14 Days Uganda Birding Safari
This comprehensive 14-day birding safari takes you through Uganda’s top birdwatching destinations, from lush rainforests and wetlands to savannahs and lakeshores. Explore a diversity of habitats and encounter a wide range of avian species, including Albertine Rift endemics, forest specialists, and wetland dwellers. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy cultural encounters, primate sightings, and serene landscapes.
Day 1: Entebbe to Semliki National Park
After breakfast, meet your guide and begin the journey to western Uganda via Mityana–Mubende highway. Stop at Tanda village and the historical Nakayima tree before continuing to Fort Portal for lunch. Proceed to Semliki via Bundibugyo with birding en route. Species to watch for: African Grey Hornbill, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Half-Board
Day 2: Birding in Semliki National Park
Enjoy a full-day birding expedition in the Kirumira Trail of the Ituri Forest. Look for rare and Congo biome species such as:
African Piculet
Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill
Rufous-sided Broadbill
Fire-crested Alethe
Piping and White-thighed Hornbills
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 3: Continued Birding in Semliki
Explore a different trail (Sempaya or Kirumira) depending on species not spotted the previous day. Continue looking for specialties like Forest Scrub Robin, Red-breasted Sparrowhawk, and Leaf Love.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale – Sebitoli Birding Site
Drive to Kibale National Park’s Sebitoli sector, regarded as an excellent birding hotspot. Target species include:
African Black Duck
Green-throated Sunbird
Bocage’s Bush-shrike
Brown-capped Weaver
Green-breasted Pitta (if lucky)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Chimpanzee Nest / Kibale Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 5: Kanyanchu & Bigodi Wetland Birding
Morning birding in Kanyanchu area looking for the Crowned Eagle, Grey Parrot, and Masked Apalis. Afternoon birding in Bigodi Wetland for species like Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, and White-winged Warbler.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in time for lunch and take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Expect to see African Skimmer, Saddle-billed Stork, and numerous water birds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge / Simba Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 7: Queen to Bwindi (Via Ishasha)
Drive through the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions and spot birds like Martial Eagle and African Crowned Eagle. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp / Ruhija Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 8: Buhoma Area Birding
Bird the Buhoma sector trails for species like:
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
African Hill-Babbler
Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater
White-bellied Robin-chat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 9: Waterfall Trail Birding
Take the Waterfall Trail for deeper forest birding. Target species include:
Rwenzori Batis
Ayre’s Hawk-Eagle
Mountain Buzzard
Sooty Boubou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 10: Mubwindi Swamp Trail – Ruhija
Explore Mubwindi Swamp trail for Albertine Rift endemics:
Grauer’s Broadbill
Handsome Francolin
African Green Broadbill
Shelley’s Crimsonwing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge / Clouds Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 11: Ruhija Birding
Morning birding in Ruhija area targeting:
Red-throated Alethe
Black Bee-eater
Grey-throated Barbet
Shelley’s Greenbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 10
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 12: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
Transfer to Lake Mburo via Mbarara. Afternoon boat ride for species such as:
Black-bellied Bustard
Mosque Swallow
Rüppell’s Long-tailed Starling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge / Mburo Lodge / Rwonyo Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 13: Mburo to Mpanga Forest
Morning bird walk in Lake Mburo followed by drive to Mpanga Forest. Stop at the Equator and Buwama Crocodile Farm en route. Evening forest birding and camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mpanga Eco-Tourism Site (camping)
Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 14: Lutembe Bay & Mabamba Wetland – Entebbe Departure
Morning birding at Lutembe Bay and Mabamba Wetland for rare species including:
Shoebill
African Water Rail
Lesser Jacana
Grey-headed Gull
In the afternoon, transfer to Entebbe and visit the botanical gardens or Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary for lakeshore birding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Optional day room in Entebbe or transfer to airport
Meal Plan: Half-Board
What’s Included
Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Airport transfers
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Park entry fees and birding permits
All birding and game drives
Professional English-speaking birding guide
Bottled water during safari
Visits to Mpanga Forest, Mabamba Wetland, and Ngamba Island
What’s Not Included
International airfare and Uganda visa fees
Personal insurance
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips, drinks, and personal expenses
Hotel stays before/after the safari (can be arranged on request)
BOOK YOUR TOUR
FAQs
How physically fit should I be for the Kibale trek?
The trek through Kibale Forest requires a moderate level of fitness. You’ll be walking along forest trails that can be uneven and sometimes muddy, but there are routes suited to various fitness levels. A good pair of walking shoes and a bit of stamina will go a long way.
Is there an age limit for gorilla trekking?
Yes, participants must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking. This regulation is strictly enforced and permits are issued only to those who meet the age requirement.
How long do the walks last during the Kibale trekking experience?
The chimpanzee habituation experience runs from early morning around 5:30 a.m. until approximately 7:00 p.m.
Night walks through the forest usually last between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Are meals provided during the tour?
Yes, all meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included as outlined in the itinerary. If you have special dietary needs, these can be catered for with prior notice.
How many people are in each group?
Group sizes are kept small to enhance your experience. On average, each safari accommodates between 5 to 50 participants, depending on the type of tour and travel season.
What kind of weather should I expect in Uganda?
Uganda enjoys a warm, tropical climate. Daytime temperatures usually range from 25°C to 30°C, with cooler nights. Rain is possible at any time, especially during the wet seasons, so packing light rain gear is recommended.
Besides chimpanzee tracking, what else can I do in Kibale Forest National Park?
The park offers a range of exciting activities, including guided nature walks, bird watching, and the chance to see other primates like colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and mangabeys.
