12 Days Uganda Birding Safari

After an early breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This protected wetland is a top site for the elusive Shoebill Stork. You’ll paddle through papyrus channels in a canoe, spotting a variety of waterbirds such as the African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, and Long-toed Lapwing. After a mid-morning birding session, begin the scenic drive to Kibale National Park, with birding en route around Mpanga Forest and tea plantations. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge on the forest edge. Overnight near Kibale Forest.

Kibale Forest is a haven for forest specialists and hosts more than 250 bird species. After an early breakfast, explore the forest trails with your guide in search of the Green-breasted Pitta, African Broadbill, Black Bee-eater, and Brown Illadopsis. Other possibilities include the Yellow-spotted Barbet, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, and Narina Trogon. The forest is also home to 13 primate species, and you may see Red-tailed Monkeys or hear the calls of chimpanzees. Spend the afternoon birding around Sebitoli or along the road near the forest edge. Overnight near Kibale.

After breakfast, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation success story famous for its bird diversity. Walk along the wooden boardwalks through swamp vegetation, looking for the Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, Papyrus Gonolek, and Black-crowned Waxbill. You might also encounter monkeys and colorful butterflies. The walk offers both forest-edge and wetland birding, making it one of the best spots for close-up sightings. In the afternoon, you can opt for another forest birding walk or relax at your lodge. Overnight near Kibale.

Depart Kibale after breakfast and drive south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding along the way through farmlands and crater lakes. The park’s northern section, around Kasenyi Plains, is rich in savannah species such as the African Wattled Lapwing, Crowned Plover, and Rufous-naped Lark. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes George and Edward. You’ll spot large flocks of African Skimmers, Great Cormorants, Pink-backed Pelicans, and Pied Kingfishers, as well as elephants and hippos along the shore. Overnight inside or near Queen Elizabeth NP.

Drive to Semuliki National Park, which borders the Congo Basin. Afternoon birding along forest trails and riverine areas, targeting species such as Nkulengu Rail, Piping Hornbill, and White-crested Hornbill. Overnight near the park.

After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famous for its tree-climbing lions and bird species such as the Grey Kestrel, Martial Eagle, and Bateleur. Continue your journey toward Bwindi, stopping along forested ridges to spot the African Emerald Cuckoo, Chubb’s Cisticola, and Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher. Arrive in the late afternoon at your lodge in Buhoma sector, set against the lush backdrop of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Overnight in Buhoma.

Transfer to Ruhija, one of Bwindi’s most rewarding birding sectors. The Umubwindi Swamp trail is world-renowned for Albertine Rift endemics such as the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Collared Apalis. You may also encounter the Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, and Stripe-breasted Tit. The trail passes through montane forest and swamp, providing a mix of habitats and excellent photography opportunities. Overnight in Ruhija.

Spend another day birding the steep forested slopes of Ruhija. This area is known for highland species such as the Dusky Crimsonwing, Strange Weaver, and Mountain Masked Apalis. You’ll move along scenic trails with panoramic views of the mist-covered hills. In the afternoon, enjoy relaxed birding near your lodge or visit a local community project. Overnight in Ruhija.

After breakfast, begin your drive to Lake Mburo National Park with several birding stops along the way, especially around farmlands and acacia woodlands. Upon arrival, take an evening birding walk near Rwonyo or along the park’s lakeshore. Look out for the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Crested Francolin, Lilac-breasted Roller, and African Grey Hornbill. Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.

Start your day with a boat trip on Lake Mburo, where you can spot African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and White-backed Night Heron. Later, explore the park on a guided nature walk — one of the few parks in Uganda where walking is allowed. Expect to see species such as the Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Nubian Woodpecker, and Brown Parrot. In the evening, you may enjoy a game drive for a mix of birds and mammals like zebras and impalas. Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.

After breakfast, enjoy a final short birding session around the lodge before departing for Kampala. You’ll stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs, then continue to Entebbe for your international flight.