30-Days Uganda Birdwatching Safaris Itinerary

Uganda, famously referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is home to some of the most diverse and abundant bird species in the world. With over 1,000 recorded species, the 30-Days Uganda Birdwatching Safaris offer an unmatched birding experience for enthusiasts. From the lush forests of Bwindi and the wetlands of Mabamba to the savannas of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, this itinerary covers Uganda’s top birdwatching hotspots.

This safari is designed to take you through various ecosystems, offering ample opportunities to spot endemic species, migratory birds, and rare birds like the iconic Shoebill. Alongside birdwatching, you will also explore Uganda’s stunning landscapes and encounter some of its wildlife.

Highlights

• Spotting the rare Shoebill in the Mabamba Swamp
• Exploring birdlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Murchison Falls National Park
• Birding in Uganda’s wetlands, lakes, and savannas
• Visiting Mgahinga National Park to see Albertine Rift Endemics
• Exploring Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi
• Scenic drives through Uganda’s diverse landscapes

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Mabamba Wetlands Birding Tour

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your birdwatching guide and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, you will embark on an exciting birding tour at Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Uganda to spot the iconic Shoebill Stork.

Birdwatching at Mabamba Wetlands

Mabamba Wetlands, located along the shores of Lake Victoria, is a Ramsar Site and a birder’s paradise. You will enjoy a canoe ride through the swamp, searching for the Shoebill Stork and other bird species such as African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Blue-breasted Bee-eater.

Accommodation:

Return to Entebbe for an overnight stay.

Day 2-4: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

On Day 2, you will transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park and a great destination for birdwatching. The park offers a wide range of habitats, from savannas to riverine forests.

Birding at the Top of Murchison Falls

Upon arrival, you will visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge. Bird species to look out for include Rock Pratincole, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and the Red-throated Bee-eater.

Full-Day Birding in Murchison

Days 3 and 4 will be dedicated to birdwatching across various parts of the park. You will explore the savanna plains, riverbanks, and forests, spotting species such as Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Goliath Heron, Piapiac, and White-crested Turaco. A boat cruise along the Nile will also offer great opportunities to see water birds like African Fish Eagle and Saddle-billed Stork.

Accommodation:

Stay at a lodge within Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 5-7: Birding in Kibale Forest National Park

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After a successful birding experience in Murchison Falls, you will travel to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its rich primate population and bird diversity. Kibale is home to over 370 bird species, including several endemics.

Birding in Kibale

Over the next three days, you will explore the trails of Kibale Forest, looking for forest species such as the Green-breasted Pitta, Blue-headed Coucal, Grey Parrot, and Scaly-breasted Illadopsis. You may also encounter primates such as chimpanzees during your birding walks.

Accommodation:

Stay at a lodge near Kibale Forest.

Day 8-10: Birding in Semuliki National Park

Transfer to Semuliki National Park

On Day 8, you will travel to Semuliki National Park, which is located near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park offers a unique birding experience, as it harbors several Central African species not found in other parts of Uganda.

Birdwatching in Semuliki

Over the next three days, you will explore the lowland forests of Semuliki, searching for species such as the Great Blue Turaco, White-crested Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, and the elusive Lyre-tailed Honeyguide. You will also bird along the Semuliki River, where you might spot Hartlaub’s Duck and other water birds.

Accommodation:

Stay at a lodge near Semuliki National Park.

Day 11-14: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Next, you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most biodiverse parks. The park is home to over 600 bird species, making it a must-visit for birders.

Full-Day Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will spend several days exploring the park’s various habitats, including the Kazinga Channel, the Ishasha sector, and the Mweya Peninsula. Key species to look out for include the Grey-crowned Crane, Papyrus Gonolek, Martial Eagle, and the Black-rumped Buttonquail. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel will offer the chance to see water birds such as the African Skimmer and Pink-backed Pelican.

Accommodation:

Stay at a lodge within Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 15-17: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your next destination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most renowned birdwatching locations. Bwindi is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Birding in Bwindi

Over the next three days, you will explore the birding trails in both the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi, searching for species such as the African Green Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Mountain Masked Apalis, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. The park’s dense forest and steep terrain make it a challenging but rewarding birding destination.

Accommodation:

Stay at a lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 18-20: Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After your time in Bwindi, you will transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is located near the border with Rwanda. Mgahinga is home to several Albertine Rift endemics and is an excellent birding destination.

Birdwatching in Mgahinga

Over the next three days, you will explore the bamboo and montane forests of Mgahinga, searching for species such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Rwenzori Batis.

Accommodation:

Stay at a lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Day 21-24: Birding in Lake Bunyonyi and Echuya Forest Reserve

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Your birdwatching safari continues with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi, a picturesque lake known for its birdlife and scenic beauty. You will enjoy birding walks around the lake, looking for species such as the White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, African Harrier Hawk, and Grey-capped Warbler.

Birding in Echuya Forest Reserve

You will also visit the nearby Echuya Forest Reserve, a montane forest that harbors rare species like the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Dwarf Honeyguide.

Accommodation:

Stay at a lodge near Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 25-30: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park and Departure

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

On Day 25, you will travel to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest but richest parks in terms of bird diversity. Lake Mburo is home to over 300 bird species, including the Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, and the White-winged Warbler.

Full-Day Birding in Lake Mburo

You will spend several days exploring the park’s woodlands, lakes, and savannas, searching for various bird species. A boat cruise on Lake Mburo will offer opportunities to see water birds like the Malachite Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle.

Departure

On Day 30, you will be transferred back to Entebbe for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 30-Days Uganda Birdwatching Safari.

The 30-Days Uganda Birdwatching Safaris is the ultimate birding adventure, taking you to Uganda’s most diverse and bird-rich habitats. Whether you’re looking for rare endemics, water birds, or migratory species, this safari promises a comprehensive birdwatching experience that will leave you in awe of Uganda’s avian treasures.