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Published by creator on March 8, 2025
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  • DateMarch 8, 2025

22-Days Uganda Birdwatching, Primates & Wildlife Safari

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4.3 / 5 stars

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4.6 / 5 stars
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    Overview

    This 22-day Uganda birdwatching and wildlife safari is a paradise for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering an immersive experience across Uganda’s most diverse ecosystems. From the wetlands of Mabamba Swamp to the lush forests of Budongo, Kibale, and Bwindi, this journey unveils an astonishing array of avian species, including the rare Shoebill Stork, Green-breasted Pitta, and Grauer’s Broadbill. Beyond birding, you’ll trek chimpanzees in Kibale, track mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and witness Uganda’s iconic Big Five, including rhino trekking at Ziwa Sanctuary and game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.

    The safari extends into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the scenic Lake Mburo, where walking safaris and boat cruises offer up-close encounters with Uganda’s spectacular wildlife. Navigate winding waterways in search of elusive waders, cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, and trek through the misty trails of Mubwindi Swamp, where Albertine Rift endemics thrive. This 22-day expedition offers a deep dive into Uganda’s most biodiverse landscapes, seamlessly blending birdwatching, primate encounters, and classic safari experiences—crafted for those who seek adventure beyond the ordinary.

    Highlights

    • Premier Birdwatching Hotspots – Explore top birding sites, including Mabamba Swamp, Budongo Forest, Semliki, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, spotting rare species like the Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, and African Finfoot.
    • Primate Encounters – Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi, chimpanzees in Kibale, and golden monkeys in Mgahinga, immersing yourself in Uganda’s primate-rich forests.
    • Big Five & Savannah Safaris – Spot lions, elephants, buffalos, and more on thrilling game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks, plus rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary.
    • Scenic Boat Cruises & Wetland Explorations – Glide through Mabamba Swamp, the Nile Delta, the Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo, discovering rich aquatic birdlife and hippo-filled waters.
    • Albertine Rift Endemics & Forest Birding – Search for rare species in the high-altitude forests of Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Echuya, including the elusive Grauer’s Broadbill, Rwenzori Batis, and Regal Sunbird.

    This Uganda birding and wildlife adventure is an exceptional journey designed for birders, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers, offering an in-depth exploration of the country’s remarkable biodiversity.

    Included

    • All accommodations on a full board or bed and breakfast basis, as quoted in the text
    • 4x4 Land cruiser Safari vehicle and fuel
    • English-speaking tour guide
    • 1 Gorilla & chimps permit each
    • 1 Golden monkey permit each
    • Hiking permits, rangers and guides
    • Game drives and boat cruises mentioned
    • Walking safari
    • Entrances to the national parks
    • Taxes
    • Mineral water in the vehicle during the tour

    Excluded

    • Visa fees
    • International flights
    • Drinks/alcoholic drinks
    • Additional meals
    • Tips/ gratuities
    • Activities not part of the described program
    • International travel insurance
    chimpanzee trekking - Uganda eco sustainable safaris and tour packages

    Murchison Falls
    birding kazinga channel

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      Start Date

      How Many People?

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      Itinerary

      Day 1: Warm Welcome to Uganda

      As you step off the plane at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be greeted with a warm smile by your dedicated Safari guide. They'll kindly assist you with your luggage and whisk you away to your cozy hotel.

      For the early birds (pun intended!), we've got a special treat in store. Spend the afternoon exploring the lush Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a haven for bird enthusiasts, where you can spot a variety of vibrant species, including Orange-tufted and red-chested sunbirds, weavers like Orange slender-billed, northern brown-throated, yellow-backed, and Jackson's golden-backed, as well as Black-headed and Vieillot's black weavers, and the Black-headed gonolek.

      As you settle into your comfortable accommodations at Karibu Guest House take some time to unwind and relax. Later, we'll embark on a leisurely birding excursion around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where you can look out for an impressive array of birdlife, featuring African hobby, Ross's Turaco, Brown and Grey Parrot, various cuckoos, Fork-tailed Drongo, Brown-crowned Tchagra, White-chinned Prinia, and the elusive Orange Weaver, a Lake Victoria specialty. After a delightful day of birding, retire to the Guest house for a peaceful overnight stay

      • Driving distance: 10-20 minutes
      • Activities: Optional like shoebill excursion/botanical gardens depending on arrival time
      • Overnight: Karibu Guest House (Bed & Breakfast)

      Day 2: Exploring Mabamba Swamp and Lake Victoria Wetlands

      After an early breakfast, embark on a journey to Mabamba Swamp, located 50 kilometers west of Kampala. As you travel to the swamp, keep an eye out for an array of bird species, including Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Weyns Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver, and Orange Weaver.

      Upon arrival at Mabamba Swamp, experience the unique thrill of canoeing through the wetlands, where you'll have the opportunity to spot the elusive Shoebill Stork, as well as other notable birds such as African Water Rail, Allen's Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, Squacco Heron, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, and a variety of Egrets and ducks.

      • Driving distance: 20-30 minutes
      • Activities: Bird Watching
      • Overnight: Karibu Guest House
      • Meal plan: Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 3: Encounter with Rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary

      Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Masindi, stopping en route at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This innovative conservation project, launched in 2006, provides a safe haven for Uganda's only rhinos, blending cattle farming with wildlife conservation.

      Upon arrival, visit the Visitor Centre for a comprehensive briefing and informative talk by a knowledgeable ranger. Enjoy lunch at the sanctuary's restaurant before proceeding to Masindi.

      As you explore the sanctuary, come face-to-face with southern white rhinos, approaching these magnificent creatures up to 30 meters for exceptional photography opportunities. Keep an eye out for other fascinating wildlife, including Shoebill Storks, crocodiles, bushbucks, leopards, Uganda Kob, oribi, hippos, and more.

      • Driving distance: 6-7 hours
      • Activities: Rhino Tracking
      • Overnight: Masindi Hotel
      • Meal plan: Full Board - breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 4: Budongo Forest: Royal Mile and Busingiro

      Immerse yourself in the lush canopy of Budongo Forest, renowned for its incredible avifauna. As you explore the Royal Mile and Busingiro, keep an eye out for a dazzling array of bird species, including African Dwarf Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Chestnut-crowned Eremomela, White-spotted Fluff tail, Yellow and Grey Long bills, Olive-bellied Crombec, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Crowned Eagle, Forest Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Cabanis Bunting, Brown-backed Scrub Robin, Narina Trogon, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Rufous Flycatcher-thrush, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher, Little Green Sunbird, Nigro Finches, Western Black-headed Oriole, African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-tailed Ant Thrush, Forest Robin, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Crested Malimbe, and Red-headed Blue Bill.

      • Driving distance: 2-1-2 hours
      • Activities: BIrding
      • Overnight: Masindi Hotel
      • Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 5: Murchison Falls National Park

      After breakfast, drive to Murchison Falls National Park, en route to the top of the mighty falls, and transfer to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the park for game viewing.

      • Driving distance: 5-6 Hours
      • Activities: Visit to the Game drive or hike to the top of Murchison falls
      • Overnight: Lake Fort Murchison Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

      Day 6: Full Day Murchison Falls National Park

      Take a boat along the Victoria Nile to the delta at Lake Albert, home to hippos, Nile crocodiles, and special birds including shoebill stork, African Skimmer, Green-backed Heron, African Spoonbill, African Crake, Water Thick-knee, Three-banded Plover, Marsh, Green Wood, and Common Sandpiper, Gray-headed Gull, Plain Martin, Lesser Swamp-warbler, and Yellow-billed Oxpecker.

      Afternoon Birding Excursion. Spend the afternoon exploring the bottom of the falls, where you'll have the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, including; White-fronted Black Chat, Rock Pratincoles, White-crested Turaco, Grey Woodpecker, Darter, Giant Kingfisher, Red-throated Bee-eater, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Western Violet-backed Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver, Brown Twin-spot, Bar-breasted Fire finch, Red-winged Pytilia, Red-winged Grey Warbler, Bruce's Pigeon, and Osprey.

      • Driving distance: 1-2 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 7: Another Full Day in Murchison Falls National Park

      Embark on a whole-day game drive on the northern bank of the Victoria Nile, spotting birds such as Egyptian Plover, Shoebill, Red-winged Grey Warbler, Rock Pratincoles, , Bat Hawk, Denham’s Bustard, Pel’s Fishing Owl, White-crested Turaco, Vinaceous Dove, Senegal Thick-knee, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver, Caramine Bee-eater, Nightjars, White-rumped Canary, and more.

      • Driving distance: 4-6 hours
      • Activities: Birding & Game Drives
      • Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 8: Kibale Forest National Park

      Leave early for Kibale National Park, with few birding spots en route. Kibale forest birds include Grey-winged Robin, Blue-shouldered Robin Chat, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black-billed Turaco, White-napped Pigeon, Green-breasted Pita, Joyful Greenbul, Cabanis Greenbul, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Masked Apalis, Nahan’s Francolin, Tiny Sunbird, White-collared Olive back, and more.

      • Driving distance: 6-7 hours
      • Activities: Birding & Driving
      • Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 9: Whole day birding in Kibale Forest National Park

      Start early in search of the Green-breasted Pitta, White- and Red-tailed Ant-Thrushes, Purple-headed Glossy-Starling, Brown, Pale, and Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, White-napped and Olive Pigeon, Masked Apalis, Toro Olive Greenbul, Ansorge’s Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat, White-bellied Robin Chat, Olive Thrush, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Bocages and Luhders Bush-shrike, Pink-footed Puff back, Petits Cuckoo shrike, Wallers, Stulman’s, and Narrow-tailed Starlings, Black-billed, Brown-capped, and Black-necked Weaver, among other birds.

      • Driving distance: 1-2 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

      After breakfast, venture into the Kibale Forest for a sensational chimpanzee tracking experience. Spend an hour with these fascinating creatures, learning about their lifestyle and behavior. In the evening, participate in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary community walk, exploring the unique biodiversity of the Magombe Swamp. This wetland is home to 8 primate species, numerous mammals, over 200 bird species, many reptiles, and a vast array of trees, shrubs, and vines.

      • Driving distance: 1-2 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day-11: Driving to Semliki National Park

      Drive to Semliki National Park for a day of birding in the forest. The park is renowned for its rare and sought-after bird species, including Congo serpent eagle, Black-throated coucal, Grey-throated rail, Nkulengu rail, Long-tailed hawk, spot-breasted ibis, Capuchin babbler, Yellow-throated nicator, and many more.

      • Driving distance: 4-7 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Mountain of the Moons Hotel
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 12: Queen Elizabeth National Park

      Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular protected area. The park boasts an impressive array of bird species, with a one-day record of 296 species. Look out for pelicans, skimmers, kingfishers, thick-knees, storks, martins, swallows, weavers, canaries, kites, and many grassland specialties.

      Enjoy an evening birding excursion, which often yields excellent sightings. We'll be entering Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular protected area, covering 1,978km². Located on the rift valley floor between Lakes George and Edward, the park offers breathtaking scenery. We'll arrive in time for dinner, with opportunities to spot birds along the way.

      • Driving distance: 3-5 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Bush Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 13: Whole Day Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

      Spend the day exploring the park's diverse habitats, starting with an early morning game drive in the open savannah. In the afternoon, take a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its high diversity of bird species, including African skimmer, Green-backed heron, African spoonbill, African crake, Water thick-knee three banded plover, Marsh, Green Wood and Common sand piper Gray headed gull, Plain martin lesser swamp-warbler, and yellow billed oxpecker.

      • Driving distance: 3-5 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Bush Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 14: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

      After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha, part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to a stunning array of bird species, including Black-faced rufous warbler, Grauer's warbler, Banded prinia, Black-faced apalis, and many more, such as Black-throated apalis, mountain masked apalis, Red-throated alethe, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Ashy flycatcher, and over 50 other species.

      • Driving distance: 4-5 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 15: Birding/Gorilla Trekking

      Begin the day early, with packed lunch, and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Spend an hour with the gorillas, photographing them as they interact, and marvel at the unforgettable experience of staring into their eyes. Please note that finding the gorillas may take anywhere from an hour to a full day, so be prepared.

      • Driving distance: 1-2 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 16: Bird Watching in Buhoma/Ruhija

      Spend the morning bird watching in Buhoma, then transfer to Ruhija, birding along the road. Look out for species such as Mountain Wagtail, Chin-spot Batis, Black-billed Turaco, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-tailed Greenbul, and various bee-eaters, including Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater.

      • Driving distance: 2-3 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Agandi Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 17: Birding in Ruhija - Mubwindi Swamp

      Descend 4 km to Mubwindi Swamp, dropping from 2350m to 2050m, in search of rift valley endemics, including Grauer's (African green) broadbill, Regal Sunbird, and Archer's Robin-chat. The swamp, at an elevation of 2050m, is home to Dwarf Honeyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Apalis, African Hill Babbler, Grauer's Scrub Warbler, Caruthers's Cisticola, and other species, such as Fraser's Eagle Owl, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Green Broadbill, Grauer's Rush Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, and Regal Sunbird.

      • Driving distance: 1 hour
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Agandi Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 18: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park via Echuya Forest

      After breakfast, proceed to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park through Echuya Forest. Look out for bird species such as Archer's Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, White-napped Raven, and Black-crowned Waxbill.

      • Driving distance: 4-5 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 19: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

      Embark on a trek through the scenic Mgahinga National Park, taking the gorge trail that loops halfway up Mt. Sabinyo. Explore a variety of montane habitats in search of bird species, including Handsome Francolin, Dusky Turtle Dove, Western Green Tinkerbird, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dwarf Honeyguide, and over 20 other species.

      • Driving distance: 1-2 hours
      • Activities: BIrding
      • Overnight: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 20: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park

      After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest savanna park. The park is home to a unique array of bird species, including:

      Woodland birds; Crested Francolin, Common Scimitar Bill, Spot-flanked Barbet, Trilling Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Northern Black Tit, Chin-spot Batis, Great Blue-eared Starling, and Marico Sunbird. Grassland birds; Coqui Francolin, Red-necked Spurfowl, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, African Wattled Plover, Rufous-napped and Lapped Larks, Rufous-chested Swallow, Yellow-throated Longclaw, and Southern Red Bishop.

      Papyrus specialties; Papyrus Gonolek. Nocturnal species; African Scops Owl, Verreaux's Eagle, and Fiery-necked, White-tailed, and Pennant-winged Nightjars.

      • Driving distance: 2-3 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 21: Game Drive and Birding on Boat

      After an early breakfast, embark on a birding excursion on foot along the park trails with an armed ranger. Then, proceed on a game and birding drive, increasing the chances of spotting mammals such as Zebras, Impalas, Elands, Topis, Buffaloes and giraffes.

      Focus on finding bird species, including Red-faced Barbet, Coqui Francolin, Brown-chested Plover, Tabora Cisticola, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Buff-bellied Warbler, Red-headed Weaver, Black-shouldered Cuckoo Shrike, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Green-capped Eremomela, Bare-faced Go-away-bird and Red-billed Wood Hoopoe among others.

      In the afternoon, we go for a boat cruise in search of; African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Giant Kingfisher.

      • Driving distance: 2-3 hours
      • Activities: Birding
      • Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
      • Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

      Day 22: Lake Mburo – Entebbe

      Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, followed by a debrief from your safari guide. Depending on your departure flight timings, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.

      Important: Check-in for international flights is required 2-3 hours prior to departure. After check-in, you'll find a restaurant, sitting area, and duty-free shops in the departure hall.

      • Driving distance: 5 hours
      • Activities: Driving back
      • Overnight: None
      • Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch /li>
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      A Luxury Safari Operator and Destination Management Company Providing Authentic Uganda Safaris Rooted in Conservation and Local Expertise

      Monday – Friday:
      09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

      Saturday – Sunday:
      07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

      Contact info

      Plot 530, Block 367, Mpogo, Busiro.
      P.O Box 115370, Wakiso.
      Kampala, Uganda

      +256 773 838 685
      [email protected] 

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