This 15-day birding adventure takes you across Uganda’s best birding hotspots, from Mabamba Swamp in Entebbe to the forests of Kibale, the savannas of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, the alpine habitats of Mgahinga, and the wetlands of Lake Mburo. Alongside birdwatching, you’ll also encounter Uganda’s rich wildlife including primates, elephants, antelopes, and more.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp Excursion
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an afternoon excursion to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria, famous for the elusive Shoebill Stork. Other birds include the African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Papyrus Gonolek. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Entebbe – Mabira Forest – Jinja
After breakfast, drive to Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s key birding sites. Expect species such as the Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Pied Hornbill, Tit Hylia, and Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike. Continue to Jinja, the source of the Nile, for relaxation and overnight.
Day 3: Jinja – Mt. Elgon (Kapchorwa/Sipi Falls)
Travel east to Mount Elgon National Park and the Sipi Falls area. This area offers excellent birding with possibilities of Hartlaub’s Turaco, White-starred Robin, Jackson’s Francolin, and Green-backed Twinspot. Overnight in Sipi.
Day 4: Birding in Mt. Elgon National Park
Spend the day birding in Mt. Elgon National Park, which is home to more than 300 species. Look out for the African Goshawk, Black-collared Apalis, Tacazze Sunbird, and Moorland Chat in the high-altitude moorlands. Overnight in Sipi.
Day 5: Sipi – Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Drive northwards to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, a semi-arid reserve offering unique birdlife. Species include the Fox’s Weaver (Uganda’s only endemic bird), Ostrich, Jackson’s Hornbill, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Overnight near the reserve.
Day 6: Pian Upe – Moroto (Karamoja Birding)
Continue to Moroto in the Karamoja region, birding along the way. Look for Eastern Paradise Whydah, Stone Partridge, White-bellied Canary, and Dusky Turtle Dove. Overnight in Moroto.
Day 7: Moroto – Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s birding gems with over 470 species. Bird en route and enjoy evening birding/game drive. Possible sightings include the Clapperton’s Francolin, Abyssinian Roller, and Rufous Chatterer. Overnight in Kidepo.
Day 8: Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park
Spend a full day birding and game viewing in Kidepo Valley NP. Species of interest include the Karamoja Apalis, Chestnut Weaver, Ostrich, and Black-breasted Barbet. Wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and giraffes. Overnight in Kidepo.
Day 9: Kidepo – Murchison Falls National Park
Drive southwest to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. Bird along the way through Kitgum and Gulu. Overnight near the Nile.
Day 10: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park
Enjoy a morning birding/game drive on the northern bank, with chances of spotting Denham’s Bustard, White-crested Turaco, Secretary Bird, and Black-headed Lapwing. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile for Shoebill Stork, African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, and Rock Pratincole. Overnight in Murchison.
Day 11: Murchison – Hoima – Kibale Forest
Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through Hoima and Fort Portal. Bird en route and enjoy beautiful scenery. Overnight near Kibale.
Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking & Birding in Kibale
Start with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, then spend the rest of the day birding. Kibale has over 370 bird species including the African Pitta, Black Bee-eater, White-naped Pigeon, and Red-chested Owlet. In the afternoon, bird in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 13: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP, birding en route through the scenic crater lakes region. In the park, look out for Martial Eagle, Grey-capped Warbler, African Mourning Dove, and African Wattled Lapwing. Afternoon birding/game drive before overnight at your lodge.
Day 14: Birding in Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi
Early morning birding/game drive in Kasenyi Plains, then a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its bird density. Expect African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, Pied Kingfisher, and Spur-winged Lapwing. In the afternoon, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions may be seen. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 15: Gorilla Trekking & Birding in Bwindi – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Start the day with an optional gorilla trekking adventure (permit required), or a full-day birding expedition in Bwindi, which is home to over 350 bird species including Albertine Rift endemics such as:
African Green Broadbill
Regal Sunbird
Rwenzori Batis
Handsome Francolin
Blue-headed Sunbird
After the experience, begin your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe for your evening flight, marking the end of your 15-day birding safari in Uganda.