14-Day Ultimate Birding Safari in Uganda

Uganda is widely regarded as Africa’s premier birding destination, home to more than 1,070 bird species compressed into a remarkably small and diverse landscape. This 14-day birding safari is a carefully paced journey through Uganda’s most productive birding habitats — wetlands, savannahs, tropical rainforests, crater lakes, and misty montane forests — offering an immersive experience for both serious birders and nature lovers. From tracking the legendary Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp to searching for elusive Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this safari blends exceptional birding with breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife encounters, and deep cultural landscapes. An optional mountain gorilla trekking experience adds a once-in-a-lifetime primate encounter to an already extraordinary adventure.

Detailed Itinerary

Your journey begins on arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you are warmly welcomed by your professional birding guide. A short transfer takes you to your hotel overlooking Lake Victoria, where you enjoy a relaxed evening, safari briefing, and overnight rest as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

An early start takes you to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s most important wetlands and the most reliable place in Uganda to see the prehistoric Shoebill Stork. Gliding silently through narrow papyrus channels by canoe, you search for this iconic bird alongside African Marsh Harriers, Lesser Jacanas, Rufous-bellied Herons, African Pygmy Geese, and White-backed Ducks. After lunch, the journey continues northward with scenic birding stops through Luwero Swamp and woodland habitats, where colorful forest and savannah species welcome you before reaching Masindi for the night.

This morning is dedicated to the legendary Royal Mile in Budongo Forest, considered one of the finest forest birding sites on the continent. As sunlight filters through towering mahoganies, the forest comes alive with the calls of Nahan’s Francolin, Ituri Batis, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and a rich mix of greenbuls, alethes, and illadopses. The drive continues through open savannah and escarpment landscapes toward Murchison Falls National Park, with birding stops along the way.

Dawn birding along the Northern Bank of the Nile reveals a striking mix of savannah and riverine species. A visit to the dramatic Top of the Falls offers close views of Rock Pratincoles clinging to the river’s edge as the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge. An afternoon game drive toward the Nile Delta provides outstanding opportunities to encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and an impressive array of birds including Carmine Bee-eaters, Denham’s Bustard, Red-necked Falcons, and Sparrow-Weavers.

Today’s drive takes you south through changing landscapes toward Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its chimpanzees and rich forest birdlife. Along forest edges and trails, you search for specialties such as the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, Great Blue Turaco, Scaly Illadopsis, Red-chested Owlet, and the striking Black Bee-eater.

The route to Semuliki National Park winds through fertile farmlands and the stunning foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Birding en route includes open-country species before entering the lowland Congo forest ecosystem. Evening birding around camp may reveal Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-throated Nicator, and Western Nicator — their haunting calls echoing through the forest.

A full day is spent exploring Semuliki National Park, Uganda’s richest site for Congo Basin bird species. This is one of the most exciting birding days of the safari, targeting rarities such as Akun Eagle-Owl, Blue-billed Malimbe, Congo Serpent Eagle, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, African Piculet, and the enigmatic Capuchin Babbler.

Birding continues through the scenic crater lake region before entering Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a classic Kazinga Channel boat cruise, drifting between Lake George and Lake Edward. Expect exceptional waterbird viewing alongside yawning hippos and basking Nile crocodiles.

Early morning birding around papyrus wetlands and open savannah targets species such as Papyrus Gonolek and other swamp specialists. The journey then climbs into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most biologically diverse forests.

Bwindi’s dense forest offers superb birding for montane and low-altitude species. For those who choose, today also presents the unforgettable opportunity to track Mountain Gorillas through the rainforest. Returning from the trek, further birding continues along forest trails and clearings.

This is a highlight day for dedicated birders. Exploring the Ruhija Sector and Mubwindi Swamp, you focus on rare Albertine Rift endemics, including African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, and Dusky Crimsonwing. The forest resonates with birdsong amid lush vegetation and misty valleys.

Birding continues as you descend through Bwindi’s valleys toward the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi. The afternoon is relaxed, offering time to enjoy the lake’s peaceful scenery and reflect on the journey so far.

Entering Lake Mburo National Park, the landscape opens into acacia-dotted savannah. This unique ecosystem supports species rarely seen elsewhere on the safari, including Bearded Woodpecker, Red-faced Barbet, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, and colorful weavers.

Your final morning features a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo, allowing close observation of birds and plains wildlife. The return journey to Entebbe includes a final birding stop at wetland areas before arrival at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.