Birder’s Paradise
Birder’s Paradise
Overview
Uganda is home to over 1,000 species of birds. This 22-day Uganda birding safari extravaganza is designed especially for the enthusiastic birdwatcher. You’ll track birds like the prehistoric-looking Shoebill, the rare Shelley’s crimson wing, and the vibrant red bishop across Uganda’s diverse landscapes and environments.
With traditional game drives and optional mountain gorilla and chimp tracking as well, you’ll have plenty of amazing memories to take home.
Trip Highlights
- Experience gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to mountain gorillas and a special place for birders with over 350 bird species.
- Explore Budongo Forest Reserve, one of the largest forests in Uganda with over 360 bird species and 290 different types of butterflies.
- Take a long boat safari along the Nile and spot the shy Shoebill, Malachite Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, and African Skimmers.
- Enjoy a morning game drive and take in the sunrise over the savannah, followed by an afternoon boat ride along the Victoria Nile River where you will see an abundance of crocodiles and hippos.
- Visit Semuliki National Park, one of the best birding destinations in Uganda with over 400 bird species, including the Chestnut Owlet and Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill.
Information
Trip Info
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Hike to see the rare mountain gorillas in a misty rainforest.
Kibale National Park
Spot chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in a biodiverse forest.
Lake Mburo National Park
Enjoy an easy-to-reach savanna park for wildlife and water activities.
Murchison Falls National Park
Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and see lions, elephants, and giraffes on safari.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
See elephants, lions, and hippos on a classic African safari and boat trip.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Walk with rhinos and learn about conservation efforts in Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Hike to see the rare mountain gorillas in a misty rainforest.
Kibale National Park
Spot chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in a biodiverse forest.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Visit one of Africa’s wildest parks for lions, ostriches, and scenic landscapes.
Lake Mburo National Park
Enjoy an easy-to-reach savanna park for wildlife and water activities.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Hike to see mountain gorillas and visit the Batwa people in a volcanic landscape.
Murchison Falls National Park
Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and see lions, elephants, and giraffes on safari.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
See elephants, lions, and hippos on a classic African safari and boat trip.
Dry Seasons in Uganda – December to February, June to August
During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) during the day. The average rainfall per month ranges from 46mm (1.8”) to 86mm (3.4”). It is an ideal time to visit for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, as the drier conditions make it easier to navigate through the national parks.
Wet Seasons in Uganda – March to May, September to November
This period experiences relatively higher precipitation, with rainfalls ranging from 86mm (3.6”) from September to November to averages of around 147mm (5.8”) from March to May. The rainforest landscapes become lush and vibrant during this time, but it’s important to note that travel conditions can be more challenging due to occasional heavy rains and muddy trails. However, the rainy season also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at their fullest.
Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Uganda
In Uganda, game viewing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park is excellent December through February and June through October. In November and March it is good, and it is fair in April and May.Â
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Entebbe
- Entebbe, Uganda
Arrival at Entebbe airport and transfer to your accommodation nearby.
- Gorilla Neighbour Guest House
Entebbe - Budongo Forest
- Budongo Forest, Uganda
Today we drive north to Budongo Forest Reserve, located at the south-western edge of the Murchison Falls National Park. It is one of the largest forests in Uganda. With over 360 bird species, it’s sure to be a great place to start your bird watching tour of Uganda. After we reach the forest you will take an easy birding walk. How many species will you see today?
- Budongo Eco Lodge
Budongo Forest - Murchison Falls National Park
- Murchison Falls, Uganda
We start today with an early bird-watching expedition. The cooler hours of the morning are often the best time to see Yellow-footed Flycatchers (Yellow-footed flycatcher and Illadopsis Puveli are found nowhere else in East Africa), Black-caped Apalis, Yellow-billed Barbet, Blue-breasted and Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, and many other bird species. There are also 290 different types of butterflies. Later, we will transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.
Your next day in the area starts with a long boat safari will bring you to the delta of the Nile where you will look for the shy Shoebill. You also have the chance to spot Malachite Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, African Skimmers, Goliath Herons, Saddle-billed Storks, African Jacanas, Yellow-mantled Widowbirds, and Black-winged Red Bishops. In the sandy areas of the Nile, you might spot the nesting and colorful red-throated bee-eaters (depending on the season).
An early morning game drive today – and a chance to see the sunrise across the savannah. Later, enjoy a relaxing afternoon boat ride along the Victoria Nile River where you will encounter animals gathering on the riverbanks and an abundance of crocodiles and hippos. The boat will take you close to the bottom of the thundering Murchison waterfall, where the powerful river Nile forces its way through a gap only 7 meters wide and over 40 meters high.
- Pakuba
Murchison Falls National Park - Fort Portal
- Fort Portal, Uganda
Indulge in a lovely breakfast, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside on our 9-hour drive to Fort Portal.
- Rwenzori View Guest House
Semuliki National Park – Kibale National Park
- Kibale , Uganda
We drive to Semuliki National Park this morning. It is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda with over 400 species having been recorded here: Chestnut Owlet, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Blue-billed Malimbe, Northern Bearded Scrub-robin, Firey-breasted Bushshrike, Red-eyed Puffback, and Palm Swamp Green Bulbul are just a few of the birds you might spot in this area. Always be prepared with binoculars and a camera ready in order not to miss the opportunity to capture something unusual. We drive on to Kibale Forest later in the day overnight.
In the morning you will take a primate and bird walk at Bigodi Swamp. Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-rumped and Yellow-throated Tinker Barbets, and Double-toothed Barbets are only a few of the many bird species visible in this area. If you wish, you can also choose to do a chimpanzee tracking expedition, off the beaten track in the forest – a great birdwatching opportunity, also. This needs to be booked in advance. Meanwhile don’t forget to take a birding walk around this great camp.
- Kibale Forest Camp
Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
On our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park, we cross the Equator. Hippos, buffaloes, and a myriad of birds like pelicans, fish-eagle, and different plovers can be spotted during the afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.
We will start the second day with an early morning game drive while many animals are still on the move during the cool part of the day. On a good day, you could see lions, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, and the elusive bush pig and you might even be lucky to spot a leopard! In the afternoon you have time to relax in the lodge and to find the birds in this beautiful area.
- Bush Lodge
Ishasha
- Ishasha, Uganda
A leisurely drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park brings us to Ishasha, one of the few regions in Africa where lions can be spotted climbing trees and lounging on branches. Therefore, make sure that during the game drive you are not only looking out over the savannah but also have your eyes focused up on the trees!
- Enjojo Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma)
- Bwindi , Uganda
The search for the tree-climbing lions continues on the morning game drive. The Broad-billed Roller, Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher, the Ross’s Turaco, the Double-toothed Barbet and Black Bee-eater are just some of the many birds that can be spotted in the rich birding sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After, we head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive can take from 2 to 5 hours, depending on your chosen accommodation and the condition of the road.
Put your boots on and grab a sturdy walking stick, today is a once in a lifetime experience: Gorilla tracking! It is one of the best Ugandan travel experiences you can have. You will be hiking up in the mountains which can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on how far the Gorillas are. If you don’t want to track the Gorillas you could continue your birdwatching on the Buhoma Waterfall Trail or visit the Batwa community.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for being the home of mountain Gorillas. However, it is also a special place for birders as there are about 350 bird species, and 23 of them are endemic. Some of the birds you can spot here include the Grey-throated Barbet, Black Bee-eater, Petit’s Cuckooshrike, the Black-billed Turaco, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Red-tailed Bulbul, Dusky and Barred Long-tailed Cuckoos, Bar-tailed Trogon, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Luhder’s and Doherty’s Bushshrikes and the Black-headed Waxbill.
- Haven Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija)
- Bwindi , Uganda
After an early birding tour, we proceed to Ruhija, another paradise for birds. You can relax here and bird-watch in comfort as most of the birds in this area can be spotted right from your lodge. On the edge of Bwindi, you have a panoramic view of the mountains and the World Heritage Site (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, due to its ecological importance).
After breakfast on our second day, we head out to Ruhija birding trail, where you will hopefully spot Francolins and various Apalis species, African Green Broadbills and Grauer’s Rush-warblers.
- Gorilla Mist Camp
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Lake Bunyonyi
- Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
The wonder visit to Kiyebe village day! Today you will visit Kiyebe, the complete wonder village. This is perhaps one of the most remote, and traditional village in Uganda. It is the only village with no access through by road as its main rough mountainous road only stops at the small trading centre called mukyogo a name originating from the only community elephant pond in Uganda. You can plant your own tree, collect honey from the beehive and then if you want, enjoy local and national beers with the villagers.
You will also have great local food that is fresh and organic and the dancing and singing of this community is nothing you can even imagine. It’s impossible to miss a visit to this village.
Our next stop will be Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Africa. You will have time to relax, take a nature walk or go bird watching – Bunyonyi does mean “place of many little birds”, after all! You could try your hand at paddling a dugout canoe or go swimming in the hippo, croc, and bilharzia-free waters. You can also visit the local community.
Then we head to Lake Bunyonyi’s Ecuya Forest, where we’ll have the chance to see the following birds: The red-faced Woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, the Blue-headed Sunbird, the Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, the White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, African Hill Babbler, the Regal and African Harrier-hawks, and Chubb’s Cisticola.
- Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Lake Mburo National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
After breakfast, we will drive 4-5 hours to Lake Mburo National Park. The park has a variety of animals such as leopard, zebra, impala, buffalo and over 300 bird species, many of which you will see on the afternoon game drive. Horseback safaris and boat trips on the lake are also available.
On your second day, you will have game drive in the morning and come for a relaxed breakfast. You have option of just relaxing at this lodge and go back for the afternoon game drive to this small but incredible National Park with many chances to just be with animals.
- Rwakobo Rock
Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe
- Entebbe, Uganda
Lake Mburo National Park
You will have game drive in the morning and come for a relaxed breakfast. You have option of just relaxing at this lodge and go back for the afternoon game drive to this small but incredible National Park with many chances to just be with animals.
After breakfast on your last day, we will drive to Mabamba Swamp to search for the shy, prehistoric-looking shoebill. After a farewell dinner (maybe some famous Lake Victoria grilled fish) and drinks, we will drop you at the airport for your flight home. As your plane takes off, we hope you are already starting to plan your next African safari adventure!
- Gorilla Neighbour Guest House
The Beauty of Africa
Gallery
Details
Trip Details
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- AMREF Flying Doctor Service
- Dugout Canoe at Lake of Birds (Bunyonyi)
- Mabamba swamp for Shoebill sighting
- Meals as per your chosen plan
- Park entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- 4WD custom-built safari vehicle and fuel
- Gorilla permit ($800/pp)
- Chimpanzee tracking ($300/pp)
Exclusions
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Personal expenses (laundry, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
Prices
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2 pax based on a double room $10,965/person
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4 pax based on 2 double rooms $7,914/person
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6 pax based on 3 double rooms $6,897/person
Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.
Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.
To shorten some of the longer distances (6-7 hours) at the beginning or at the end of your tour activities, which normally ends far away from Entebbe International Airport, we can arrange a flight to connect to the airport quickly for your scheduled return flight. Also, during your tour there may be long journey times, it is possible to fly between the national parks. We are also happy to arrange this.
Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Inquire About This Tour
All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences.Â
Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.
For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.
