19 Days Of Ultimate Uganda Birding Tour
19 Days Of Ultimate Uganda Birding Tour

19 Days Of Ultimate Uganda Birding Tour

Tour  Overview

19 Days of ultimate Uganda birding tour. This 19-day Uganda birding tour offers an outstanding opportunity to see the country’s most important birds and primates. Shoebill sightings are almost guaranteed.

The tour targets more than 20 Albertine Rift endemics, including one of Africa’s most spectacular turacos, the Rwenzori Turaco, and the highly sought-after Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill. Uganda has become the classic destination for finding the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, a species we have recorded on every one of our tours. Other range-restricted species are also sought, including the Red-faced Barbet, which is otherwise found only in a remote part of Tanzania that is rarely visited by birding tours.

Ross’s Turaco, the massive Great Blue Turaco (almost twice the size of other turacos), and many additional species are so common in Uganda that they are often encountered with ease. In addition to exceptional birding, the tour offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of primates, including Uganda Red Colobus, Guereza, Chimpanzee, and the unforgettable Eastern (Mountain) Gorilla.

The journey also showcases Uganda’s spectacular scenery, from Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the dramatic Virunga Mountains. The latter part of the tour focuses on more widespread African birds and classic savanna wildlife, with chances to see Lion and, with some luck, Leopard. This section includes outstanding sites such as Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile is forced through a narrow gorge.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate level of fitness, although some days are more demanding. Activities such as gorilla trekking, the hike into Mubwindi Swamp, chimpanzee trekking, and searching for Green-breasted Pitta can involve substantial walking and uneven terrain. Participants are welcome to opt out of any activity if they feel it may be too strenuous. Many days involve forest birding on foot, often in wet conditions. Participants are advised to wear neutral-coloured clothing, use caps rather than wide-brimmed hats, and ensure adequate rain protection for camera equipment and optics.

Day Activity
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport & Lake Victoria Shore Birding
Day 2-3: Shoebill and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Day 4-5: Birding the Virunga Mountains region: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Day 6-7: Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 8-10: Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: birds and optional gorilla trekking
Day 11: Birds and mammals of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 12-13: Kibale National Park – the Chimpanzee/Green-breasted Pitta combo
Day 14: Travel to Masindi
Day 15: Birding at Budongo Forest’s beautiful Royal Mile, transfer to Murchison Falls
Day 16-17: Murchison Falls National Park
Day 18: Birding Kaniyo Pabidi Forest en route back to Entebbe
Day 19: Flights leave Entebbe

Detailed  itinerary

Day 1. Arrival at Entebbe Airport & Lake Victoria Shore Birding

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your guesthouse for check-in before beginning our first birding activities. Around Entebbe, the dazzling Black-headed Gonolek and the striking Double-toothed Barbet are both common. Bat Hawk and African Hobby are sometimes seen over the town. We will then bird the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Here we may encounter Broad-billed Roller, Palm-nut Vulture, numerous species of weavers, and possibly our first Great Blue Turaco of the tour.

  • Overnight: The Boma, or similar, Entebbe
  • Meals: Dinner

Days 2 – 3: Shoebill and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After bypassing the busy city of Kampala (adjacent to the more relaxed town of Entebbe), we travel to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s most accessible and reliable sites for the impressive Shoebill. A dugout canoe excursion takes us deep into the vast papyrus swamp, where Red-chested Sunbird, numerous species of nest-building weavers, coucals, and a variety of tropical waterbirds—including Lesser Jacana—are common. Swamp Flycatcher is also regularly encountered.

After locating the Shoebill, we continue birding en route, visiting a site known for Orange Weaver. Along the way we often see Eastern Plantain-eater, Ross’s Turaco, and large, noisy flocks of Great Blue Turaco, whose far-carrying calls are one of the characteristic sounds of Uganda. Grey Kestrel and the impressive Double-toothed Barbet are also frequently recorded.

We then continue to Lake Mburo National Park, where we spend two nights. This park conveniently breaks the journey between Entebbe and southwestern Uganda, the gateway to the Albertine (Western) Rift, where more than 20 endemic bird species will be targeted later in the tour.

On the following morning, we take a boat trip on Lake Mburo, one of the easiest places in Uganda to find the elusive African Finfoot. Other possibilities include Malagasy Pond Heron (when overwintering), Papyrus Gonolek, and an excellent selection of kingfishers, such as Malachite, Giant, Pied, and the rare Shining-blue Kingfisher.

Lake Mburo National Park offers outstanding birding in arid and savanna habitats. Species here may include Blue-naped Mousebird, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Golden-breasted Bunting, and the highly localized Red-faced Barbet, along with the more widespread Spot-flanked Barbet. Nubian Woodpecker is often heard before it is seen. As in many arid-habitat parks in East Africa, species accumulation can be rapid, and the birds listed above represent only a small sample of what is possible.

This is also the only location on the tour where we are likely to see Plains Zebra. Other mammals commonly encountered include Hippopotamus, African Buffalo, Defassa Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Topi, Common Eland, and many more.

  • Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
  • Meals: Dinner

Days 4 – 5: Birding the Virunga Mountains region: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The Eastern (Mountain) Gorillas of this region range freely across the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and with exceptional luck we may encounter them here. More reliable gorilla viewing, however, usually comes later in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. One of the main reasons for including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on this tour is the chance to find the spectacular Rwenzori Turaco, a key Albertine Rift endemic. The park is characterized by extensive bamboo forest, where we search for Abyssinian Ground Thrush.

Another highly sought-after species here is the very rare Shelley’s Crimsonwing. This Endangered (IUCN) species appears to be declining, notably for reasons not directly linked to human activity. While sightings are never guaranteed, the species remains a possibility in suitable habitat. We may also record some additional Albertine Rift endemics in this area, although the majority of these specialties are more reliably found later in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Overnight: Traveller’s Rest, Kisoro
  • Meals: Dinner

Days 6 – 7: Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

We travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of Africa’s richest forests for both primates and birds, and begin in the high-altitude Ruhija sector. Birding starts as soon as we arrive, working the forested hills in search of species such as the striking Black Bee-eater. We also attempt Grauer’s Swamp Warbler at a roadside site, which can help reduce the length of the otherwise long walk required later, as this species occurs in the lower reaches of Mubwindi Swamp.

Mountain Yellow Warbler may also be encountered here, providing a useful comparison with Papyrus Yellow Warbler, which we look for on another day. A substantial walk toward Mubwindi Swamp is unavoidable, however, as the highly sought-after Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill, one of Africa’s most desirable birds, occurs there. The attractive and very localized Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher is also usually found close to the lower reaches of the swamp.

The walk down to the broadbill site and back takes up a large part of the day, but it consistently ranks as one of the finest birding days of the entire tour. Participants typically record a steady stream of new species, the majority being Albertine Rift endemics. Regular encounters include Banded Prinia, Mountain Masked Apalis, Rwenzori Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, the unusual Grey-throated Barbet, and Red-faced Woodland Warbler. Up to four species of the quiet but brilliantly coloured forest finches known as crimsonwings may also be found, although all are notoriously difficult.

There are far too many high-quality species to list in full, but we also hope to see Olive-breasted Greenbul, one of the more attractively coloured greenbuls among the many encountered in Uganda, where identification can be challenging. Other range-restricted specialties include the long-tailed Blue-headed Sunbird, the dazzling Regal Sunbird, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Rwenzori Batis, along with slightly more widespread but equally impressive species such as Bar-tailed Trogon and Rwenzori Hill Babbler.

  • Overnight: Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija
  • Meals: Dinner

Days 8 – 10: Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: birds and optional gorilla trekking

While travelling from the higher-altitude Ruhija sector to the lower-elevation Buhoma area of Bwindi, we stop to bird a narrow stretch of forest known as “The Neck”. This site allows us to record a number of species not easily found elsewhere. Black Bee-eater and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater are both usually seen here, while Chubb’s Cisticola can often be heard duetting from the thickets.

One of the highlights at this site is the charismatic Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher (also known as Vanga Flycatcher), an extremely active and noisy species that constantly moves between perches. The male is striking black-and-white with bright yellow eyes, while the female is chestnut and white. Other possibilities include Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Mackinnon’s Shrike, Bronzy Sunbird and several other sunbirds, African Grey Woodpecker, and Augur Buzzard.

In the deep forest around Buhoma, we focus on additional localized endemics that barely extend into neighbouring countries. Target species include Grauer’s Warbler (not to be confused with Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, which we aim to see earlier), Bar-tailed Trogon, Petit’s Cuckooshrike, Lühder’s Bushshrike, Brown-capped Weaver, Red-throated Alethe, and many others. We also spend time searching for slightly more widespread forest species, such as the elusive White-spotted Flufftail, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Olive-bellied Sunbird, and several attractive forest barbets, including the large Yellow-billed Barbet. Other highlights may include the brilliantly coloured African Emerald Cuckoo and the impressive Black-billed Turaco.

Birding along forest edges and adjacent farmland can be just as productive—and often easier for photography. Here we may find Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Grey-winged Robin-Chat, Black-necked Weaver, Red-headed Malimbe, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Grey-headed Nigrita, and many more. Over our two full days in the area, we spend ample time birding forest trails, forest edges, and nearby agricultural habitats.

At Buhoma, there is the option to spend one day trekking for Mountain Gorillas. This is a strenuous activity. Participants who choose not to take part will go birding instead, or may relax and enjoy photographing birds around the lodge.

  • Overnight: Ride 4 a Woman, Buhoma
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 11: Birds and mammals of Queen Elizabeth National Park

We stop at Queen Elizabeth National Park—often staying on the Mweya Peninsula along the Kazinga Channel—en route to Kibale Forest. Established in 1954 and officially opened by England’s queen, the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, as well as an impressive diversity of wildlife, including over 100 mammal species and around 600 bird species.

A major highlight is a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, where we can see Nile Crocodile, Hippopotamus, and a wide variety of waterbirds. On land, we also encounter Common Warthog, African Buffalo, Uganda Kob, and numerous other mammals. The shy but fascinating Forest Hog often proves to be one of the most memorable sightings.

  • Overnight: Bush Lodge
  • Meals: Dinner

Days 12 – 13: Kibale National Park – the Chimpanzee/Green-breasted Pitta combo

The drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale is spectacular, taking us across the foothills of the “Mountains of the Moon” (Ruwenzori Range) and even crossing the equator. Kibale is considered the richest forest for primates in Africa, offering incredible wildlife experiences.

Our main avian target here is the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, best sought at dawn, when its display call helps pinpoint its location. Despite its jewel-like colors, this bird is notoriously difficult to see as it forages on the forest floor. While searching for it, the forest comes alive with the loud, sometimes intimidating calls of large Chimpanzee troops. There is also the option for a chimpanzee trekking excursion for those interested.

Kibale is home to many other primates, including L’Hoest’s Monkey, Uganda Red Colobus (one of Africa’s most striking primates), Guereza (Eastern Black-and-white Colobus), Red-tailed Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, and large groups of Olive Baboon, which often roam on the ground in impressive numbers.

Birding here is equally rewarding. Possible species include White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Narrow-tailed Starling, Black-billed Turaco, and Chestnut Wattle-eye, among many others.

  • Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 14. Travel to Masindi

After some final birding around Kibale, we drive to Masindi. Time permitting, we may begin birding at nearby sites, including the well-known Royal Mile, which can offer a range of interesting species along the way.

  • Overnight: Masindi Hotel, Masindi
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 15: Birding at Budongo Forest’s beautiful Royal Mile, transfer to Murchison Falls

Budongo Forest is home to many special bird species that we may not have seen earlier on the tour. One of the highlights is the Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, part of a fascinating trio of small, warbler-like flycatchers that are taxonomically enigmatic—one of which occurs here, while the other two are usually seen on our Tanzania and Mozambique tours. Another prized species is Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher.

The kingfishers of the Royal Mile are among its most famous inhabitants, and many are not associated with water. The stunning Chocolate-backed Kingfisher is a star, alongside the dazzling Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, and several others.

On the forest floor, species such as Red-tailed Ant Thrush, Fire-crested Alethe, and Nahan’s Partridge are often seen. The canopy hosts birds like Rufous-crowned Eremomela, White-thighed Hornbill, and numerous forest barbets, tinkerbirds, and woodpeckers. Budongo Forest also supports a great diversity of greenbuls, occupying different forest strata from undergrowth to canopy—a challenging but rewarding group to identify.

The Royal Mile is a breathtakingly beautiful forest with an exceptionally rich birdlife. After a morning immersed in this forest, we transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.

  • Overnight: Murchison River Lodge
  • Meals: Dinner

Days 16 – 17: Murchison Falls National Park

During our time in Murchison Falls National Park, we enjoy a combination of boat trips and birding/game drives, adding many new species to our list. The park is excellent for both large and small mammals, with possible sightings including Lion, Leopard, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Oribi, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Common Warthog, the scarce Patas Monkey, and many others.

Birding here is equally rewarding. Highlights may include Black-headed Lapwing, Silverbird, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Red-throated Bee-eater, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Rock Pratincole, White-headed Barbet, Black-billed Barbet, Meyer’s Parrot, and Bateleur, among a wide variety of other species.

The park’s signature feature is the Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular sight. While at the falls, there is a small chance of encountering Pel’s Fishing Owl or Bat Hawk. Where possible, night drives can be arranged to seek nightjars and owls, including Long-tailed, Plain, and Pennant-winged Nightjars, as well as Greyish Eagle-Owl.

  • Overnight: Murchison River Lodge

Day 18: Birding Kaniyo Pabidi Forest en route back to Entebbe

Today is primarily a travel day, but we will include several rewarding birding stops on our way back to Entebbe. Our first stop is Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, the only known East African site for the rare forest dweller Puvel’s Illadopsis. Here we also look for other lowland forest specials, including Western Crested Guineafowl, Spotted Greenbul, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Forest Robin, and Yellow-mantled Weaver, among others.

South of Masindi, we make another stop in the grasslands to search for the localized Marsh Widowbird before continuing our transfer back to Entebbe.

  • Overnight: The Boma, or similar
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 19: Flights leave Entebbe

Today marks the end of the tour. Your flight can depart at any time from Entebbe International Airport.

Includes

  • All accommodation
  • Meals (from lunch on day 1 until breakfast on day 19)
  • Unlimited bottled water
  • Expert birding tour guide
  • All entrance & conservation fees
  • All ground transport, including airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Boat rides in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth & Murchison Falls National Parks
  • Canoe fees at Mabamba Swamp (Shoebill)
  • 24/7 support on the safari
  • Airport and hotel transfers

Excludes

  • International/domestic flights (to/from Entebbe)
  • Visas
  • Items of a personal nature, e.g. gifts, laundry, internet access, phone calls, etc.
  • Any pre- or post-tour accommodation, meals, or birding excursions
  • Soft/alcoholic drinks
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities & Tips
  • Optional Gorilla tracking permit 
  • Optional Chimpanzee tracking permit 

Why Choose Amakula African Safaris?

Amakula African Safaris specializes in Kenya Safaris, Kenya Wildlife Safaris, Kenya Cultural Safaris, Kenya Birding Safaris, Tanzania Safaris, Tanzania Wildlife Safaris, Tanzania Great Migration tours, and Uganda Gorilla Trekking.

For travelers interested in hiking and camping, the team can help determine whether camping, tented accommodation, or lodges are most suitable for the chosen destination and itinerary.

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