14 Days Uganda Birding Tour
Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering over 1,100 species across forests, wetlands, lakes, and savannahs. This 14-day itinerary immerses participants in the country’s richest birding habitats while providing opportunities to see iconic wildlife, interact with local communities, and enjoy stunning scenery. Each day is structured to maximize sightings of rare and endemic species, while also allowing time for photography, wildlife observation, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Lakeside Birds and Preparation
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Feather Trail Safaris representative welcomes you and transfers you to a lakeside hotel. After settling in, you enjoy an afternoon excursion to Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to species like African Grey Parrot, Grey-headed Sunbird, Red-headed Weaver, and various flycatchers. This serene setting is ideal for acclimatization and reviewing binoculars, cameras, and field guides in preparation for the journey ahead.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp – Legendary Shoebill
An early morning departure takes you to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s premier wetlands. Paddling through papyrus channels in traditional canoes, you search for the iconic Shoebill, a bird that is both elusive and unforgettable. Other species frequently seen include Wattled Crane, African Pygmy Goose, Malachite Kingfisher, and Papyrus Gonolek. The tranquil surroundings and misty water channels provide excellent photography conditions. After a morning of intense birding, you return to Entebbe for a relaxed afternoon.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Forest Edge Birds
Travel southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, enjoying Uganda’s scenic hills, terraced farms, and tea plantations. Upon arrival, check in at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, located at the forest edge. Evening walks along the lodge’s forest trails introduce you to African Green Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, Black Bee-eater, and several forest sunbirds, providing a gentle immersion into Uganda’s montane forests.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi.
Day 4: Buhoma Sector – Montane Forest Birding
Begin the day exploring the Buhoma Sector trails early morning. The forest is alive with mixed-species flocks, offering sightings of White-bellied Robin-Chat, Handsome Francolin, African Emerald Cuckoo, Mountain Masked Apalis, and Bar-tailed Trogon. Afternoon visits to local Batwa communities provide cultural insights while discussing conservation and forest use. This day balances intense birding with human interaction and reflection on Uganda’s conservation efforts.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi.
Day 5: Rushaga & Nkuringo – Rare Highland Species
Travel to the Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors, which are more remote and forest-dense. Birding here focuses on rare and highland species such as Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Primates, including colobus monkeys and occasional gorillas, add richness to the birding experience. Evening checklists allow you to document species and prepare for tomorrow’s high-altitude birding.
Overnight: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga.
Day 6: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Volcano and Bamboo Forest Birds
Drive to Mgahinga National Park, set amidst the Virunga Volcanoes. The park’s bamboo forests and montane slopes harbor species such as African Green Broadbill, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, and Red-collared Mountain Babbler. Optional hikes to volcano slopes add altitude variation, increasing the chances of spotting rare montane species. The dramatic volcanic scenery provides excellent photography opportunities.
Overnight: Gorilla Valley Lodge, Mgahinga.
Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi – Islands and Wetland Birds
Head to Lake Bunyonyi, a serene lake dotted with 29 islands. Canoe trips reveal African Fish Eagle, Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, and various cisticolas. The calm waters, gentle hills, and quiet villages create an idyllic environment for both birding and photography. Local interactions provide insight into traditional lifestyles and lake conservation.
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Savannah Birds
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a region of savannah, wetlands, and woodland. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise allows close sightings of Goliath Heron, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, and Saddle-billed Stork, alongside elephants and hippos. The combination of waterbirds and large mammals creates a dynamic birding experience.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 9: Ishasha Sector – Savannah and Woodland Birds
Exploring the Ishasha Sector, open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and papyrus wetlands provide habitat for White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Fox’s Weaver, Red-throated Wryneck, and various larks. While observing birds, you may encounter the park’s famous tree-climbing lions and herds of elephants, adding unique wildlife context to your birding experience.
Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 10: Kibale Forest – Chimpanzees and Forest Birds
Drive northeast to Kibale Forest, known for primates and forest bird diversity. Early morning walks target Green-headed Sunbird, Red-tailed Bristlebill, African Broadbill, and various turacos. Optional chimpanzee trekking allows a combination of wildlife and birding highlights. Evening at the lodge allows review of species and relaxed observation around the property.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 11: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – Papyrus Specialists
Morning walks in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary bring sightings of Papyrus Gonolek, Grey-crowned Crane, African Marsh Warbler, and Lesser Jacana. Elevated boardwalks over swamp channels allow safe and unobstructed viewing. Guides share insights on wetland ecology and the local community’s role in conservation.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 12: Semliki Valley – Lowland Forest Endemics
Travel northwest to Semliki Valley, a lowland rainforest hotspot for endemic and rare species. African Grey Parrot, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Black-throated Apalis, and Forest Wood Hoopoe are key targets. The lodge is situated near the forest edge, offering dawn birding opportunities right outside your accommodation.
Overnight: Semliki Safari Lodge.
Day 13: Semliki Forest – Canopy and Mixed Flocks
Spend a full day in Semliki Forest, focusing on canopy and understorey species. Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, African Broadbill, and numerous mixed-species flocks are highlights. Observation hides and elevated trails allow detailed study of bird behavior and optimal photography conditions.
Overnight: Semliki Safari Lodge.
Day 14: Return to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, you begin your journey back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, a brief stop at Lutembe Bay Wetlands provides final sightings of waterbirds like African Fish Eagle, Purple Swamp Hen, and African Jacana. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, completing a 14-day immersive birding journey across Uganda’s richest habitats.