16 Day Uganda Birding Tour

This charming 1940s-style guesthouse blends colonial elegance with African character, offering beautiful views of lush tropical gardens and Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore Entebbe by bicycle, visit the nearby Botanical Gardens, or join your guide for your first birdwatching excursion in Uganda.

 ACCOMMODATION: Viavia Entebbe (budget) 2 Friends beach hotel (Mid-range) No.5 Boutique hotel (Luxury)
MEALS: Dinner

After settling into your accommodation, take time to explore the lodge’s scenic on-site trails, where numerous bird species and playful monkeys can often be spotted. Nestled in a tranquil setting, this charming lodge is an ideal retreat for birdwatchers and the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding wetlands while enjoying spectacular sunset views. 

ACCOMMODATION: Nkima forest lodge (Mid-range)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will head out both early morning and again in the late afternoon into the Mabamba Swamp to give yourself the best chance of spotting some of the breeding pairs found in this area. On top of this, there is a huge amount of birdlife you can expect to see as you silently glide through the channels. This is a chance to see species such as the malachite kingfisher, the blue-breasted bee-eater, and rare shoebills, among others.

ACCOMMODATION: Nkima forest lodge (Mid-range)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations and a paradise for birdwatchers. En route, you will stop at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino-tracking experience, offering a rare opportunity to observe white rhinos on foot.

Upon arrival in the park, you’ll discover a remarkable variety of habitats, from riverine forests and open savannah plains to extensive wetlands and the mighty Nile River. This rich mosaic of ecosystems supports an impressive diversity of birdlife and wildlife. enjoy a short game drive as you begin exploring the park and searching for its many resident species.

ACCOMMODATION: Pabidi lodge Budongo (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Royal Mile offers a gentle and rewarding forest walk, combining excellent birdwatching with the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Uganda’s most beautiful natural environments. It is an ideal experience for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, with towering mahogany trees, rich biodiversity, and a peaceful forest atmosphere.

Located on the escarpment overlooking Lake Albert, the Budongo Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations. The forest is home to an impressive variety of species, including several sought-after West African forest birds at the eastern edge of their range. Among its highlights are rare and localized species such as the endemic Reichenow’s pitta and Woodhouse’s antpecker, making Budongo a must-visit destination for dedicated birdwatchers.

ACCOMMODATION: Bamboo village safari lodge (budget) Pakuba safari lodge (Mid-range) Nile safari lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your final day offers a chance to experience Murchison Falls National Park from a different perspective, with a relaxing morning boat cruise along the Nile towards the delta. This peaceful journey provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing along the riverbanks.

Later in the afternoon, head out on an evening game drive to explore more of the park’s diverse landscapes. Keep your eyes open for some of Uganda’s iconic wildlife, including elephants, hippos, giraffes, and Uganda kobs, with the possibility of encountering more elusive predators such as lions or leopards. It’s the perfect way to end your safari adventure, surrounded by the incredible wilderness of Uganda.

ACCOMMODATION: Bamboo village safari lodge (budget) Pakuba safari lodge (Mid-range) Nile safari lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is a true birders haven nestled between the mountains and border of Uganda and DRC. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.

ACCOMMODATION: Semliki safari lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and black & white colobuses, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
This afternoon, you’ll visit Sempaya Male hot springs. While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even older processes. Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the Rift Valley during the last 14 million years.

ACCOMMODATION: Semliki safari lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’ll stay deep in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. After a delicious three-course dinner, unwind on your private balcony and soak in the peaceful atmosphere as you listen to the enchanting calls of wood owls echoing through the trees.

ACCOMMODATION: Kibale Forest lodge (budget) Turaco treetops lodge (Mid-range) Chimpundu safari lodge (Luxury)

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the scenic Kasenyi and Queen’s Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This wildlife-rich area offers excellent opportunities to spot elephants, lions, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, and a variety of bird species. Continue the drive towards Lake George before returning to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a two-hour boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. The cruise offers close encounters with large pods of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and other animals coming to drink at the water’s edge.

It is also a perfect opportunity for photography, bird watching, and enjoying the beautiful scenery along the channel. After the cruise, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

ACCOMMODATION: Engiri game lodge (budget) Buffalo safari lodge (Mid-range) Kyambura gorge lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’ll stay in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with beautiful views overlooking the iconic Kazinga Channel. This afternoon, explore the channel on a scenic boat safari, where you’ll discover an incredible variety of birdlife, including yellow-billed storks, African spoonbills, pelicans, and many other species.

As you cruise along the water, keep an eye out for wildlife gathering along the banks, including herds of buffalo, basking crocodiles, and pods of hippos.

ACCOMMODATION: Engiri game lodge (budget) Buffalo safari lodge (Mid-range) Kyambura gorge lodge (Luxury)

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’ll stay at a lodge set at a higher elevation, offering breathtaking views across the park and surrounding landscapes. Built using locally sourced materials, the lodge blends beautifully with its natural surroundings, providing a peaceful and authentic forest retreat.

ACCOMMODATION: Rushaga havens gorilla lodge (budget) Ichumbi gorilla lodge (Mid-range) Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the highlight of your journey as you venture into the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll hike through the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family, witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking is a truly special and intimate encounter, with a maximum of eight guests permitted per trekking group, ensuring a more personal and respectful experience. Surrounded by the sounds of the forest and the beauty of Bwindi’s lush landscape, this is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure.

ACCOMMODATION: Rushaga havens gorilla lodge (budget) Ichumbi gorilla lodge (Mid-range) Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to around 360 bird species thriving within its ancient rainforest. As you explore the forest trails, keep an eye out for an incredible variety of species, including cuckoo shrikes, fork-tailed drongos, martial eagles, pink-footed puffbacks, white-headed wood-hoopoes, and colorful tinkerbirds. With its rich biodiversity and unique forest habitats, Bwindi offers one of Uganda’s most rewarding birding experiences.

ACCOMMODATION: Rushaga havens gorilla lodge (budget) Ichumbi gorilla lodge (Mid-range) Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Perched on a scenic outcrop just outside the park, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. From here, you can watch zebras, warthogs, and impalas gathering at the nearby watering hole, creating a truly immersive safari experience.

ACCOMMODATION: Rwakobo rock lodge (budget) Kigarama wilderness lodge (Mid-range) Mihingo lodge (Luxury)
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On your journey back to Entebbe, you’ll make a memorable stop at the Equator for photos and a chance to mark this iconic crossing point before continuing to the airport for your international flight home.

ACCOMMODATION: No Accommodation
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Accommodation as listed
• Meals as listed
• Activities as listed
• All park entrance fees
• Transport as listed
• Airport transfers (Pick & drop off)
• Rangers in the park
• Professional English speaking driver/guide
• Drinking water in the car (on all days)
• 1x gorilla tracking permit per person (Bwindi)
• 1x chimpanzee tracking permit per person (Kibale)
• Branded water bottles of Naseeb safaris

Excluded

• International flights
• Visa for uganda
• Personal (medical/travel) insurance
• Extra activities (optional)
• Drinks apart from water
• Tips & gratuities for guide/driver, rangers, porter, hotel staff etc
• A porter for during the gorilla trekking (someone who carries your day pack if needed)

NOTE: The cost of each safari varies depending on the number of travelers, trip duration, accommodation preferences, and travel style. All safaris can be customized to suit your needs. Contact us for more information.