21 Days Uganda Birding Safari
from $10,500 per person
This 21-day Uganda birding safari is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive birdwatching adventure through some of the country’s most rewarding habitats. From lush rainforests and wetlands to savannahs, lakes, and montane forests, Uganda offers an exceptional variety of birding environments and opportunities to encounter both resident and migratory species. The journey combines expert-guided birding, spectacular landscapes, wildlife encounters, primate experiences, and cultural discoveries, making it an unforgettable safari for bird enthusiasts exploring Uganda.
Safari Details: 21 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Overview
Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights
Destinations: Uganda
Safari Type: Birding, Wildlife & Nature Safari
Start Point: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
End Point: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
Main Activities: Guided birdwatching, forest birding, wetland birding, savannah birding, boat trips, nature walks, game drives, primate viewing, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences and scenic sightseeing
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodges & Hotels
Best Time to Visit: June to September & December to February
The 21-Day Uganda Birding Safari is designed for travelers who want to explore Uganda's remarkable birdlife across a diverse range of habitats, from tropical rainforests and wetlands to lakeshores, savannah plains, montane forests, and riverine ecosystems. With a carefully planned route, the safari combines dedicated birdwatching with wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, nature walks, boat excursions, primate experiences, and cultural discoveries.
Throughout the journey, you will explore some of Uganda's most rewarding birding destinations, including Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and other productive birding habitats. Each destination offers different ecological conditions and opportunities to search for forest specialists, wetland birds, waterbirds, savannah species, Albertine Rift species, and other sought-after birds.
The safari combines early-morning birding walks, guided forest excursions, wetland exploration, boat trips, game drives, and nature walks to maximize opportunities for bird sightings. Depending on the route and season, travelers may encounter species such as the Shoebill, Great Blue Turaco, African Green Broadbill, African Grey Parrot, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Red-throated Alethe, Black Bee-eater, and numerous Albertine Rift and Central African forest species.
Beyond birdwatching, the itinerary allows you to experience Uganda's broader natural heritage. Game drives provide opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, and other wildlife, while forest destinations can add encounters with chimpanzees, monkeys, and other primates. Boat excursions and wetland visits provide a different perspective of Uganda's landscapes and create additional opportunities for observing aquatic and shoreline birds.
From the wetlands around Entebbe and Lake Victoria to the montane forests of southwestern Uganda, the forests and wetlands of the Albertine Rift, and the vast savannah landscapes of northern Uganda, this 21-day itinerary provides an extensive introduction to Uganda's birding diversity.
Whether you are a dedicated birder, wildlife photographer, nature enthusiast, or traveler looking for a longer birdwatching adventure, this Uganda birding safari offers time to explore different habitats at a comfortable pace while combining specialist birding with wildlife, primate, cultural, and scenic experiences.
Detailed Itinerary: 21 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by an Ababa Uganda Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or enjoy a short birding experience around Entebbe. The area around Lake Victoria, botanical gardens, wetlands, and lakeshore habitats can provide an introduction to Uganda's remarkable birdlife.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Entebbe as you prepare for your 21-day Uganda birding adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Entebbe Birding – Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria
After an early breakfast, begin your first full day of birding around Entebbe.
Explore suitable birding habitats around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and nearby lakeshore areas. The combination of mature trees, gardens, wetlands, and Lake Victoria creates opportunities to observe a variety of forest, garden, and water-associated birds.
Your birding guide will help identify species by appearance, calls, feeding behavior, and habitat.
Depending on your interests and the season, you may also visit nearby birding sites before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Birding and Transfer to Jinja
Wake up early and travel toward Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda's well-known wetland birding destinations.
Take a guided canoe excursion through the papyrus channels in search of the Shoebill, along with other wetland and water-associated bird species.
Birding at Mabamba is best enjoyed slowly, allowing time to scan the papyrus edges, open water, and surrounding vegetation.
After the wetland experience, continue toward Jinja. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Lodge in Jinja
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Jinja Birding and Transfer to Masindi
After breakfast, enjoy a morning birding experience around Jinja and its surrounding habitats.
The area provides opportunities to explore woodland, gardens, riverine, and agricultural environments while gradually introducing different bird communities.
After lunch, continue toward Masindi, the gateway to Murchison Falls National Park.
Arrive at your accommodation and relax ahead of your upcoming birding experience in northern Uganda.
Accommodation: Lodge in Masindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Budongo Forest Birding
After an early breakfast, head into Budongo Forest, an important destination for forest birding in western Uganda.
Spend the day exploring forest trails with an experienced birding guide. The forest environment provides opportunities to search for forest specialists, canopy birds, understorey species, and other wildlife.
Birding in tropical forest requires patience because many species remain high in the canopy or are detected by their calls before they are seen.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Lodge near Budongo Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Murchison Falls National Park – Birding and Wildlife
Rise early for a birding and wildlife drive through Murchison Falls National Park.
Explore the park's savannah, woodland, and wetland habitats while watching for birds and wildlife along the game tracks.
The varied habitats provide opportunities to encounter savannah birds, raptors, waterbirds, and other species. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, giraffes, and other wildlife during the drive.
After lunch, continue exploring the park before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Murchison Falls Birding and Nile Boat Cruise
Start the day with another early birding drive through Murchison Falls National Park.
Later, enjoy a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks provide excellent opportunities to observe waterbirds and other species associated with the Nile ecosystem.
Keep your binoculars ready as you travel along the river. You may also encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife along the shoreline.
Return to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Birding En Route
After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and travel south toward Kibale National Park.
The journey takes you through changing landscapes, including farmland, woodland, wetlands, and rural communities.
Birding stops can be made along suitable habitats and viewpoints during the journey, depending on road conditions and available time.
Arrive in the Kibale area and check in at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge in Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Kibale Forest Birding
Begin the day with an early breakfast before entering Kibale National Park for a guided forest birding experience.
Explore the forest trails in search of forest birds while listening for calls from the canopy and understory.
Kibale's rich forest ecosystem also supports numerous primates, butterflies, and other wildlife, adding variety to the birding experience.
Spend much of the day exploring different forest habitats before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge in Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Birding
After breakfast, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community-based birding and nature walk.
The wetland and surrounding vegetation provide a different birding environment from the main Kibale forest. Walk along established trails while searching for wetland, woodland, and forest-edge species.
The sanctuary is also known for primate encounters and community conservation initiatives.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon for relaxation.
Accommodation: Lodge in Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Birding and Scenic Drive
After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The journey passes through crater landscapes, farms, villages, and scenic countryside.
Upon reaching the park, begin exploring suitable birding habitats along the route. Queen Elizabeth's combination of savannah, woodland, wetlands, lakes, and riverine habitats creates opportunities for a broad range of bird species.
Check in at your lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Queen Elizabeth National Park Birding and Game Drive
Wake early for a guided birding and wildlife drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Explore the park's open savannah and woodland habitats while searching for birds and wildlife. Your guide will help identify species by habitat, behavior, and calls.
Birding can be combined with wildlife viewing, giving you opportunities to observe elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and other animals.
Return to the lodge after the day's activities.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Kazinga Channel Birding Boat Cruise
After breakfast, explore the area around the Kazinga Channel before embarking on a boat cruise.
The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and provides an excellent setting for observing water-associated birds. Along the shoreline, watch for birds feeding, resting, and flying between wetland habitats.
The cruise also provides opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
Spend the afternoon birding or relaxing at the lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Albertine Rift Birding
After breakfast, leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The route takes you through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda, with opportunities to stop for birding along suitable habitats.
As you approach Bwindi, the landscape changes into mountainous terrain and dense forest.
Arrive at your lodge and prepare for several days of specialized birding in the Albertine Rift.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Birding
Begin an early morning birding excursion into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Explore the forest trails with an experienced birding guide, concentrating on the rich birdlife of the Albertine Rift.
The forest's dense vegetation requires careful listening and patient observation. Your guide will help locate birds by their calls and movements while explaining the ecology of the forest.
The day may also provide opportunities to encounter primates and other forest wildlife.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Bwindi Birding – Extended Forest Exploration
After breakfast, continue exploring Bwindi's forest habitats.
Depending on your selected sector and birding interests, spend the day searching for additional forest species and Albertine Rift endemics.
Your birding pace can be adjusted to allow more time for photography, species identification, and recording bird calls.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Transfer to Mgahinga or Kisoro Area – Montane Birding
After breakfast, travel toward the Mgahinga and Kisoro area.
The journey provides spectacular views of southwestern Uganda's volcanic landscape and highland communities.
Depending on your route and birding interests, make stops in suitable montane and agricultural habitats before checking into your lodge.
Spend the evening organizing your birding equipment and preparing for the following day's highland birding experience.
Accommodation: Lodge in Kisoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18: Mgahinga National Park Birding
Begin the day with an early birding excursion in Mgahinga National Park.
Explore montane forest habitats while searching for highland and Albertine Rift bird species.
The volcanic landscape creates different ecological zones, allowing you to experience birding environments that differ from Uganda's lowland forests and savannahs.
Depending on the selected trail and conditions, the excursion may also provide opportunities to observe primates and other forest wildlife.
Return to your lodge after the birding excursion.
Accommodation: Lodge in Kisoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Birding En Route
After breakfast, begin the journey from southwestern Uganda toward Lake Mburo National Park.
The route passes through rolling hills, farms, wetlands, and rural communities, creating opportunities for roadside birding and photography.
Arrive in the Lake Mburo area and check in at your lodge.
In the afternoon, enjoy a short birding experience around the lodge or nearby habitats, depending on your arrival time.
Accommodation: Lodge near Lake Mburo National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 20: Lake Mburo National Park Birding and Wildlife
Wake early for your final full day of safari birding in Lake Mburo National Park.
Explore the park's savannah, woodland, acacia, wetland, and lakeside habitats. These diverse environments support a different bird community from the forests visited earlier in the safari.
Combine birding with wildlife viewing as you explore the park. Depending on conditions, you may encounter zebras, impalas, eland, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and other wildlife.
Spend the afternoon continuing your birding exploration before returning to the lodge.
Accommodation: Lodge near Lake Mburo National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21: Birding in Lake Mburo and Transfer to Entebbe – Departure
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final morning birding session around Lake Mburo and its surrounding habitats.
This final session provides an opportunity to look for species you may have missed earlier in the safari and review some of the highlights recorded during your journey.
Afterward, begin the drive toward Entebbe International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or make a final birding stop along the way.
Your 21 Days Uganda Birding Safari concludes in Entebbe with memories of Uganda's forests, wetlands, mountains, lakes, and savannahs and the remarkable variety of birdlife encountered along the journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Trip Includes
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Private safari transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking birding and safari guide
- Accommodation for 20 nights on a full-board basis as specified in the itinerary
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Birding excursions in Entebbe, Mabamba, Budongo, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Bigodi, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Lake Mburo
- Mabamba Swamp canoe excursion
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Murchison Falls boat cruise
- National park entrance fees included in the itinerary
- Forest and wetland activity fees included in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Binoculars or birding equipment where specifically agreed in advance
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
- En-route birding and photography stops where conditions permit
- Bottled drinking water during game drives and transfers
Trip Excludes
-
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and drinks
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and other service providers
- Personal birding equipment, including binoculars, cameras, and spotting scopes, unless specifically provided
- Souvenirs and other personal purchases
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Gorilla or chimpanzee permits, unless specifically added to the safari
- Porter services where required for optional forest activities
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any activities or services not specifically mentioned under What's Included
- Costs arising from changes to the itinerary requested by the traveler
- Emergency evacuation or medical expenses
- Any increase in park fees, government taxes, or permit costs introduced after booking, where applicable
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What our travelers say
Robert KVerified
Bucket list seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Just an awesome trip . Everything went smoothly from booking to the end . All was as promised never missed anything , always on time , friendly etc. resort that was recommended was perfect , great food , comfortable . Saw the gorillas easily all was perfect . Jonathan the owner even took me in Kampala to buy the right clothes , took me him self . Noel and driver were excellent , never an issue they really cared. I trust this company , will use them again and highly recommend .
Maltes TravellerHighly recommended We had a wonderful experience with Jonathan. He welcomed us at the airport and took great care of us from the moment we arrived until the end of our trip. The selection of hotels was impeccable, and the route he designed was perfectly planned. Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and went the extra mile to make sure we saw lions and all of the Big Five during our visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. He was always attentive, patient, and eager to make our experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — highly recommended!
bharti nExceptional experience, enriching and truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed we received a warm welcome. Jonathan was friendly and readily available to answer any queries throughout our trip. He was incredibly accommodating with our requests to visit schools, residences ensuring that we achieved everything we wanted from the trip. We had a great time with Jonathan and driver Isaac. Jonathan was very funny and very knowledgeable he became part of the family and the time just flew whilst we were there, we felt safe at all times. The food at each venue catered for all our needs. Definitely leant a lot on this trip. Just need to be aware that food ordered in restaurants do take a long time as they make it from scratch so if pushed for time might be advisable to pre order. We had unforgettable holiday and this company went above and beyond to make every moment special. I would recommend them to anyone.
vjparGreat service from this local company We done a road trip across East Africa from Uganda to Tanzania. Jonathan and his team facilitated our trip across Uganda and Kenya which proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Guided knowledge provided by Jonathan was excellent as was his humor and wit. We always felt safe and informed, he managed the journey very well indeed. We would definitely use Jonathan's services again.
Adam John SmithMagical Uganda Safari Journey – February 2025! I had an unforgettable experience with Ababa Uganda Safaris! From the moment I arrived, everything was well-organized, and the team was incredibly friendly and professional. The tour guides were knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and culture. Seeing gorillas up close in Bwindi and exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfortable, and every detail was taken care of. I truly felt immersed in Uganda’s beauty without any stress. If you're planning a trip to Uganda, I highly recommend Ababa Uganda Safaris for a seamless and memorable adventure!
MadhviVerified
.gorilla trek Our KQ flight was horribly delayed. From 2.30 pm to arriving @ almost 3 am the following day. Jonathan kindly arranged for airport pick at this early hour of day and even rescheduled our departure for bwindi so we could get some rest. That was very accommodating.the drive to bwindi was a long drive -11 hrs- n he informed hotel of our late arrival. The lodge he chose for us was good and comfortable. However the vehicle for transporti g us could be better as it was quite hot without air conditioning. Gorilla trek was good but tough. Overall Ababa safaris were very accommodating. I wouldrecommend them. The hotel in Kampala- Speke hotel leaves a lot to be desired
mo-marvinSuch a wonderful experience!! My family and I contacted Jonathan to help us plan our first Murchison Falls safari. Jonathan arranged our transport from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and guided game drives through Murchison falls. Ronnie, our professional driver and guide, was very knowledgeable and paid close attention to details to make us comfortable. He met with us a day before takeoff to answer any outstanding questions and recommended a time for us to set off to avoid any traffic. His experience made our trip even more enjoyable because we knew what to expect for entry fees into the park, where to stop to use clean washrooms, eat good food, and also what side of the boat cruise to sit on for the best views! We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, job, rhinos, buffaloes and many other animals. We would definitely go with them for our next safari in Uganda! They had great communication, value for money, professionalism, knowledge of the industry and were very reliable.
Katelyn OA must-hire company! Punctual, professional, great communication. We used Ababa Safaris for a trip from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. I would HIGHLY recommend! Our driver picked us up in a large safari vehicle with a pop up roof. The driver was very punctual and had excellent communication while preparing for the trip and during the trip. Ronnie took us to a nice restaurant for a rest stop that had clean bathrooms and good food. He was friendly with many people we met along the way at the Rhino Sanctuary, on the safari trails, and at our chosen lodging. It felt as though he had good connections with people, which we took as a good sign. Ronnie was very knowledgeable about the best places to see the animals and gave us a great safari experience. As the person in the family who does much of the planning, it was a very enjoyable experience to hand all of that over to Ababa and really get to enjoy myself.
HoehlenhonkAnimals and beautiful nature in Uganda and Rwanda From being picked-up from Entebbe airport in the middle of the night until the drop-off eleven days later in Kigali it was a perfect tour. Jonathan, our guide, and the driver Moses was a perfect team - very friendly, knowledgable and always in time. We visited Entebbe for a tour through the botanical gardens and the zoo, did safaris and boat trips in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP and did trekkings to the chimpazees in Kibale and to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The primates are a must visit when you travel to this region. It's expensive but worth every dollar. The safari parks are of course not as rich in animals as for example the Masai Mara. But they are much cheaper, there are much lesser tourists and nevertheless it doesn't become boring regarding animal sightings. We saw a lot of different antelopes, beautiful giraffes, lions, many elephants, buffalos, a lot of hippos and crocodiles and much more. The choice of hotels was very good, simple and cheap where there was only a short overnight stay and a bit more expensive where it was worth to spend the money for staying close to the places of interest, e.g. close to the starting point for primate trekkings or in the middle of QENP and Murchison NP for not loosing game-drive-time.
Dilip PUGANDA SAFARI WITH ABABA We had a nice holiday with ABABA SAFARI in Uganda it was a nice experience in Uganda and the travel agent as well especially Jonathan was our tour guide very nice person he was always very helpful and kind. we traveled about 1200km but had no problem I am a vegetarian and wherever we go he always arranges something for me i recommend them at and competitive price I give them a 5-star