22 Days Birding Destinations Within Your Reach

7 Days

from USD 9,100

Activity

Boating | Game Drives | Trekking

Transport

4WD Vehicle

Explore Uganda's Birding Havens: A 22-Day Adventure

Embark on an immersive journey through Uganda's diverse landscapes and rich avian biodiversity with our captivating 22-day Birding Destinations Within Your Reach safari. Designed for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this safari promises unforgettable encounters with some of Africa's most sought-after bird species amidst breathtaking natural settings.

Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Arrive in Entebbe, where you'll be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your accommodation overlooking the serene shores of Lake Victoria. Take some time to relax and acclimate to your surroundings, preparing for the birding adventures that lie ahead.

Day 2-3: Explore Mabamba Swamp and Lake Mburo National Park

Embark on early morning birding excursions to Mabamba Swamp, a haven for birdlife and home to the iconic shoebill stork. With expert guides leading the way, navigate the maze of channels and marshes in search of rare and endemic bird species. Continue your birding adventure in Lake Mburo National Park, where you'll explore diverse habitats, from savannas to acacia woodlands, in search of a variety of bird species, including African finfoot, papyrus gonolek, and the majestic African fish eagle.

Day 4-5: Birding in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

TTravel to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda's best-kept secrets and a paradise for birdwatchers. Check into your accommodation in the reserve and spend the next two days exploring its pristine habitats, from grasslands to rocky outcrops, in search of a diverse array of bird species. Keep an eye out for specialties such as the Karamoja Apalis, Fox's Weaver, and the endemic Karamoja Olive Pigeon, as well as raptors including Verreaux's Eagle and Secretary Bird.

Day 6-7: Discover Kidepo Valley National Park

Journey to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas and a hotspot for birding enthusiasts. Check into your lodge nestled amidst the wilderness and spend the next two days exploring its rugged landscapes and diverse birdlife. Enjoy guided birding walks, game drives, and cultural experiences with the local communities, encountering a variety of bird species, including the endemic Fox's Weaver, Abyssinian Roller, and Egyptian Vulture.

Day 8-9: Bird Watching in Semuliki National Park

Explore Semuliki National Park, a hidden gem tucked away in the western Rift Valley. Check into your lodge nestled amidst the forest and spend the next two days exploring its pristine habitats, from lowland rainforests to savannas and wetlands. Enjoy guided birding walks, boat cruises along the Semliki River, and visits to the park's famous hot springs, encountering a variety of bird species, including forest hornbills, kingfishers, and cuckoos.

Day 10-11: Birding in Budongo Forest Reserve

Venture to Budongo Forest Reserve, one of Uganda's largest and most important tropical forests, renowned for its rich biodiversity and abundant birdlife. Check into your lodge nestled amidst the forest and spend the next two days exploring its lush vegetation and vibrant bird populations. Enjoy guided birding walks along the forest trails, canopy walks, and visits to birding hotspots such as the Royal Mile and Busingiro Ecotourism Site, encountering a variety of bird species, including the elusive African Pitta, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, and White-thighed Hornbill.

Day 12-13: Bird Watching in Rwenzori Mountains

Travel to the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, and explore their mist-covered slopes and montane forests in search of high-altitude bird species. Check into your lodge nestled in the foothills of the mountains and spend the next two days exploring the rich avian diversity of this unique habitat. Enjoy guided birding walks along the mountain trails, visits to birding hotspots such as Rwenzori National Park and Nyabitaba Camp, and encounters with species such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and Archer's Robin-chat.

Day 14-15: Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Discover Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a pristine wilderness nestled in the Virunga Mountains and home to a variety of bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Check into your lodge overlooking the park's stunning landscapes and spend the next two days exploring its diverse habitats, from bamboo forests to alpine meadows, in search of a variety of bird species. Enjoy guided birding walks, hikes to the park's volcanic peaks, and encounters with species such as the Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, and Dusky Turtle Dove.

Day 16-17: Bird Watching in Lake Bunyonyi

Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most scenic destinations and a haven for birdwatchers. Check into your lodge overlooking the tranquil lake and spend the next two days exploring its picturesque islands and surrounding hills in search of a variety of bird species. Enjoy guided birding walks, boat cruises on the lake, and visits to birding hotspots such as Bushara Island and Kyahugye Island, encountering species such as the African Fish Eagle, White-headed Saw-wing, and Grey-crowned Crane.

Day 18-19: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Venture into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse forests in Africa, renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and rich birdlife. Check into your lodge nestled amidst the mist-covered mountains and spend the next two days exploring its lush vegetation and vibrant bird populations. Enjoy guided birding walks along the forest trails, visits to birding hotspots such as Buhoma and Ruhija, and encounters with species such as the African Green Broadbill, Shelley's Crimsonwing, and Black-billed Turaco.

Day 20-21: Bird Watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse ecosystem comprising savannas, wetlands, and forests, and home to a variety of bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Check into your lodge overlooking the park's stunning landscapes and spend the next two days exploring its rich avian diversity. Enjoy guided birding walks, boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, and game drives through the Ishasha Plains, encountering species such as the African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek, and Grey-crowned Crane.

Day 22: Departure

Bid farewell to Uganda as you transfer back to Entebbe for your onward journey home. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories created during your 22-day Birding Destinations Within Your Reach safari, knowing that you've embarked on a journey of discovery and wonder in one of Africa's most captivating birding destinations.