10 Days Birding Safari Uganda | Birding Uganda’s Best Sites with Expats
An Exclusive 10 Days Birding Safari in Uganda through all the Top Birding Destination Sites in Uganda.
Our 10 Days Birding Safari in Uganda is a one-of-a-kind birding excursion you’ll never want to be part of. Taking you to all the top birding destinations in Uganda. This tour will take you to various sites and the most important destinations for your birding enjoyment. You are surely going to enjoy your vacation to the last day.
Day 1: Mabamba Shoebill Tracking.
From your Hotel, drive through the swampy extensions of Lake Victoria to the Mabamba Wetland Site. At this spot, the chances of seeing the sought-after Shoebill are high because these birds love swampy areas. I must tell you that you will see other bird species. Later, drive back to your Lodge/Hotel.
Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park, 350 km, 6 hours
Early in the morning, drive west to Kibale Forest National Park. We shall go through upcountry woodlands, cultivated fields, and tea plantations till we reach our first destination. After checking in at the Lodge, we can either take a walk around to see the birds as the sun sets or stay at the Lodge to relax and prepare for dinner.
Kibale Forest has an estimated 355 bird species. Contains high numbers of the Green-breasted Pitta and other primates in the Park.
Overnight: At Kibale Forest Camp (FB) / Primate Lodge (FB)
Day 3: Kibale Forest National Park
Get breakfast, and do a birding nature walk through the Park. Among the many birds you should expect to see are the African Pitta and crested guinea fowl. Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Grey Apalis, and White-naped Pigeon, among others.
In the afternoon, have a nature walk through the Bigodi swamp. While hiking the trails, you’ll see endemic papyrus species such as the Papyrus Gonolek.
Birding alongside chimpanzee habituation in the forest is possible (optional).
Overnight: At Kibale Forest Camp (FB) / Primate Lodge (FB)
Day 4: Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth 160 km, 4 hours
Today, we then transfer to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Views of the beautiful Mountains of the Moon all the way. A stopover at the Equator, refresh, take photos, then continue with the journey.
Once you reach the Park, you will embark on an afternoon game drive that continues until sunset. Because experts rank this Park as the best birding destination in Uganda, you can discover over 600 different bird species living within its forest.
Expect to see birds like the black bee-eater, Caruthers cisticola, martial eagle, Temminck’s courser, and Verreaux’s eagle-owl, among others. Later, head to the Lodge for dinner and rest.
Overnight: At Kasenyi Safari Camp / Mweya Safari Lodge (FB)
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Following breakfast, we will have a morning game drive in the Park, running along the tracks of the Kasenyi plains, lying west of the national Park. This area is famous for its predators, including lions, hyenas, and leopards. Antelopes and warthogs occasionally act as prey to these big cats in the area. Our lunch will be at the Lodge. Later on, the driver will take you down to the Kazinga channel for an exciting boat cruise.
The boat will take you close to animals that live in and around the water, and you will see them up close. You’ll have a very scenic photo shoot moment. Hippos, buffalo, elephants, giant forest hogs, and crocodiles are quite numerous at this place.
Birds that feed in the water, for example, the African Skimmer and kingfishers, are always flying in space. The cruise ends at Lake Edward, with stunning views of the distant border mountains in Congo. Transfer back to the Lodge, have dinner, and rest.
Overnight: At Kasenyi Safari Camp / Mweya Safari Lodge (FB)
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Ishasha.
We will do a morning game drive while transferring southwards to the Ishasha sector. Drive to the Lodge and check in, have lunch, and relax. Later in the afternoon, we shall enjoy a calm sunset game drive with birdwatching and a search for the tree-climbing lions.
This drive runs up to the river camp.
Overnight: At Ishasha Jungle Lodge / Ishasha Wilderness Camp (FB)
Day 7: Ishasha to Bwindi National Park.
After you finish breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As we travel through the wooded and hilly villages, you will spot several birds in the roadside forests. Since Bwindi is a unique montane forest, it shelters a wide range of wildlife and bird species. Furthermore, Bwindi remains one of only two places in the world where you can find endangered mountain gorillas. In fact, this Park alone hosts half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population!
Overnight: At Gorilla Mist Camp / Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB)
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on the trails, Birding.
Head off for forest birding after breakfast; You will find numerous birds, including the Ashy Flycatcher and Banded Prinia: black-billed Turaco, Bronze-naped Pigeon, red-throated Alethe, and Oriole Finch. Rwenzori Batis and White-bellied Robin are on the list too.
In the afternoon, you will go birding along the forest edges to spot local species. Alternatively, you can choose to go gorilla tracking on this very same day. Once you find the troop, you will spend one full hour observing the gorillas up close. Consequently, this encounter will provide you with a powerful experience and memories that last a lifetime.
Overnight: At Gorilla Mist Camp / Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB)
Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Lake Mburo National Park.
Unlike other days, we shall have breakfast and relax. Later on, at our own pace, drive through mountains and hills to Lake Mburo. It is mostly woodland, harbouring beautiful bird species and a variety of mammals. Big animals you should expect to find in the Park are: leopards, hyenas, zebras, and the rare Eland antelopes. However, hippos and crocodiles are common sights in and around the lake.
Later on, a game drive, Birding, and viewing more wildlife will surely treat you well for the afternoon. Afterwards, return to the Lodge and relax.
Overnight: At Rwakobo Rock / Mihingo Lodge (FB)
Day 10: Lake Mburo to Kampala or Entebbe.
First, we will serve you a hot cup of coffee or tea to start your morning. Next, we will take you for a guided game walk in the Park so you can see the birds up close. Because birding on foot in an African Park offers such a thrilling experience, you will surely enjoy every moment. Finally, we will return to the Lodge for a hearty breakfast.
Then set off to Entebbe because you’ll need to catch your flight on time. A lunch break will be at the Equator.
End of the 10 Days Birding Safari in Uganda.
The 10 Days Birding Safari Uganda Price includes:
- Ground transfers
- 4×4 custom-built safari vehicle
- knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
- Bottled drinking water
- Accommodations with the mentioned meals
- Entrance fees to the National Parks and sites
Optional Activities
- The Chimpanzee tracking – USD 250 per person
- Chimpanzee Habituation – USD 300 per person
- For Gorilla tracking – USD 800 per person
- Gorilla Habituation – USD 1500 per person
The Price excludes: All activities not mentioned in the Itinerary; insurance; flights and visas for Uganda; All Meals and drinks not included with the accommodations; Tips; and personal expenses such as laundry and communications.