24 Days Uganda Birdwatching Tour
Uganda’s remarkable diversity of habitats—from misty montane forests to sprawling wetlands, lowland rainforests, and savannah plains—makes it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Over these 24 days, you will journey through the country’s top birding locations, exploring the iconic national parks, remote forests, and hidden wetlands that host some of Africa’s rarest and most sought-after species. This safari balances in-depth birding, photography opportunities, cultural experiences, and encounters with Uganda’s incredible wildlife.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Your journey begins as you land at Entebbe International Airport. A Feather Trail Safaris representative welcomes you and escorts you to your lakeside hotel. After settling in, the afternoon is spent exploring Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a serene haven for birdlife. The gardens’ mature trees, shaded paths, and proximity to Lake Victoria attract species such as the African Grey Parrot, Grey-headed Sunbird, and Red-headed Weaver. The calm atmosphere allows you to stretch your legs after your flight while enjoying your first taste of Uganda’s bird diversity. Evening dinner is at your hotel, where you can review the itinerary and plan your binoculars and camera for the days ahead.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill tracking
The adventure truly begins with an early morning departure to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s premier wetlands. Taking small, traditional wooden canoes, you glide through papyrus channels in search of the legendary Shoebill, one of the most iconic and sought-after birds in Africa. The swamp teems with birdlife, including Wattled Crane, Black-headed Gonolek, African Pygmy Goose, and Malachite Kingfisher. The quiet, misty atmosphere provides excellent photographic conditions. After a morning of intense birding, you return to Entebbe for lunch and relax before an evening briefing on the week ahead.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Forest Birds and Lodge Immersion
After breakfast, you drive southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey winds through terraced hills, tea plantations, and small villages. Upon arrival, you check in at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, an eco-friendly lodge perched at the forest’s edge, providing convenient access to birding trails. The surrounding forest edge attracts species such as the African Green Broadbill, Black Bee-eater, and Great Blue Turaco, giving you your first taste of highland forest birding.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi.
Day 4: Birding Buhoma Sector – Endemic Forest Birds
Today is dedicated to exploring the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi. Guided walks in the early morning allow you to spot elusive endemics such as the White-bellied Robin-Chat, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Handsome Francolin. Sunlight filtering through the canopy illuminates mixed flocks, offering superb photography opportunities. In addition to birds, the forest is home to chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and a variety of butterflies. Your evening is spent at the lodge, reviewing species lists and preparing for tomorrow’s deeper forest explorations.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi.
Day 5: Ruhija & Mountain Birding – Rare Endemics and Sunbirds
You drive to the Ruhija Sector, higher in altitude and featuring montane bamboo and mixed forest. This area is renowned for birding rarities like the African Green Broadbill, Rwenzori Batis, and the elusive Handsome Francolin. Mountain Greenbul, White-starred Robin, and various sunbirds are observed along the trails. The lodge’s location provides birding right on the property, allowing for early morning photographic sessions of feeding and calling birds. Cultural interaction with nearby Batwa communities is included, giving insight into forest conservation practices.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 6: Nkuringo & Rushaga – Primates and Forest Specialists
Exploring the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors, you walk deeper into forest trails targeting highland species like the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, African Emerald Cuckoo, and Black-faced Rufous Warbler. The area is also excellent for observing primates including mountain gorillas and black-and-white colobus monkeys, adding unique wildlife context to the birding experience. The trails are moderately challenging but rewarding for serious birders and photographers.
Overnight: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga.
Day 7: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Volcano Birds and High-altitude Flocks
You drive to Mgahinga National Park, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This volcanic region features bamboo forests, montane grasslands, and high-altitude mossy zones. Birding here offers species such as Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, and Red-collared Mountain Babbler. Scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes complement your birding experience. Optional hike to the volcano slopes provides both birding and remarkable landscape photography opportunities.
Overnight: Gorilla Valley Lodge, Mgahinga.
Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi – Wetland and Island Birds
A short drive brings you to Lake Bunyonyi, the “Place of Many Little Birds.” Canoe rides among the lake’s 29 islands reveal species including African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, and various cisticolas. The lake’s calm waters and surrounding forests allow peaceful birding while observing local communities engaged in daily life. The area is also ideal for photography of ducks, herons, and endemic species in mixed habitats.
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Savanna and Floodplains
Departing Lake Bunyonyi, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s largest and most diverse parks. The savannah and wetland mosaic supports numerous waterbirds and raptors. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise in the afternoon offers close sightings of African Fish Eagles, Goliath Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, and abundant waterfowl. Along the riverbanks, hippos and elephants add richness to your birding experience.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 10: Ishasha Sector – Tree-climbing Lions and Savanna Birds
Exploring the Ishasha sector, you traverse open savannah, papyrus wetlands, and acacia woodland. Birding highlights include Purple-headed Starling, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, and the endemic Fox’s Weaver. While birding, you may also spot the famous tree-climbing lions and herds of elephants, enhancing the safari experience with mixed wildlife encounters.
Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 11: Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzees and Forest Specialists
You drive northeast to Kibale Forest, renowned for its primates and diverse forest birds. Walking the trails early morning gives sightings of Green-headed Sunbird, African Broadbill, Red-tailed Bristlebill, and various turacos. You may also see habituated chimpanzees on a separate trek, making this a combined wildlife and birding highlight. Evening at the lodge includes discussion and review of morning bird lists.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 12: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – Papyrus and Marsh Birds
A morning walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary provides encounters with papyrus specialists like Papyrus Gonolek, Grey-crowned Cranes, and African Marsh Warbler. The raised wooden platforms along swamp channels allow excellent photography. Local guides provide insight into wetland conservation and traditional uses of the habitat, making the experience both educational and immersive.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 13: Semliki Valley – Lowland Forest Endemics
Traveling northwest to Semliki Valley, one of Uganda’s least-explored birding regions, offers encounters with rare lowland forest species including African Grey Parrot, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, and Black-throated Apalis. The region’s biodiversity is exceptional, with new discoveries still being made annually. The lodge is nestled near the forest edge, allowing dawn birding directly from your accommodation.
Overnight: Semliki Safari Lodge.
Day 14: Semliki Forest Birding – Raptors and Forest Canopy
A full day is spent in Semliki Forest, targeting canopy and understorey species. Raptors soar above the valley while mixed-species flocks navigate the mid-level canopy. Highlights include Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Forest Wood Hoopoe, and the rare African Broadbill. Walking trails and observation hides enhance the experience for both photography and scientific observation.
Overnight: Semliki Safari Lodge.
Day 15: Murchison Falls National Park – Savannah and Riverine Birds
You drive east to Murchison Falls National Park, known for its savannah, riverine, and wetland habitats. Afternoon boat cruise along the Nile allows close sightings of African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Malachite Kingfisher, and Saddle-billed Stork. Large mammals such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants provide a dramatic backdrop for bird photography.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls NP.
Day 16: Murchison Falls Game Drive – Savannah and Raptor Species
Early morning game drive focuses on savannah species including Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Red-throated Wryneck, and various raptors. Elephant herds, buffalo, and antelope are additional highlights, and the diverse habitats support an array of mixed bird flocks. The evening is spent reviewing sightings and enjoying lodge amenities.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls NP.
Day 17: Lake Albert Birding – Wetland and Pelicans
Today, you explore wetlands along Lake Albert, a key site for waterfowl and waders. Species include Pink-backed Pelican, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, and Goliath Heron. The area’s extensive papyrus swamps also host elusive species like Papyrus Yellow Warbler and Swamp Flycatcher.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge.
Day 18: Kidepo Valley National Park – Northern Savannah and Raptors
A scenic flight or drive takes you to Kidepo Valley, Uganda’s remote northern park. The arid savannah and rocky landscapes support rare birds such as White-tailed Swallow, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Fox’s Weaver, and Northern Pied Babbler. Raptors abound, with species like Martial Eagle and Augur Buzzard. The park’s remoteness ensures minimal human disturbance, making for exceptional birding opportunities.
Overnight: Apoka Safari Lodge, Kidepo Valley.
Day 19: Kidepo Birding – Riverine and Montane Escarpments
You spend the full day exploring Kidepo’s diverse habitats. Early morning along the riverine forest provides sightings of colorful kingfishers, sunbirds, and warblers, while afternoon visits to escarpments target endemic and regional specialty birds. Elephants, giraffes, and lions add excitement to the birding excursions.
Overnight: Apoka Safari Lodge, Kidepo Valley.
Day 20: Return to Gulu and Lake Opeta – Wetland Birding
Leaving Kidepo, you drive south toward Lake Opeta wetland complex. The area supports rare wetland birds, including Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, and African Marsh Warbler. The wetland’s quiet channels and reed beds provide excellent observation and photography conditions.
Overnight: Gulu Guest Lodge or nearby lodge.
Day 21: Lake Opeta and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve – Savannah Birds
A full day of exploration covers Pian Upe Reserve, the second-largest savannah ecosystem in Uganda. Birding highlights include Eastern Chanting Goshawk, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, and Rosy-patched Bushshrike. The area’s remoteness allows for long uninterrupted observation periods.
Overnight: Gulu Guest Lodge.
Day 22: Return to Kampala – Urban Birding and Leisure
Driving south to Kampala, you enjoy a mix of rural landscapes and roadside birding stops. Urban-adapted species like Hadada Ibis, Black-headed Weaver, and Village Weaver provide a contrasting perspective. Arriving in the capital, the afternoon is at leisure to relax or visit city markets.
Overnight: Protea Hotel or similar, Kampala.
Day 23: Entebbe Birding and Departure Prep
A final excursion to Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Lutembe Bay Wetlands allows last-minute sightings of African Grey Parrot, Purple Swamp Hen, and African Fish Eagle. The day is leisurely, allowing participants to organize their photographs, checklists, and souvenirs. An evening briefing and farewell dinner concludes the tour experience.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
Day 24: Departure from Entebbe
Your safari ends as you are transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight. After 24 days of intensive birding, Uganda’s extraordinary diversity, landscapes, and hospitality leave lasting impressions, with hundreds of species documented and memories to cherish for a lifetime.