23 Days Uganda Birding Tour – The Remarkable West
Experience the ultimate birding adventure across Uganda on this 23 Days Uganda Birding Tour – The Remarkable West
23 Days Uganda Birding Tour – The Remarkable West
Safari Overview
Embark on the ultimate birding expedition through the Pearl of Africa on this comprehensive 23 Days Uganda Birding Tour. Designed for passionate birders, ornithologists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this safari explores Uganda’s richest birding habitats, from papyrus wetlands and tropical rainforests to montane forests, savannahs, crater lakes, and river ecosystems.
Home to over 1,090 recorded bird species, Uganda is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, hosting nearly half of the continent’s birdlife. This remarkable journey offers opportunities to observe some of East Africa’s rarest and most sought-after species, including the elusive Shoebill Stork, the spectacular African Green Broadbill, numerous Albertine Rift Endemics, and the extraordinary biodiversity of Bwindi, Kibale, Semuliki, Budongo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo National Parks.
Beyond birding, the safari also provides optional opportunities for Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest, making this one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.
Safari Highlights
- Search for the elusive Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Wetland
- Explore nine of Uganda's premier birding destinations
- Discover Albertine Rift Endemic bird species
- Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Birdwatching in Semuliki's Congo Basin forests
- The famous Royal Mile in Budongo Forest
- Boat safaris on Lake Mburo, Kazinga Channel and the Victoria Nile
- Game-drive birding in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks
- Optional Gorilla Trekking experience
- Optional Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
- Visit the Uganda Equator
- Scenic drives through tea plantations, crater lakes and mountain landscapes
23 Days Uganda Birding Tour – The Remarkable West
Prices
- USD 10,846 per person
Safari Cost Includes
- Airport meet and greet services
- Airport transfers
- Professional expert birding guide throughout the safari
- Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Fuel and driver allowances
- Accommodation for 22 nights
- Full-board meals throughout the safari
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
- All national park entrance fees
- All guided birding excursions
- Boat safaris on Lake Mburo, Kazinga Channel, and the Victoria Nile
- Mabamba Wetland canoe excursion
- Bigodi Wetland guided walk
- Royal Mile birding permit
- Government taxes and conservation fees
Safari Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Uganda Visa fees
- Gorilla Trekking Permit (optional unless included in package)
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permit (optional unless included in package)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Laundry services
- Telephone charges
- Personal shopping expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
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Detailed Itinerary
Discover Uganda — Africa’s Premier Birding Destination
This remarkable 23-day expedition takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated birding ecosystems, each offering unique habitats and exceptional species diversity. From canoeing through the papyrus wetlands of Mabamba in search of the legendary Shoebill Stork to exploring the ancient rainforests of Bwindi and Semuliki for Albertine Rift endemics, every day introduces new landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and unforgettable birding experiences. Whether you’re an avid birder seeking life-list species or a nature lover eager to experience Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity, this journey promises an adventure unlike any other.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional MJ Safaris Uganda birding guide and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory birding excursion at either the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, both renowned for their excellent lakeshore and forest birdlife.
Possible Species Include
- Great Blue Turaco
- Ross’s Turaco
- African Grey Parrot
- Palm-nut Vulture
- Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill
- African Fish Eagle
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel / Entebbe Travellers Inn
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Mabamba Wetland & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Begin your birding adventure with an early morning excursion to Mabamba Wetland, Uganda’s most famous Shoebill habitat.
Board a traditional canoe and glide through winding papyrus channels while searching for the elusive Shoebill Stork alongside numerous wetland specialists.
Target species include:
- Shoebill Stork
- Papyrus Gonolek
- White-faced Whistling Duck
- Fulvous Whistling Duck
- African Jacana
- Blue-breasted Bee-eater
- Carruthers’s Cisticola
- African Marsh Harrier
- Lesser Jacana
Continue your journey southwest to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at the Uganda Equator for photographs and a memorable equator demonstration.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge / Arcadia Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse habitats of Lake Mburo National Park.
Begin with an early morning birding game drive before enjoying a relaxing afternoon boat safari on Lake Mburo.
The park’s acacia woodlands, wetlands, rocky outcrops and open grasslands provide habitat for over 350 bird species.
Target Species Include
- African Finfoot
- Coqui Francolin
- Red-faced Barbet
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- African Grey Hornbill
- Brown Parrot
- Blue-breasted Kingfisher
- Temminck’s Courser
- Black-bellied Bustard
- Yellow-throated Longclaw
Wildlife sightings may include:
- Zebra
- Eland
- Buffalo
- Impala
- Topi
- Warthog
- Hippo
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge / Arcadia Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast, continue your birding expedition towards the breathtaking Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, situated in Uganda’s far southwest.
This scenic drive passes through rolling hills, traditional villages and spectacular mountain scenery before reaching the Virunga Volcanoes.
Enjoy afternoon birding around the lodge.
Possible Species
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Mountain Yellow Warbler
- Cinnamon Bracken Warbler
Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Spend the entire day birding through the park’s bamboo forests, montane woodland and heath vegetation.
Mgahinga is one of the best locations for observing Albertine Rift endemic species.
Target Species Include
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Kivu Ground Thrush
- Regal Sunbird
- Purple-breasted Sunbird
- Archer’s Robin-Chat
- Dusky Crimsonwing
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing
- Mountain Yellow Warbler
- Dwarf Honeyguide
The dramatic volcanic scenery provides an unforgettable backdrop for today’s birding experience.
Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Birding Transfer to Ruhija – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today’s journey takes you into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its exceptional biodiversity.
Bird along the route to Ruhija while searching for some of Uganda’s rarest Albertine Rift endemics.
Target Species Include
- African Green Broadbill
- Handsome Francolin
- Strange Weaver
- Stripe-breasted Tit
- Rwenzori Batis
- White-browed Crombec
- White-naped Raven
- Sharp’s Starling
Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge / Trekkers Tavern
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Birding Mubwindi Swamp
Today is dedicated to one of Uganda’s premier birding sites — Mubwindi Swamp.
The trail offers excellent opportunities to encounter several Albertine Rift endemics and other high-altitude forest specialists.
Target Species Include
- Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher
- White-tailed Blue Flycatcher
- Mountain Illadopsis
- Black-billed Weaver
- Red-headed Malimbe
- Montane Oriole
- Doherty’s Bushshrike
- Rwenzori Nightjar
- Pink-footed Puffback
Mubwindi remains one of the highlights of Uganda’s birding circuit.
Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge / Trekkers Tavern
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Birding Through Bwindi to Buhoma
After breakfast, continue birding through the magnificent forests of Bwindi as you transfer to the Buhoma sector.
The drive itself offers exceptional forest birding opportunities with regular stops along the route.
Target Species Include
- Black Bee-eater
- Dusky Tit
- Yellow-spotted Barbet
- Yellow-billed Barbet
- Brown-throated Wattle-eye
- Chestnut Wattle-eye
- Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher
- Common Stonechat
- African Shrike-flycatcher
Arrive at Buhoma in the evening to prepare for tomorrow’s optional Gorilla Trekking experience or additional forest birding.
Accommodation: Gorilla Resort / Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Optional Gorilla Trekking or Full-Day Birding in Bwindi
Today offers one of the most memorable experiences in Africa. Guests may choose to participate in the world-famous Mountain Gorilla Trekking experience or spend the day birding through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest.
Those opting for birding will explore forest trails in search of several elusive Albertine Rift endemics and forest specialists.
Target Species Include
- African Green Broadbill
- Grauer’s Broadbill
- Red-throated Alethe
- Black-faced Rufous Warbler
- Equatorial Akalat
- Archer’s Robin-Chat
- Blue-headed Sunbird
- Chapin’s Flycatcher
- Mountain Masked Apalis
For those trekking gorillas, the reward is an unforgettable one-hour encounter with one of the habituated mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)
After breakfast, depart Bwindi for the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This region is famous worldwide for its unique population of tree-climbing lions, but it is equally rewarding for birders thanks to its fig woodlands, savannah, and riverine habitats.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive while searching for:
- Tree-climbing Lions
- African Elephant
- Buffalo
- Uganda Kob
- Topi
Bird Highlights
- White-headed Barbet
- Martial Eagle
- Bateleur
- Black Coucal
- African Openbill
- Saddle-billed Stork
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Brown Snake Eagle
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Enjojo Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
This morning, continue to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an exciting game drive across the Kasenyi Plains.
The grasslands support a rich diversity of mammals and birds.
Wildlife Highlights
- Lions
- Leopards (occasionally)
- Hyenas
- Buffaloes
- Elephants
- Warthogs
In the afternoon, enjoy one of Africa’s finest boat safaris along the famous Kazinga Channel.
The channel attracts one of the continent’s highest concentrations of hippos and provides exceptional birdwatching.
Target Species Include
- African Skimmer
- Pink-backed Pelican
- Great White Pelican
- Yellow-billed Stork
- African Spoonbill
- Pied Kingfisher
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Goliath Heron
- African Fish Eagle
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel north through scenic crater lakes and rolling tea estates towards Kibale Forest National Park.
The journey itself offers excellent roadside birding with frequent stops at forest patches and wetlands.
Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s finest tropical rainforests and supports over 375 bird species together with 13 species of primates.
Enjoy an afternoon birding walk around the lodge.
Possible Species Include
- Great Blue Turaco
- White-spotted Flufftail
- Crowned Eagle
- Green Crombec
- Joyful Greenbul
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Kibale Forest Birding & Optional Chimpanzee Trekking
Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Kibale Forest.
Guests may choose between a world-renowned Chimpanzee Trekking experience or a full day dedicated to birdwatching.
Target Bird Species Include
- Green-breasted Pitta
- African Pitta (seasonal)
- Yellow-spotted Nicator
- White-naped Pigeon
- Black Bee-eater
- Blue-breasted Kingfisher
- Brown Illadopsis
- White-tailed Ant Thrush
- Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
Chimpanzee trekkers will also encounter several monkey species including:
- Red Colobus
- Black-and-white Colobus
- Grey-cheeked Mangabey
- L’Hoest’s Monkey
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpundu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary & Transfer to Semuliki National Park
Begin the morning with birding at the renowned Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, one of Uganda’s richest community-managed birding sites.
The sanctuary is famous for its papyrus specialists and forest edge species.
Target Species Include
- Papyrus Gonolek
- White-winged Warbler
- White-collared Oliveback
- Speckle-breasted Woodpecker
- Hairy-breasted Barbet
- Great Blue Turaco
After lunch, continue west to Semuliki National Park, Uganda’s only true lowland tropical rainforest and an extension of the Congo Basin ecosystem.
This transition introduces an entirely different suite of bird species rarely found elsewhere in East Africa.
Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Full-Day Birding in Semuliki National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the rich forests of Semuliki National Park.
This extraordinary habitat supports more than 440 bird species, including many Congo Basin specialties that are difficult to observe elsewhere in East Africa.
Bird along several forest trails while listening for elusive canopy species.
Target Species Include
- Nkulengu Rail
- White-crested Hornbill
- Piping Hornbill
- Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill
- Black Dwarf Hornbill
- Blue-billed Malimbe
- Yellow-throated Nicator
- Forest Robin
- Capuchin Babbler
- Maxwell’s Black Weaver
Semuliki offers one of Uganda’s most rewarding birding experiences for dedicated birders.
Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Kirumia Trail Birding Expedition
Today you’ll explore the famous Kirumia Trail, one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching routes.
This trail passes through pristine lowland rainforest before reaching the Semuliki River, offering exceptional opportunities to observe elusive Congo Basin species.
The diversity of habitats along the trail makes it one of the country’s richest birding locations.
Target Species Include
- Lyre-tailed Honeyguide
- White-bellied Kingfisher
- Black-wattled Hornbill
- Red-rumped Tinkerbird
- Swamp Palm Bulbul
- Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill
- Yellow-throated Cuckoo
- Long-tailed Hawk
- Red-billed Helmetshrike
The peaceful rainforest environment also provides opportunities to observe butterflies, primates, and unique forest flora.
Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Transfer to Budongo Forest Reserve
After breakfast, depart Semuliki National Park and journey towards Budongo Forest Reserve, one of East Africa’s most celebrated birdwatching destinations.
The scenic drive offers opportunities to observe birds along forest edges, wetlands, and cultivated landscapes before arriving at the magnificent Budongo Forest.
Enjoy an evening bird walk around the lodge.
Target Species Include
- Yellow-footed Flycatcher
- Forest Robin
- Fire-crested Alethe
- Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
- White-thighed Hornbill
- Yellow-crested Woodpecker
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Full-Day Birding at the Royal Mile
Today is dedicated to exploring the famous Royal Mile, regarded by many as Uganda’s finest forest birding trail.
This historic avenue passes through pristine tropical rainforest and provides outstanding opportunities to observe mixed feeding flocks and numerous sought-after forest specialists.
Target Species Include
- Puvel’s Illadopsis
- Yellow-footed Flycatcher
- Ituri Batis
- White-thighed Hornbill
- Chestnut-capped Flycatcher
- Forest Francolin
- African Dwarf Kingfisher
- Lemon-bellied Crombec
- Grey-headed Sunbird
- Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher
Patient observation often rewards birders with exceptional photographic opportunities.
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Budongo Forest to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, continue birding as you travel into Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected conservation area.
Visit the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile crashes through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging over 40 metres into the Devil’s Cauldron.
Enjoy afternoon birding around the falls and surrounding woodland.
Target Species Include
- Rock Pratincole
- African Fish Eagle
- Giant Kingfisher
- Grey-headed Kingfisher
- Red-throated Bee-eater
- Double-toothed Barbet
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Morning Game Drive & Victoria Nile Boat Safari
Rise early for a birding-focused game drive across the northern savannah.
Besides outstanding birdlife, expect excellent opportunities to observe Uganda’s iconic wildlife.
Wildlife Highlights
- Rothschild’s Giraffe
- African Elephant
- Cape Buffalo
- Lion
- Uganda Kob
- Jackson’s Hartebeest
- Oribi
- Waterbuck
During the afternoon, enjoy a spectacular boat safari on the Victoria Nile.
The riverbanks support enormous concentrations of waterbirds.
Target Bird Species
- African Skimmer
- Saddle-billed Stork
- Goliath Heron
- Giant Kingfisher
- Pied Kingfisher
- Malachite Kingfisher
- African Jacana
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Long-toed Lapwing
- White-fronted Bee-eater
The cruise also offers exceptional photographic opportunities of crocodiles and hippos.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Southern Murchison Birding & Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, enjoy one final birding excursion within Murchison Falls National Park before beginning your journey back to Entebbe.
Several roadside wetlands and woodland habitats provide excellent opportunities to add new species to your checklist.
Possible sightings include:
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
- Black-headed Lapwing
- Secretary Bird
- Bateleur
- Dark Chanting Goshawk
- Grey Kestrel
Arrive in Entebbe during the evening.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel / Protea Hotel Entebbe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Entebbe Peninsula Birding
Your final full day is dedicated to exploring the rich birdlife of the Entebbe Peninsula.
Depending on current sightings and seasonal conditions, your guide will select the most productive birding locations.
Possible sites include:
- Entebbe Botanical Gardens
- Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
- Lutembe Bay
- Entebbe Lakeshore
Target Species Include
- Great Blue Turaco
- Orange Weaver
- Blue-headed Coucal
- Black-headed Heron
- Woodland Kingfisher
- Palm-nut Vulture
- African Openbill
- Lesser Swamp Warbler
- Papyrus Canary
This relaxed day also provides time to organise bird lists, photography, and souvenirs.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel / Protea Hotel Entebbe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23: Departure – End of the Remarkable West Birding Expedition
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning depending on your international flight schedule.
Your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
As your safari concludes, you’ll leave Uganda with unforgettable memories, extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and an impressive bird list featuring hundreds of species from one of Africa’s greatest birding destinations.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
