Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour – 17 Days of Birdwatching and Wildlife Adventure
We start in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. Here, you can look for special birds such as the Rwenzori Turaco and the Red-collared Mountain Babbler. This forest is home to many Albertine Rift endemic species. Next, we visit Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It offers more chances to see rare birds, as well as optional Gorilla tracking.
Our journey continues to Budongo Forest. This location is known for its diverse birdlife. You may also find Chimpanzees here. Afterward, we explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look for birds in its open woodlands and wetlands. We may see the famous Shoebill and African Skimmer. Finally, we travel to Murchison Falls National Park. This park has a great mix of birds and big game. It’s also a great place to view the dramatic waterfalls.
This Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour is well-paced and ideal for all levels of birders.
Day 1: Beginning the Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Your Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour begins with the transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This ancient montane forest is renowned for its rich biodiversity and spectacular birdlife. As we travel, keep your binoculars ready! You may spot unique species en route, including the resident Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus minor) and the uncommon Ruaha Chat.
Day 2: Bird Watching in Nyungwe Forest Reserve – Rwanda’s Avian Paradise
Today, our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour takes you deep into the heart of Nyungwe Forest. After an early breakfast, we head out to explore this pristine wilderness, nestled between Lake Kivu and the Burundi border.
Nyungwe is home to over 275 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. It is one of Africa’s most important birding destinations. Our focus will be on locating special species such as the Kivu Ground Thrush, the dazzling Regal Sunbird, and the charismatic Ruwenzori Turaco. Each sighting highlights the forest’s global conservation significance.
Morning Birding at Uwinka
Our morning begins at Uwinka, one of the best birding sites in Nyungwe. As we walk the well-maintained trails, we listen for the calls of the White-tailed Blue Flycatcher and scan the treetops for Black-faced Apalis. Watch for the flashes of color from the Great Blue, Black-billed, and Ross’s Turacos, all common in this part of the forest.
Afternoon Highlights During our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour
As the day progresses, we search for Neumann’s Warbler and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, as well as the stunning Purple-breasted and Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbirds. Other highlights include Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, the Olive Woodpecker, and the Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird.
Day 3: Full-Day Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour in Nyungwe Forest
On Day 3 of our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour, we focus on finding species we may have missed. We aim to find the Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Grey-chested Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and the Rwenzori Batis. We also hope to find Albertine Sooty Boubou, often calling from dense thickets.
Evening Birding and Nocturnal Highlights
As dusk approaches, we listen carefully for the calls of Nyungwe’s nocturnal birds. We hope to look for the elusive Rwenzori Nightjar, the Albertine Owlet, and the charming Red-chested Owlet. These rare nocturnal species add an exciting twist to your birding adventure.
Day 4: Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour Transfer from Nyungwe to Kisoro, Uganda
Today, our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour travels from Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda to Kisoro in Uganda. Along the way, we make several birding stops to maximize sightings.
Birding En Route
The scenic route offers a rich variety of habitats—lush forests, tranquil wetlands, and montane grasslands. These different ecosystems create excellent opportunities for roadside birding. We look out for notable species such as the African Harrier-Hawk, Augur Buzzard, and the threatened Mountain Buzzard. Other raptors may include the Long-crested Eagle, African Goshawk, and the Shikra. Songbirds are also plentiful along this route, making for a lively and rewarding day of travel and birdwatching.`
Day 5: Birdwatching Safari to Ruhija – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This morning, we depart Kisoro and head toward Ruhija, an area known as Africa’s premier birding destination. It’s one of the major highlights of our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour.
Morning Birding Highlights
Our day starts with sightings in the hotel gardens, where Grey-capped Warblers, Dusky-brown Flycatchers, and Straw-colored Fruit Bats often make an appearance.
Echuya Forest Birding
Next, we visit Echuya Forest, an important stop for regional specialties. Here, we search for the Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori Apalis, and Chestnut-throated Apalis. We also hope to find the Mountain Yellow Warbler, Banded Prinia, and the critically endangered Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Other notable birds include Kandt’s Waxbill and the Strange Weaver, both regional endemics.
Marsh and Woodland Encounters
At Mwichuya Marsh, we search for the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Grey-crowned Cranes, and Variable Sunbirds. Along forest edges, we listen for the Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, and scan the canopy for the mighty African Crowned Eagle.
Mammal Sightings
This birding day also offers possible sightings of Mantled Guereza, Olive Baboon, and L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys, adding diversity to our wildlife encounters.
Day 6: Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour and Optional Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Today offers a choice between two thrilling activities as part of our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour.
Optional Gorilla Trekking
For those interested, there is an opportunity to track Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Accompanied by expert rangers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Observing these gentle giants at close range is truly unforgettable.
Birdwatching Excursion
For birding enthusiasts, a morning walk in the community secondary forest provides excellent opportunities. We aim to find rare species such as the Black-tailed Oriole, Blue-headed Sunbird, Grauer’s Warbler, and the elusive Lühder’s Bush-Shrike. The secondary forest is a rich habitat for endemics and forest specialists, offering a productive day of birdwatching.
Day 7: Journey to the Great East African Rift Valley – From Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This leg of the Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour takes us from the montane forests of Bwindi down to the savanna grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Birding the Ishasha Sector
We travel through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Our birding focus shifts to open-country and woodland species. We keep watch for raptors such as the Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Banded Snake-Eagle, Brown Snake-Eagle, and Gabar Goshawk. Vultures are plentiful, with sightings of White-headed, Lappet-faced, and Rüppell’s Vultures expected.
Grassland and Wetland Specialties
We look for White-winged Widowbirds, White-headed Barbets, and Stout Cisticolas in the open grasslands. In marshy areas, we may encounter the Moustached Grass Warbler, Broad-tailed Grassbird, and Greater Painted-snipe.
Iconic Wildlife Sightings
While birds remain the focus, sightings of African Bush Elephants, Leopards, and Tree-climbing Lions are common in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These large mammals add excitement to an already thrilling day.
Day 8: Safari Sunrise to Sunset – Birding Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour continues with a full day of birdwatching across the diverse landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Morning Birding in Kasenyi Plains
We start the day early, heading out at sunrise to the Kasenyi Plains. This area is famous for its open savannah and scattered acacia thickets. Here, we look for a variety of species including:
Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
Rufous-naped Lark
White-tailed Lark
Red-capped Lark
Small Button-quail
Flappet Lark
African Pipit
Jackson’s Pipit
These wide grasslands are perfect for spotting larks, pipits, and birds of prey. Raptors often patrol the skies as we explore.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
After lunch, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. This stretch of water connects Lake George and Lake Edward, and it’s teeming with birdlife. On this cruise, we look for:
African Spoonbill
African Skimmer
Gull-billed Tern
White-winged Tern
Curlew Sandpiper
Black-tailed Godwit
Ruff
Little Stint
Other highlights may include Black Crake, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Marabou Stork, and the colourful Red-throated Bee-eater.
Evening Birding
As dusk falls, we take a short evening drive. This gives us a chance to spot nocturnal species such as:
Square-tailed Nightjar
Black-shouldered Nightjar
Day 9: Birding the Enchanting Wilderness of Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
We leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel toward Kibale Forest, another highlight of our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour.
Scenic Drive
Along the way, we may spot Black-headed Batis and Black-crowned Tchagra perched on roadside bushes. The dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains adds to the journey’s charm.
Birding in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Upon arrival at Kibale, we head to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based reserve. This lush papyrus swamp is known for its bird diversity. Species we may encounter include:
Red-headed Bluebill
Shining Blue Kingfisher
Black-bellied Seedcracker
White-spotted Flufftail
Yellow-spotted Barbet
Yellow-billed Barbet
Black-and-white Shrike-Flycatcher
White-collared Oliveback
Spur-winged Sunbird
Great Blue Turaco
Joyful Greenbul
Blue-throated Roller
Primate Encounters
Bigodi is also home to several primates. We may spot:
Uganda Red Colobus
Uganda Mangabey
Red-tailed Monkey
Mantled Guereza
L’Hoest’s Monkey
Blue Monkey
Day 10: Chimpanzee Encounters and Birdwatching in Kibale National Park
Today offers both a primate tracking experience and world-class birding, making it a key day in our Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour.
Morning Chimpanzee Tracking
After breakfast, we venture into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking. The forest is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees. We follow the forest trails, guided by experts who help us observe the chimps up close.
Quest for the Green-breasted Pitta
In addition to primates, Kibale Forest is home to the elusive Green-breasted Pitta. We listen for its distinctive call and hope to catch a glimpse of this rare bird. Other birds to watch for include:
White-throated Greenbul
Crowned Eagle
Blue-throated Roller
Black Bee-eater
Thick-billed Honeyguide
Brown-chested Alethe
Western Crested Guineafowl
Western Black-headed Oriole
Blue-breasted Kingfisher
Yellow-browed Camaroptera
Bronze-naped Pigeon
Day 11: Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour to Masindi
We leave Kibale and travel to Masindi. The drive takes about five hours, with birding stops along the way.
Wetland Birding Stops
Near Fort Portal, we make short birding stops to explore wetlands. Possible sightings include:
Northern Masked Weaver
White-collared Oliveback
Highland Rush Warbler
Lesser Swamp Warbler
Scenic Stops for More Species
We make more stops to stretch and bird along the route. We watch for:
Yellow-shouldered Widowbird
Red-collared Widowbird
Brown Twinspot
Red-backed Scrub-Robin
Red-chested Cuckoo-shrike
We enjoy a relaxed lunch en route before arriving in Masindi.
Day 12: Birding the Legendary Royal Mile of Budongo Forest
Today, we journey t another of East Africa’s most iconic birding locations—the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest.
The Royal Mile, a broad forest track shaded by towering mahoganies, offers one of the easiest and most rewarding birdwatching experiences in Uganda.
We listen for the sweet trill of the African Dwarf Kingfisher, its jewel-like colours flashing in the filtered light. Soon after, we may glimpse the striking Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, perched quietly on a low branch. Moving deeper, the Chestnut-capped Flycatcher dances between vines while the melodic calls of the Forest Robin resonate from the shadows.
As we continue along this enchanting trail, we search for Budongo’s specialties—Ituri Batis, Pale-breasted Illadopsis, and the striking Jameson’s Wattle-eye. High above, Wahlberg’s Eagle circles lazily, while bursts of colour from African Paradise Flycatchers and Spotted Greenbuls flash through the dense foliage.
One of the day’s highlights might be the elusive Nahan’s Francolin, rustling quietly through the leaf litter, or the vibrant Fire-crested Alethe, its scarlet cap glowing in the dappled light. The rhythmic tapping of Brown-eared and Golden-crowned Woodpeckers keeps time as we move slowly along.
Day 13: Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour to Murchison Falls National Park
This journey to Murchison Falls National Park winds through Uganda’s spectacular countryside, dotted with rolling hills and scattered homesteads. But it’s not just a drive—it is an opportunity for more birdwatching adventures along the way.
Through the escarpments thickets, we might catch sight of the Bronze-tailed Starling flashing its metallic sheen in the morning sun or the lively chatter of Whistling Cisticolas. Every so often, we stop to admire the Purple Starling perched in acacia trees, or a group of Northern Red Bishops adding bursts of crimson to the green landscape.
Day 14: Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
Morning Game Drive
The open savannah stretches for miles, dotted with Borassus palms and herds of Rothschild’s Giraffes, Uganda Kob, and African Elephants.
But our major focus is on birds, and the variety here is astounding. Look out for Heuglin’s Francolin, its distinctive call ringing through the grasslands. A Red-necked Falcon dashes across the sky in hot pursuit of prey, while flocks of Quelea create mesmerizing patterns as they wheel and dip. We also scan for Denham’s Bustards, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, and the elegant White-headed Vulture soaring high.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile
After lunch, we embark on an afternoon boat cruise up the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks are alive with birdlife: Goliath Herons wade in the shallows, and African Fish Eagles perch ready for the catch.
We keep watch for the elusive Rock Pratincole, which feed from the rocky islands near the falls. Along the way, Giant Kingfishers and Pied Kingfishers dart across the water. The sight of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a seven feet gap, is the perfect climax to an extraordinary day.
Day 15: Delta Birding Boat Ride and Evening Game Drive in Murchison Falls
Morning Boat Ride to the Delta
Our main target here is the legendary Shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird that’s a highlight for any birding enthusiast.
We also search for the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmers, and Saddle-billed Storks. The tranquil waters offer close views of Malachite Kingfishers, African Jacanas, and countless herons and egrets.
Evening Game Drive
Later, as the day cools, we take to the savannah again for an evening game drive. Should we extend to the late evenings, this is a great time to find nocturnal wildlife and birds. We listen for the distinctive calls of Swamp Nightjars, and with luck, we might catch sight of the magnificent Pennant-winged or Standard-winged Nightjars in flight, its long plumes trailing behind it, depending on the travel season.
As darkness falls, the wilderness comes alive in a different way. Leopards prowl in the shadows, Spotted Hyenas call from the distance, and Blotched Genets slink through the grass.
Day 16: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Return to Entebbe
As we leave Murchison Falls behind, we journey towards Entebbe. But first, there’s one more adventure: a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only population of wild rhinos.
Guided by rangers, we track these magnificent animals on foot. Watching them graze and interact at close range is both thrilling and humbling. It’s a fitting conclusion to a safari focused on conservation and biodiversity.
Along the way, we keep an eye out for birds in the sanctuary’s acacia woodlands and savannah. Possible sightings include Brown-backed Woodpecker, White Helmet-shrike, Bat Hawk, and Banded Snake-Eagle.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Entebbe, where we check into our lodge and relax as we reflect on the extraordinary journey we’ve shared.
Day 17: Departure from Entebbe
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour unique?
Our 17-Day Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour explores the finest birding hotspots across two countries. These are idea for the search for rare Albertine Rift endemics, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and experience classic African safari game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
What birds can I expect to see During this Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour?
You can look forward to seeing iconic Albertine Rift endemics such as the Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, and the mythical Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Additional highlights include the Green-breasted Pitta, Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, and over 500 other species across montane forests, wetlands, and savannahs.
Is the tour suitable for older birdwatchers?
Yes! This Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour is designed for a relaxed pace. Our expert guides ensure a comfortable, enjoyable experience, with moderate walking and optional activities like gorilla trekking.
When is the best time for this birding tour?
The tour runs year-round, but the best time is from June to September and December to February when bird activity is high, and weather conditions are most favourable.
Do I need to be an expert birder to join The Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour?
Not at all! Whether you are a beginner, an enthusiastic bird photographer, or an experienced birder, our guides tailor the experience to your skill level.
Conservation Note
At Avian Safaris, we are deeply committed to the conservation of Africa’s birds and their habitats. This Rwanda Uganda Birding Tour directly supports local conservation efforts in Nyungwe Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Murchison Falls. By travelling with us, you contribute to community-based tourism initiatives and help protect the endangered species and ecosystems we cherish.
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