15-Day Birding Safari in Uganda

Morning transfer to Mabamba Swamp for canoe birding. The highlight is the Shoebill Stork, along with Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and Lesser Jacana. Afterward, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, birding en route.

Overnight (Lake Mburo):

• Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
• Midrange: Rwakobo Rock
• Budget: Eagles’ Nest Lodge

Enjoy a game drive and birding in the acacia woodland. Species may include Red-faced Barbet, Black-collared Barbet, Brown Parrot, and Green-capped Eremomela. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Mburo for African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, and Malachite Kingfisher.

Overnight: Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

• Midrange: Rwakobo Rock
• Budget: Eagles’ Nest Lodge

Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, birding along the way through rolling highlands and forest patches. Target species may include Black Bee-eater and Dusky Twinspot. Arrive in Ruhija or Buhoma sector.

Overnight (Bwindi):

• Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Lodge
• Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
• Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp

Spend two full days birding in Bwindi Forest, focusing on Albertine Rift endemics such as:

• African Green Broadbill
• Shelley's Crimsonwing
• Handsome Francolin
• Ruwenzori Batis
• Regal Sunbird
  Optional gorilla tracking (pre-booking required).

Overnight:

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with birding stops along the way. Look for savannah species and raptors. In Ishasha, keep an eye out for Black-bellied Bustard, Bateleur, and Martial Eagle.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
• Midrange: Enjojo Lodge
• Budget: At the River Ishasha Lodge

Morning game drive in Ishasha, then continue to Mweya Peninsula. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a haven for African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, and Yellow-billed Stork.

Overnight (Mweya):

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
• Budget: Bush Lodge

Morning bird walk in Maramagambo Forest to look for White-naped Pigeon, Black Bee-eater, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Afterward, drive to Kibale Forest National Park.

Overnight (Kibale):

• Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
• Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
• Budget: Kibale Forest Camp

Early morning trek in Kibale to search for the elusive Green-breasted Pitta. Continue with forest birding for species like Dusky-blue Flycatcher and Purple-headed Starling. In the afternoon, bird in Bigodi Swamp for White-spotted Flufftail, Speckled Tinkerbird, and Papyrus Gonolek.

Overnight: Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

• Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
• Budget: Kibale Forest Camp

Drive to Semuliki National Park, birding en route in the lowland forests. Semuliki is home to Central African species found nowhere else in East Africa. Evening/night birding for African Wood Owl, Buff-spotted Flufftail, and Nightjars.

Overnight:

• Midrange: Semuliki Safari Lodge
• Budget: UWA Bandas

Bird in the forest trails for rare species like:

• Long-tailed Hawk
• White-crested Hornbill
• Nkulengu Rail
• Black Dwarf Hornbill
• Congo Serpent Eagle

Overnight: Midrange: Semuliki Safari Lodge

• Budget: UWA Bandas

After early breakfast, drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping along the Albertine Rift escarpments. Expect roadside species like African Grey Parrot, Piapiac, and Bronze-tailed Starling.

Overnight (Murchison Falls):

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp

Take a morning game drive on the northern banks, looking for Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, and Northern Carmine Bee-eater. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls for Goliath Heron, Rock Pratincole, and other waterbirds.

• Overnight: Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp

Stop at Budongo Forest Reserve for woodland and forest species like Puvel’s Illadopsis and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. Continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for birding and a chance to spot rhinos on foot. Return to Entebbe in the evening.