Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Your journey begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where our representative and birding guide warmly welcomes you to Uganda — fondly known as the “Pearl of Africa.” You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe, a quiet lakeside town surrounded by lush gardens, tropical trees, and the fresh air of Lake Victoria.

Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or take a gentle evening bird walk around the botanical gardens. The gardens are an excellent introduction to Uganda’s birdlife, hosting species such as Great Blue Turaco, Palm-nut Vulture, Ross’s Turaco, and Black-headed Gonolek.

Your guide will brief you about the coming 19-day safari, the birding highlights to expect, and the plan for the following day.

Overnight stay in Entebbe.

Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Swamp and Travel to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, you’ll set off for a birding excursion at Mabamba Bay Wetland, one of Uganda’s most famous birding sites. This vast papyrus swamp lies on the northern shore of Lake Victoria and is home to Uganda’s most sought-after bird — the Shoebill Stork.

You’ll board a canoe paddled by a local guide as you glide quietly through the channels of papyrus in search of the Shoebill. Along the way, you may encounter species like Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-headed Coucal, African Jacana, and Long-tailed Cormorant.

After this rewarding experience, you’ll travel northwards through scenic countryside and rural villages to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive offers opportunities for roadside birding, with possible sightings of Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-winged Kite, and Grasshopper Buzzard.

Arrive at the park in the evening, check in at your lodge, and enjoy the sounds of the wild as night falls.

Overnight at Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 3–4: Birding, Game Drives, and a Launch Cruise on the Nile

The next two days will be spent exploring the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile River bursts through a narrow gorge to create the world’s most powerful waterfall. The park is a paradise for both birders and wildlife enthusiasts.

Early morning game drives across the northern savannah plains reveal a blend of mammals and bird species. Expect to see Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Secretary Birds, Denham’s Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-throated Bee-eater, Silverbird, and White-fronted Black Chat.

The park also shelters iconic African wildlife — giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and several antelope species.

In the afternoons, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile, one of Uganda’s most scenic birding experiences. Along the riverbanks, watch out for Goliath Herons, African Fish Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, and the occasional Shoebill standing silently in the reeds. Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants often come to drink along the shores, adding to the magic of the moment.

Your guide may also organize short evening bird walks around the lodge to look for night species such as African Scops Owl and Verreaux’s Eagle Owl.

Overnight at Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 5: Transfer to Masindi

After breakfast, you’ll check out and drive to Masindi, a small town that serves as the gateway to Budongo Forest and the famous Royal Mile. The journey passes through rolling farmlands and tropical countryside. Along the way, enjoy roadside birding, with a chance to spot Black Bishop, Pin-tailed Whydah, Grey-crowned Crane, and Brown Snake Eagle.

You’ll arrive in Masindi later in the day, check in at your lodge, and rest in preparation for an exciting full day of birding tomorrow.

Overnight in Masindi.

Day 6: Full Day Birdwatching in Budongo Forest – Royal Mile and Busingiro

Today, you’ll spend the entire day birding in Budongo Forest, one of Uganda’s most productive birding areas. This tropical rainforest is famous for its tall mahogany trees and rich bird diversity, hosting several Central African species that are rare elsewhere in East Africa.

At dawn, you’ll begin along the Royal Mile, one of Africa’s best birding trails. Expect sightings of Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Crowned Eagle, and Nahan’s Francolin. The canopy is alive with calls of Forest Flycatchers, Sunbirds, and Illadopses.

After lunch, continue birding in the Busingiro section, where forest trails lead you deeper into the wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for Ituri Batis, White-thighed Hornbill, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, and Pygmy Crake.

The forest is also home to primates such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys, adding to the forest’s vibrancy.

Overnight in Masindi.

Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey southwest towards Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The drive takes you through beautiful countryside, traditional villages, and tea plantations, offering chances for casual birding along the way.

Arrive in Fort Portal, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains. Depending on time, you may explore the nearby Crater Lakes region where species like Grey-headed Nigrita, White-spotted Flufftail, and White-naped Pigeon can be spotted.

Later, you’ll proceed to your lodge near Kibale Forest for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding in Kibale National Park

Today offers a wonderful combination of birding and primate tracking. After breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee tracking experience. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and encountering them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable moment.

As you track the chimps, you’ll also encounter forest birds such as African Grey Parrot, Green-breasted Pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black Bee-eater, and Little Greenbul.

After lunch, continue birding along the forest trails or in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for species like Papyrus Gonolek, Great Blue Turaco, and Speckled Tinkerbird.

Overnight at Kibale National Park.

Day 9: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse ecosystems. The journey offers panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and rolling savannahs.

Upon arrival, enjoy an en-route birding drive through the park, spotting Black-headed Gonolek, African Wattled Lapwing, White-winged Widowbird, and Temminck’s Courser.

Overnight inside the park with views over the savannah and Kazinga Channel.

Day 10: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

An early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains provides chances to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs — all accompanied by rich birdlife. Look out for Crowned Lapwing, Red-necked Spurfowl, Grey Kestrel, and Black-lored Babbler.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is home to large flocks of African Skimmers, Pelicans, Great Cormorants, and African Fish Eagles. You may also see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants cooling off along the banks.

Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 11: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions and excellent birding opportunities. Along the way, look for Ross’s Turaco, Double-toothed Barbet, Black Bee-eater, and Grey-headed Kingfisher.

Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense forest and high diversity of birds and primates.

Overnight at Buhoma, the northern sector of Bwindi.

Day 12: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Today is one of the most unforgettable days of your safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure.

The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family, but the experience of meeting these gentle giants face-to-face is truly humbling. Bwindi’s misty forest also offers chances to see Bar-tailed Trogon, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, and African Broadbill along the trails.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Day 13: Buhoma Village Walk

Today offers a slower pace as you explore Buhoma Village, where you’ll meet local communities, visit traditional healers, and experience Uganda’s culture up close.

The walk also provides opportunities for casual birding, with sightings of Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Grey-capped Warbler, and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher.

Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure or bird around the lodge gardens.

Day 14: Travel to Ruhija

After breakfast, travel to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, one of the best areas for birding in the entire Albertine Rift. Along the journey, you’ll enjoy birding stops for species such as Dusky Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, and Kivu Ground Thrush.

Arrive and check into your lodge surrounded by misty hills and dense montane forest.

Overnight at Ruhija.

Day 15: Birding in Mubwindi Swamp

Early morning, set out for Mubwindi Swamp, a birding hotspot famous among serious birders. The steep descent to the swamp is rewarded with chances to see African Green Broadbill, one of Africa’s most sought-after endemics.

Other possible species include Ruwenzori Batis, Striped-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Blue-headed Sunbird.

Spend the whole day exploring this area, enjoying the calls, colors, and serenity of the forest.

Overnight at Ruhija.

Day 16: Travel to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most charming savannah park. Along the way, enjoy birding stops for Long-crested Eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Grey-headed Kingfisher.

Arrive at Lake Mburo in the afternoon and enjoy a short birding walk or boat trip to see African Finfoot, Malachite Kingfisher, and White-backed Night Heron.

Overnight at Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 17: Full Day Birding and Wildlife Viewing in Lake Mburo

Spend the whole day exploring Lake Mburo National Park. Morning and evening drives provide excellent birding with species like Crested Francolin, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Brown Parrot, and Green Woodhoopoe.

The park is also home to zebras, elands, topis, impalas, and buffaloes, giving you the perfect blend of birding and wildlife viewing.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the lakeshore before your final evening in the wild.

Overnight at Lake Mburo.

Day 18: Transfer to Entebbe Airport

After breakfast, begin your drive back to Entebbe, passing through rolling hills, small towns, and open farmlands. You may stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs.

Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your incredible 19-day Uganda Birding Safari.

Your journey across Uganda’s forests, wetlands, mountains, and savannahs will have revealed the country’s amazing biodiversity and warm hospitality — an experience to treasure forever.