Venture Uganda on a 21-Day Birding and Photography Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Start of Your Three-Week Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our friendly Avian Safaris team will warmly greet you. After a short briefing, you will transfer comfortably to your hotel. Take time to relax and settle in as you prepare for your incredible adventure.
Afternoon Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
If time allows, we kick off the Uganda Birding Photography Tour with an exciting visit to the famous Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Nestled along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, these gardens offer a gentle introduction to Uganda’s birdlife.
Birding Highlights at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
As we stroll through 40.7 hectares of lush greenery, keep your camera ready! Some of the standout species to watch for include:
Great Blue Turaco
Splendid Starling
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird
Weyn’s and Orange Weavers
Common Bulbul
You may also spot Shikra, Gray Parrots, and the impressive Ross’s Turaco, perched regally among the trees.
Additional Wildlife Encounters
Beyond birds, the gardens host Vervet Monkeys and the striking Mantled Guereza (Black-and-white Colobus Monkey). Their playful antics offer fantastic photography moments.
In the evening, we return to the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay. Get ready for the exciting journey ahead!
Day 2: Birding Mabamba Wetland and Transfer to Lake Mburo – Uganda Birding Photography Tour Adventure
After breakfast, we embark on a remarkable day of birding and photography. Our destination is the Mabamba Wetland, a designated Ramsar site and Important Bird Area (IBA), situated about 50 kilometres west of Entebbe.
Morning Shoebill at Mabamba Wetland
Mabamba is world-renowned for its high success rate of Shoebill sightings—over 80%! We’ll set out on a community-led boat excursion, exploring the vast papyrus marshes and narrow channels in search of this prehistoric-looking bird.
Key Species at Mabamba Wetland
Aside from the Shoebill, expect to photograph a stunning array of waterbirds, including:
Malachite Kingfisher
Long-toed Lapwing
Blue-breasted Bee-eater
Lesser Jacana
Yellow-billed Duck
Papyrus Gonolek
African Marsh Harrier
Blue-headed Coucal
You might also catch sight of African White-backed Duck, Fan-tailed Widowbird, and Madagascar Bee-eater, adding vibrant diversity to your photo collection.
Community Conservation Experience
Our time at Mabamba is not just about birds; it’s a chance to experience Uganda’s successful community-based conservation. The local guides and boat operators directly benefit from eco-tourism, creating a win-win for both wildlife and people.
Equator Stop and Scenic Birding En Route
Following our wetland adventure, we continue to the Uganda Equator. Here, you will have a unique opportunity to stand in both hemispheres at once—an excellent photo moment!
Along the route to Lake Mburo National Park, keep your cameras ready for roadside sightings of:
Lilac-breasted Roller
Wahlberg’s Eagle
Long-crested Eagle
Eurasian Kestrel
Gray-backed Fiscal
Bare-faced Go-away-bird
Arrival at Lake Mburo National Park
As we approach Lake Mburo, the scenery changes to savannah grasslands dotted with acacia trees. A bumpy but rewarding dirt road brings new species into view. Look out for:
Red-backed Scrub-Robin
Red-faced Cisticola
Trilling, Long-tailed, and Singing Cisticolas
In the evening, we settle into our lodge for a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow, more birding excitement awaits!
Day 3: Uganda Birding Photography Tour – Exploring Lake Mburo National Park
Today, we explore the enchanting woodlands and thickets of Lake Mburo National Park, a unique habitat brimming with birdlife. This park, though Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, is renowned for its remarkable diversity and photographic opportunities.
Morning Birding in Lake Mburo’s Woodlands
Our Uganda Birding Photography Tour continues through the park’s northern woodlands. These pristine areas are home to species at the edge of their range, providing unique photographic opportunities.
Birding Highlights:
Red-faced Barbet – An East African endemic.
Black-collared, Crested, and Spot-flanked Barbets.
Lapwings – Including Brown-chested, Crowned, Wattled, and Senegal.
Southern Black Flycatcher and Arrow-marked Babblers.
Raptors and Birds of Prey
Keep your lenses ready for soaring Bateleurs, Tawny Eagles, and Wahlberg’s Eagles. Watch the treetops for Wahlberg’s Honeyguide, Black Cuckoo-shrike, and the bright Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike.
Lunch with Birdwatching
Return to the lodge for lunch. From the restaurant, enjoy excellent birding opportunities. Look for:
Red-headed Weaver
Red-faced Crombec
Brown-throated Wattle-eye
Yellow-breasted Apalis
Trilling Cisticola
Lappet-faced Vulture soaring above.
Evening Birding Drive
In the afternoon, we venture out again. We focus on photographing elusive species like:
Grey Tit-flycatcher
White-winged Black Tit
Black-headed Gonolek
Golden-breasted Bunting
Red-necked Francolin
Coqui Francolin
African Pipit
As dusk settles, listen for the haunting call of the African Scops Owl, closing a thrilling day of birding and photography.
Day 4: Uganda Birding Photography Tour – Journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Morning Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
We begin the day with a boat safari on Lake Mburo, offering one last chance to photograph the lake’s vibrant birdlife and wildlife.
Key Species on the Water:
African Finfoot
White-backed Night Heron
Black Crake
Water Thick-knee
African Fish Eagle
Various weavers, including Spectacled, Lesser-masked, Slender-billed, and Holub’s.
Papyrus Swamp Birding
Cruise along the papyrus swamps for:
The Papyrus Gonolek
Papyrus Canary
White-winged Warbler
Papyrus Yellow Warbler
Lesser and Greater Swamp Warblers
Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After the cruise, we journey towards Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, along the Albertine Rift Ranges. The cooler air and rising altitudes signal our arrival in endemic-rich habitats.
En Route Highlights:
Augur Buzzard
Banded and Black-breasted Snake Eagles
Regional endemics such as Ruaha Chat, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, and African Stonechat.
Day 5: Uganda Birding Photography Tour – Exploring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Hike to Mount Sabinyo
After breakfast, we hike through bamboo and heath to Mount Sabinyo. This area offers stunning views and is home to many Albertine Rift Endemics.
Species Along the Trail:
White-necked Raven
Mackinnon’s Shrike
Rock Kestrel
Streaky Seed-eater
Closer to the forest edges, spot:
Cape Robin-Chat
Yellow Bishop
Jackson’s Pipit
Plain Martin
Possibly Lanner Falcon overhead.
In Search of Albertine Rift Endemics
Our primary focus today is photographing endemics such as:
Regal Sunbird
Blue-headed Sunbird
Stuhlmann’s Sunbird
Rwenzori Batis
Rwenzori Turaco
Red-faced Woodland Warbler
Stripe-breasted Tit
Mountain Yellow Warbler
Dusky Crimsonwing
Other exciting finds may include:
Chubb’s Cisticola
Chestnut-throated Apalis
Dusky Turtle Dove
Yellow-rumped and Western Tinkerbirds
Day 6: Uganda Birding Photography Tour – Transfer to Ruhija in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today we travel from Mgahinga to Ruhija, one of Africa’s top birding locations.
Morning Birding at Mgahinga
Start the day at the parking area with:
Grey-capped Warbler
Dusky-brown Flycatcher
White-necked Raven
Straw-coloured Fruit Bat colonies
Echuya Forest Birding Stop
We pause at Echuya Forest Reserve, a stronghold for several Albertine endemics. Look out for:
Albertine Sooty Boubou
Rwenzori and Black-faced Apalises
Mountain Yellow Warbler
Banded Prinia
White-browed Crombec
Strange Weaver
Northern Puffback
Mountain Illadopsis
Red-throated Alethe
Doherty’s and Lagden’s Bush-shrikes
Marsh Birding at Mwichuya
At Mwichuya Marsh, we will seek out:
Grauer’s Swamp Warbler
Red-chested Flufftail
Grey-crowned Crane
Variable Sunbird
Arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
We enter Bwindi via Ruhija, listening for:
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
Mountain Buzzard
As we explore, we may also spot L’Hoest’s Monkey and Blue Monkey, adding mammal photography opportunities to our day.
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Encounters – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Today promises a once-in-a-life-experience. We will combine an extraordinary mountain gorilla trek with exceptional birding in Uganda’s pristine forests.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Preparation and Briefing:
We start our day at the park headquarters, where we receive a thorough briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety. Once briefed, each small group of eight tourists is assigned a gorilla family. This ensures a more intimate and respectful wildlife encounter.
The Trek into the Forest:
Led by experienced trackers, we hike through lush montane forests. As anticipation builds, each step brings us closer to these incredible primates.
Face-to-Face with the Gentle Giants:
Reaching the gorillas is breathtaking. Observe them in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, and interact within their family groups. Witnessing their gentle nature is an unforgettable highlight of our Uganda Birding Photography Tour.
Birding in the Forest After Gorilla Trekking
Following the gorilla trek, we continue birding along the community secondary forest trails.
Target Birds Today Include:
Rwenzori Hill Babbler
Great Blue Turaco
Black-billed Turaco
Grey Cuckooshrike
Grauer’s Warbler
Black-tailed Oriole
Lühder’s Bushshrike
This is a perfect chance to photograph more forest species and expand our birding checklist.
Day 8: Birdwatching Mubwindi Swamp – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Today, we explore Mubwindi Swamp, one of Uganda’s best birding hotspots, nestled within the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Early Morning Birding Expedition
After an early breakfast, we begin our hike down into the valley. Mubwindi Swamp is ranked by the African Bird Clubas Africa’s premier birding destination.
Notable Birds on the Descent
White-tailed Blue Flycatcher
Black-tailed Oriole
Black-throated Apalis
Dusky Tit
Least, Willcock’s, and Dwarf Honeyguides
Sharpe’s Starling
Yellow-streaked Greenbul
Narina Trogon
Birding at Mubwindi Marsh
Once we reach the marsh, we focus on Uganda’s Albertine Rift Endemics.
Key Targets Include:
Grauer’s Rush Warbler
Grauer’s Broadbill
Grey-chested Babbler
Olive, Elliot’s, Cardinal, and Tullberg’s Woodpeckers
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher
Tiny and Purple-breasted Sunbirds
White-starred Robin
Mountain Greenbul
Western Citril
Exploring the Forest Understory and Mid-strata
We keep our eyes on the undergrowth for:
Mountain Illadopsis
Oriole Finch
White-bellied Crested Flycatcher
Carruthers’s Cisticola
Equatorial Akalat
Chestnut-throated Apalis
Green White-eye
White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher
Overhead, we may spot starlings such as:
Stuhlmann’s Starling
Waller’s Starling
Slender-billed Starling
Narrow-tailed Starling
Bonus Mammal Encounters
As we bird along these forest trails, we might catch sight of the elusive Black-fronted Duiker, a small antelope species often found here.
Day 9: Birding Safari to Buhoma – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
This morning, we continue our journey to Buhoma, exploring the famed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest along the way.
Revisiting Key Sites (Optional)
Depending on sightings from Day 8, we may revisit Ruhija for another chance to spot the Handsome Francolin or other missed species.
Scenic Birding at the “Neck”
The “Neck”, a narrow forested corridor at 1,500 meters above sea level, is our next stop. It offers a blend of lowland and montane bird species.
Birding Highlights at the Neck:
Mountain Wagtail
Cassin’s Flycatcher
African Black Duck
Black Bee-eater
African Crowned Eagle
Greenbul Diversity
This area is excellent for Greenbuls, including:
Plain Greenbul
Little Greenbul
Grey Greenbul
Toro Olive Greenbul
Red-tailed Greenbul
Ansorge’s Greenbul
Shelley’s Greenbul
Honeyguide Greenbul among others.
Spectacular Sunbirds and More
Watch for these colorful species:
Little Green Sunbird
Green Sunbird
Olive Sunbird
Blue-throated Brown Sunbird
Collared Sunbird
Northern Double-collared Sunbird
More Avian Treasures
We can also expect:
Yellow-throated and Speckled Tinkerbirds
White-tailed Ant-thrush
Black-faced Rufous Warbler
Grey-green Bushshrike
Many-colored Bushshrike
Dusky Blue Flycatcher
Scaly-breasted Illadopsis
Splendid, Waller’s, Narrow-tailed, and Stuhlmann’s Starlings
Bar-tailed Trogon
Buff-throated Apalis
Little Grebe
By evening, we settle into our lodge in Buhoma, preparing for the next exciting leg of our Uganda Birding Photography Tour.
Day 10: Exploring Buhoma Main Trail – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Our birding adventure continues along the Buhoma Main Trail, where lowland and highland habitats converge. This trail promises an incredible diversity of bird species, blending both Guinea-Congo Forest biome and Albertine Rift montane endemics.
Morning Birding in Buhoma’s Secondary Forest
We begin our day in the lush secondary forest. Have your camera ready as we search for:
Grey-winged Robin-Chat
Red-capped Robin-Chat
Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat
Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat
Grey Apalis
Black-throated Apalis
Buff-throated Apalis
Grey-headed Nigrita
White-breasted Nigrita
White-bellied Robin-Chat
Cabanis’s Greenbul
Red-headed Malimbe
Dusky Tit
Klaas’s Cuckoo
Red-chested Cuckoo
African Emerald Cuckoo
Mixed flocks are common, making it ideal for photographers to capture species in action.
Primary Forest Encounters
As we venture deeper into the pristine primary forest, we focus on rare and elusive species, such as:
African Shrike-flycatcher
African Broadbill
Red-throated Alethe
Red-tailed Bristlebill
Neumann’s Warbler
Kivu Ground-Thrush (a highlight for Albertine Rift endemics)
Watch for mixed flocks that include:
Golden-crowned Woodpecker
Jameson’s Antpecker
Cassin’s Honeyguide
Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike
Willard’s Sooty Boubou
By day’s end, we will have expanded our bird list, capturing the biodiversity of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest through the lens.
Day 11: Transfer from Bwindi Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Today, we leave the montane forests of Bwindi and journey towards the open landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the scenic Ishasha Sector.
Birding in Ishasha: Uganda’s Woodland and Open Country
The Ishasha plains are excellent for both birdwatching and photography. Expect to see:
Gabar Goshawk
White-headed Vulture
Lappet-faced Vulture
Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk
Banded Snake-Eagle
In the open grasslands and woodlands, we search for:
Wing-snapping Cisticola
Croaking Cisticola
Stout Cisticola
White-winged Widowbird
White-headed Barbet
Pin-tailed Whydah
Moustached Grass-Warbler
Broad-tailed Grassbird
Greater Painted Snipe
Malagasy Pond-Heron
Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike
Wildlife Encounters
Besides birds, we may see:
Tree-climbing Lions
African Bush Elephants
Leopards
Buffaloes
Our afternoon concludes as we settle into our lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, ready for the next day’s birding adventure.
Day 12: Birdwatching Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Today, we explore the Kasenyi plains and enjoy a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel—two of Uganda’s most productive birding areas.
Kasenyi Plains: Uganda Birding and Photography Safari
Start your morning photographing sunrise over the open grasslands.
Key Bird Species to Spot
Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
Rufous-naped Lark
White-tailed Lark
Red-capped Lark
Flappet Lark
African Pipit
Jackson’s Pipit
In the wetlands and open areas, look for:
Temminck’s Courser
Black-crowned Lapwing
Senegal Lapwing
Wattled Lapwing
Kittlitz’s Plover
Yellow-throated Longclaw
Watch for soaring raptors such as:
White-backed Vulture
Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture
Wildlife Sightings
The Kasenyi plains are also known for their Uganda Kob lekking grounds. While photographing birds, you may also witness:
Lions (often hunting Uganda Kob)
Elephants
Buffaloes
Afternoon Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
A highlight of this Uganda Birding Photography Tour is the boat ride on Kazinga Channel. This 40-kilometre waterway teems with birdlife and large mammals.
Waterbirds and Shorebirds to Photograph
African Spoonbill
African Skimmer
Gull-billed Tern
White-winged Tern
Curlew Sandpiper
Common Greenshank
Marsh Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Also look for:
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Heuglin’s Gull
Slender-billed Gull
Grey-hooded Gull
Great White Pelican
Pink-backed Pelican
Red-throated Bee-eater (nesting in riverbanks)
Optional Evening Drive
An optional evening drive offers the chance to photograph nocturnal birds such as:
Square-tailed Nightjar
Black-shouldered Nightjar
Day 13: Birding to Kibale Forest National Park – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Our journey today takes us to Kibale Forest National Park, home to lush forests and a spectacular array of birds and primates.
Scenic Drive Along the Mountains of the Moon
As we drive through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, keep your binoculars close. We may spot the Black-headed Batis and Black-crowned Tchagra perched among the roadside bushes.
Birding Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Upon arrival at Kibale Forest, we explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a top community-based conservation success story.
Birding Highlights:
White-spotted Flufftail
Yellow-spotted Barbet
Yellow-billed Barbet
Black-and-white Shrike-Flycatcher
Joyful Greenbul
Blue-throated Roller
White-collared Oliveback
Shining-blue Kingfisher
Primate Photography
This wetland also shelters primates. Expect to photograph:
Uganda Red Colobus
Uganda Mangabey
Olive Baboon
Mantled Guereza
L’Hoest’s Monkey
Blue Monkey
Day 14: Exploring Kibale National Park – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Kibale National Park is often called the “primate capital of the world” and is a must-visit for birders and photographers.
Chimpanzee Tracking Adventure
Begin your morning tracking Common Chimpanzees with experienced guides. Photograph their social behavior as they forage and play in their natural habitat.
Quest for the Green-breasted Pitta
Later, we search for the Green-breasted Pitta, an elusive and highly sought-after bird. This species tests even seasoned birders’ patience!
Other Birding Targets:
White-throated Greenbul
Western Crested Guineafowl
Thick-billed Honeyguide
Western Black-headed Oriole
Brown-chested Alethe
Fire-crested Alethe
Blue-breasted Kingfisher
Yellow-browed Camaroptera
Blue Malkoha
Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo
Day 15: Transfer to Semliki Forest National Park – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Today we move from Kibale Forest to the rich lowland rainforests of Semliki Forest National Park.
En Route Birding Near Fort Portal
The forest road to Fort Portal offers great birding opportunities. Watch for:
Lowland Masked Apalis
Sooty Flycatcher
White-naped Pigeon
Arrival at Semliki Forest National Park
Explore this unique Guinea-Congo biome ecosystem, home to some of Africa’s rarest birds. Expect haunting calls and striking foliage on this leg of our Uganda Birding Photography Tour.
Day 16: Birding Semliki Forest National Park – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Exploring the Guinea-Congo Forest Biome
We start early in Semliki Forest, surrounded by the sounds of rare bird species and the region’s dense, ancient trees.
Key Birding Targets:
Piping Hornbill
White-crested Hornbill
Black Dwarf Hornbill
Black-casqued Hornbill
Forest Canopy Highlights:
Yellow-throated Nicator
African Paradise Flycatcher
Xavier’s Greenbul
Undergrowth and Trail Encounters:
Forest Robin
Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher
African Dwarf Kingfisher
Red-tailed Ant-thrush
Crested Malimbe
Orange-cheeked Waxbill
Day 17: Transfer to Masindi – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Morning Wetland Birding in Fort Portal
We begin with birding in Fort Portal wetlands. Look for:
Northern Masked Weaver
White-collared Oliveback
Highland Rush Warbler
En Route Birding to Masindi
On the journey to Masindi, keep an eye out for:
Yellow-shouldered Widowbird
Red-collared Widowbird
Brown Babbler
Brown Twinspot
Red-backed Scrub-Robin
Brown-backed Scrub-Robin
Day 18: Birding the Royal Mile of Budongo Forest – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Today, we explore the Royal Mile, Uganda’s most famous birding destination. This stretch of Budongo Forest was once reserved for the King of Bunyoro, Omukama Kabalega, and today it stands as a birdwatching haven.
Early Morning Birding at Budongo Forest
We start our birding adventure early. As the sun rises, we enter the forest, eager to spot rare species that thrive here.
Canopy and Undergrowth Species
As we walk the wide trail beneath a lush green canopy, we focus on both canopy birds and forest undergrowth species. Some of today’s targets include:
White-thighed Hornbill
African Dwarf Kingfisher
Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
Chestnut-capped Flycatcher
Ituri Batis
Forest Flycatcher
Edge and Transitional Habitats
In open areas at the forest edge, we expect to find:
African Firefinch
Black-bellied Firefinch
Cabanis’s Bunting
Golden-breasted Bunting
Grey-headed Oliveback
Compact Weaver
Above the canopy, soaring Wahlberg’s Eagle and various sunbirds may appear in the morning light.
Forest Specialties
As we continue deeper into Budongo, we will search for:
Nahan’s Francolin
Cassin’s Honeyguide
Rufous-crowned Eremomela
Expect to hear their calls before spotting them in the dense vegetation.
Day 19: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Birding En Route to Murchison Falls
Our journey to Murchison Falls National Park begins after breakfast. We scan the Masindi landscape for key species.
En Route Highlights
We stop along the escarpments and thickets, watching for:
Northern Red Bishop
Beautiful Sunbird
White-fronted Black Chat
Violet-backed Starling
Foxy Cisticola
Whistling Cisticola
Other species to look for include:
Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver
Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow
Cut-throat Finch
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
Dark-chanting Goshawk
These habitats along the escarpment are also home to Bronze-tailed Starling and the rare White-rumped Seedeater.
Day 20: Murchison Falls National Park Birding and Photography – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Today, we explore Murchison Falls National Park, a mix of open savannah, acacia woodland, and riverine forest.
Morning Game Drive in the Northern Sector
Our morning safari offers chances to photograph both birds and mammals.
Birding Targets
Heuglin’s Francolin
Speckle-fronted Weaver
Red-necked Falcon
Denham’s Bustard
White-headed Vulture
Northern Carmine Bee-eater
Black-headed Lapwing
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
Expect to also spot Rothschild Giraffe, Lelwel’s Hartebeest, and Oribi on this drive.
Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Bottom of Murchison Falls
After lunch, we embark on a boat ride along the Victoria Nile toward the base of the falls.
Birding From the Boat
We scan for water and riverine birds such as:
Giant Kingfisher
African Skimmer
Pel’s Fishing Owl
Red-winged Grey Warbler
Saddle-billed Stork
Rock Pratincole
The boat provides excellent opportunities to photograph Nile Crocodiles, Hippopotamus, and Elephants along the shoreline.
Day 21: Birding at the Top of Murchison Falls and Transfer to Entebbe – Uganda Birding Photography Tour
Morning Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls
Before leaving the park, we make a stop at the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow cleft, plunging 43 meters below.
Birding Highlights at the Falls
We hope to spot:
Rock Pratincole
Bat Hawk
Western Banded Snake Eagle
Return Journey to Entebbe
As we drive back to Entebbe, potential birding stops will be en route, with possible sightings of roadside raptors and open country species.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Uganda Birding Photography Tour unique?
This tour combines expert-guided birdwatching with exceptional photography opportunities. It focuses on capturing Albertine Rift endemics, iconic species like the Shoebill, and East Africa’s stunning landscapes.
Is this tour suitable for beginner bird photographers?
Absolutely! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned photographer, our guides offer tailored support. We focus on optimizing lighting, angles, and bird behaviour insights for the best shots.
What bird species can I expect to photograph?
You will encounter Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Broadbill, and Handsome Francolin. Other highlights include Shoebills, African Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, and many species of Sunbirds and Weavers.
Do I need professional camera gear?
Not at all. While professional gear enhances the experience, participants with high-end smartphones and mid-range cameras can still capture stunning images.
Is gorilla trekking included in this tour?
Yes! The itinerary includes optional gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering an extraordinary opportunity to photograph Eastern Mountain Gorillas.
When is the best time for this Uganda Birding Photography Tour?
The tour runs year-round, but the dry seasons (December to February and June to August) offer ideal conditions for both birdwatching and photography.
Responsible Travel & Conservation Note
At Avian Safaris, we are deeply committed to responsible travel and conservation. Your participation in this Uganda Birding Photography Tour directly supports local conservation initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and the protection of Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity.
We partner with local guides and communities, ensuring fair economic benefits.
Our tours adhere to ethical birdwatching and photography practices, maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife.
Avian Safaris donates a portion of the proceeds to conservation projects in the Albertine Rift and Uganda’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs).
By joining this tour, you contribute to preserving Uganda’s unique ecosystems for future generations of birds, wildlife, and people
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