13 Days Birding Uganda with Encounter To Primates.

13 Days Birding Uganda with Encounter to Primates.

13 Days | 12 Nights

Uganda is a dream destination for passionate birders — a land where dense rainforests, rich wetlands, sweeping savannahs, and towering mountains unite to create one of Earth’s most biodiverse birding havens. With more than 1,070 recorded species — almost 60% of Africa’s birds — Uganda offers an unmatched chance to explore rare and globally sought-after species within a remarkably compact area.

This comprehensive 13-day birding expedition is crafted for true bird lovers and nature enthusiasts seeking a highly rewarding experience. From the legendary wetlands of Mabamba, home of the prehistoric Shoebill, to the mystical forests of Bwindi, sanctuary to both Albertine Rift Endemics and the majestic Mountain Gorillas, every day unfolds extraordinary discoveries.

Enjoy breathtaking bird photography moments while cruising along the Kazinga Channel, track playful chimpanzees beneath the towering canopy of Kibale Forest, and explore the open woodlands of Lake Mburo in search of iconic savannah species. Along the way, expect encounters with dazzling turacos, vibrant sunbirds, graceful kingfishers, hard-to-find pittas, and a wealth of raptors that dominate the skies.

Day 1

Karibu Uganda.

Entebbe sits on a peninsula along the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It is the gateway to Uganda and an excellent introduction to East African birding. Botanical Gardens showcase a blend of remnant tropical forest, towering palms, and lakeshore habitats that attract both forest and water birds. Its calm nature makes arrival day relaxing yet productive for birders. Habitat: Lake Victorian shores & moist woodland Birding Sites: •⁠ ⁠Entebbe Botanical Gardens •⁠ ⁠Lutembe Bay (optional — Ramsar site) Target Species: Palm-nut Vulture, Great Blue Turaco African; Grey Parrot' Orange Weaver, Slender-billed Weaver, Eastern Plantain-eater, Giant & Woodland Kingfishers. Evening introduction walk & briefing.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: 2 Friends

Day 2

Mabamba Wetlands → Lake Mburo NP

Mabamba Bay Wetland is a protected Ramsar Site famous for the Shoebill. Vast papyrus swamps stretch into Lake Victoria, navigated by local canoe guides who support community bird conservation. After birding, you drive through rolling cattle farmlands of Western Uganda toward Lake Mburo. Habitat: Papyrus wetlands, swamp channels Birding Style: Canoe-based birding with local guides Our Top Target Bird Species: Shoebill (high success rate!) Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Swamp Flycatcher, African Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing After we transfer 📍 Lake Mburo National Park A compact scenic park dotted with lakes and acacia woodland. It’s the only park in Uganda with Burchell’s Zebra and Elands in high numbers. The rocky savannah, scattered fig trees, and lake edges support a diverse bird list of more than 350 species, including savannah specials.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Kigarama Lodge

Day 3

Fully Day Birding Lake Mburo National Park

You explore more of Mburo’s mosaic of habitats: acacia woodlands, wooded gorges, wetlands, and grasslands. A boat ride reveals lake-dwelling species and crocodiles basking along reeds. Mburo is also known for night birding, with potential sightings of owls and nightjars. Habitat: Savannah, acacia woodland, rocky outcrops, lakeshores Top Birding Locations: •⁠ ⁠Rwonyo Peninsula •⁠ ⁠Miriti & Kigambira loops •⁠ ⁠Boat cruise on Lake Mburo Our most searched top target species: Red-faced Barbet (Uganda’s best site!) Bateleur, Crested Barbet Bare-faced Go-away-bird African Finfoot (boat cruise highlight!) Brown-chested ,Lapwing (seasonal Aug–Feb) Rufous-bellied Heron, Giant Kingfisher,Also excellent for Zebra & Elands.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Kigarama Lodge

Day 4

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Ruhija)

The journey climbs into the highlands near Kabale, with sweeping views of the Kigezi terraced hills known as the Switzerland of Uganda. 📍 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — Ruhija Sector A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest surviving tropical forests, refuge to half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas. It lies within the Albertine Rift, a biodiversity hotspot with extremely high levels of endemism — especially birds and primates. Habitat: Afro-montane forest edge birding en-route Birding Stops: •⁠ ⁠Igongo hillsides •⁠ ⁠Kabale Highlands lookout points Our Eves top target Species: Black-billed Turaco,Mountain Buzzard, Regal Sunbird, Golden-breasted Bunting Arrive in Ruhija — cool high altitudes with mist forests.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Agandi Uganda Lodge

Day 5

Mubwindi Swamp Birding Trail (Bwindi)

This trail descends deep into pristine Afro-montane forest. Mubwindi Swamp is famous for rare species and untouched wilderness. Mist often blankets the forest canopy, giving the area a mythical feel. The trek is rewarding both scenically and ornithologically This is Signature Birding Day — Albertine Rift Endemics Habitat: Mature montane forest & Mubwidi swamp at 2,100–2,500m Head out for top Target Species. African Green Broadbill ✅ Key target, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (very local) Handsome Francolin,Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird White-starred Robin: This trail produces rare specials and high counts.

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Agandi Uganda Lodge

Day 6

Go For Gorilla Trekking.

This is Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experience — trekking through thick vines and giant mahogany trees to meet Mountain Gorillas in their natural ancient habitat. Afternoon birding allows you to explore Bwindi’s varied heights and ecosystems. Experience: Gorilla tracking with ranger guides After lunch: Birding near trails / bamboo zone Our Highlight Eves Target Species: Rwenzori Turaco, Black Bee-eater, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Shelley's Crimsonwing (very rare but possible)

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs

Day 7

Bwindi N Park → Queen Elizabeth NP (Ishasha Sector)

Descending from Bwindi’s green highlands into the warmer lowlands, landscapes open into acacia savannah — a preview of Queen Elizabeth National Park. 📍 Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector One of the most scenic savannah parks in Africa, bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward. Famous for tree-climbing lions, rich birdlife, forests, and sweeping plains formed by ancient volcanic activity. Habitat: Riverine woodland → Savanna grasslands Birding en-route: Marshes & Kazinga Channel plains Target Species: African Crake Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-backed Night Heron, African Skimmer (near water) Bonus Wildlife: Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Elephant Hub Lodge

Day 8

(Queen Elizabeth NP) – Savannah & Kazinga Channel

The Kasenyi plains offer classic East African scenery with lions, elephants, and antelopes. In the afternoon, a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lakes Edward & George, reveals the world’s highest concentration of hippos and abundant water birds. It’s both wildlife and birdwatchers’ paradise. Morning Birding: Kasenyi Plains — grassland species Afternoon: Kazinga Channel boat safari Target Species: African Skimmer, Saddle-billed Stork, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Red-throated Bee-eater, Gull-billed & Caspian Terns, Game: Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos (huge numbers!)

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Elephant Hub Lodge

Day 9

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

A scenic drive north takes you into the crater lake region — lush hills with sparkling volcanic lakes. 📍 Kibale Forest National Park Known as the primate capital of the world, home to 13 primate species including Chimpanzees. Its evergreen forests and swamps support a remarkable bird community. Afternoon visit: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary — a community-led conservation model supporting both birds and local livelihoods Habitat: Tropical lowland forest with swamp forest What our Checklist Targeting of Eve Species: White-spotted Flufftail, Black Bishop, White-collared Oliveback, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Grey-winged Robin-Chat

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge

Day 10

Chimpanzee Trekking - Kibale Forest Birding

Trekking chimpanzees in dense forest is thrilling — you get to observe their social behaviour , feeding habits, and communication calls. Kibale offers a deep rain forest atmosphere with buttress-rooted giants and thick undergrowth — superb habitat for forest birding. Birding priority target: Green-breasted Pitta (June–Aug best, but year-round possible!) Yellow-spotted Barbet, African Emerald Cuckoo, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Chestnut-winged Starling, Chance to see: Red Colobus, Blue Monkeys

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge

Day 11

Budongo Forest → Murchison Falls NP

Budongo Forest lies at the top of the Albertine Rift Valley. The Royal Mile is legendary among birders — a long flat trail under towering mahoganies, home to Congo-forest species rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa. Afterward, continue to the largest national park in Uganda: 📍 Murchison Falls National Park Where the Nile River forces itself through a 7-meter narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. The park features vast savannah, riverine woodland, and wetlands supporting northern special birds and large mammals. Habitat: Lowland Congo biome Royal Mile (Budongo Forest),Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Barbet, White-thighed Hornbill, Ituri Batis

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Pakuba Lodge

Day 12

Murchison Falls National Park is a paradise for bird lovers. With over 450 recorded bird species, this park offers some of the best birding experiences in Uganda. From raptors soaring above the Nile to colourful kingfishers along the riverbanks, every turn is a photo opportunity for avid birders. A boat expedition to the Nile Delta is ideal for a second Shoebill search. Game drives on the plains present wide horizons, palm-dotted landscapes, lions, giraffes, hartebeests, plus diverse raptors. epart on a Delta-style boat along the Nile toward the delta wetlands. Cruise through scenic channels and papyrus swamps. Birding highlights include: Shoebill Stork (if lucky),African Darter, Wattled Lapwing, Goliath Heron Enjoy a picnic lunch on the boat or nearby riverbank while continuing to watch birds and river scenery. Cruise deeper into the delta channels for rare and riverine species, like Malachite Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana Guides will help spot hidden species in the papyrus and reeds. Evening birding walk near the lodge, Red-throated Bee-eater, Ross’s Turaco White-browed Sparrow-Weaver

Main Destination:

Accommodation: Pakuba Lodge

Day 13

Transfer Back To Entebbe with Birding In-route.

After Breakfast, We start our Journey from Murchison falls heading to Entebbe, Its amazing Journey full of Birds on streets including the Long creasted Eagles, Pelicans Raptors, Stocks, Pin tailed Wydahs, Kites and many others. Arrive to our starting Destination and have our last check list marked for the life time,Memories

Main Destination:

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