12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari Itinerary for Birders

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Uganda and Rwanda, two of East Africa’s premier destinations for birdwatching, primate encounters, and wildlife viewing. This 12-day Uganda–Rwanda birding safari excursion offers a seamless blend of guided nature walks, boat cruises, game drives, and trekking expeditions, targeting both common and rare species across diverse ecosystems, from wetland marshes and lush rainforests to expansive savannahs and volcanic highlands.

The 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari is designed for avid birders seeking Uganda and Rwanda’s most iconic species, including the Shoebill Stork, African Broadbill, Ruwenzori Turaco, and numerous Albertine Rift endemics. Alongside birding, travelers will encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees in Kibale and Nyungwe forests, and abundant savannah wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and lions.

Each day is crafted to balance early-morning birding excursions with afternoon wildlife and primate experiences, ensuring optimal sightings while minimizing fatigue. Travelers will also enjoy cultural experiences with local communities and visit historically significant sites, such as Kigali’s Genocide Memorial. This combination of biodiversity, adventure, and cultural immersion makes this 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari a comprehensive East African experience.

From the tranquil waters of Mabamba Wetland, home to the elusive Shoebill, to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary ensures that participants encounter Uganda and Rwanda’s richest avifauna while experiencing the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of the Albertine Rift and East African savannahs.

Detailed 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Your 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you are warmly welcomed by a Deks Safaris representative. After a smooth transfer to your lodge, enjoy some relaxation while taking in the serene lakeside scenery. Depending on your arrival time, embark on a short birding excursion at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where early sightings may include African Grey Parrot, Black-headed Gonolek, and Red-throated Wryneck.

The gardens are an excellent introduction to Uganda’s avifauna, featuring both resident and migratory species amid flowering trees, wetlands, and manicured lawns. Later, enjoy a briefing about the upcoming safari, including your itinerary, the permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and recommendations for birding gear and photography equipment. Dinner at the lodge completes your first evening in Uganda.

Animals to Spot: Vervet Monkey | Olive Baboon | Monitor Lizard

Accommodation: Protea Hotel / Lake Victoria Guest House
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Mabamba Wetland – Shoebill Stork Expedition

Rise early and drive to Mabamba Wetland, a UNESCO-listed site famous for the elusive Shoebill Stork. Travel by traditional dugout canoe through papyrus channels, enjoying the dawn chorus of wetland birds. Expect to spot African Jacana, Black Crake, Malachite Kingfisher, and Purple Heron along the marsh edges. The canoe glides quietly, increasing the chances of witnessing the prehistoric-looking Shoebill as it stalks fish in shallow waters.

The wetland’s mix of open water, papyrus, and sedge beds provides habitat for over 200 species. Raptors such as the Western Banded Snake Eagle soar overhead, while cisticolas and weavers flit through papyrus tangles. Photographers will enjoy the interplay of light on the calm waters and the close proximity of birds and marsh wildlife.

After the morning excursion, return for lunch and an optional city tour of Entebbe, including markets and craft shops. Prepare for the 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari journey north to Murchison Falls the following day.

Animals to Spot: Monitor Lizard | African Reed Frog | Nile Crocodile | Vervet Monkey

Accommodation: Lemala Kuriftu / Paradise Lodge Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart Entebbe for Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided walk to observe white rhinos and spot wetland birds such as African Openbill, Long-tailed Cormorant, and Black Crake. Continue through Masindi and Kafu plains, with roadside birding for Northern Pied Babbler, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, and Black-collared Lovebird.

Arrive at Murchison Falls in the late afternoon. The park, bisected by the Nile River, is known for abundant hippos, elephants, and savannah wildlife, offering excellent photographic opportunities.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 4: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Begin with a morning game drive through savannah and woodland habitats, targeting birds such as Lilac-breasted Roller, African Grey Hornbill, and Red-necked Spurfowl. Large mammals include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and occasional lions.

In the afternoon, board a boat for a Nile River cruise to the base of the falls. Hippos, crocodiles, and wading birds such as African Skimmer, Giant Kingfisher, and Black Heron are abundant. The thunderous falls provide a dramatic backdrop for photography while the surrounding woodlands and floodplains attract a variety of savannah and wetland species. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Budongo Forest Birding & Afternoon Game Drive

Travel to Budongo Forest, a prime location for forest birding, including Albertine Rift endemics. Walk along the forest trails, observing African Broadbill, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Narina Trogon. Raptors such as Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle may be spotted overhead, and the forest undergrowth harbors secretive species like the Green-tailed Bristlebill.

In the afternoon, continue to Murchison Falls savannah plains for a short game drive, looking for elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, and antelopes. The combination of dense forest and open savannah provides contrasting 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari experiences.

Accommodation: Budongo Lodge / Rwenzori Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Birding

After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. Afternoon birding at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary highlights Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Swamp Warbler, and African Pitta, among others. The wetland’s mix of papyrus, reedbeds, and swamp forest provides habitat for over 138 bird species.

Animals to Spot: Chimpanzee | Red-tailed Monkey | Black-and-white Colobus | Bushbuck | African Civet (rare)

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Kibale Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Embark early for a chimpanzee tracking expedition. Trek through lush rainforest, spotting Ruwenzori Turaco, White-bellied Robin, and Bar-tailed Trogon. Observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, feeding and socializing. Afternoon birding continues along forest trails, focusing on endemic and rare species.

Animals to Spot: Chimpanzee | Red-tailed Monkey | Black-and-white Colobus | Bushbuck | Forest Elephant (rare)

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Kibale Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Birding

After an early breakfast in Kibale, you depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife and birding destinations. The drive through the Ishasha sector takes you across scenic landscapes with open savannah, acacia woodlands, and the occasional papyrus marshes. Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of tree-climbing lions, a unique feature of the Ishasha plains.

Upon arrival, embark on a late afternoon game drive along park roads, viewing African elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, and bushbucks. Birding opportunities are exceptional along riverine and open grassland habitats, with species such as Western Banded Snake Eagle, Red-necked Falcon, Violet-backed Starling, and Senegal Coucal commonly observed. Lakes and marshes within the park attract waterbirds, including African Jacana, Black Crake, and Goliath Heron, while tall trees provide perching sites for hornbills and bee-eaters.

Scenic Boat Cruise Along Kazinga Channel

As the sun sets, the African landscape glows with golden hues, offering breathtaking photographic opportunities. Evening dinner at your lodge provides a chance to review the day’s sightings with your 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari guide and prepare for the next day’s morning boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its concentration of birds and wildlife.

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise and Game Drive

Begin the day with a sunrise boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This waterway is a birding paradise, hosting hundreds of species along its shores and in the papyrus marshes. Look out for African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, White-breasted Cormorant, African Jacana, and Malachite Kingfisher. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are abundant, providing excellent wildlife photography opportunities.

After disembarking, continue with a late morning game drive through open savannah, woodland, and cratered landscapes. Mammals including elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, lions, and warthogs are frequently observed. Raptors such as Martial Eagle and Bateleur soar overhead, and smaller birds like Variable Sunbird and Red-billed Quelea flit among acacia trees. The combination of boat and land-based excursions maximizes wildlife and birding encounters, offering diverse habitats within a single day.

Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax and review your sightings. Guides provide detailed insights on Albertine Rift endemics and rare species you may have encountered, preparing you for the next leg of your 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp / Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Birding En Route

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth NP for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key location for Albertine Rift endemic birds. The journey passes through lush farmlands, rolling hills, and small villages, offering roadside birding opportunities for Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Yellow-throated Greenbul, and White-tailed Ant Thrush.

Arrive at Buhoma or Ruhija sector in Bwindi in the late afternoon. Enjoy a guided walk along nature trails near your lodge, targeting birds such as Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Masked Apalis, and African Green Broadbill. The forest is also home to several primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and bushbucks, adding diversity to your wildlife sightings.

The humid, misty environment of Bwindi provides ideal conditions for the Albertine Rift endemics, many of which are forest specialists. Evening dinner at the lodge concludes your day, with a briefing for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking expedition, one of the highlights of the 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari.

Animals to Spot: Red-tailed Monkey | Black-and-white Colobus | Bushbuck | African Civet (rare) | Forest Elephant (rare)

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Rise before dawn for a gorilla trekking expedition, an unforgettable 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat. Trek through dense forest with an experienced ranger, spotting birds along the way including African Broadbill, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Bar-tailed Trogon. Observing a gorilla family for an hour is a life-changing experience, with adult silverbacks, playful juveniles, and gentle infants offering remarkable photo opportunities.

After the trek, enjoy lunch and a short birding walk near the lodge, seeking species such as Dusky Crimsonwing, White-bellied Robin, and Grauer’s Warbler. The combination of gorilla observation and specialized birding makes this day a highlight of your safari, showcasing both the primate and avian richness of the Albertine Rift.

Animals to Spot: Mountain Gorilla | Red-tailed Monkey | Black-and-white Colobus | Bushbuck | Forest Elephant (rare)

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park & Kigali Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, crossing the border and enjoying scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Depending on your time, undertake golden monkey tracking, a less strenuous but equally rewarding primate experience. Forest birding along the trails offers sightings of Ruwenzori Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and African Paradise Flycatcher.

After the forest adventure, drive to Kigali for a city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural landmarks. This final day provides reflection on your 12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari, showcasing the region’s biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural history. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Animals to Spot: Golden Monkey | Red-tailed Monkey | Bushbuck | Forest Elephant (rare)

Accommodation: N/A – Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

12-Day Uganda–Rwanda Birding Excursion Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Airport Transfers in Entebbe and Kigali
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide
All accommodation (full board) as indicated
All park entry fees for Uganda and Rwanda national parks
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Boat cruises on Kazinga Channel, Nile River, and Lake Mburo (if included)
Guided nature walks and birding excursions
Batwa cultural experience (if included)
Bottled water during game drives and safaris
Government taxes and fees

Safari Exclusions

International flights to/from Entebbe or Kigali
Visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda
Travel/medical insurance
Personal expenses: tips, laundry, drinks, optional activities not mentioned
Vaccinations or medications (e.g., malaria prophylaxis)
Photography permits if required by certain parks