$4,901 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your birding guide and transferred to your midrange lodge. After settling in, embark on a half-day excursion to the Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most iconic birding sites, to search for the legendary Shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird and a lifer for many avid birders. Along the swamp’s tranquil papyrus channels, you may also spot Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, and Lesser Swamp Warbler.
In the afternoon, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a serene haven for birdlife with towering trees, flowering plants, and a variety of forest and lake-edge species. Keep your eyes peeled for Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Parrot, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Palm-nut Vulture. This first day allows you to ease into Uganda’s rich birding habitats while enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Victoria and its surrounding forests.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast at your lodge, begin your scenic drive southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and Albertine Rift endemics. The journey offers excellent birding opportunities as you pass through rolling hills, cultivated farmland, and forest edges. Keep your binoculars ready for species such as the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Ross’s Turaco, Yellow-spotted Barbet, and African Green Pigeon.
Along the way, you may also encounter local villages and tea plantations, providing insight into the region’s culture and rural life. Stop at selected vantage points for birding and photography, enjoying Uganda’s lush landscapes. Arrive in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi in the late afternoon, check in at your midrange lodge, and relax while preparing for your first full day of forest birding tomorrow.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Haven Lodge Buhoma Community
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Buhoma Trail
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Buhoma Trail
Today is dedicated to full-day birding in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Uganda’s richest sites for Albertine Rift endemics. Trek along forest trails, streams, and clearings with your expert birding guide, searching for elusive and highly sought-after species. Target birds include African Green Broadbill, Blue-headed Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, and Grauer’s Rush Warbler.
Expect to encounter several lifers, as the dense, biodiverse forest supports over 350 recorded species. Listen carefully for the distinctive calls of forest specialists and watch for canopy activity with binoculars and spotting scopes. Stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic clearing, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. In the afternoon, continue birding along quiet trails, with opportunities for photography and close observation of rare endemics. Return to your midrange lodge in the late afternoon to relax and review your day’s sightings.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Haven Lodge Buhoma Community
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Birding Transfer to Ruhija Sector Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Birding Transfer to Ruhija Sector Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast at your lodge, depart Buhoma and drive to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, a higher-elevation area known for its montane forest birding. Along the scenic route, make several birding stopovers at forest edges, streams, and small clearings, seeking highland species and Albertine Rift endemics. Target birds today include the Rwenzori Batis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Mountain Illadopsis, Grauer’s Warbler, and White-starred Robin.
Your expert guide will assist with identifying calls and spotting elusive species in the dense canopy, maximizing the chance of lifers. The transfer also offers panoramic views of terraced farmland, misty valleys, and distant mountains, providing excellent photography opportunities. Upon arrival in Ruhija, check in to your midrange lodge and enjoy an evening briefing of the following day’s Mubwindi Swamp birding expedition.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
-
Bakiga Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Birding at Mubwindi Swamp Trail Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Birding at Mubwindi Swamp Trail Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is dedicated to full-day birding along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, one of Uganda’s premier sites for Albertine Rift endemics. Trek through pristine montane forest and swamp habitats with your expert guide, scanning the canopy and understory for rare and range-restricted species. Target birds include the legendary Grauer’s Broadbill, a prized lifer for serious birders, as well as the Regal Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, and Mountain Illadopsis.
The trail’s unique habitats—ranging from dense bamboo groves to mossy forest clearings—offer excellent opportunities to observe bird behavior, listen for distinctive calls, and photograph elusive species. A picnic lunch will be served in a scenic clearing, allowing you to relax while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. In the afternoon, continue your exploration along quieter forest tracks, maximizing sightings of highland endemics and other Albertine Rift specialties.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Bakiga Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Montane Birding
Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Montane Birding
After breakfast at your lodge in Ruhija, begin the scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest yet biologically rich protected area. En route, enjoy birding at forest edges, farmland, and bamboo zones, with opportunities to spot early highland species. Upon arrival, explore the montane forest and bamboo habitats surrounding the park headquarters, searching for Rwenzori Turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, Kivu Ground Thrush, and other rare Albertine Rift endemics.
Mgahinga’s remote, high-altitude environment makes sightings of these species highly prized by birders, often representing significant lifers for many. Your guide will help locate elusive canopy and understory birds while providing detailed insights into their ecology and behavior. The afternoon offers additional forest trails for birding, photography, and checklist updates, followed by a relaxing evening at your midrange lodge, preparing for a full day of birding in Mgahinga tomorrow.
- Main Destination:
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Travelers Rest Hotel Kisoro
Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Bamboo and Montane Forest Trails
Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Bamboo and Montane Forest Trails
Today is dedicated to full-day birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, focusing on the park’s unique bamboo forests and montane trails, which are prime habitats for Albertine Rift endemics. Trek through lush high-altitude forest with your expert guide, scanning the canopy and understory for elusive species. Target birds include the Alpine Chat, Lagden’s Bushshrike, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Rwenzori Batis.
Mgahinga’s varied habitats provide opportunities to observe birds in their natural environment, listen for distinctive calls, and photograph rare lifers. The morning and afternoon walks allow time to explore different trails, including areas with dense bamboo where shy species such as the Kivu Ground Thrush may be encountered. A scenic picnic lunch breaks up the day, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Return to your midrange lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and an evening review of your bird checklist.
- Main Destination:
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Travelers Rest Hotel Kisoro
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park Birding En Route
Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park Birding En Route
After breakfast at your lodge in Mgahinga, begin the scenic drive north toward the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, often called the “Mountains of the Moon” for their misty, snow-capped peaks. Along the way, stop at key birding sites in the foothills of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where forest edges, rivers, and cultivated valleys provide excellent habitats for raptors and highland species. Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of the African Long-eared Owl, African Harrier-Hawk, Forest Buzzard, and other forest raptors, as well as passerines like the Slender-billed Starling and White-starred Robin.
Arrive at your midrange lodge in the Rwenzori region in the afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. Depending on arrival time, a short walk around the lodge grounds may yield additional sightings of highland endemics, allowing you to begin adding species to your Uganda bird checklist.
- Main Destination:
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Sandton Hotel Kasese
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Birding in Rwenzori Mountains National Park Montane Forest Trails
Birding in Rwenzori Mountains National Park Montane Forest Trails
Today is dedicated to full-day birding in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, exploring its diverse montane forest habitats, bamboo zones, and high-altitude trails. The park is famous for Albertine Rift endemics and range-restricted species, making it a highlight for serious birders. Target species include the striking Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Strange Weaver, Blue-headed Sunbird, and White-starred Robin, among others.
Trek through misty forest trails, listening carefully for the calls of elusive lifers and scanning the canopy and understory with binoculars and spotting scopes. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Rwenzori peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys. Photographers and birders alike will find plenty of opportunities to capture rare species in their natural habitat. Picnic lunch stops amid scenic clearings allow for rest and further birdwatching. Return to your midrange lodge in the late afternoon to review the day’s checklist and relax.
- Main Destination:
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Sandton Hotel Kasese
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Return to Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tracking (Optional)
Return to Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tracking (Optional)
After breakfast at your lodge, begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe, enjoying birding stopovers along the way in fertile farmlands, wetlands, and forest edges. Keep an eye out for common wetland species and remaining highland lifers you may have missed earlier in the trip.
Upon arrival in the Entebbe area, take an optional excursion to Mabamba Swamp (extra cost), one of Uganda’s most famous birding sites, to track the legendary Shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird and top target for many birders. Glide along tranquil papyrus channels by boat, spotting other wetland species such as Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, and Lesser Swamp Warbler, while enjoying the serene scenery of Lake Victoria.
Conclude your 10-day Uganda Endemics’ Birds Safari with an impressive personal bird checklist, unforgettable sightings of lifers and endemics, and memories of the country’s rich and varied avian habitats.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
