10 Day Uganda Birding Tour

($3571 – 2 Pax/pp)

 Overview:

Uganda Birding Safari: A 10-Day Journey Across Forests, Wetlands, and Savannah

This expertly guided 10-day birding safari offers an exceptional journey through Uganda’s most celebrated birding hotspots—from the papyrus swamps of Mabamba to the lush lowland forests of Semuliki. Designed for both passionate birders and adventurous naturalists, the itinerary covers a remarkable range of ecosystems, each home to rare and endemic species.

Your adventure begins at the world-famous Mabamba Swamp in search of the iconic Shoebill Stork before heading north through the savannah woodlands of the Luwero Triangle and the unique habitat of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. In Budongo Forest’s Royal Mile, one of Uganda’s most revered birding trails, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of forest species, including the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher and African Dwarf Kingfisher.

Murchison Falls National Park offers a dynamic blend of birding and wildlife viewing, from Nile river cruises to open grassland safaris, with chances to see Denham’s Bustard, Carmine Bee-eaters, and even Leopards. From there, the journey continues to Kibale Forest, famed for its Green-breasted Pitta and rich primate diversity, as well as the Bigodi Wetlands—a haven for wetland specialists and colorful finches.

The itinerary culminates in Semuliki National Park, a true birder’s paradise and the easternmost extension of the Congo Basin. Along the Kirumya Trail, you’ll search for some of Africa’s rarest forest species, such as the African Piculet, Capuchin Babbler, and Red-thighed Sparrowhawk.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy expert local guidance, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics as you explore one of Africa’s richest birding regions. Whether you’re chasing lifers or soaking in the scenic beauty, this Ugandan birding experience promises unforgettable encounters with avian biodiversity at its finest.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding at Mabamba Swamp

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional birding guide who will offer a short briefing about your upcoming safari. Depending on your arrival time, we begin with an introductory birding excursion to the renowned Mabamba Swamp—one of Uganda’s most important birding sites, especially known for the elusive Shoebill Stork.

As we navigate the swamp by canoe, we’ll also look out for key species such as the African and Lesser Jacana, White-backed Duck, African Pygmy Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, and the majestic African Fish Eagle. Additional highlights may include Great-white and Pink-backed Pelicans, Grey Parrots, Grey-crowned Cranes, Swamp Flycatcher, and African Goshawk.

Later in the day, continue birding through nearby habitats in search of species like the Yellow-throated Greenbul, Ross’s and Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white-casqued and Pied Hornbill, as well as various colorful weavers including Northern Brown-throated, Orange, Baglafecht, Yellow-backed and Weyns’s Weaver.

In the evening, we check in at 2 Friends Hotel – Entebbe, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Birding en Route to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Onward to Masindi

After an early breakfast, we begin our birding journey northward toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, traveling through the historically significant Luwero Triangle. This route offers rich birding opportunities in the savannah and woodland habitats along the way.

En route, keep an eye out for a variety of exciting species including Hooded Vulture, Black Kite, Marabou Stork, African Hoopoe, and both Greater and Lesser Blue-eared Starling. The region is also home to notable sightings such as White-crested Helmet-Shrike, Northern Puffback, Piapiac, and Meyer’s Parrot.

Additional highlights may include the White-crested Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, Broad-billed and Abyssinian Roller, Red-billed, Bar-breasted, and African Firefinch, as well as cuckoos like Diederik and Claas’s Cuckoo. With some luck, we may also encounter the iconic Shoebill Stork in the wetland patches along the way.

We continue to Masindi, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight will be at Masindi Kolping Hotel, a comfortable base to prepare for the birding adventures ahead.

Red-billed Wood-dove breeding – Budongo Royal Mile.

Day 3: Full-Day Birding in the Royal Mile – Budongo Forest

After an early breakfast, we set off with packed lunch for a full day of birding in one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations—the Royal Mile, located within Budongo Forest Reserve. This iconic trail, once reserved as a royal hunting ground for the King of Bunyoro, is now revered for its exceptional avifauna and biodiversity. The name “Royal Mile” reflects its regal history and its current status as a top birding hotspot.

The trail’s wide path, with forest cleared several meters on each side, offers excellent visibility into the canopy and understorey, making it ideal for spotting elusive forest species.

Today’s expected highlights include Yellow and Grey Longbill, Chestnut-capped, Yellow-footed and Forest Flycatchers, as well as Yellow-crested and Brown-eared Woodpeckers. Other prized sightings may include the Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Forest Robin, and three species of Illadopsis—Pale-breasted, Brown, and Puvel’s.

You’ll also search for a dazzling array of forest kingfishers including Blue-breasted, African Dwarf, African Pygmy, and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. The forest is also home to specialties such as Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Lemon-bellied and Green Crombec, Western Black-headed Oriole, and the majestic African Crowned Eagle.

Other likely sightings include various barbets—Hairy-breasted, Yellow-spotted, and Yellow-billed—alongside White-thighed and Black-&-white-casqued Hornbills, Jameson’s and Chestnut Wattle-eyes, and forest swifts like Sabine’s and Cassin’s Spinetail.

After a richly rewarding day in this biodiverse forest, we return to Masindi Kolping Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Birding Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, we check out with packed lunch and begin our birding transfer to Murchison Falls National Park — Uganda’s largest and one of its most spectacular protected areas. Spanning approximately 3,893 square kilometers, this iconic park hosts an exceptional diversity of wildlife, including over 78 species of mammals and nearly 450 bird species thriving across a mosaic of ecosystems. These range from open savannah grasslands and woodlands, to wetlands, riverine forests, and aquatic habitats along the Nile.

As we travel, we’ll bird along the way, keeping an eye out for some of the park’s specialties and regional highlights. Key species we may encounter include:

• Bat Hawk, Little Sparrowhawk
• Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Heuglin’s Francolin
• Black-bellied and Denham’s Bustards
• White-crested Turaco, Black-billed and Blue-spotted Wood-Dove
• Swallow-tailed, Red-throated, and Madagascar Bee-eaters
• Red-winged Grey Warbler, Fire-crested and Brown-chested Alethe
• Rock Pratincole, Pel’s Fishing Owl
• Black-crowned and Marsh Tchagra, among others

As we approach the park, the landscape opens up with stunning views of the savannah and distant Nile River escarpments—setting the mood for the adventures ahead.

In the evening, we check in to Fort Murchison Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy dinner amid the tranquil sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 5: Birding Murchison Falls National Park & Nile Launch Cruise

After an early breakfast, we set off with our packed lunch for a full day of birding and game viewing in Murchison Falls National Park, focusing on the Delta region, where the Nile fans out into the vast northern savannah.

This area offers a rich blend of big game and birdlife, creating a truly immersive safari experience. Among the mammals commonly sighted are African Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Ugandan Kob, Oribi, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Common Duiker, Jackals, Patus Monkeys, and—if luck is on our side—Lions and Leopards among others.

The birding opportunities are equally exciting. Key species we’ll be on the lookout for include:

• Black-bellied and Denham’s Bustard
• White-browed and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weavers
• Black-headed Lapwing, White-faced and Fulvous Whistling Ducks
• Broad-billed and Abyssinian Rollers
• Multiple Cisticola species such as Whistling, Singing, Black-backed, Croaking, and Foxy Cisticola
• Black-lored and Brown Babblers, Double-toothed and Black-billed Barbets
• Bee-eaters like the Northern Carmine, Red-throated, and Swallow-tailed
• Raptors including the Red-necked Falcon and the Martial Eagle
• Other noteworthy sightings may include White-headed Black Chat, African Quail-finch, and the elusive Shoebill Stork near the Delta swamps

In the afternoon, we embark on a Nile launch cruise to the base of the iconic Murchison Falls. This tranquil boat journey, typically lasting about 3 hours, allows for close-up views of aquatic and riverside species, as well as congregations of hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife cooling off at the water’s edge.

After the cruise, we return to the lodge for a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and overnight at Fort Murchison Lodge.

Day 6: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park

After an early breakfast, we depart with our packed lunch for the scenic journey to Kibale National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving primate population. Today’s drive offers a rewarding immersion into Uganda’s diverse landscapes and rural charm.

Our route winds through the Buliisa escarpment, offering spectacular views over the Albertine Rift Valley and Lake Albert. We continue through the cultural town of Hoima, across the rolling hills of Kagadi, and past the lush tea plantations of Kabarole District, near Fort Portal — one of Uganda’s most picturesque regions.

While today is primarily a travel day with limited birding en route, we still remain alert for notable species. Along the way, we may encounter:

• Vinaceous Dove, Mocking Cliff-Chat, and Rufous Sparrow
• Cut-throat Finch, Beautiful Sunbird
• White-browed and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weavers
• Foxy Cisticola, Black-billed Barbet
• Lesser and Greater Blue-eared Starlings
• Wetland specialists like the White-winged Warbler and Papyrus Gonolek

We arrive at Kibale Forest Lodge in the early evening, where you’ll check in and unwind. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge complete the day.

Day 7: Birding in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, we set off for a rewarding birding expedition in Kibale National Park—a biodiversity haven boasting over 335 recorded bird species and a thriving primate population, including more than 1,000 Chimpanzees and 12 other primate species.

Our morning birding walk will take us into the heart of the forest in search of some of the region’s most elusive and sought-after species. Highlights may include:

• Green-breasted Pitta, Olive Pigeon, and Afep Pigeon
• Black Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
• Red-capped and Grey-winged Robin-Chat
• African Crowned Eagle, Fairy-breasted, Yellow-spotted, and Yellow-billed Barbets
• African Broadbill, Willcock’s and Thick-billed Honeyguides
• Honeyguide Greenbul, Purple-headed and Chestnut-winged Starling
• Dark-backed and Black-necked Weavers
• Forest dwellers like Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Red-chested Owlet, Red-headed Bluebill, and Brown and Scaly Illadopsis

After a fulfilling morning in the forest, we return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest.

In the afternoon, we venture to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk and another opportunity to encounter wetland specialists and forest-edge species. This community-managed conservation area is a birding gem in its own right.

Target species here may include:

• Buff-spotted and Brown-eared Woodpecker
• Shining-blue Kingfisher, White-collared Oliveback
• Joyful Greenbul, Dark-capped and Papyrus Yellow Warbler
• Papyrus Gonolek, White-tailed Ant-thrush
• Green-backed Twinspot, White-spotted Flufftail, among others

We return to the comfort of Kibale Forest Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Birding Transfer to Semuliki National Park

After an early breakfast, we depart with packed lunch and begin our journey to Semuliki National Park, nestled on the bottom of the Albertine Rift Valley. This biologically rich park is an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin, making it one of the most unique birding destinations in East Africa.

Semuliki represents the easternmost reach of the Guinea-Congo biome, offering exceptional opportunities to encounter West African forest species rarely observed elsewhere in East Africa. The scenic drive itself offers intermittent birding stops, with increasing forest density as we approach the park.

Upon arrival and during our initial birding in the area, we will look out for key specialties such as:

• Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Spot-breasted Ibis, and Nkulengu Rail
• Elusive forest gems like the Northern Bearded Scrub-Robin, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Grant’s Bluebill, and Black-bellied Seedcracker
• A remarkable diversity of hornbills, including White-crested, Red-billed Dwarf, Black Dwarf, Black-casqued Wattled, White-thighed, and Piping Hornbill
• Forest kingfishers such as the Shining-blue, Chocolate-backed, and White-bellied Kingfisher
• Noteworthy cuckoos like the Barred Long-tailed, Olive Long-tailed, and Yellow-throated Cuckoo
• Raptors including the Long-tailed Hawk and Red-thighed Sparrowhawk

In the evening, we check in at Bumaga Camp, where we’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of Semuliki’s lush lowland forest.

Day 9: Full-Day Birding on the Kirumya Trail – Semuliki National Park

After an early breakfast, we embark on a full-day birding adventure along the renowned Kirumya Trail within Semuliki National Park, equipped with packed lunch for a full immersion in this biodiversity hotspot.

Semuliki is one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations, offering a remarkable array of Guinea-Congo biome endemics and forest specialists. The Kirumya Trail, in particular, provides access to some of the rarest and most sought-after species in East Africa, making it a highlight for any serious birder.

Today’s specialties may include:

• African Piculet, Fire-crested Alethe, and Capuchin Babbler
• Elusive hornbills and honeyguides like the Lyre-tailed, Spotted, and Zenker’s Honeyguide
• Cuckoos and crombecs such as the Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Nicator, and Lemon-bellied Crombec
• Forest greenbuls including Xavier’s, Icterine, Sassi’s, Olive, and Simple Greenbul
• Canopy and undergrowth dwellers like the Orange-tufted Sunbird, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Red-billed Helmet-Shrike, Forest Scrub-Robin, and Green-tailed Bristlebill
• Other highlights may include the Long-tailed Hawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Black-collared Lovebird, White-throated Blue Swallow, Nkulengu Rail, and Ituri Batis

The forest is alive with sound and movement throughout the day, making each step along the trail an opportunity for unique sightings and rewarding photography.

We return to Bumaga Camp in the evening for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by the nocturnal sounds of the African forest.

Day 10: Birding En Route – Transfer to Entebbe & Departure

After an early breakfast, we check out and begin our return journey to Entebbe, birding en route through the scenic countryside via Mubende and Mityana towns. Although this is a travel day, we remain attentive to birding opportunities along the road, with possible sightings in woodland edges, wetlands, and roadside thickets.

Depending on the timing of your international flight, we aim to arrive in Entebbe by early afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be transferred directly to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey home, marking the end of a memorable birding expedition across Uganda.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again on another adventure with us!

Highlights of this 10 Day Uganda Birding Tour:

• Birding watching through some of Uganda’s birding hot spots.
• Birding & Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
• Birding the Royal Mile, Budongo Forest.
• Birding Game drives at Murchison Falls national park.
• Birding boat launch on the Mighty River Nile, MFNP.
• Chimpanzee trekking & Birding at Kibale forest national park
• Bird watching at Semliki forest national park.
• Guinea-Congo Biome Species at Semliki Forest NP.

Safari Summary

Tour Duration: 10 Days & 9 Nights

Departure / Return Location: Entebbe, Uganda

Destinations on Tour:

1. Entebbe
2. Mabamba Wetland Sanctuary
3. Rhino Trekking & Birding at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
4. Birding the Royal Mile, Budongo Forest
5. Birding Game Drive & Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls NP.
6. Bird Watching at Kibale National Park
7. Birding Nature Walk at Semliki National Park.
8. Entebbe

Quotation 2 Pax / Per Person: $ 3571 High Season & $3207 Low Season.

Terrain Safaris Itinerary

Book your 10 Day Birding Tour Today:
Here are some of our tours; Birding Budongo Royal Mile – Semliki Forest Birding – Birding Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Birding Murchison Falls National Park.

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