15 Days Uganda Birding Safari

After breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s top birding destinations and home of the iconic Shoebill Stork. Glide through papyrus channels in a canoe as you search for the Shoebill, African Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Goliath Heron, and Malachite Kingfisher. The wetland also hosts African Pygmy Goose and Lesser Jacana. In the afternoon, return to Entebbe and relax at your lodge. Overnight in Entebbe.

Depart for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. En route, bird through the Luweero and Nakasongola districts where you may spot the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Black-bellied Bustard. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for birding and a chance to see rhinos on foot. Continue to the park, crossing the Nile River by ferry. Overnight inside or near Murchison Falls NP.

Start your day with a game drive across the northern savannah in search of Red-throated Bee-eaters, Secretary Birds, and Black-headed Lapwings. The area teems with wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Expect sightings of African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, Rock Pratincole, and Pied Kingfisher. Return for dinner and overnight.

Visit the top of the falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating dramatic scenery. Watch for species like the Red-winged Grey Warbler and Black-crowned Tchagra. Afterward, drive south toward Kibale National Park, birding along the way and passing scenic landscapes and tea plantations. Overnight near Kibale Forest.

Kibale is a birding paradise with over 250 species. After an early breakfast, explore the forest trails in search of the Green-breasted Pitta, African Broadbill, Black Bee-eater, and Brown Illadopsis. The park’s forest canopy is also home to numerous primates, including chimpanzees, red colobus, and blue monkeys. Afternoon birding around Sebitoli or Kanyanchu area. Overnight near Kibale.

Spend the morning at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an excellent spot for the Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, and Papyrus Gonolek. The boardwalk trail through swamp vegetation offers superb opportunities for photography. After lunch, relax at your lodge or take another short birding walk along the forest edge. Overnight near Kibale.

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding along the way through farmlands and crater lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where you’ll see African Skimmers, Pink-backed Pelicans, Great Cormorants, and Pied Kingfishers. The water edges also attract hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Overnight inside or near Queen Elizabeth NP.

An early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains offers sightings of savannah birds such as the Red-necked Spurfowl, Black-bellied Bustard, and Grey-crowned Crane. Continue birding around the Mweya Peninsula and Maramagambo Forest for forest species like the Black Bee-eater and Red-capped Robin-chat. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.

Drive through the scenic Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Bird en route for species such as the Bateleur, Lappet-faced Vulture, and Black-chested Snake Eagle. Continue south to Bwindi, stopping at forest edges and riverine thickets for birding. Arrive in Buhoma sector in the evening. Overnight in Buhoma.

Spend the day birding along the Buhoma trails in search of Albertine Rift endemics such as the Bar-tailed Trogon, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, White-bellied Robin-chat, and Dusky Crimsonwing. Bwindi’s dense forest offers rewarding challenges and rich diversity. Overnight in Buhoma.

After breakfast, transfer to Ruhija where you’ll bird along the way and later explore the Umubwindi Swamp trail. Key species include the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Regal Sunbird. The combination of forest and wetland habitats makes this one of Uganda’s most productive birding spots. Overnight in Ruhija.

After an early morning birding walk, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes, surrounded by terraced hills. Enjoy relaxed birding for species like the Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, and Pied Kingfisher. In the afternoon, take a canoe ride to explore the islands. Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.

After breakfast, head to Lake Mburo National Park with birding stops en route. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening birding walk through the acacia woodlands where you may see the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Crested Francolin, and Emerald-spotted Wood Dove. Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.

Take a morning boat cruise on Lake Mburo, spotting African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, and African Fish Eagle. Later, enjoy a short birding walk before driving back to Kampala. Stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping. Continue to Entebbe for your departure flight.