Days 1–3: Arrival in Entebbe and Initial Birding
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, begin orientation sessions on Uganda’s birds, habitats, and photography techniques.
Morning excursions to Entebbe Botanical Gardens and nearby wetlands provide introductions to waterbirds such as the grey-headed kingfisher, malachite kingfisher, African jacana, and black-crowned night heron.
Afternoon birding along Lake Victoria shores introduces residents and migratory species including the African fish eagle and lesser jacana. Evening sessions may include night birding for owls and nightjars. Overnight in Entebbe.
Days 4–6: Murchison Falls National Park
Drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, a landscape of savannah, woodland, and wetlands.
Game drives and guided bird walks focus on savannah and riverine species. Key species include the shoebill stork, saddle-billed stork, African finfoot, Goliath heron, and papyrus gonolek.
Boat safaris on the Nile River allow observation of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds in their natural habitat. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography and bird activity. Overnight at a lodge within or near the park.
Days 7–10: Semliki National Park
Transfer to Semliki National Park, located in western Uganda, characterized by lowland rainforest, swamp, and riverine habitats.
Guided forest treks target Albertine Rift endemics and rare lowland forest birds, such as the Rwenzori turaco, forest greenbul, white-winged swamp warbler, and African grey parrot.
Swamp and riverine walks provide opportunities to spot pelicans, hammerkops, and various kingfishers. Night walks can reveal nocturnal species like the African wood owl and the Fraser’s eagle-owl. Overnight at eco-lodges within Semliki.
Days 11–14: Kibale Forest National Park
Drive to Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s premier primate and birding destinations.
Guided chimpanzee treks integrated with birdwatching allow sightings of the black-and-white-casqued hornbill, great blue turaco, African green broadbill, and numerous sunbirds.
Forest edge and swamp explorations provide encounters with African pitta, red-throated alethe, and the forest flycatcher. Night excursions reveal owls and nightjars. Optional visits to nearby crater lakes for wetland species. Overnight in Kibale.
Days 15–18: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via crater lakes region.
Savannah game drives and forest edge walks focus on birds such as grey-crowned crane, white-headed barbet, African pygmy kingfisher, and the red-faced lovebird.
Kazinga Channel boat cruise offers unparalleled views of hippos, crocodiles, and riverine birds including African darters, cormorants, and herons. Afternoon drives target raptors such as bateleur eagle and African hawk-eagle. Overnight near the park.
Days 19–22: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive to Bwindi, a montane rainforest with extremely high bird diversity.
Forest walks and treks provide sightings of Albertine Rift endemics, including black-billed turaco, mountain illadopsis, and several sunbird and warbler species.
Optional gorilla trekking enhances the wildlife experience, with opportunities to photograph both primates and elusive forest birds. Overnight in Bwindi.
Days 23–25: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Transfer to Mgahinga, known for its high-altitude forests and bamboo zones.
Guided hikes focus on montane and bamboo-specialist birds such as Rwenzori turaco, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, and African dusky flycatcher. Panoramic mountain and crater views provide excellent photography opportunities. Overnight in Mgahinga.
Days 26–28: Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo, a smaller savannah park with lakes, papyrus wetlands, and acacia woodlands.
Walking and boat safaris reveal shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, African jacana, malachite kingfisher, and various waders. Optional horseback birdwatching allows access to remote areas and improves sightlines for photographing shy species. Overnight in the park.
Days 29–30: Return to Entebbe
Drive back to Entebbe via scenic routes, stopping for final birding opportunities in wetland and forested habitats.
Debriefing and birding summary session to consolidate species observed over the month.
Departure from Entebbe International Airport concludes the 30-day birdwatching safari.