Uganda Two Weeks Birding Tour
Over the course of 14 days, the tour will explore iconic birding hotspots such as Mabamba Wetlands, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, and Murchison Falls National Park. The tour offers ample opportunities to spot Uganda’s rich avifauna, including sought-after species like the Shoebill, African Finfoot, Green-breasted Pitta, and a host of Albertine Rift endemics.
With expert bird guides, comfortable accommodations, and a well-paced itinerary, this Uganda birding safari itinerary is perfect for travelers who prefer a slower tempo without missing out on spectacular bird sightings and wildlife encounters. Expect to see over 400 bird species, along with exciting mammals such as Rothschild’s Giraffe, African Elephant, and Tree-climbing Lions.
Day 1: Arrival for the Uganda Two Weeks Birding Tour – Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from our Avian Safaris team. After a brief introduction, we transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Entebbe. You can unwind after your flight or, time permitting, enjoy an introductory birding session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Afternoon Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Situated along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, these historic gardens cover 40.7 hectares and offer an excellent introduction to Uganda’s birdlife.
Target Species Include:
Eastern Plantain-eater
Splendid Starling
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird
Great Blue Turaco
Bat-Hawk
Olive-bellied, Red-chested, Green-throated, and Scarlet-chested Sunbirds
Gray Parrots
Crowned and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills
Hooded Vulture
Wildlife Encounters
As we explore the gardens, you may also observe playful Vervet Monkeys and striking Mantled Guerezas, adding an extra layer of excitement to your botanical adventure.
Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Shoebill Search at Mabamba Wetlands & Afternoon Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
After an early breakfast, we set out for the Mabamba Wetlands, one of Uganda’s most famous birding sites. This Ramsar site and Important Bird Area is best known as one of the world’s top locations to observe the enigmatic Shoebill.
Morning Boat Excursion at Mabamba Wetlands
We embark on a guided boat trip with experienced local guides through the sedge and papyrus-lined channels. As we quietly paddle through the wetlands, our primary goal is to spot the Shoebill standing motionless in shallow waters or gracefully gliding overhead.
Other Target Species Include:
Malachite Kingfisher
African Jacana
Long-toed Lapwing
Blue-breasted Bee-eater
Papyrus Gonolek
Lesser Jacana
Return to Entebbe & Afternoon Birding
We return to Entebbe for a relaxed lunch, followed by an afternoon birding session back at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where additional species and photo opportunities await.
Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 3: Second Shoebill Attempt at Mabamba & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, we make a second visit to Mabamba Wetland, increasing our chances of another unforgettable encounter with the Shoebill. This time, we delve deeper into the wetland channels, perfecting your sightings and photographs.
Community-Based Birding
Our visit supports community-based tourism initiatives, as the local guides and boatmen lead our excursion. This sustainable approach helps protect the Shoebill and benefits the surrounding community.
Birding En Route to Lake Mburo
We then begin our journey towards Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at the Uganda Equator Monument for photos and a cultural experience.
Target Species Along the Way:
Lilac-breasted Roller
Long-crested Eagle
Ross’s Turaco
Banded Snake-Eagle
Gray-backed Fiscal
Black-headed Gonolek
African Green Pigeon
Evening Arrival at Lake Mburo National Park
After a day of birding and scenic stops, we arrive at Lake Mburo National Park, known for its acacia woodlands and open savannahs.
Overnight at Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 4: Birding at Lake Mburo National Park and Transfer to Ruhija
Morning Birding in Lake Mburo’s Woodlands and Thickets
After an early breakfast, we begin our day exploring the woodlands and thickets of Lake Mburo National Park. Although Uganda’s smallest savannah park, Lake Mburo boasts a rich diversity of birds and wildlife.
Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
Our morning adventure includes a tranquil boat ride on Lake Mburo, a scenic ten-square-kilometre lake nestled entirely within the park. As we glide over its calm waters, we keep our eyes peeled for the elusive African Finfoot, as well as the majestic African Fish-Eagle, perched on the lakeside trees. You may also spot schools of Hippopotamus wallowing at the lake’s edge—perfect for memorable photographs.
Birding Along the Tracks
Following the boat ride, we explore the park’s well-maintained birding tracks. These areas offer excellent chances to spot:
Red-faced Barbet (an East African endemic)
Crested Barbet
Spot-flanked Barbet
Brown-chested Lapwing
Crowned Lapwing
Wattled Lapwing
Senegal Lapwing
Tropical and Slate-colored Boubous
Wahlberg’s Honeyguide
Black Cuckoo-shrike
As we scan the skies, we may observe the graceful Bateleur and Wahlberg’s Eagle soaring above the savannah.
Afternoon Transfer to Ruhija in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After a rewarding morning of birding, we proceed to Ruhija, located on the eastern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This scenic drive offers several birding opportunities, and we pause frequently to admire species along the way.
Overnight in Ruhija.
Day 5: Birding Mubwindi Swamp – Africa’s Best Birding Spot According to The African Bird Club (ABC)
Early Morning Trek to Mubwindi Swamp
After breakfast, we embark on an exciting birding hike down to Mubwindi Swamp, acclaimed by the African Bird Club as Africa’s number one birding spot. The trek offers spectacular views and excellent opportunities to encounter some of the region’s most sought-after avian species.
Target Species and Endemic Treasures
As we descend towards the swamp, we keep watch for:
White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Black-tailed Oriole, Black-throated Apalis, Dusky Tit, Least Honeyguide, Willcock’s Honeyguide and Dwarf Honeyguide.
At the Mubwindi Marshlands, we search for elusive species, such as:
Grauer’s Rush Warbler
Grauer’s Broadbill (African Green Broadbill)
Black-billed Turaco
Brown-capped Weaver
Olive Woodpecker
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher
Blue-headed Sunbird
Dusky Crimsonwing
Mythical Birds and Forest Specials
Throughout the day, we may also encounter forest treasures like:
Grey-chested Babbler
Oriole Finch
White-bellied Crested Flycatcher
Equatorial Akalat
Rwenzori Hill Babbler
Chestnut-throated Apalis
Albertien Boubou
Green White-eye
Wildlife Encounters
Beyond the birds, keep an eye out for the Black-fronted Duiker, a shy forest antelope that occasionally crosses our path.
Overnight in Ruhija.
Day 6: Birding, Optional Gorilla Trekking, and Transfer to Buhoma
Optional Gorilla Trekking Experience
For those interested, today presents an opportunity to trek and encounter the Eastern Mountain Gorillas. After a morning briefing on gorilla tracking etiquette, we venture into Bwindi’s dense forest in search of these gentle giants. Observing them in their natural habitat is an emotional and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Birding the Ruhija Area
Alternatively, or after gorilla trekking, we explore Ruhija’s birding trails, home to many restricted-range species and Albertine Rift endemics. Here, we may spot:
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo, Grauer’s Warbler, Black-tailed Oriole, Luhder’s Bush-Shrike, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Banded Prinia
Transfer to Buhoma
Later in the day, we transfer to Buhoma, another excellent birding sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, we search for:
Black Bee-eater
Black-faced Rufous Warbler
Pink-footed Puffback
Mountain Wagtail
Cassin’s Flycatcher
The roadside birding reveals overlaps between lowland and montane species, such as: Plain Greenbul, Little Greenbul and Gray Greenbul among there 14 Greenbul Species
Overnight in Buhoma.
Day 7: Uganda Two Weeks Birding and Nature Tour Along the Buhoma Main Trail
Buhoma Main Trail: A Fusion of Lowland and Highland Bird Species
Today, we explore the Buhoma Main Trail, renowned for its remarkable blend of lowland and highland species. This unique fusion makes Buhoma a premier birding destination in Uganda.
Morning Birding in the Secondary Forest
Our day begins with a leisurely walk through the secondary forest, where the undergrowth teems with avian life. Expect encounters with Grey-winged, Red-capped, Blue-shouldered, and Snowy-crowned Robin-Chats, accompanied by the melodies of Grey, Black-throated, and Buff-throated Apalises. We may also spot Grey-headed and White-breasted Nigritas, while the sweet tunes of the White-bellied Robin-Chat and Cabanis’s Greenbul echo through the trees.
Be on the lookout for the vibrant Red-headed Malimbe, Dusky Tit, and an array of cuckoos, including African Emerald, Red-chested, Klaas’s, and Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo.
Into the Primary Forest
As we stroll deeper into the primary forest, the canopy opens a world of possibilities. Here, we seek elusive species such as the African Shrike-flycatcher, African Broadbill, and Red-throated Alethe. We also search for Red-tailed Bristlebill, mixed flocks of Red-tailed Greenbuls, Neumann’s Warbler, and the Kivu Ground-Thrush.
Mixed-species flocks may also include Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Jameson’s Antpecker, Cassin’s Honeyguide, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, and the newly split Willard’s Sooty Boubou. As the day unfolds, our bird list will grow, offering exciting discoveries with every step.
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda Two Weeks Birding and Nature Tour
Scenic Drive through Ishasha
After breakfast, we depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelling through the picturesque Ishasha sector, home to Uganda’s famous tree-climbing lions.
Birding Along the Way
En route, we scan the skies for impressive raptors such as Gabar Goshawk, White-headed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, and Banded Snake-Eagle. We also listen for the songs of Wing-snapping, Croaking, and Stout Cisticolas, alongside flocks of White-winged Widowbirds and White-headed Barbets.
Expect sightings of Pin-tailed Whydah, Moustached Grass-Warbler, Broad-tailed Grassbird, Greater Painted-snipe, and Malagasy Pond-heron.
Big Game Encounters
As we enter the park, we look forward to iconic wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for African Bush Elephants, Leopards, and the renowned Ishasha tree-climbing lions—a thrilling highlight of our safari adventure.
Day 9: Birding Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda Two Weeks Birding and Nature Tour
Morning Birding in Kasenyi Plains
Our morning begins with birding in the Kasenyi Plains, where open grasslands and scattered thickets attract a wide variety of species. Highlights include Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Rufous-naped Lark, White-tailed Lark, Red-capped Lark, and Flappet Lark.
Watch for Temminck’s Courser, Black-crowned Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, and Wattled Lapwing, alongside Yellow-throated Longclaw and soaring White-backed and Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures.
Kob Lekking Grounds
We visit the Kob lekking grounds, where Uganda Kobs engage in spectacular courtship displays.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
After lunch, we enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, linking Lakes Edward and George. Here, herds of Elephants, pods of Hippos, and basking Nile Crocodiles gather along the shores.
Bird highlights include African Skimmers, African Spoonbill, Gull-billed and White-winged Terns, and depending on the season, waders like Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints.
Look for Heuglin’s Gulls, Slender-billed Gulls, Grey-hooded Gulls, Great White Pelicans, Pink-backed Pelicans, Long-tailed Cormorants, and Woolly-necked Storks. The vibrant Red-throated Bee-eater may also delight us.
Day 10: Birding To Kibale Forest National Park
Uganda Two Weeks Birding and Nature Tour
After breakfast, we journey to Kibale Forest, renowned for its biodiversity. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of the Mountains of the Moon and scan for species like the Black-headed Batis and Black-crowned Tchagra.
Afternoon Birding at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Upon arrival, we explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a prime birding location and community conservation success. Look for the White-spotted Flufftail, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-spotted and Yellow-billed Barbets, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Joyful Greenbul, Spur-winged Sunbird, and Shining Blue Kingfisher.
Primate Encounters
Bigodi is also home to Uganda Red Colobus, Uganda Mangabey, Olive Baboon, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Mantled Guereza, and Blue Monkey. Learn about conservation efforts protecting these species.
Day 11: Birding Kibale Forest & Optional Chimpanzee Tracking
Uganda Two Weeks Birding and Nature Tour
Searching for the Green-breasted Pitta
Today’s early morning birding focuses on finding the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. We may also encounter White-throated Greenbul, African Crowned Eagle, Thick-billed Honeyguide, Brown-chested Alethe, and Fire-crested Alethe.
Optional Chimpanzee Tracking
For those interested, chimpanzee tracking is available. Kibale Forest holds Uganda’s largest population of Chimpanzees, offering a chance to observe their complex social structures and behaviours.
Additional Bird Highlights
Continue birding for Western Crested Guineafowl, Western Black-headed Oriole, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-throated Roller, Blue Malkoha, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Western Nicator, and Yellow-browed Camaroptera.
Day 12: Birding Journey to Murchison Falls National Park
Today, we journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area and one of the country’s most scenic landscapes. The anticipation builds as we leave Masindi town behind and head toward this vast wilderness, teeming with birds and wildlife.
En Route Birdwatching
As we drive along the escarpment and through open woodlands, we take strategic stops to maximize birding opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for the iridescent Purple Starling, adding a splash of colour to the landscape. The thickets and wooded acacia zones are particularly rewarding. Look out for Northern Red Bishop, Beautiful Sunbird, and the elusive Dusky Babbler, among others.
Scenic Stops and Avian Treasures
Along the route, we scan for more avian gems, including Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow, and the enormous Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Overhead, the Dark-chanting Goshawk may be spotted gliding effortlessly. You will marvel at the vibrant plumage of Cut-throat Finches, Vitelline Masked Weavers, and Red-throated Bee-eaters, perched elegantly on tree branches or foraging along the roadside.
Witnessing the Power of Murchison Falls
Later in the day, we stand at the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River is squeezed through a 7 feet narrow gorge, plummeting 43 feet to the rocks below. The thunderous roar and the spray-filled air are a testament to nature’s raw power and beauty. This unforgettable moment is a highlight of our journey.
Day 13: Game Drive and Boat Ride in Murchison Falls National Park
Our thirteenth day promises thrilling wildlife encounters as we explore the Southern Sudan savanna stretch of Murchison Falls National Park, home to both rare birds and classic African mammals.
Exploring the Open Savannah
We begin the morning with a game drive across Murchison’s vast savannah plains, scanning for iconic species. Keep your binoculars ready for Speckle-fronted Weaver, Red-necked Falcon, and Heuglin’s Francolin. Watch for flocks of Red-headed Quelea moving in synchronized flight, and look to the skies for Northern Carmine Bee-eaters flashing brilliant colours as they hunt on the wing.
On the ground, you may spot the Black-bellied Bustard, Grey Kestrel, Denham’s Bustard, and Black-headed Lapwing, all adding to your growing bird list.
Encounters with Rare and Endangered Species During the Uganda Two Weeks Birding Tour
As we traverse the plains, keep an eye out for the critically endangered White-headed Vulture, a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation in this region. Along the way, we also have opportunities to see Rothschild Giraffes, Lelwel’s Hartebeests, Oribi, Side-striped Jackals, and Bohor Reedbucks, all thriving in the park’s protected environment.
A Scenic Boat Ride on the Victoria Nile
In the afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely three-hour boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, heading to the base of Murchison Falls. As we drift along the river, we look for the magnificent Giant Kingfisher, the colourful White-crested Turaco, and the elusive Rock Pratincole perched on exposed rocks near the water’s edge. The cruise offers a serene yet exciting finale to our day, with hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds enhancing the experience.
Day 14: Journey Back to Entebbe
After breakfast, we begin our return drive to Entebbe, reflecting on the breathtaking scenery and remarkable birding moments that have defined this Two Weeks Uganda Leisurely Birding Tour. We may make brief stops along the way for final bird sightings and photography opportunities.
In the evening, we arrive in Entebbe, where the tour concludes. For those with evening flights, we offer transfers to Entebbe International Airport. Alternatively, an extra night in Entebbe can be arranged upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time for birding in Uganda?
Answer: Uganda offers excellent birding year-round. However, the best time is from November to April, during the migratory season and after the rains when breeding plumage is vibrant.
2. How difficult is this Uganda Two Weeks Birding Tour?
Answer: This tour is leisurely paced, suitable for most fitness levels. Some forest trails require moderate walking, and gorilla trekking may be physically demanding but optional.
3. Is gorilla trekking included in this tour?
Answer: Yes, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is available as an optional activity on Day 6. We can assist with permits and briefing details upon request.
4. What birds are we likely to seen during the Uganda Birding Tour?
Answer: Expect to see over 400 bird species, including the Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, African Finfoot, and many Albertine Rift Endemics like Grauer’s Broadbill and Dusky Crimsonwing.
5. Can non-birding partners join the Uganda Two Weeks Birding Tour?
Answer: Absolutely! Non-birders will enjoy Uganda’s scenic landscapes, game drives, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and cultural encounters.
6. What should I pack for this Uganda Two Weeks Birding Tour?
Answer: Essentials include binoculars, lightweight field clothing, hiking boots, sun protection, insect repellent, and rain gear. A comprehensive packing list will be provided upon booking.
7. Do I need travel insurance?
Answer: Yes, travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation is mandatory for this tour.
Conservation Note
At Avian Safaris, we are committed to sustainable tourism and conservation. By joining this tour, you directly support conservation initiatives, including the protection of endangered species like the Shoebill and Mountain Gorilla. We work closely with local communities to promote eco-friendly practices, and a portion of your tour fee contributes to community-based conservation programs and anti-poaching efforts in Uganda’s protected areas.
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