Birder’s Paradise

Embark on a 22-day Uganda birding safari extravaganza. Track over 1,000 bird species, including the rare Shoebill and Shelley’s crimson wing.

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

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.

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. 

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Entebbe

Arrival at Entebbe airport and transfer to your accommodation nearby.

Entebbe - Budongo Forest

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 Forest - Murchison Falls National Park

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.

Murchison Falls National Park - Fort Portal

Indulge in a lovely breakfast, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside on our 9-hour drive to Fort Portal.

Semuliki National Park – Kibale National Park

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.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

Ishasha

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!

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma)

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.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija)

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.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Lake Bunyonyi

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.

Lake Mburo National Park

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.

Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe

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!

Details

Trip Details

Inclusions

Exclusions

Prices

  • 2 pax based on a double room $10,965/person
  • 4 pax based on 2 double rooms $7,914/person
  • 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. 

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.

What Our Guests Say

Ralph_K_CH
Ralph_K_CH
2024-01-27
Uganda by Kikooko - a unique experience Uganda's tourist potential is vast and to a large degree unspoilt. Kikooko as a whole and our tour guide Alex in particular gave us a truly unforgettable insight into the wonders of this amazing country. We were treated as friends and got to see the amazing variety of flora and fauna, enjoyed great places to stay and eat and, above all, experienced the friendliness of the Ugandan people. Every detail of our journey was perfectly planned and organized, and Alex displayed his passion for his profession and the country. Great experience, excellent service, passionate people!
Seaside40546818336
Seaside40546818336
2024-01-13
Safari Company with heart and soul I met the founder of Kikooko at the travel fair in Zurich and told him about my dreams of Uganda and the Gorillas. He arranged a wonderful overland journey for me that was filled with activities around wildlife and culture. The driver-guide was friendly and professional, his knowledge and helpfulness great. I could just relax and feel safe and comfortable allover the country. Also traveling alone as a woman was no problem at all. People in Uganda are friendly and openhearted. Most of the lodges that were chosen for me were situated at beautiful spots and with delicous food. I can highly recommand KIKOOKO as a professional, trustworthy Safari Company with heart and soul. January 24 / Claudia Fauser
Denise S.
Denise S.
2023-12-18
Es gab so vieles zu entdecken und Neues zu lernen. Es war Abenteuer pur! Die Reiseplanung mit Warren erfolgte per Mail. Die geplante Reise dauerte 3,5 Wochen und beinhaltete eine Rundreise von Entebbe zum Kidepo Valley National Park, zu den Gorillas im Bwindi Impenetrable Park bis zum Queen Elizabeth Park und zurück nach Entebbe. Auf Wünsche und Änderungen gingen das Kikooko Team immer ein und machten diverse Abklärungen. Die ganze Planung ging sehr gut und nicht stressig auf. Das Programm war voll mit sehr schönen Abenteuern und Begegnungen, sowohl mit den Tieren als auch mit den Menschen und ihren Kulturen. Die Menschen sind sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Sehr beeindruckend fand ich, dass immer sehr freundlich gegrüsst und zugewunken wurde! Kinder riefen und winkten am Strassenrand, teilweise rannten sie uns nach. In diesen 3 Wochen versuchte ich einzelne Wörter zu lernen, da war Ivan ein guter Lehrer, aber es ist eine sehr schwierige Sprache! Ich lernte sehr viel über dieses Land. Während der Reise fühlte ich mich immer sehr gut aufgehoben und sicher. Allein als Frau zu reisen, ist kein Problem. Ivan war ein sehr guter Guide, weiss sehr viel über die Tierwelt und schätzt Situationen gut und sicher ein. Er hat einen sehr angenehmen Fahrstil und umsorgte mich sehr. Ich konnte mir für die Fotografie sehr viel Zeit nehmen und ging immer auf meine Bedürfnisse ein. Lodges: die verschiedenen Lodges waren gut ausgestattet und sauber. WLAN war vorhanden, aber war tw. sehr langsam, je nach Wetter. Bei Dunkelheit wurde man in gewissen Lodges, dort wo Grosstiere wie Nashörner, Hippos, Elefanten oder Löwen zu Hause sind, zur Sicherheit ins Zimmer begleitet. Auto: es ist ein stabiles Auto und hatte diverse schwierige Strassen gut gemeistert (natürlich auch mit den perfekten Fahrkünsten von Ivan!). Ivan hatte es immer sehr sauber gehalten und geputzt. Das Dach liess sich anheben, damit man einen sehr guten Rundumblick hatte und perfekt fotografieren konnte. WLAN wurde kostenlos angeboten, was ich so noch nie gesehen habe. Gerade bei längeren Fahrten konnte man zu Hause ein Update geben und ein paar "Bilderkostproben" im Status hochladen. Handy laden im Auto ist mit Ladekabel und Adapter möglich! Wasser ist jederzeit abfüllbar im Auto parat, dazu wurde am Anfang der Reise von Warren eine Wasserflasche geschenkt, was ein super sinnvolles Geschenk und Erinnerung ist. Süssgetränke, Bier usw. ist alles da. Geld: Schilling lässt sich bei der Ankunft wechseln und Ivan schaut auch, wo der beste Kurs ist. 200 Dollar habe ich gewechselt, aber es ist kein Problem, mit Dollar, Euro oder sogar mit CHF zu bezahlen. Kreditkarten kann leider nur an wenigen Orten verwendet werden. Für jede Leistung von Guides usw. sollte man Trinkgeld gegeben. Es gibt keine ungefähre Definition, wie viel man mindestens geben sollte, denn man gibt, was man möchte. Wenn man sehr zufrieden ist, dann gibt man entsprechend. Das macht es sehr schwierig. Fotografie: die Stromversorgung in den Lodges waren immer gut und alle Geräte konnten problemlos mit dem entsprechenden Adapter geladen werden. Mein 3-Beinstativ habe ich nie gebraucht, da ich sehr gut mit dem Einbein im Auto und auch sonst fotografiert habe und sehr gute Ergebnisse hatte mit dem Teleobjektiv. Gorillatracking: ein 4h Besuch lohnt sich SEHR! Die Zeit zählt ab dann, wenn die Gorillas entdeckt wurde. Da sollte definitiv nicht gespart werden! Erst erwachen sie, gehen fressen und dann ist Chillen angesagt. Das braucht seine Zeit und ich hätte bereut, wenn ich nach 1h wieder hätte gehen müssen. Es war ein unglaubliches Erlebnis!!! Der Silberrücken streifte langsam und dicht an mir vorbei, 180kg geballte Ladung Muskeln! Ja doch, ich hatte etwas wacklige Beine. Die Guides gehen jeden Tag zu den Gorillas und kennen jeden Einzelnen und "kommunizieren" laufend mit dem Silberrücken und er antwortet darauf. Faszinierend! Es gibt keinen Weg im Wald, nur sehr anstrengende und steile Hänge mit sehr vielen Büschen und Stolperfallen. Gamaschen empfehle ich sehr einzupacken. Bei den Schimpansen habe ich es nicht angezogen und hatte dann einige sehr grosse Ameisen unter meinem Shirt und anderen Orten. Sie sind extrem schnell und können ganz schön kneifen, sind aber nicht giftig. Da die Gorillas auf 2200 m Höhe zu Hause sind, wird es gegen Abend/ Nacht kühl. Regenzeit: es ist nicht wie in der Schweiz, wo es Tagelang regnet. Meistens gab es einen 15 min Regenguss und dann kam wieder die Sonne oder es regnete in der Nacht immer wieder. Der Regen war warm. Tiere und Landschaft: einfach sensationell - das muss man gesehen haben! The Big 5 und noch sehr viel mehr durfte ich sehen! Unbeschreiblich schöne Landschaften, von Savanne, Buschlandschaft bis zum Wald. Highlight: alles! Ich komme wieder!
Robert S
Robert S
2023-12-15
Must visit Absolutely epic! Everything exceeded expectations! Came for the Gorillas and they very much delivered. Coordinated by Warren and guided/driven by Alex, they went above to deliver a trip of a lifetime
John S
John S
2023-12-15
Gorilla adventure of a lifetime Brilliant trip everything was better than expected, I came hoping to see gorillas and they exceeded expectations as did every day. I couldn't recommend the team more highly.
Adam P
Adam P
2023-12-15
Come with high expectations, and expect them to be surpassed! This was the most amazing 7 days. From the second we landed we were treated to an unforgettable visit. The staff from the company were so accommodating and made sure that everything we did was perfect. There is honestly nothing I would change about my trip.
YvAnLi
YvAnLi
2023-10-23
....a lifetime expierience.... Wir haben Kikooko Africa Safaris auf einer Ferienmesse im Februar 23 kennengelernt. Danach haben wir eine Offerte angefordert, worin wir unsere Wünsche geäussert haben. Auf diese Wünsche wurde super eingegangen und nach einigen Mail/WhatsApp Wechseln mit dem Geschäftsteilhaber entstand unsere Reise. Denoch zögerten wir zuerst ein bisschen- da wir niemanden kannen, der schon mit Kikooko gereist wäre- haben dann aber dank den ausgezeichneten Rückmeldungen und Reaktionen auf Fragen unsererseits, beschlossen, Kikooko zu vertrauen. Der Kontakt zu Warren blieb bis zu unserer Reise hervorragend. Wann immer eine Frage auftauchte, bekam ich sie prompt beantwortet. Wir wurden auch bezüglich der Gorillatrekking Permits usw immer auf dem Laufenden gehalten. Dann endlich Start der Reise. Wir wurden vom Flughafen abgeholt und gleich von einem sehr angenehmen, vertrauenserweckenden Guide in Empfang genommen. Am nächsten Tag kam Warren sogar selber noch vorbei, um uns zu begrüssen. Wir wurden am ersten Tag perfekt ausgerüstet- mit einer LifeStraw Flasche , einem Notfalltelefon und einem Kästchen, mit welchem wir immer gratis WLAN hatten. Chris, unser Guide war einfach perfekt. Er hat unsere Reise einfach super organisiert, an alles gedacht und uns immer vorzu informiert. Zudem wusste er einfach alles über Land, Leute, Vegetation und Tiere- was auf immer wir fragten- Chris wusste eine Antwort. Zudem war seine Gesellschaft äusserst angenehm- ein richtig toller Mensch. Wir haben uns in seiner Gesellschaft immer gut aufgehoben und sicher gefühlt. Die Strassen waren nicht immer einfach zu befahren- entweder wegen Schlamm, Pfützen, Löchern oder wegen viel Verkehr, Tieren oder Menschen. Chris hat uns überallhin sicher geführt. Zudem ist er schon auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen, bevor wir sie geäusster haben - so kam es uns jedenfalls vor... Unsere Camps und Lodgen waren alle wunderschön-nicht nur die gehobeneren, sondern auch die einfacheren. Die Tiervielfalt in Uganda unglaublich- an viele Tiere kann man ganz nahe heran. Die Menschen sind offen, fröhlich und freundlich, die Landschaft unglaublich grün und vielfältig. Ganz spezielle und unglaubliche Erlebnisse waren natürlich das Gorillatrekking und Schimpansentrekking. Ein weiteres unvergessliches Erlebnis war der Besuch eines Dorfes- abseits jeglichen Tourismuses. Es war eine absolut unvergessliche Reise- einfach perfekt von A-Z. Vielen Dank Kikooko African Safaris- wir werden euch jederzeit und allen uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen- und gerne wiederkommen um eine weitere Reise mit Chris zu unternehmen.... Das schwierigste wird nun für mich, die vielen vielen vielen tollen Fotos so auszusortieren, dass ich ein Fotobuch machen kann..... :-)
Sally D
Sally D
2023-10-23
Beautiful Uganda An exceptional company that goes above and beyond to guarantee you have an excellent time in Uganda. Highly recommend!
Mick K
Mick K
2023-10-22
Een bijzonder bedrijf met de de beste gidsen What an amazing group of people at this company. They are very proud of their beautiful country and realy want you to feel welcome. They go the extra mile to let you get in touch with the local customs and communities.
Ollie R
Ollie R
2023-10-15
The only team to book for your Uganda trip Incredible experience from the moment we were picked up from the airport by Alex and Godfried. The team were always professional, reassuring and kind. They are a business that truly cares for its customers and they are right in what they say, arrive as strangers, leave as friends. Highly recommended!
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