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16 DAYS

Signature Uganda Birding Safari

About this Safari

Discover Uganda's remarkable birdlife on this carefully designed 16-day Uganda birding safari through the country's most important birding regions. From tracking the iconic Shoebill in the papyrus wetlands of Mabamba and the Nile Delta to searching for Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Ruhija, this journey combines Uganda's finest birding destinations into one rewarding experience. Along the way, explore ancient rainforests, wildlife-rich savannahs, scenic highland lakes, and Congo Basin habitats while enjoying comfortable accommodations, expert guiding, and opportunities to encounter more than 500 bird species across one of Africa's most diverse natural landscapes.

Day 1 | Arrival in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda, one of Africa’s most rewarding birding destinations, with more than 1,090 recorded bird species. On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your private Deluxe Vacations Uganda guide will welcome you and transfer you to The Boma Hotel near Lake Victoria.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy some relaxed introductory birding around the hotel gardens and nearby lakeshore habitats. Look out for species such as Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Orange Weaver and African Fish Eagle.

In the evening, settle in after your journey and meet your guide for a briefing on the birding adventure ahead.

The Boma Hotel Entebbe | Meal Plan: B
Day 2 | Mabamba Swamp & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

A shoebill is Uganda's most saught after Bird. Uganda's iconic bird is the shoebill.

 

Your birding safari begins with an early departure for Mabamba Swamp, Uganda’s most celebrated birding site. It is also one of Africa’s best places to see the remarkable Shoebill. Explore the papyrus channels by traditional canoe as you search for this iconic bird. Its prehistoric appearance and elusive nature make it a favourite among birders from around the world. The wetlands also support many other species, including Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, herons and egrets.

After lunch, continue north through Uganda’s countryside to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, join an experienced guide for a rhino tracking experience on foot. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the sanctuary.

Ziwa Rhino Ranch | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 3 | Birding at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Masindi

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary supports a rich variety of birdlife across its grasslands, woodlands and wetlands. An early start gives you excellent opportunities to add more species to your bird list while enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the reserve.

You may have another chance to see the Shoebill, together with African Wattled Lapwing, Double-toothed Barbet, Piapiac, Black-bellied Bustard and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.

After a leisurely lunch, continue to the historic town of Masindi. Once an important colonial administrative centre, Masindi now serves as a convenient gateway to the forests and wildlife areas of northwestern Uganda.

Masindi Hotel | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 4 | Budongo Forest & Murchison Falls National Park

Today is dedicated to Budongo Forest, one of East Africa’s most important rainforest birding destinations. For many experienced birders, it is one of the highlights of a Uganda safari.

Explore the renowned Royal Mile and Busingiro sectors, where mature mahogany forest supports many Guinea-Congo biome species. Walk quietly beneath the towering canopy as your guide searches for birds such as Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Forest Robin, Ituri Batis, Puvel’s Illadopsis and Nahan’s Francolin.

Budongo is also a beautiful forest to explore beyond the birdlife. Look out for colourful butterflies, impressive trees and occasional primate sightings.

Later in the afternoon, continue to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes from rainforest to open savannah and riverine habitats.

Bamboo Village Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 5 | Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park offers one of the most diverse birding environments in Uganda, combining expansive savannah, Borassus palm woodland, riverine forest, wetlands, and the mighty Nile River. The day begins with an early game drive across the northern plains where both wildlife and birdlife are abundant. The park supports numerous savannah specialists, including Secretary Bird, Denham’s Bustard, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-headed Lapwing, and a variety of raptors. Later, a cruise through the Nile Delta provides one of Uganda’s finest birding experiences as the river widens into extensive wetlands that attract an exceptional concentration of waterbirds. The possibility of encountering the Shoebill adds further excitement to the excursion, while Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, African Fish Eagle, and African Skimmer are among the many species regularly observed. An evening game drive completes a rewarding day in one of East Africa’s most celebrated national parks.

Bamboo Village Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 6 | Top of the Falls & Transfer to Kibale Forest

Before leaving Murchison Falls National Park, visit the dramatic Top of the Falls. Here, the Nile forces its way through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging into the river below.

The viewpoints offer excellent opportunities for photography and reveal the immense power of the Nile.

Afterward, begin the scenic journey south toward Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, the changing landscapes highlight Uganda’s remarkable geographical diversity.

On arrival, enjoy birding in and around Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area known for its rich biodiversity. Its mix of swamp, grassland and forest-edge habitats supports a wide variety of bird species and offers an excellent introduction to western Uganda’s birdlife.

Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge| Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 7 | Birding in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is widely regarded as one of Uganda’s finest rainforest birding destinations, with more than 375 recorded species occupying its extensive tracts of tropical forest. A full day is devoted to exploring this remarkable ecosystem, where dense vegetation, towering trees, and a rich diversity of habitats support an outstanding variety of birdlife. The forest is particularly renowned among birders for species such as Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Blue-headed Sunbird, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Brown-eared Woodpecker, and numerous forest specialists that are often difficult to locate elsewhere. Kibale is also famous for its primate populations, and encounters with monkeys and other wildlife frequently add to the experience. Throughout the day, your guide will carefully interpret the forest’s ecology while helping maximise opportunities for rewarding sightings.

Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 8 | Semuliki National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today’s journey takes you to Semuliki National Park, one of Uganda’s most distinctive birding destinations and the country’s strongest representation of the Congo Basin ecosystem. Situated within the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, Semuliki protects a unique lowland forest environment that supports numerous species rarely encountered elsewhere in East Africa. Birding here can be particularly rewarding for those seeking specialised forest birds, and the diversity of species reflects the park’s strong ecological connection to the forests of Central Africa. Following your birding activities, continue south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where dramatically different landscapes await, including open savannah, crater lakes, wetlands, and the famous Kazinga Channel.

Elephant Hab Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 9 | Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas and offers exceptional opportunities for both birding and wildlife viewing. The day begins with birding across the Kasenyi Plains, where open grassland habitats attract a variety of raptors, lapwings, storks, and other savannah species. Beyond its impressive birdlife, the area is also known for its concentrations of wildlife, creating an enjoyable combination of birding and classic safari experiences. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lakes Edward and George. This remarkable channel supports one of the highest concentrations of waterbirds in East Africa, while hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and numerous other animals gather along its shores. The combination of scenery, wildlife, and birdlife makes this one of the highlights of the entire safari.

Elephant Hab Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 10 | Ishasha Sector & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This morning, travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a region known for its picturesque fig trees, open plains, and famous tree-climbing lions. The drive provides further opportunities for birding as the landscape gradually transitions toward the forested highlands of southwestern Uganda. Arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will immediately notice the dramatic change in environment as mist-covered mountains and ancient rainforest create one of Africa’s most spectacular natural settings. Birding around the lodge grounds and nearby forest edge often produces rewarding sightings and serves as an introduction to the Albertine Rift, one of the continent’s most important centres of avian endemism.

Mahogany Springs Lodge | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 11 | Waterfall Trail Birding & Transfer to Ruhija

This morning is devoted to birding along Bwindi’s famous Waterfall Trail, one of the park’s most productive birding routes. The trail offers excellent chances to search for several Albertine Rift endemics.

Walk through dense montane forest as your guide helps you identify some of Bwindi’s most sought-after species. The trail gradually descends toward a picturesque waterfall, passing through a variety of habitats along the way.

The experience combines excellent birding with some of Bwindi’s most beautiful forest scenery.

Later, continue to the Ruhija sector, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest birding areas.

Gorilla Mist Camp | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 12 | Full Day Birding in Ruhija & Mubwindi Swamp

Ruhija represents the heart of Uganda’s Albertine Rift birding experience and is home to many of the region’s most sought-after endemic species. A full day is dedicated to exploring the area’s forest trails and the renowned Mubwindi Swamp, a location that regularly features on the itineraries of serious international birders. The combination of montane forest, bamboo zones, and wetland habitats creates ideal conditions for a remarkable diversity of species. Among the most sought-after are African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Regal Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Batis, and Stripe-breasted Tit. Birding here is often both challenging and immensely rewarding, with every section of trail offering the possibility of exciting discoveries.

Gorilla Mist Camp | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 13 | Ruhija Birding & Lake Bunyonyi

Enjoy a final morning of birding in the forests of Ruhija before travelling through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda to Lake Bunyonyi.

Often described as one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes, Bunyonyi is surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with numerous islands. The peaceful setting offers a refreshing change after several days of forest birding.

The lake and surrounding highlands support a variety of waterbirds and other bird species. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake, with opportunities for gentle birding around the property and along the shoreline.

Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi | Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 14 | Lake Bunyonyi & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Begin the day with a leisurely boat excursion on Lake Bunyonyi, exploring some of the lake’s islands while enjoying the magnificent scenery that has made the area one of Uganda’s most loved destinations. Birding opportunities continue throughout the morning before departing for Lake Mburo National Park. Arriving in the afternoon, enjoy an introductory game drive through the park’s acacia-dotted landscapes. Lake Mburo offers a completely different ecosystem from the forests and mountains visited earlier in the safari and is particularly valued for species that are difficult to find elsewhere in Uganda.

Kigambira Safari Lodge. Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 15 | Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park provides a fitting finale to Uganda’s premier birding circuit. Its mix of acacia woodland, open grassland, lakes and papyrus swamps supports a distinctive range of bird species.

Explore the park through guided nature walks, lakeside birding and a boat cruise. Look out for African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Brown-chested Lapwing, Coqui Francolin and several raptor species.

The park also offers rewarding wildlife viewing alongside excellent birding. Combined with a comfortable lodge stay, it provides a memorable conclusion to your Uganda birding safari.

Kigambira Safari Lodge. Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 16 | Transfer to Entebbe, Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport, with a stop at the Equator en route. Continue to the airport in time for your onward flight, marking the end of your Uganda birding safari.

No Accommodation | Meal Plan: B, L
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Highlights

Birding drives, Nature walks, Birding Boat safaris, Wetland Birding

Price - 2 Pax

Starting US$4,925 Gorilla Permit/Person

Price - 4 Pax

Starting US$3,865 /Person

Price - 6 Pax

Starting US$3,512 /Person

Price - 1 Pax

Starting US$ 300 Single Room Charge

What is included?
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation in a private vehicle throughout the safari
  • Full-board accommodation for 13 nights
  • Activities as listed in the itinerary
  • Park entrance fees
What is excluded?
  • International airfare and any related fees or taxes
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for the guide and lodge staff
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs
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Signature Uganda Birding Safari

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