Tour Overview

A birding tour in Uganda sounds fantastic! Uganda is renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse birdlife, offering birdwatchers some incredible opportunities to spot a wide variety of species in stunning natural settings. With 11 days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore different habitats and regions within the country.

Tour Highlights

11 Days Birding Photography Tour Through Uganda Safari: Detailed Itinerary

 Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Entebbe Birding Excursion

Your adventure begins as you touch down at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by the warm Ugandan breeze and the anticipation of the incredible journey ahead. After clearing customs, you’ll be met by your guide who will be your companion throughout this 11-day birding tour. Once settled, you’ll head to your accommodation, conveniently located near the airport to ease into your Uganda experience. Your lodging provides a comfortable retreat, offering a chance to relax and recharge after your travels.
Today’s focus is on exploring the rich avian diversity around Entebbe. Here, you will venture into the nearby Botanical Gardens, a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species recorded here. Armed with your camera, you’ll capture colourful sunbirds, majestic hornbills, and elusive kingfishers amidst lush greenery.
At your accommodation, have leisurely lunch before embarking on an afternoon birding session at the nearby wetlands or forests, where you might spot the iconic Shoebill or the graceful African Fish Eagle. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a delightful dinner reflecting the day’s discoveries, exchanging stories and photos with fellow enthusiasts. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge or hotel.

Accommodation options:

• Papyrus Guest house (budget)
• Victoria Rock Resort (mid-range)
• Protea by Marriott, Hotel Number 5 (Luxury)

Destination:  Entebbe

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Mabamba Swamp in Entebbe, a renowned birding hotspot and home to the elusive Shoebill. A morning boat ride through the swamp offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph these prehistoric-looking birds in their natural habitat, among a plethora of other wetland species.
Following lunch, embark on a scenic 5-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Uganda. Arrive at your lodge, where you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the park’s rolling hills and shimmering lakes. Settle in your accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner as you anticipate the adventures awaiting you in the days ahead.

Accommodation options:

• Mihingo Lodge (Budget)
• Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (Mid-Range)
• Eagles Nest Camp (Luxury)

Destination:  Lake Mburo National Park

Day 3: Lake Mburo National Park Exploration

Wake up to the symphony of birdsong and indulge in a sumptuous breakfast before setting out to explore Lake Mburo National Park. This biodiverse haven is home to over 350 bird species, including the rare African Finfoot and the striking Crested Francolin.
Embark on morning and afternoon game drives through the park’s diverse habitats, from expansive savannas to acacia woodlands, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide. Keep your camera ready to capture glimpses of zebras grazing on the plains, impalas darting through the bush, and perhaps even a stealthy leopard lounging in the shade.
Return to your lodge for a delectable lunch overlooking the park’s scenic landscapes, followed by a siesta or a leisurely stroll around the lodge grounds. In the afternoon, head out for a guided nature walk or a boat safari on Lake Mburo, where you can photograph waterbirds against the backdrop of the setting sun. As darkness falls, enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, recounting the day’s sightings and experiences.

Day 4: Transfer from Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, bid farewell to Lake Mburo National Park as you embark on a picturesque journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.
Arrive at your lodge nestled on the edge of the forest, where you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality and breathtaking views of the mist-covered mountains. After lunch, take some time to relax and soak in the tranquility of your surroundings before embarking on an afternoon birding excursion along the forest fringes.
Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, the elusive African Green Broadbill, and the majestic Great Blue Turaco among the dense foliage. Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, followed by a cozy evening by the fireplace, swapping stories of the day’s adventures.

Accommodation options:

• Broad bill camp, Buhoma community rest camp (budget)
• Ichumbi Gorilla lodge, Gorilla mist camp, Nkuringo Gorilla Safari lodge (mid-range)
• Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany springs (luxury)

Destination:  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Birding in Bwindi

Today marks the highlight of your journey as you embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, meet your experienced guides and set off into the mist-shrouded forest in search of these gentle giants.
As you trek through the dense undergrowth, your senses will be heightened by the sights and sounds of the forest, with the possibility of encountering a myriad of bird species, including the rare African Pitta and the iconic African Emerald Cuckoo.
Upon encountering a gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of observing them in their natural habitat, capturing intimate moments with your camera as they go about their daily routines. Spend a magical hour in their presence before trekking back to the lodge, filled with awe and gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After a well-deserved lunch, spend the afternoon birding along the forest trails surrounding your lodge, adding to your growing list of avian sightings. As night falls, enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow travellers, reminiscing about the day’s incredible encounters.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as you embark on a scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through picturesque landscapes and rural villages along the way.
Arrive at your lodge nestled on the fringes of the park, offering sweeping views of the savannah plains and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. After lunch, set out for an afternoon boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
As you glide along the tranquil waters, you’ll be treated to close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of waterbirds, including African Skimmers, Pink-backed Pelicans, and Malachite Kingfishers. Return to your lodge as the sun sets, savoring a delicious dinner under the African sky.

Accommodation options:

• Simba safari camp (budget)
• Park view safari lodge, Marafiki safari lodge or Twin lakes lodge (mid-range)
• Mweya Safari lodge (luxury)

Destination:  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park Exploration

Wake up to the sounds of the wilderness and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a full day of exploration in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Begin with a morning game drive through the park’s diverse habitats, from open grasslands to dense woodlands, in search of the iconic African Big Five and an abundance of birdlife. The game drive may start at either 6:30am or 7am and take about 4 to 5 hours to complete.
Keep your camera ready as you traverse the park’s network of trails, capturing images of lions lounging in the shade, elephants browsing on acacia trees, and perhaps even a rare sighting of a leopard stealthily stalking its prey.
Return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch before venturing out for an afternoon birding excursion in the park’s southern sector, where you’ll encounter species such as the African Paradise Flycatcher, the Red-throated Bee-eater, and the elegant Grey-crowned Crane. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a scenic sundowner overlooking the park’s vast plains, followed by a delectable dinner highlighting the flavours of Uganda.

Day 8: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, embark on a 2 to 3-hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and thriving primate populations, including the elusive chimpanzee primates.
Arrive at your lodge nestled in the heart of the forest, offering a secluded sanctuary amidst towering trees and green vegetation. After lunch, embark on an afternoon birding walk through the lush forest trails, accompanied by experienced guides who will help you spot and identify the myriad bird species that call this park home.
Keep an eye out for the colourful Great Blue Turaco, the playful Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and the tiny African Pygmy Kingfisher flitting among the canopy. Return to your lodge as the sun sets, enjoying a delicious dinner accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the forest.

Accommodation options:

• Chimpanzee Forest guest house (budget / mid-range)
• Primates lodge, Papaya Lodge, Crater lodge (luxury)

Destination:  Kibale Forest National Park

Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Semuliki National Park

Today, embark on an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of the largest populations of these intelligent primates in Africa. After an early breakfast, meet your expert guides and set off into the forest in search of these charismatic creatures.
As you trek through the dense undergrowth, your senses will be heightened by the sights and sounds of the forest, with the possibility of encountering a myriad of bird species, including the rare Yellow-billed Barbet and the striking Black Bee-eater.
Upon encountering a chimpanzee family, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe them up close, capturing intimate moments with your camera as they forage, play, and interact in their natural habitat. Spend a magical hour in their presence before trekking back to the lodge, filled with awe and gratitude for this unforgettable experience.
After lunch, you will be transferred to Semuliki National Park on a 5-hour road trip. Arrive at your lodge and settle in with a dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation options:

• Semuliki Safari Lodge

Destination:  Semuliki National Park

Day 10: Semuliki National Park the Birder’s Paradise

Rise with the sun and fuel up with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a full day of birding safari in Semuliki National Park. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse habitats, from dense rainforests to sprawling savannahs, in search of its myriad bird species.
Embark on morning and afternoon birding excursions, led by your expert guide who will help you spot and identify a wide variety of birds. Keep your camera ready to capture images of colorful turacos, striking hornbills, and elegant sunbirds as they flit among the treetops.
During your birding safari, you may also encounter other wildlife species, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and forest elephants, adding to the richness of your experience. Take breaks to enjoy picnic lunches amidst the park’s stunning landscapes, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
As the day draws to a close, return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and rest, reminiscing about a special day of birding adventures in Semuliki National Park.

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to Semuliki National Park as you embark on your journey back to Entebbe. Along the way, take in the scenic beauty of the Ugandan countryside, stopping to photograph any avian sightings that catch your eye.
Arrive in Entebbe in time for lunch, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some last-minute Ugandan delicacies before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
As you board your flight home, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible birdlife you’ve encountered during your 11-day birding photography tour through Uganda. Though your journey may be ending, the memories you’ve created will last a lifetime, inspiring future adventures and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

End of Tour

Includes & Excludes

Getting There

The trip will start from Kampala or Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest National Park to Semuliki National Park and you will be dropped off at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe international airport after the trip.

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You can also reach us on Whats-app Number: +256753750983 for urgent requests.