Embark on the birding adventure of a lifetime with an incredible 18-day safari through Uganda, a country renowned for its unparalleled avian diversity and breathtaking natural landscapes. With over 1,000 recorded bird species, Uganda is a true paradise for birdwatchers, offering an opportunity to observe a wide array of birds in their native habitats, from the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the vast savannahs of Kidepo Valley National Park. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you on an immersive journey through Uganda's most celebrated birding hotspots, ensuring an unforgettable experience for passionate birders and nature enthusiasts alike.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated birding guide and transferred to your comfortable hotel. Take some time to relax and unwind, enjoying the serene surroundings of this charming lakeside town. In the afternoon, embark on a leisurely birding stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where you may spot species such as the Black-headed Gonolek, Red-chested Sunbird, and Orange Weaver. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Entebbe Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Rise early and depart for the renowned Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar site celebrated for its incredible birdlife. The highlight of this wetland is the chance to spot the elusive Shoebill Stork, a prehistoric-looking bird highly sought-after by birdwatchers worldwide. Other species you may encounter include the Blue Swallow, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, and various waders.
After an exciting morning of birding, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a compact gem offering a diverse array of habitats. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take a short birding walk around the grounds, where you may spot species such as the Crested Barbet, Greenwood Hoopoe, and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 3-4: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Dedicate two full days to exploring the rich birdlife of Lake Mburo National Park. Set out on early morning and late afternoon game drives, as well as guided nature walks, to maximize your birding opportunities. The park's varied habitats, including acacia woodlands, wetlands, and rocky outcrops, support an impressive array of species.
Keep an eye out for the Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, Tabora Cisticola, Green-capped Eremomela, and the elusive Pennant-winged Nightjar. The park is also home to a significant population of raptors, including the African Marsh Harrier, Bateleur, and Martial Eagle. In the evenings, enjoy starlit dinners and overnight stays at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After a final morning birding session in Lake Mburo, depart for the lush rainforests of Kibale National Park. The drive takes you through the picturesque landscapes of western Uganda, offering opportunities to spot various bird species along the way. Upon arrival, check into your eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the forest and take a guided nature walk around the lodge grounds, where you may encounter species such as the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Grey-throated Barbet, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation: Eco-lodge in Kibale National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 6-8: Birding in Kibale National Park
Immerse yourself in the rich birdlife of Kibale National Park for three full days, exploring this habitat that is home to over 370 bird species. Rise early for morning birding sessions along the forest trails, focusing on species such as the Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, and White-tailed Ant Thrush. In the afternoons, venture into the forest edges and nearby wetlands, searching for the Black Bee-eater, White-bellied Kingfisher, and various sunbirds.
Kibale is also renowned for its primate diversity, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L'Hoest's monkeys. Take the opportunity to join a chimpanzee trekking experience, observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. In the evenings, relax at your lodge, enjoying delicious meals and the tranquil sounds of the rainforest.
Accommodation: Eco-lodge in Kibale National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 9-11: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a true birdwatcher's paradise. The park's misty, ancient forests are home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics found nowhere else in Uganda.
Over the course of three days, explore the park's various trails and habitats, searching for rare and endemic species such as the African Green Broadbill, Grauer's Warbler, Chapin's Flycatcher, and Shelley's Crimsonwing. The park's numerous gorges and valleys create a variety of microclimates, each supporting unique bird communities.
In addition to birding, take the opportunity to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure, coming face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This unforgettable experience is a highlight for many visitors to Bwindi. In the evenings, relax at your forest lodge, sharing stories of the day's sightings with fellow birders.
Accommodation: Forest lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 12-14: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a final morning birding session in Bwindi, depart for the diverse landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park's varied habitats, including savannah, wetlands, and forests, support an astounding 600+ bird species, making it a true birder's delight.
Over the course of three days, explore the park's key birding areas, such as the Kasenyi Plains, Mweya Peninsula, and the Kazinga Channel. Keep an eye out for species such as the Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, and the impressive concentration of waterbirds along the channel, including the Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans.
Enjoy game drives through the park's savannah, searching for iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, and buffaloes, while also spotting grassland bird species like the Black-bellied Bustard and the Secretary Bird. Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, observing the abundant birdlife and enjoying close encounters with hippos and Nile crocodiles. In the evenings, relax at your comfortable safari lodge, enjoying sundowners and starlit dinners.
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 15-16: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park
Continue your journey to the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area. The park's diverse habitats, from the banks of the Nile River to the expansive savannah, support a wide variety of birdlife.
On your first day, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, observing the Nile's impressive bird populations, including the Rock Pratincole, Red-throated Bee-eater, and various kingfishers. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive through the park's savannah, searching for species such as the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Denham's Bustard, and the rare Shoebill Stork.
The following day, take a sunrise game drive, soaking in the beauty of the park's landscapes and enjoying the early morning bird activity. After lunch, visit the top of Murchison Falls, marveling at the raw power of the Nile as it cascades through a narrow gorge. In the evenings, unwind at your safari lodge, enjoying delicious meals and the sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Murchison Falls National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 17-18: Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park and Departure
For the final leg of your journey, take a chartered flight to the remote and untamed Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the far northeastern corner of Uganda. This isolated wilderness is home to a unique array of dry-country bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in the country.
Spend a full day exploring the park's rugged landscapes, from the sweeping Narus Valley to the rocky outcrops of the Morungole Mountains. Search for species such as the Black-breasted Barbet, Karamoja Apalis, Golden Pipit, and the enigmatic Kori Bustard. The park is also home to an impressive array of raptors, including the Pygmy Falcon and the Lappet-faced Vulture.
On your final morning, take a short nature walk around the lodge grounds, soaking in the serenity of this remote wilderness and reflecting on the incredible birding adventures of the past 18 days. After breakfast, board your chartered flight back to Entebbe, where you will connect with your international departure flight.
As you bid farewell to Uganda, carry with you a wealth of unforgettable memories, new friendships forged with fellow birders, and a deepened appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. This once-in-a-lifetime birding safari will leave an indelible mark on your heart, beckoning you to return to Uganda's avian paradise time and time again.
Accommodation: (Day 17) Safari lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This immersive 18-day birding safari in Uganda showcases the country's most iconic birding destinations, offering you the chance to observe an unparalleled diversity of species, from the elusive Shoebill Stork to the vibrant Narina Trogon. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and a thoughtfully designed itinerary, this safari promises an unforgettable adventure for passionate birders and nature lovers alike, leaving you with a profound appreciation for Uganda's incredible avian heritage and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.
