Uganda offers one of the most diverse birding and wildlife safari experiences in Africa, spanning lakes, wetlands, rainforest, savannah, and riverine forests. This 12-day adventure immerses travelers in rich ecosystems, delivering unforgettable encounters with both rare birds and iconic African wildlife.

Start at Lake Mburo National Park, a compact but highly diverse park. Its mix of lakes, wetlands, acacia woodlands, and savannah is home to over 330 bird species and numerous mammals, including zebras, impalas, topis, elands, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, walking safaris, and game drives, making it ideal for close wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Next, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers lush rainforest, misty valleys, and pristine forest ecosystems. With more than 350 bird species, 130 mammal species, and several primates, it is a haven for forest birding. Endemic and rare species such as the Regal Sunbird, Ludher’s Bush-shrike, and Xavier’s Greenbul make every hike rewarding. Gorilla trekking is also an optional highlight in this iconic park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park showcases savannah plains, forested gorges, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel, which attracts an abundance of birds and wildlife. With over 600 bird species, including wetland and raptor species, and large populations of elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and primates, the park delivers both spectacular birding and game viewing experiences.

Murchison Falls National Park features the mighty Nile forcing its way through a narrow gorge into a breathtaking waterfall. Its diverse habitats support approximately 460 bird species, as well as large mammals like elephants, lions, buffaloes, crocodiles, and hippos, providing unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities.

Finally, Budongo Forest Reserve is a semi-deciduous rainforest teeming with rare and endemic forest birds, including the African Dwarf Kingfisher, Rufous-crowned Eramomella, and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. Walking the Royal Mile Trail allows for immersive birding and encounters with primates in a pristine ecosystem.

This safari combines birdwatching, wildlife spotting, walking and boat safaris, offering nature enthusiasts, photographers, and birders a comprehensive and unforgettable East African adventure.

African Finfoot swimming along the shoreline at Lake Mburo National Park Uganda

Overview

Itinerary

Experience Uganda’s ultimate birding safari across iconic destinations including Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Budongo Forest. Spot over 460 bird species, rare endemics, and iconic African wildlife. Enjoy boat safaris, game drives, rainforest walks, and breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable East African birdwatching adventure.

Highlights

Explore Uganda’s premier birding destinations: Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Budongo Forest.
Spot over 460 bird species, including rare and endemic forest birds.
Encounter iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, and primates.
Enjoy immersive experiences: boat safaris, walking safaris, and game drives.
Witness stunning landscapes: crater lakes, savannah plains, wetlands, and rainforest valleys.
Optional gorilla trekking in Bwindi for a unique wildlife encounter.
Ideal for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive East African safari.

Day 01 :

Mabamba Swamp & Lake Mburo National Park

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up followed by a short safari briefing, preparing you for an exciting Uganda birding safari. First, travel to the Mabamba Swamp, a renowned Ramsar Site along the shores of Lake Victoria, famous for its unique and rare bird species.

Along the way, enjoy active roadside birding, spotting species like Blue-eared Starlings, Chocolate Kingfishers, and Red-chested Cuckoos. At Mabamba, embark on a guided boat ride through the swamp’s winding waterways, home to the elusive Shoebill, Black Crakes, Common Moorhens, and a variety of other wetland birds. This experience is a highlight for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike.

After a fulfilling morning at Mabamba, continue your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, enjoying additional birding stops along the way. On route, cross the Equator in Uganda, a fun and memorable photo opportunity. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo, start exploring the park’s diverse habitats, from savannah plains to acacia woodlands, recording your first sightings of this region’s endemic and migratory birds until sunset.

Conclude your day with dinner and overnight stay at Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, reflecting on the day’s sightings and preparing for the following day’s birding and wildlife adventures.

Accommodation: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 02 :

Birding and Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, embark on a full day of birdwatching and game drives in Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s most scenic and wildlife-rich parks. Despite being one of the smaller parks, it is home to over 330 bird species and a wide variety of mammals.

During your morning game drive, look out for antelopes such as Topis, Impalas, Oribis, and Elands, as well as Zebras, Buffaloes, Warthogs, Baboons, and Cliffspringers. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting rare and specialty birds including the Shoebill Stork, African Finfoot, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, White-winged Warbler, Saddle-billed Stork, Brown-chested Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, Red-faced Cisticola, Trilling Cisticola, Long-tailed (Tabora) Cisticola, Caruther’s Cisticola, Greater Snipe, Spot-flanked Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Crested Barbet, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Brown Snake-Eagle, Yellow-breasted Apalis, White-winged Black Tit, Broad-billed Roller, Lilac-breasted Roller, Crested Francolin, and Coqui Francolin.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, before heading out in the afternoon for a scenic boat cruise on Lake Mburo. This provides a different perspective of the park’s wetlands and lakeside habitats, offering excellent opportunities to spot hippos, waterbirds, and other aquatic wildlife.

End the day with dinner and overnight at Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, reflecting on a full day of birding, wildlife encounters, and photography opportunities.

Accommodation: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 03 :

Lake Mburo to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your day with an early morning bush walk in Lake Mburo National Park, exploring the park’s savannah and woodland habitats up close. Spot zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, oribis, and Defassa waterbucks, enjoying the chance to observe wildlife in their natural environment before breakfast.

Afterward, depart for Mbarara, making a cultural stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre, home to the Ankole Museum. This provides a fascinating insight into the rich heritage and traditions of the Ankole people. Pause for lunch at a local hotel before continuing your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the lushest highland rainforests in the world.

Bwindi is famous for its dense forests, misty valleys, hilltops, and papyrus swamps, hosting a remarkable variety of primates and exotic bird species, including numerous endemics. The forest is also renowned as the home of the mountain gorillas, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.

Conclude your day with dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this extraordinary rainforest ecosystem, preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking and birding adventures.

Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 04 :

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Birding & Wildlife

After breakfast, spend the full day exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Uganda’s most remarkable rainforests. This park is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting over 350 bird species, 310 butterfly species, 130 mammals, and several rare primates, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

During your day, search for rare and forest-specialist birds including the Regal Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Ludher’s Bush-shrike, Petits Cuckoo-shrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Xavier’s Greenbul, and Kivu Groundthrush. The dense forest offers excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation in its pristine valleys, hilltops, and papyrus swamps.

For those interested, there is an optional gorilla trekking experience available on Day 4. This allows visitors to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter and a highlight of any Uganda safari adventure.

Conclude your day with dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge, enjoying the sounds of the Bwindi rainforest at dusk, and preparing for the next day’s journey to the extensive birding and wildlife habitats of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 05 & 06 :

Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most visited and iconic wildlife destinations. Over the next two days, enjoy relaxation and wildlife exploration in this park, renowned for its diverse habitats that make it a haven for both birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The park features a unique mix of crater lakes, forested gorges, savannah plains, wetlands, rivers, and the famous Kazinga Channel, which is home to abundant hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth offers one of the richest birding experiences in Uganda, from forest-dwelling species to wetland and savannah birds.

Expect thrilling game drives, with chances to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, warthogs, antelopes, and various primates, making every moment a memorable wildlife encounter. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is a highlight, offering excellent wildlife photography opportunities and up-close sightings of flamingos, African fish eagles, and other iconic species.

Spend your evenings at Mweya Safari Lodge, enjoying the stunning views over the Kazinga Channel and reflecting on the day’s sightings. These two days promise a perfect combination of birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and relaxation, making it a highlight of your Uganda safari adventure.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 07 :

Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey towards Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s renowned primate and birding hotspot. En route, make a short stop at Sebitoli Forest Camp to spot special bird species, including the Black Bee-Eater, Blue Malkoha, White-chinned Prinia, and Speckled Pigeon, among many other rare and forest-dwelling birds.

Continue deeper into Kibale Forest, where a short birding session allows you to explore its lush rainforest habitats and potentially spot more endemic and exotic bird species. This forest is famous not only for its diverse avifauna but also as a sanctuary for primates, including chimpanzees, making it a highlight for any Uganda wildlife and birdwatching safari.

Return to Ndali Lodge in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings, preparing for the next day’s full birding and wildlife exploration in Kibale. The lodge offers comfort and views of the enchanting forest, making it the perfect base for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 08 :

Full Day Birding in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Swamp

Start your day with an early morning birding session in Kibale National Park, one of Uganda’s top birdwatching destinations. The park is home to an impressive variety of forest and endemic birds, making it a paradise for birding enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for rare and vibrant species that thrive in this lush rainforest ecosystem.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a birdwatcher’s haven located within the park. Here, enjoy close encounters with some of Uganda’s most beautiful birds, including the Shining Blue Kingfisher, White-browed Robin-chat, Red-chested Sunbird, White-headed Saw-wing, and Tawny-flanked Prinia. The sanctuary’s marshes, papyrus swamps, and forest edges provide excellent habitats for a wide array of colorful and responsive bird species, making it one of the most rewarding experiences in the region.

Return to Ndali Lodge in the late afternoon to relax and reflect on the day’s birding and wildlife discoveries. The lodge’s serene surroundings and comfortable amenities make it an ideal base for nature lovers and birdwatchers exploring Kibale National Park.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 09 :

Kibale National Park to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park and head to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserve. The park is dominated by the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the River Nile surges through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

Murchison Falls is not only a visual marvel but also a wildlife paradise, home to Africa’s Big Five – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino. Large herds of elephants gather along the Nile to drink and bathe, while Nile crocodiles lurk near the riverbanks, offering thrilling wildlife encounters. The park also boasts an incredible bird diversity, with over 460 recorded bird species, making it a top destination for birdwatchers in Uganda.

Expect to spot Red-throated Bee-eater, Eurasian Curlew, Black-billed Barbet, White-headed Barbet, Denham’s Bustard, Southern and Northern Carmine Bee-Eater, Rüppell’s Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Silverbird, and Black-billed Wood Dove, among many others. The mix of savannah, woodland, and riverine habitats ensures unforgettable birding and wildlife experiences throughout your visit.

Conclude your day with dinner and overnight at Murchison River Lodge, enjoying the serene views of the Nile and surrounding wilderness, and preparing for the next day’s adventure exploring the falls and river cruise experiences.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 10 :

Full Day at Murchison Falls National Park

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, focusing on spotting rare and endemic bird species in the park’s diverse habitats. Return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, heading towards the base of the majestic Murchison Falls.

During the cruise, witness schools of hippos and Nile crocodiles, while herds of elephants, waterbucks, and Uganda kob graze along the riverbanks. This stretch of the Nile is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species such as Goliath Heron, Egyptian Goose, Pelican, Bee-eater, Kingfisher, Hornbill, Cormorant, and the rare Shoebill Stork making for spectacular sightings and photo opportunities.

After the boat ride, you have the option to hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where you’ll experience the awe-inspiring view of the Nile plunging 43 meters through a narrow gorge, known locally as the “Devil’s Cauldron”. This dramatic scene is one of Uganda’s most photographed natural wonders, offering both adventure and scenic beauty for visitors.

Return to Murchison River Lodge in the evening to relax and reflect on a day filled with unforgettable wildlife, birding, and river experiences. The lodge provides a tranquil retreat with views of the Nile and surrounding wilderness, making it the perfect end to an exciting day in Murchison Falls National Park.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 11 :

Murchison Falls National Park to Budongo Forest

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, focusing on birding and wildlife spotting along the diverse habitats of the park. Return to the lodge for lunch before departing for Budongo Forest, one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching and rainforest destinations.

Upon arrival, embark on an evening birding session in Budongo Forest, home to a rich variety of forest and endemic birds, including species rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda. The forest’s dense canopy, rivers, and wetlands provide a haven for both birds and other wildlife, making it a must-visit for birding enthusiasts and nature photographers.

Conclude your day with dinner and overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge, where the tranquil setting and eco-friendly facilities offer a relaxing retreat after a day full of wildlife exploration and birdwatching.

Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 12 :

Budongo Forest Reserve & Departure

On your final day, immerse yourself in the stunning Budongo Forest Reserve along the Royal Mile Trail, a haven renowned for its rich birdlife and pristine rainforest ecosystem. Focus on locating some of the forest’s most coveted species, including the African Dwarf Kingfisher, Rufous-crowned Eramomella, and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.

Birding in Budongo offers a chance to spot rare and endemic forest birds, completing your comprehensive checklist while enjoying the sights and sounds of this vibrant ecosystem. Following a rewarding morning of wildlife and birdwatching, transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe Airport for your onward journey.

This concludes your 12-Day Uganda Birding Safari, leaving you with an impressive birding record and unforgettable memories from Uganda’s most iconic national parks and forest reserves, including Murchison Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Lake Mburo, and Budongo Forest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water
Accommodation: No accommodation