Overview

Embark on a 30-day birding and wildlife adventure in Uganda, exploring pristine forests, wetlands, and savannahs while encountering mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and over 600 bird species. From the lush Albertine Rift to Uganda’s remote northeast, this safari takes you through the country’s most iconic birding and wildlife destinations, combining intensive birdwatching with unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Explore more of our Uganda safaris or see the related 17 Days Virunga Circuit Safari.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival & Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Tracking

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your lodge. The adventure begins with the legendary Mabamba Swamp, home of the elusive Shoebill Stork. Glide through marshy channels in a local boat, keeping an eye out for other wetland birds like the Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Ducks, and Malachite Kingfishers. The excursion lasts 2–4 hours, with optional extra hours on land for photography.Overnight: Nkima Lodge – Full Board

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at prime birding locations along the way. Enjoy the rolling savannahs and farmlands as you spot garden birds and raptors during the journey. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for a relaxing dinner.Overnight: Rwakobo Safari Lodge – Full Board

Full-Day Birding in Lake Mburo

Rise early for a full day of birding and wildlife exploration. Accompanied by a ranger guide, enjoy savannah specialties including Black-collared Barbets, Crested Barbets, Sulphur-breasted Bushshrikes, African Finfoots (on a boat ride), and Papyrus Gonolek. The day includes a packed lunch or lodge-prepared meal and continues until sunset to maximize bird sightings.Overnight: Rwakobo Safari Lodge – Full Board

Transfer to Mgahinga National Park

Journey to the small but biodiverse Mgahinga National Park via the Ankole flats and the scenic Kigezi highlands. Stop along the way to explore forested areas and the Echua Forest for Albertine Rift endemic birds.Overnight: Travelers Rest Hotel / Ikoro Hotel – Full Board

Full Day Albertine Rift Birding

Spend the day searching for Albertine Rift endemics including Rwenzori Batis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Blue-headed Weaver, Regal Sunbird, and many more. Mgahinga’s compact area makes it ideal for focused birding and photography.Overnight: Mutanda Lake Resort – Full Board

Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Ruhija (Bwindi)

Begin with an early breakfast before trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to meet the majestic mountain gorillas. The trek takes 2–7 hours depending on gorilla location, with one hour dedicated to viewing and photographing these gentle giants. After this extraordinary experience, transfer to Ruhija sector, a haven for rare birds such as the African Green Broadbill and Doherty’s Bushshrike.Overnight: Gorilla Mist Camp / Bakiga Lodge – Full Board

Birding in Bwindi Forest

Spend a full day in the forest searching for rare Albertine Rift species. Watch for the African Green Broadbill, Black-billed Turaco, Narina Trogon, Handsome Francolin, and colorful bushshrikes.Overnight: Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp – Full Board

Birding to Buhoma Sector

Drive through Bwindi’s forested margins and explore key birding spots, including Cassin’s Flycatcher and Black-billed Weaver. Enjoy the forest trails and scenic viewpoints.Overnight: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge – Full Board

Full Day Birding – Buhoma Main Trails

Discover Bwindi’s iconic bird species: Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-headed Bluebill, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Brown-capped Weaver, Dusky Twinspot, Bar-tailed Trogon, and more.Overnight: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge – Full Board

Transfer to Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel south through Ishasha, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Enjoy birding along shady acacia forests and spot savannah birds during a late afternoon session.Overnight: Topi Lodge – Full Board

Northern Sector Birding – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early morning birding in the northern savannah and marshlands for waterbirds, raptors, and Albertine Rift species. Highlights include Shoebill Stork sightings if lucky, Red-collared Widowbird, and various starlings.Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – Full Board

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Game Viewing

Start with early morning birding and wildlife game drives. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, elephants, Nile crocodiles, kingfishers, fish eagles, storks, and other waterbirds.Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – Full Board

15: Semuliki National Park Birding

Transfer to Semuliki National Park, a true birder’s haven with over 441 recorded species. Two full days will be dedicated to birding in the forest and swamps, seeking rare species like Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Black-casqued Hornbill, Congo Serpent Eagle, and more. Explore forest primates including DeBrazza’s Monkey and Red Colobus Monkey.Overnight: Local lodge / eco-lodge – Full Board

Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk (Kibale)

After transfer to Kibale, undertake chimpanzee trekking for 2–4 hours with a one-hour observation. Continue with a community walk in Bigodi Swamp, spotting marshland and forest birds.Overnight: Turaco Tree Tops / Kibale Forest Camp – Full Board

18: Budongo Forest & Royal Mile Birding

Drive to Budongo Forest via Masindi and Hoima. Spend two days birding in the Royal Mile of Budongo Forest, seeking Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Dwarf Kingfisher, Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, and other Albertine Rift specials.Overnight: Budongo Eco Lodge / Kabalega Resort – Full Board

20: Murchison Falls National Park Birding & Wildlife

Transfer north to Murchison Falls. Explore the top of the falls for rare cliff-dwelling species like Rock Pratincole and Bat Hawk. Enjoy a game drive in the savannah and an afternoon Nile boat cruise for aquatic and riparian birds, along with wildlife sightings.Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge – Full Board

24: Kidepo Valley National Park

Drive to Kidepo, Uganda’s remote wilderness. Spend four days birding and game viewing, spotting savannah and arid-region species, including Rose-ringed Parakeet, Secretary Bird, Fox Kestrel, Clapperton’s Francolin, and vultures. Also encounter wildlife such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and elands.Overnight: Kidepo Savannah Lodge – Full Board

26: Moroto & Matheniko-Bokora Game Reserves Birding

Travel along the Uganda-Kenya border. Explore the foothills of Mount Moroto and the dryland reserves for Purple Grenadier, Straw-tailed Whydah, Eastern Paradise Whydah, Steel-blue Whydah, Boran Cisticola, and more. Experience the Karamojong culture.Overnight: Kara-Tunga Karamoja Safari Camp – Full Board

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Birding

Bird in Pian Upe, home to Fox’s Weaver, Karamoja Apalis, Secretary Bird, and ostriches. Packed lunch is recommended for the full day excursion.Overnight: Local Lodge / Safari Camp – Full Board

29: Mount Elgon National Park Birding

Travel to Mount Elgon National Park, exploring the forest trails and birding hotspots. Species include Jackson’s Francolin, Tacazze Sunbird, Black-collared Apalis, and Hartlaub’s Turaco. Overnight in forest lodges with stunning mountain views.Overnight: Rafiki Lodge / Sipi River Lodge / UWA Bandas – Full Board

Transfer Back to Entebbe

After breakfast, drive to Kampala and Entebbe Airport. Reflect on 30 days of immersive birding, primate encounters, and Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes. End of Safari

What's Included

✓ Included

✓ Gorilla trekking permit – $700 per person
✓ Chimpanzee trekking permit and park entrances – $230
✓ Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
✓ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with full-time English-speaking driver-guide
✓ All park entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle

✗ Excluded

✗ International flights and visas
✗ Boat cruise at Lake Bunyonyi – $50
✗ Batwa cultural visit – $70
✗ Alcoholic and soft drinks outside the safari vehicle
✗ Tips and gratuities
✗ Personal souvenirs
✗ Personal trekking gear such as hiking boots, rain jackets, gloves, and insect repellents