Embark on an unforgettable 24-day birding adventure through Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” home to over 1,000 bird species, including rare endemics like the Shoebill and Albertine Rift specialties. This comprehensive safari takes you from wetlands and savannas to rainforests and highlands, combining world-class birdwatching with glimpses of Uganda’s iconic wildlife, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and lions. Perfect for avid birders and nature enthusiasts, the itinerary covers key hotspots like Mabamba Swamp, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Semliki Valley, Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Kidepo Valley. Expect to spot over 500 species while enjoying guided walks, boat trips, and game drives in diverse ecosystems.
Highlights
- Spot the elusive Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp
- Explore Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi and Semliki
- Birding in pristine forests like Kibale and Budongo
- Wildlife encounters in savanna parks like Murchison Falls and Kidepo
- Cultural interactions with local communities
- Comfortable accommodations ranging from lodges to tented camps
- Tour of the Karamajongo communities
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to your hotel for rest. If time allows, enjoy introductory birding in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens along Lake Victoria’s shores, spotting species like the African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and Malachite Kingfisher. Overnight in Entebbe.
*Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
*Accommodations:
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Birding
Early morning boat trip to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar wetland site and prime spot for the prehistoric Shoebill. Other highlights include Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, and various herons. Afternoon transfer to Kampala or nearby for more urban birding. Overnight in Entebbe or Kampala.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo (about 4 hours). En route, bird in roadside wetlands. Afternoon game drive and boat safari on Lake Mburo, spotting African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, and savanna birds like the Crested Francolin. Overnight in Lake Mburo.
Day 4: Full Day Birding in Lake Mburo
Guided nature walks and drives focusing on acacia woodlands and swamps. Look for Tabora Cisticola, Coqui Francolin, and mammals like zebras and impalas. Evening spotlighting for nocturnal birds like the Black-shouldered Nightjar. Overnight in Lake Mburo.
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head to Queen Elizabeth (3-4 hours). Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a birding hotspot with over 600 species, including African Skimmer, Pink-backed Pelican, and Goliath Heron. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.
Day 6-7: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Two full days exploring diverse habitats: Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions and birds like the Broad-billed Roller; Kasenyi Plains for game drives spotting Lappet-faced Vulture and Martial Eagle; Maramagambo Forest for forest birds like the Black Bee-eater. Optional chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Overnights in Queen Elizabeth.
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive to Bwindi (4-5 hours) via Ishasha. Afternoon arrival and light birding in the Buhoma sector, home to Albertine Rift endemics like the Handsome Francolin and Rwenzori Turaco. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 9-10: Birding and Optional Gorilla Trek in Bwindi
Guided forest walks targeting endemics such as the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and Red-throated Alethe. Optional gorilla trekking (permit required). Explore different trails for over 350 bird species. Overnights in Bwindi.
Day 11: Transfer to Ruhija Sector in Bwindi
Move to Ruhija (higher altitude). Bird along the way, spotting montane species like the Stripe-breasted Tit and Dusky Crimsonwing. Afternoon hike on the Mubwindi Swamp trail for the African Green Broadbill. Overnight in Ruhija.
Day 12: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Kibale (5-6 hours). Afternoon arrival and introductory forest walk for Green-breasted Pitta and other primates like chimpanzees. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 13-14: Birding in Kibale Forest
Full days of chimpanzee tracking and birding in this chimpanzee capital. Spot forest specials like the White-thighed Hornbill, Joyful Greenbul, and Crowned Eagle. Night walks for owls and potto. Overnights in Kibale.
Day 15: Transfer to Semliki National Park
Head to Semliki (2-3 hours). Afternoon hot springs visit and birding in the lowland rainforest, unique for Congo Basin species like the Nkulengu Rail and Long-tailed Hawk. Overnight in Semliki.
Day 16: Full Day in Semliki
Guided trails for rare birds like the Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill and Piping Hornbill. Explore the Sempaya Hot Springs area. Overnight in Semliki.
Day 17: Transfer to Budongo Forest
Drive to Budongo (via Hoima, 5-6 hours). Afternoon birding in this royal mile of forest, famous for the Ituri Batis and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. Overnight near Budongo.
Day 18: Birding in Budongo
Full day on the Royal Mile trail, spotting canopy birds like the Yellow-crested Woodpecker and Dwarf Kingfisher. Optional chimpanzee tracking. Overnight near Budongo.
Day 19: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Head to Murchison Falls (2-3 hours). Afternoon boat trip to the falls, birding along the Nile for Rock Pratincole and Giant Kingfisher. Overnight in Murchison.
Day 20-21: Exploring Murchison Falls
Game drives in the delta for savanna birds like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Denham’s Bustard. Top-of-the-falls hike and more boat safaris. Overnights in Murchison
Day 22: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Transfer North
Visit Ziwa for rhino tracking and birding (e.g., White-crested Turaco). Continue to Kidepo Valley (long drive, 7-8 hours). Overnight en route or in Kidepo..
Day 23: Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park
Full day game drives in this remote wilderness, spotting ostriches, Secretary Birds, and endemics like the Karamoja Apalis. Cultural visit to Karamojong communities. Overnight in Kidepo.
Day 24: Departure
Morning birding if time allows, then transfer to Entebbe Airport (flight or long drive). End of safari.
Tour Inclusions
Transport – tour vehicle, drive, fuel
Full board accommodation for 5 nights
All meals
Bottled water
Access fees
Guide fees
Activities – game drives, bird watching
Exclusions
Gratitude and tipping
Alcoholic drinks
Travel insurance
Curion shop purchases
Phone bill and other personnal expenditure