17-Day Ultimate Uganda Birding & Wildlife Safari

Arrival in Entebbe – Birding by the Lakeshore

Day 1Arrival in Entebbe – Birding by the Lakeshore Arrival in Entebbe – Birding by the Lakeshore Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival in Entebbe, perched along the serene shores of Lake Victoria, you’ll immediately sense the tranquillity of this lakeside town. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle introduction to Uganda’s birdlife at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens; Our initial sightings may include the Orange Weaver and Red-chested Sunbird, along with numerous other common species. We may also spot the African Grey Parrot, Ross’s Turaco, and Woodland Kingfisher within the environs of Entebbe. This will be a perfect start to your birding adventure. Overnight at Airport Guest House. Main Destination: Entebbe (City) Accommodation: Airport Guesthouse Entebbe Mid-range guest house located in Entebbe (City) Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mabamba Wetland – The Quest for the Shoebill

Day 2Mabamba Wetland – The Quest for the Shoebill Mabamba Wetland – The Quest for the Shoebill After breakfast, set off for Mabamba Swamp, Uganda’s legendary birding hotspot and a Ramsar-protected wetland. Glide quietly through papyrus channels by canoe in search of the iconic Shoebill Stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. Keep your binoculars ready for several other interesting species including; Papyrus Gonoleks, Blue Swallows (Hirundo atrocaerulea), Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Chloropeta gracilirostris), White-winged Warbler (Bradypterus carpalis), Greater Swamp-Warblers, Papyrus gonolek, Blue-chested Bee-eaters, Swamp Flycatchers and Malachite Kingfishers before continuing to the savannas of Lake Mburo National Park, your next birding paradise. Over night at Rwakobo Rock lodge. Main Destination: Mabamba Swamp Best Time To Go August to September and December to February (Best for spotting shoebill) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Mburo – Savanna Birding and Transfer to Bwindi

Day 3Lake Mburo – Savanna Birding and Transfer to Bwindi Lake Mburo – Savanna Birding and Transfer to Bwindi Awaken to the songs of savanna species and spend the morning exploring Lake Mburo’s acacia-dotted plains. Look for the rare Red-faced Barbet, Tabora Cisticola, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Green-capped Eremomela, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, african scops owl, african stonechat, African grey hornbill, African wood owl, and Spot-flanked Barbet among herds of zebra and impala. Take a tranquil boat cruise for a chance to spot the shy African Finfoot and maybe even a White-backed Night-Heron, which is the neotropical Sungrebe’s African relative. Other birds that may be seen on the lake and shores include African darter, African spoonbill, African fish eagle and more. Later, journey into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where the ancient forest awaits. Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park Best Time To Visit January to February and June to August (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to August and January to February (Little rainfall) Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP GiraffeCommon BuffaloCommon ZebraCommon HippoCommon LeopardOccasional HyenaOccasional Show more ElephantNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone CheetahNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) +5 Photos +4 Pho

Gorilla Trekking

Day 4Gorilla Trekking Gorilla Trekking After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority staff. Equipped with your trekking gear, you’ll set off with expert guides and trackers through thick rainforest, winding vines, and moss-covered trees in search of a 🦍 gorilla family. The trek can take from 2 to 6 hours depending on their location, but the moment you find them, watching young gorillas play and silverbacks beat their chests, will stay with you forever. Spend up to one hour with the gorillas before returning to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. In the afternoon, reunite for a leisurely stroll along a wide route in search of highland 🪶bird species including the Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, Gray Cuckooshrike, Black-billed Turaco, and many more calls of Albertine Rift endemics. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeRare ElephantRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone Show more GiraffeNone LeopardNone CheetahNone BuffaloNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other dri

Full-Day Birding in Bwindi – The Albertine Rift Experience

Day 5Full-Day Birding in Bwindi – The Albertine Rift Experience Full-Day Birding in Bwindi – The Albertine Rift Experience Spend the day in Bwindi’s misty forest, home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics & at least 7 IUCN-listed species. Search for the elusive African Green Broadbill, Doherty’s Bushshrike, White-headed Woodpeckers, Ruwenzori (collared) Apalis, the Red-crested Alethe, and Archer’s Robin-Chat along forest roads and trails. Valleys echo with the calls of Great Blue Turacos, while nearby Black-and-White Cascading Hornbills add their honking sounds. In Kivu, common species include Mountain Sooty Boubou, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, Red-faced Woodland, Neumann’s, and Grauer’s Warblers, Black-faced Apalis, White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed, and Regal Sunbirds, Stripe-breasted Tit, Dusky Crimson-wing, and Strange Weaver. Hope to spot rare species like White-bellied Robin-Chat and Dusky Twinspot. Watch for playful primates; L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Colobus, and Chimpanzees. Afterward, return for dinner and overnight at Ichumbi. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding Through The Neck & Transfer to Buhoma

Day 6Birding Through The Neck & Transfer to Buhoma Birding Through The Neck & Transfer to Buhoma After breakfast, we set off for the Buhoma sector, located in the lower areas, west of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. En route, we’ll pass through “The Neck,” a narrow corridor of forest connecting the park’s northern and southern halves. This area represents the easternmost extension of the vast Congo Basin forests and supports several Albertine Rift endemics with restricted ranges. The Neck offers excellent birding opportunities, providing easier and safer access to species that are otherwise difficult to encounter in the Congo forests. Among the notable birds we may spot are Cassin’s Flycatcher, Black Bee-eater, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Petit’s Cuckooshrike, Tiny Sunbird, and a variety of greenbuls. We’ll continue to Buhoma, arriving in the afternoon for a two-night stay at Mahogany Springs Lodge. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Luxury lodge bordering Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) without fences +8 Photos +7 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Buhoma Trails – Birding or Optional Gorilla Trek

Day 7Buhoma Trails – Birding or Optional Gorilla Trek Buhoma Trails – Birding or Optional Gorilla Trek Buhoma, at the park’s mid-elevation, offers a different atmosphere than Ruhija. During a full day of birding along the trails, we aim to see species like the Bar-tailed Trogon, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Black-billed Weaver, African Broadbill, Sooty Flycatcher, and various starlings, sunbirds, and greenbuls. This area is also prime for spotting Willard’s Sooty Boubou, distinguished by its pale blue eyes from the Mountain Sooty Boubou. For gorilla trekkers, the adventure lasts 1-8 hours, involving a hike through dense forest. Participants should be in good health, as terrain can be demanding. Each day, up to eight people visit a gorilla family, typically located within an hour by skilled trackers. Gazing into their eyes and observing their behaviors is unforgettable, an extraordinary “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. The trek offers a rare chance to see these majestic creatures closely. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Luxury lodge bordering Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) without fences Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Buhoma to Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha

Day 8Buhoma to Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha Buhoma to Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha As we head north, the landscape transforms dramatically from montane forest to a more open savanna. Unlike the savannas of Lake Mburo National Park, this region features landscapes reminiscent of Kenya and Tanzania, dotted with flat-topped trees and striking candaleras, euphorbias that resemble cacti. The sight of these cactus-like trees rising from green meadows creates a unique visual contrast. Our journey continues through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. This area is also a haven for birdlife, hosting species such as the Blue-throated Roller, Black-and-white Shrike Flycatcher, and Red-necked Francolin, among many others. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Enjojo Lodge for an overnight stay. Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP ChimpanzeeOccasional ElephantCommon LionCommon BuffaloCommon HippoAbundant LeopardOccasional Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge (Cottage) Mid-range lodge bordering Queen Elizabeth NP without fences +21 Photos +20 Pho

Birding and Boat Safari – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 9Birding and Boat Safari – Queen Elizabeth National Park Birding and Boat Safari – Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park is a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of mammals and birds. Beyond elephants and hippos, the park is alive with Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Waterbuck, and Bushbuck roaming its open plains. Its wetlands attract numerous waterbirds, offering rewarding birdwatching opportunities. Our morning begins with an extended game drive through savannas dotted with euphorbia, seeking species like African Wattled Lapwing, Temminck’s Courser, Martial Eagle, African Crake, Flappet Lark, and Moustached Grass Warbler. Later, a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel provides superb birding and photography chances. Large gatherings of animals and waterbirds are common here. Gray Crowned Cranes, Pink-backed Pelicans, African Fish Eagles, Hamerkops, and African Jacanas grace the water’s edge, while African Skimmers, Gull-billed Terns, and various gulls, including Gray-headed and Lesser Black-backed, form impressive flocks. Overnight at Enjojo Lodge. Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge (Cottage) Mid-range lodge bordering Queen Elizabeth NP without fences Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

To Kibale National Park – Wetlands and Forest Edges

Day 10To Kibale National Park – Wetlands and Forest Edges To Kibale National Park – Wetlands and Forest Edges After breakfast, we will set out for Kibale Forest, following a picturesque route that offers rewarding opportunities to observe waterbirds and enjoy Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Upon arrival, and if time permits, we will spend the afternoon exploring Bigodi Swamp, a vibrant, community-managed wetland renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. This sanctuary is home to primates such as the Gray-cheeked Mangabey and Central African Red Colobus, as well as an impressive array of birdlife including the Speckled Tinkerbird, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, White-spotted Flufftail, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, Bocage’s Bushshrike, and Western Nicator. The dense papyrus vegetation also provides refuge for the shy White-winged Swamp Warbler. Over night at Kibale Forest Camp. Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Chimp trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather January to February and June to July (Least rain) Wildlife in Kibale NP ChimpanzeeCommon ElephantOccasional BuffaloOccasional LionVery Rare LeopardVery Rare HippoRare Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent) Mid-range tented camp located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps) Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not

Kibale Forest – Birding & Optional Chimpanzee Tracking

Day 11Kibale Forest – Birding & Optional Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale Forest – Birding & Optional Chimpanzee Tracking We rise before sunrise in search of the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa’s most prized birding treasures. Later, we embark on a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park. Unlike gorilla trekking, the chimps’ walk follows gentle terrain, though we often leave the trail to follow these agile primates as they swing through the forest, navigating vines and fallen logs. The thrill intensifies when we encounter chimps feeding or resting high in the trees. Even those who stay on the trail hear their haunting calls echoing through the forest. Kibale’s birdlife is equally captivating: Forest Robins join mixed flocks with Illadopsis and Alethes, while Black-collared Apalis and Malimbes frequent the canopy. Forest edges host Black-bellied Seedcrackers, and dead trees shelter Gray-throated, Yellow-spotted, and African Grey Parrots, African Green Pigeons, and Yellow-billed Barbets. The flamboyant Great Blue Turaco often feasts on ripe figs. Back to Kibale Forest Camp. Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps) Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent) Mid-range tented camp located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Scenic Transfer to Masindi

Day 12Scenic Transfer to Masindi Scenic Transfer to Masindi Today’s long but rewarding drive to Masindi town offers a glimpse of rural Uganda’s daily life. We will stop at various locations along the way for birdwatching. If we reach our destination on schedule, we may have sufficient time to seek out the white-crested turaco and grey-headed oliveback in the forests to the south of the town. Overnight stay at Kabalega Resort Hotel, Masindi. Main Destination: Masindi (Town) Accommodation: Kabalega Resort Masindi Mid-range hotel located in Masindi (Town) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding the Royal Mile – Budongo Forest

Day 13Birding the Royal Mile – Budongo Forest Birding the Royal Mile – Budongo Forest Budongo Forest offers an extraordinary day of exploration. One highlight is the famous Royal Mile, a rarely used public road flanked by forest that has been cleared for about 20 feet on each side. This open corridor allows clear views into the forest’s lower layers and canopy, making it ideal for spotting both understory and treetop species that are often hidden in denser jungles. Budongo provides some of Uganda’s best opportunities to encounter Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, and the Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. We will also search for the striking African Dwarf and Chocolate-backed Kingfishers. The diversity of greenbuls here is remarkable, and the forest resonates with the calls of illadopses and alethes. For birders who prefer more vividly colored species, the white-thighed hornbill and black bee-eater add brilliant splashes of color to the canopy. Over night at Kabalega Resort Hotel, Masindi. Main Destination: Budongo Forest (Chimps) Best Time To Visit April to August (Best for chimp trekking) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures) Wildlife in Budongo Forest ChimpanzeeCommon ElephantOccasional BuffaloOccasional LionVery Rare LeopardRare White RhinoNone Show more GiraffeNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Kabalega Resort Masindi Mid-range hotel located less tha

Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park

Day 14Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park On our way to Murchison Falls National Park, we stop over at the Butiaba Escarpment, a striking area that, despite its closeness to the Budongo Rainforest, reveals a contrasting scenery of arid savanna. This unique habitat shelters several remarkable bird species, including the Mocking Cliff-chat, Foxy Cisticola, and Brown Babbler. As we journey through the expansive palm-dotted savanna, a landscape rare in East Africa, we may also encounter species such as the Piapiac, Senegal Lapwing, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and White-rumped Seedeater. By late afternoon, we reach the banks of the Nile River, where our lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge rests beside the Nile. We spend two nights immersed in the beauty of Murchison Falls National Park. Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park Best Time To Visit December to February (Easier to spot animals) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures) Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP ChimpanzeeOccasional ElephantCommon GiraffeCommon LionCommon BuffaloCommon HippoAbundant Show more LeopardOccasional White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) Day

Farewell Uganda

Day 17Farewell Uganda Farewell Uganda After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe for your international flight, your heart full of memories and your bird list brimming with Africa’s finest species. Main Destination: Entebbe (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by Leonne Africa Safaris and Adventures, not SafariBookings. This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings. If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change. The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability. If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative. Gorilla tracking permits are subject to avai