversity and a thrilling variety of forest birds! 

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DAY 7: BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR KIBALE FOREST – OPTIONAL CHIMPANZEE TREKKING 

wake up early at 5:00am and prepare ourselves for the most sought bird the Green-breasted Pitta! Thereafter we continue normal birding getting out from the forest to our hotel for lunch break. In the afternoon proceed birding along the roadside from the hotel and add Bigodi sanctuary. Kibale is a home of 13 primates and about 375 bird species. Primates include; L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red Colobus Monkey, Bush Baby, Olive Baboon, Red-Tailed Monkey, Grey-Cheeked Mangabey, Black And White Colobus, Blue Monkey, Chimpanzee etc. and a long list of sought bird species like; Afep Pigeon, Red-Winged Francolin, Narina Trogon, Bar-Tailed Trogon, Black-Billed Turaco, Black Bee-Eater, White-Headed Wood-Hoopoe, Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird, African Pitta, Velvet Mantled Drongo, Petit’s Cukoo Shrike, African Broad Bill, Wilcock’s Honeyguide, White-Spotted Flufftail, Western Nicator, White-Tailed Anti-Thrush

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DAY 8: BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK.

Queen Elizabeth National Park “Medley of wonders” is the second largest national park after Murchison, it’s a home of over 600 species of birds! Therefore, it’s one of the reason why this park is ranked among the best birding destinations in Africa. The park name was after the Queen of England’s visit in 1954. Common Scimitarbill, Whinchat, Spurb, Bronzy, Olive-Bellied, Marico, Purple-Banded, Orange-Tufted, Scarlet-Chested, Beautiful, Red-Chested Sunbirds, Three-Banded Plover, Caspian Plover, Kittlitz’s Plover, Red-Caped Lark, Brown Babbler, Temminck’s Courser, Northern Wheatear, Black-Winged Pratincole, White-Tailed Lark, Mosque Swallow, Black-Bellied Bustard, Little Swift, Harliquin Quail, Button Quail, White-Winged Warbler, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Ovampo Sparrowhawk, Secretarybird, Caruther’s Cisticola, African Skimmers, Black-Headed Gonolek, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-Faced Cisticola, Red-Chested Cukoo, Northern Puffback, Tropica Boubou, Diederik, Klaas’s, African-Emerald Cukoos, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint, African-Wood Owl, Black-Shouldered Night-Jar, Yellow-Throated Long-Claw, East-African Swee, Common Waxbill, Crimson-Rumped Waxbill, Fawn-Brested Waxbill, Zebra Waxbill, Village Indigobird

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DAY 9: WHOLE DAY BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

early after breakfast we leave the hotel for game drive. We’ll have a change to see a number of birds and mammals like Giant Forest Hog, Elephants, Bush Bucks, Water Bucks, Wart Hogs, Baboons, Uganda Cobs etc. early afternoon have our lunch and get ready for the afternoon launch cruise along the great Kazinga channel. Along this channel, you’ll have about 4 to 5KM boat ride that is rich in savanna and water birds as well as a plenty of mammals! On your ride, you’ll be guided by a well knowledgeable site guide and he/she will be in position to help you in all means concerning the wilderness of this park.

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DAY 10: DEPART FOR BWINDI IMPENETRABLE GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

Early in the morning we depart for Bwindi through the southern sector of QENP-Ishasha where a chance may be granted for you to see the tree climbing lions. Bwindi is situated in southwestern Uganda, famous of its habitat of about 408 mountain gorilla’shalf of world’s population! Including several habituated groups which can be tracked and home of about 350 species of birds including 23 Albertine rift endemics! And at least 14 species recorded nowhere else in Uganda! Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa pygmy cultures through performances, workshops and village walks. It lies at a relatively higher altitude and temperature here is cooler ranging from 10 to 18°C.23 Albertine rift endemics include; Red-Throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Yellow Eyed Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Rockeffeller’s Sunbird, Purple-Breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-Wing, Red-Collard Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s’ Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-Faced Apalis, Collard Apalis, Stripe-Breasted Tit, Grauer’s Cukooshrike, Red-Billed Helmet Shrike, Ruwenzori Batis, African Green Broadbill, Dwarf Honeyguide, Prigogin’s Nght-Jar, Albertaine Owlet, Congo Bay-Owl, Ruwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin and other birds.

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DAY 11: GORILLA TREKKING DAY (BUHOMA SECTOR) 

Morning after breakfast you report to park headquarters for briefing prior to gorilla tracking excursion. This activity may take anywhere between one to eight hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required. Gorilla tracking is a remarkable experience to stare in the eyes of these gentle giants, watch them as they play, and go about their daily activities. Its indeed “once in lifetime” experience that you must never miss! Each encounter is different and has own rewards! But you’re likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters’ frolic and swing on the vines in a delightful display!

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DAY 12: WHOLE DAY BIRDING PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE MAIN TRAIL

At the main trail we bird all the way to Mubwindi swamp and the specials to look at are; Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Rockeffeller’s Sunbird, Purple-Breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-Wing, Red-Collard Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s’ Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-Faced Apalis, Collard Apalis, Stripe-Breasted Tit, Grauer’s Cukooshrike, Yellow-Crested Helmetshrike, Ruwenzori Batis, African Green Broadbill, Dwarf Honeyguide

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DAY 13: BIRDING TO LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast we depart for lake Mburo national park, it’s on a distance of about 200KM from Kisoro-Bwindi therefore our drive takes more hours of our day having strategic stops to stretch our legs and look at birds. 

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DAY 14: EARLY BIRDING AND AFTERNOON BOAT CRUISE IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK.

While in the park we shall look out for birds like; African-Grey Hornbill, Black-Loward Babbler, Red-Headed Weaver, Greater Blue-Eared Starling, Trilling Cisticola, Green-Wood Hoopoe, Brown-Chested Lapwing, Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Lesser-Masked Weaver, White-Backed Vulture, Tabora Cisticola, Crestd-Spurfowl, Red-Faced Barbet, Little Bee-Eater Etc. And Mammals Like the Zebra, Eland, Topi, Impala, Cape Buffalo, Warthog etc. today we target the boat ride along lake Mburo where we hardly miss African Finfoot, White Backed and Black Crowned Night Heron, Giant Kingfisher. A night drive always produces good views of Black Shouldered, Northern Tanzania Fiery Necked Nightjar, Nocturnal Mammals and Bush Babies.

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Day 15: Return to Entebbe & Departure

Enjoy one last birding session before transferring to Entebbe for your flight home.

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Tour price includes

  • Park fees for non-residents
  • All activities listed
  • Accommodation
  • Professional birding guide
  • Transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
  • Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

Packages

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Where to go when on east africa birding tour

Rwanda


Kenya


Tanzania


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Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Uganda Birding Safari: From Swamps to Savannah

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Mabamba Shoebill Swamp – Home to the iconic shoebill and many wetland species.
  • Mabira Forest – A rich forest habitat with over 350 bird species.
  • Mount Elgon – Hosting Afro-tropical highland birds and unique forest species.
  • Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve – A savannah landscape featuring Uganda’s only endemic bird, the Fox’s Weaver.
  • Matheniko Wildlife Reserve – Open savannah with rare dryland birds.
  • Kidepo Valley National Park – One of Africa’s most isolated wilderness areas, rich in birdlife and large mammals.
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – An optional birding stop with rhinos and waterbirds.

Main Targets

  • Diverse Birding Habitats: Explore wetlands, forests, mountains, and savannahs.
  • Expert Birding Guides: Local guides will help you identify rare and unique birds.
  • Scenic Landscapes: From waterfalls to open plains, Uganda’s beauty is unmatched.
  • Mammal Encounters: Spot elephants, zebras, buffaloes, cheetahs, and rhinos.
  • Flexible Itinerary: Customize the trip to fit your schedule and interests.

Tour Overview

This 12-day birding safari takes you through Uganda’s top birdwatching destinations, starting and ending in Entebbe. You’ll explore diverse habitats, from wetlands and forests to savannahs and mountain slopes. Key highlights include Mabamba Shoebill Swamp, Mabira Forest, Mount Elgon, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and the remote Kidepo Valley National Park. With over 1,000 bird species recorded in Uganda, this tour is perfect for bird lovers looking to spot rare and endemic species.

Main Target Birds

  • Shoebill
  • Great blue turaco
  • Fox’s weaver (Uganda’s only endemic bird)
  • Karamoja Apalis
  • Abyssinian roller
  • Clapperton’s francolin
  • Yellow-necked francolin
  • Dark chanting goshawk
  • Superb starling
  • Black-and-white-casqued hornbill
  • Lesser blue-eared starling
  • Golden-backed weaver

Itinerary

Day 1: Spend a Day Birding at Mabamba Shoebill Swamp

You’ll spend the day birding at Mbamba Swamp and the neighborhood community bush. Local communities protect one of the few remaining productive wetlands in Uganda. Extensive papyrus swamps with labyrinth channels and lagoons, classified as an important bird area (IBA), it’s a home of multiple shoebills-Uganda’s most famous avian resident and the only representative in its family, is the amongst most sought-after birds in the whole African continent! It is only traced by canoeing through the channels with a wooden boat. Other likes of Mabamba include; papyrus gonolek, blue-breasted bee-eater, lesser Jacana, African Jacana, white-winged black tern, grey-headed gull, African skimmers, little egret, long-toed lapwing, spur-winged lapwing and a few more.

Accommodation: Forest Cottages

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Day 2: Entebbe Botanical Gardens & Transfer to Mabira Forest

Explore Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to over 250 bird species like the great blue turaco and saddle-billed stork. Later, drive to Mabira Forest for more birding.

Accommodation: Griffin Falls Camp

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Day 3: Full-Day Birding in Mabira Forest

The forest boasts over 350 bird species, and its diverse ecosystems provide a home for both forest and woodland birds. While on your birding tour in Mabira Forest Reserve, expect to spot birds such as the African grey parrot, Nahan’s francolin, or the vibrant blue-throated roller, splendid glossy-starling, northern brown-throated weaver, slender-billed weaver, scaly francolin, green-backed heron, tawny-franked prinia, black and white-casqued hornbill, back kite, yellow-fronted tinkerbird, saddle-billed stork, open-billed stork, marabou stork, grey-caped warbler, pied crow, little egret, black-headed heron, cattle egret, spotted-backed weaver and many more.

Accommodation: Griffin Falls Camp

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Day 4: Morning Birding & Drive to Mount Elgon

You’ll enjoy birding in the morning at Mabira Forest to pick a few species that you could have missed on the previous day of birding. Later after breakfast, you’ll drive straight to the Mount Elgon National Park area, and have a lunch break at Mbale town. Early arrivals will give you a chance to stroll around the lodge and pick a few species.

Accommodation: Home of Friends

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Day 5: Kapkwai Forest Birding

You’ll enjoy birding and wildlife viewing. Mount Elgon’s forests are rich in birds, with a list of over 300 species. The park harbors 43 of the 144 species of Guinea–Congo Forests biome and 56 of the 88 species of Afro-tropical Highland biome that occur in Uganda. There are isolated records of the near-threatened species, the Taita falcon.

Accommodation: Home of Friends

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Day 6: Sipi Falls & Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Today morning, you will do limited birding around the lodge as you connect the Sipi Falls area for epic falls viewing and photography for those who are willing to. You’ll have a lunch break at the Sipi Falls area before you transfer to the Pian Upe Game Reserve. Early arrival will give you a chance to pick a few species here before you report at the lodge.

Accommodation: Pian-Upe Bandas

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Day 7: Birding in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

You will wake up early for breakfast and start from the lodge birding into the park with the aid of an armed ranger guide. You’ll be birding here for the whole day. The highlights of this park are not limited to fox’s weaver (the only Ugandan endemic species), Karamoja Apalis, yellow-necked francolin, dark chanting gosh-hawk, rufous chatterer, Boran cisticola, and many other birds and mammals like elands, buffalos, cheetahs if you get chance for it. You’ll have a hot lunch at the bandas.

Accommodation: Pian-Upe Bandas

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Day 8: Birding in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve

Today, you will have both breakfast and lunch packed and drive to the Matheniko Reserve area. You will have breakfast as you pick some birds at the UWA headquarters compound. After breakfast, you will embark on serious birding in the park lookout for; straw-tailed, Eastern paradise, pin-tailed, steel-blue wydahs, chestnut sparrows, white-headed and red-billed buffalo weavers, and many other species. Mammals like lesser kudu and dik diks are also highlights of this park.

Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp

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Day 9: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park & Evening Birding

Drive to Kidepo, stopping for birding along the way. Enjoy an evening game drive spotting birds like the foxy cisticola and mammals like zebras and elephants.

Accommodation: Apoka Rest Camp

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Day 11: Morning Birding & Transfer to Gulu

Enjoy a morning birding session in Kidepo before heading to Gulu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Acholi Inn

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Day 9: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park & Evening Birding

Drive to Kidepo, stopping for birding along the way. Enjoy an evening game drive spotting birds like the foxy cisticola and mammals like zebras and elephants.

Accommodation: Apoka Rest Camp

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Day 12: Drive Back to Entebbe via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Take a detour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for optional rhino tracking and birding. Have lunch and then drive to Entebbe Airport for your flight home.

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Tour price includes

  • Park fees for non-residents
  • All activities listed
  • Accommodation
  • Professional birding guide
  • Transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
  • Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

Packages

You may also like


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Where to go when on east africa birding tour

Rwanda


Kenya


Tanzania


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Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Uganda Birding and Wildlife Tour

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Entebbe Botanical Gardens – Introduction to Uganda’s bird species in a lush forest setting.
  • Mabamba Swamp – Home to the rare Shoebill and various wetland birds.
  • Lake Mburo National Park – Acacia-associated bird species and savanna birding.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Albertine Rift endemics and forest specialists.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park – General wildlife, savanna birding, and a boat safari along Kazinga Channel.

Main Targets

  • Introduction and Forest gardens birding 
  • Shoebill, waders and other natives  
  • Acacia species, savanna birding 
  • Albertine rift endemics and other forests specialties, other primates and reasonable hikes.
  • Savanna Birding, general wildlife, game drives, Kazinga Channel Boat trip  

Tour Overview

This 8-day Uganda birding safari takes you through the country’s top birding hotspots, including forests, wetlands, and savanna landscapes. You’ll explore key Important Bird Areas (IBAs) such as Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, expect to see a variety of bird species, from the famous Shoebill to Albertine Rift endemics and savanna specialists.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL – BIRDING AT ENTEBBE BOTANICAL GARDENS 

Check in your guesthouse and meet the bird guide driver. Early arrival will give a chance to do Entebbe botanical gardens birding introduction in Uganda. EBG is located on the northern part of Lake Victoria. The gardens harbor a collection of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate plants and shrubs which regenerate over the years. The place is a habitat of a large array of about 250 bird species. Among others, we shall have a chance to trace for; Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Saddle-Billed Stork, Golden-Backed Weaver, Yellow-Backed Weaver, Orange Weaver, African Palm-Swift, Winding Cisticola, Splendid Glossy-Starling, Northern Brown-Throated Weaver, Slender-Billed Weaver, Scaly Francolin, Green-Backed Heron, Tawny-Franked Prinia, Black And White-Casqued Hornbill, Back Kite, Yellow-Fronted Tinkerbird, Saddle-Billed Stork, Open-Billed Stork, Marabou Stork, Grey-Caped Warbler, Pied Crow, Little Egret, Black-Headed Heron, Cattle Egret, Spotted-Backed Weaver, Black And White-Manikin, Bronzy Manikin, Red-Cheeked Cordon-Bleu etc. Stay at Precious Guest House, meals included drinks not included.

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DAY 2: BIRDING MABAMBA SWAMP – LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK ONWARD 

Early after breakfast, carry along with our packed lunch and drive to western part of Entebbe to Mabamba, a distance of about 50km. Mabamba is one of a few remaining productive wetland in Uganda protected by the local communities. extensive papyrus swamps with labyrinth’s channels and lagoons, classified as an important bird area (IBA), it’s a home of multiple Shoebills-Uganda’s most famous avian resident and the only representative in its family, is the amongst most sought after birds in the whole African continent! Its only traced by canoeing through the channels with a wooden boat. Other likes of Mabamba include; Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, White-winged Black Tern, Grey-headed Gull, African skimmers, Little Egret, Long-toed Lapwing, Spur-winged Lapwing, African Fish-eagle, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Common Squacco Heron, Striated Heron, Blue-headed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Black Crake, Hamerkop, African Marsh-harrier, Yellow-billed Duck, Hadada Ibis, White-browed Scrub-Robin, Swamp Flycatcher, Vanga Flycatcher, Weyn’s Weaver, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Sedge Warbler, Wood Sandpiper, Pied Kingfisher, Cape Wagtail, Rufous-Napped Lark, Green Backed Heron, African Snip, Croaking Cisticola, White-faced Whistling Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Black-crowned Waxbill, Scarce Swift, Bern Swallow, African-Dusky Flycatcher, African Yellow Warbler, Collard-Sunbird etc. After lunch, when time allows we may stroll along the edges of the wetland and try our luck for what we have missed at the boat. Transfer to Lake Mburo national park later in the afternoon, stopover at the equator, stretch legs and take photographs. 

Stay at eagle’s nest/rwakobo rock camp 2 nights, all meals included, drinks not included.

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DAY 3: BIRDING LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast report to the park entrance meet our site guide, and a short briefing, go birding in the park.  Lake Mburo national park is one of the best birding destinations to see the acacia associated bird species among other national parks in Uganda. It is home of about 320 species of birds recorded making it a good place to look for the likes of African-Grey Hornbill, Black-Loward Babbler, Red-Headed Weaver, Greater Blue-Eared Starling, Trilling Cisticola, Green-Wood Hoopoe, Brown-Chested Lapwing, Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Lesser-Masked Weaver, White-Backed Vulture, TaboraCisticola, Crestd-Spurfowl, Red-Faced Barbet, Little Bee-Eater, Green-Caped Eremomera, Black-Throatd Barbet, Black-Collard Barbet, Southern Ground Hornbill, Rufous-Bellied Night Heron. Of special interest to birders are the swamps, in which six papyrus endemics are resident including; Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-Headed Coucal, and the highly localized White-Winged and Papyrus Yellow Warblers, the last record nowhere else in Uganda! Later retreat to the camp for dinner and overnight.

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DAY 4: TRANSFER BIRDING TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK (ALBERTINE RIFT ENDEMICS AREA)

 stay at broad bill forest camp 2nights, all meals included, drinks not included.

After morning breakfast, transfer birding to the misty mountainous areas of Kigezi and Kisoro region in the southwestern Uganda, lunch break along Ntugamo. This journey being a bit long, it takes more hours of this day driving and birding. 

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DAY 5: WHOLE DAY BIRDING IN THE FOREST TO MUBWINDI SWAMP

After breakfast pack our picnic gear and start birding to Mubwindi swamp. Bwindi is home of about 350 species of birds including 23 Albertine rift endemics! And at least 14 species recorded nowhere else in Uganda! And ranks one of the best forest birding destinations in Africa with local bird guides most of them capable of identifying most species by call, and even calling up the more responsive species by their lips whistles! The likes in this forest (Albertine rift endemics) include; Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-chat, Yellow-Eyed Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Rockeffeller’s Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-wing, Red-collard Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s’ Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-faced Apalis, Collard Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer’sCukooshrike, Red-Billed Helmet shrike, Ruwenzori Batis, African Green Broadbill, Dwarf Honeyguide, Prigogin’sNght-jar, Albertine Owlet, Congo Bay-owl, Ruwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin and other birds. Later do birding back to the comp for dinner and overnight.

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DAY 6: TRANSFER BIRDING TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Early after breakfast, with picnic lunch we start birding to queen Elizabeth national park through Kanungu area where chances abound to trace for rarity of Rufous-Breasted Wryneck in this area, continue birding to the southern sector of queen Elizabeth where we can’t miss the likes of Whinchats, Greater Scimitarbill, Black Kit, Superb Sunbird, still on a way in ishasha area Little Button, Blue, Common, Harlequin Quails skulk in short grasses along the way. A couple of mammals like Cape Buffalo, Lions, Elephants, Uganda Kobs, Waterbacksetc thrill in this area. chances abound to find the lions of Ishasha sheltering from the fierce rift valley sun on the boughs of ancient fig trees!    

Stay at Bush Lodge/Engiri safari Lodge 2 nights, all meals included, drinks not included.

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DAY 7: WHOLE DAY BIRDING IN QENP, MORNING GAME DRIVE AND LATE AFTERNOON BOAT CRUISE ALONG KAZINGA CHANNEL

Queen Elizabeth national park is the second largest after Murchison falls national park with 95 mammal species the highest for any Ugandan national park! and about 610 bird species a truly remarkable figure for a reserve that is relatively smaller by continental standards. The likes in this park include; Broad Tailed Warbler, Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, African Skimmer, Striated Heron, African Spoonbill, Water Thick-Knee, Three-banded Plover, Marsh, Green, Wood and Common Sandpiper, Gray-headed Gull, Plain Martin, Lesser Swamp-Warbler, White-Winged Warbler, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, OvamboSparrowhawk, Secretarybird, Caruther’sCisticola, African Skimmers, Black-Headed Gonolek, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-Faced Cisticola, Red-Chested Cukoo, Northern Puffback, Tropica Boubou, Diederik, Klaas’s, African-Emerald Cukoos, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint, African-Wood Owl, Black-Shouldered Night-Jar, Yellow-Throated Long-Claw, East-African Swee, Common Waxbill, Crimson-Rumped Waxbill, Fawn-Brested Waxbill, Zebra Waxbill and Yellow-billed Ox-pecker etc. Later do birding getting back to the lodge for refreshment and overnight.

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Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe & Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some final birding en route to Entebbe before catching your flight back home.

End of Tour

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Tour price includes

  • Park fees for non-residents
  • All activities listed
  • Accommodation
  • Professional birding guide
  • Transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
  • Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

Packages

You may also like


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Where to go when on east africa birding tour

Rwanda


Kenya


Tanzania


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{{ brizy_dc_global_blocks position=’top’ }}

Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Uganda Birding and Wildlife Tour

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Mabamba Swamp – Home to the Shoebill and many wetland birds.
  • Murchison Falls National Park – A mix of savannah and riverine habitats, rich in bird and animal life.
  • Budongo Central Forest Reserve – A prime location for forest birds, including the rare Ituri Batis.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park – One of the most bird-diverse parks in the world.

Main Targets

  • Shoebill (Mabamba & Murchison Delta)
  • Papyrus Gonolek
  • Goliath Heron
  • Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
  • Red-throated Bee-eater
  • Martial Eagle
  • African Skimmer
  • Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
  • Secretarybird
  • White-winged Warbler
  • Broad-tailed Warbler
  • Fox’s Cisticola
  • Dwarf Kingfisher
  • Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
  • African Fish-Eagle

Tour Overview

Experience Uganda’s incredible birdlife and wildlife on this 7-day adventure. This tour takes you through key Important Bird Areas, including Mabamba Swamp, Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect to see a variety of bird species, iconic African wildlife, and stunning landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Murchison Falls

Begin with a canoe trip at Mabamba Swamp, targeting the Shoebill. Other birds include Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, White-winged Black Tern, African Skimmer, Malachite Kingfisher, Spur-winged Lapwing, and Goliath Heron.

Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop in Luwero to see Ross’s Turaco and White-crested Turaco. At Kaniyo Pabidi, look for Green-breasted Kingfisher and Puvell’s Illadopsis. Visit the top of Murchison Falls for breathtaking views.

Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp

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Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Safari to Bottom of the Falls

Morning game drive to see African Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Uganda Kob, and possibly a Leopard. Birding highlights include Red-winged Grey Warbler, Black-headed Gonolek, Banded Snake Eagle, Spot-flanked Barbet, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Black-bellied Bustard.

Afternoon boat safari on the Nile, looking for Hippos, Crocodiles, Goliath Heron, Egyptian Goose, Red-throated Bee-eater, and the Shoebill.

Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp

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Day 3: Birding to the Delta Point & Transfer to Masindi

Morning birding drive to Albert Delta, looking for Shoebill, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Saddle-billed Stork, Red-necked Falcon, Vinaceous Dove, and Black-headed Lapwing.

Evening birding en route to Masindi.

Overnight: Masindi Hotel

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Day 4: Budongo Forest – The Royal Mile

A full day at Royal Mile, an excellent forest birding site. Key species include Ituri Batis, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Firest Warbler, and Blue-throated Roller. Possible primate sightings include Chimpanzees.

Overnight: Masindi Hotel

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Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive through scenic landscapes with views of the Mountains of the Moon. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s top birding destination with 612 species recorded. Special birds here include Harlequin Quail, Blue Quail, African Crake, Common Buttonquail, Martial Eagle, and Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl.

Overnight: Engiri Game Lodge / Bush Lodge

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Day 6: Queen Elizabeth NP – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Tour

Morning game drive and birdwatching for Secretarybird, African Skimmer, Black-headed Gonolek, Broad-tailed Warbler, and Lesser Swamp Warbler.

Afternoon boat safari on Kazinga Channel, home to Hippos, Elephants, and Nile Crocodiles. Birding highlights include African Spoonbill, Striated Heron, Yellow-throated Longclaw, and White-winged Warbler.

Overnight: Engiri Game Lodge / Bush Lodge

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Day 7: Return to Entebbe

Birding en route with chances of Palm-nut Vulture, Lizard Buzzard, Yellow-billed Kite. Stop for lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre and visit Kayabwe for souvenirs. Drop-off at Entebbe International Airport for your flight.

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Day 7: Muko Swamp – Transfer to Kigali or Entebbe

After breakfast, drive 45 minutes to Muko Swamp, searching for Red-chested Flufftail, White-winged Warbler, and other species. Then, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can return to Entebbe International Airport.

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Tour price includes

  • Park fees for non-residents
  • All activities listed
  • Accommodation
  • Professional birding guide
  • Transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals (as per itinerary)
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
  • Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

Packages

You may also like


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{{placeholder content=’e3tlbmRfYnJpenlfZGNfcG9zdF9sb29wfX0=’}}

Where to go when on east africa birding tour

Rwanda


Kenya


Tanzania


{{ brizy_dc_global_blocks position=’bottom’ }}

{{ brizy_dc_global_blocks position=’top’ }}

Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

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Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Birding & Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Important bird areas on this tour

  • Mabamba Swamp – Famous for the Shoebill
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija Sector)
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma Sector)
  • Mgahinga National Park (Kisoro)
  • Muko Swamp

Main Highlights

  • Spot 24 Albertine Rift Endemic Birds
  • Experience Gorilla Trekking
  • Search for the Shoebill Stork

Tour Overview

Experience Uganda’s rich birdlife and thrilling gorilla trekking on this seven-day tour. You’ll explore some of the country’s top birding spots, including Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga National Park. Expect to see the rare Shoebill, Albertine Rift endemics, and many other bird species while enjoying Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mabamba Swamp – Lake Mburo National Park

Your birding adventure starts with a morning meet-up with your expert guide at your hotel or airport. Drive to Nakiwogo fishing village, where you will take a canoe to Mabamba Swamp to search for the Shoebill. Along the way, you may also see birds like Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing, Spur-winged Lapwing, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Blue-headed Coucal, Malachite Kingfisher, Black Crake, Hamerkop, African Marsh Harrier, Yellow-billed Duck, and Vanga Flycatcher.

After finding the Shoebill, drive towards Lake Mburo National Park, spotting birds like Lilac-Breasted Roller, Little Sparrowhawk, Augur Buzzard, African Openbill, and Grey-crowned Crane along the way. Enjoy a hot lunch at the Equator in Kayabwe before arriving early at Lake Mburo to do some birding inside the park.

Overnight: Eagle’s Nest Camp

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Day 2: Lake Mburo National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start the day birding in Lake Mburo National Park, searching for acacia-associated species such as African Grey Hornbill, Black-lored Babbler, Red-headed Weaver, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Trilling Cisticola, Green-wood Hoopoe, Brown-chested Lapwing, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Lesser-masked Weaver, White-backed Vulture, Tabora Cisticola, Crested Spurfowl, Red-faced Barbet, and Little Bee-eater. You may also see zebras, elands, topis, impalas, cape buffalos, and warthogs.

After lunch, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma Sector). Early arrival allows for birding around the lodge, where you can spot Green-throated and Blue-throated Brown Sunbirds, Lühder’s and Bocage’s Bushshrike, Blue-shouldered Robin-chat, and African Blue Flycatcher.

Overnight: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

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Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Evening Birding

Spend the day tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi. The trek can last between 3-6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Afterward, if you have energy, enjoy slow-paced evening birding along the park’s main trail.

Overnight: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

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Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Evening Birding

Spend the day tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi. The trek can last between 3-6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Afterward, if you have energy, enjoy slow-paced evening birding along the park’s main trail.

Overnight: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

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Day 4: Buhoma Sector – The “Neck” – Ruhija Sector

Spend the morning birding in the Buhoma Sector, searching for Albertine Rift endemics. In the afternoon, drive to Ruhija Sector, stopping at a key birding site called “The Neck”. Look out for Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-chat, Yellow-eyed Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Dusky Crimson-wing, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-faced Apalis, and Dusky Twinspot.

Overnight: Broadbill Forest Camp

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Day 5: Mubwindi Swamp – Kisoro Town

After breakfast, carry a packed lunch and hike to Mubwindi Swamp, a prime birding site. This is one of the best places to find the African Green Broadbill and Grauer’s Rush Warbler. Other Albertine Rift endemics here include Handsome Francolin, Blue-headed and Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Regal Sunbird.

After birding, transfer to Kisoro Town.

Overnight: Traveller’s Rest – Kisoro

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Day 6: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Albertine Rift Area

Spend the morning birding in Mgahinga National Park. Key birds include Rwenzori Turaco, Cape Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson-wing, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Doherty’s Bushshrike, and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher.

Overnight: Traveller’s Rest – Kisoro

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Day 7: Muko Swamp – Transfer to Kigali or Entebbe

After breakfast, drive 45 minutes to Muko Swamp, searching for Red-chested Flufftail, White-winged Warbler, and other species. Then, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you can return to Entebbe International Airport.

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Tour price includes

  • Park entrance fees
  • Gorilla trekking permits
  • All birding activities
  • Accommodation (unless upgraded)
  • Professional birding guide/driver
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Airport transfers
  • All meals
  • Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • Park entrance fees
  • Gorilla trekking permits
  • All birding activities
  • Accommodation (unless upgraded)
  • Professional birding guide/driver
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Airport transfers
  • All meals
  • Drinking water

Packages

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Where to go when on east africa birding tour

Rwanda


Kenya


Tanzania


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