12 Days Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary by Deks Safaris & Tours
Uganda is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and wildlife adventurers alike. Over 1,000 recorded bird species, diverse ecosystems, and iconic wildlife encounters make this country a premier destination for global travelers. The 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari by Deks Safaris & Tours combines world-class birdwatching with primate tracking, gorilla trekking, game drives, and boat cruises. From the elusive shoebill stork in Mabamba Wetland to the rare Albertine Rift endemic birds in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this safari promises unmatched biodiversity encounters.
Travelers explore a combination of wetlands, savannahs, tropical rainforests, and riverine forests, providing varied habitats that support forest birds, savannah species, and Congo Basin endemics. The journey is expertly curated to maximize wildlife sightings while offering cultural experiences around lodges and local communities. Alongside birdwatching, guests can participate in chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Each day presents opportunities to capture photographs, learn from expert guides, and immerse fully in Uganda’s natural heritage.
This 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari is designed for serious birders seeking rare and endemic species while allowing travelers to experience Uganda’s rich wildlife and cultural diversity. The combination of Uganda Birding Safari, Gorilla Trekking, and Wildlife & Birding ensures a balanced experience, highlighting the country’s reputation as the “Pearl of Africa.”
Detailed 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari
Day 1: Birding Mabamba Wetland and Botanical Gardens in Entebbe
The 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari begins with an early morning transfer to Mabamba Wetland, a birdwatcher’s paradise on the shores of Lake Victoria. Travelers glide silently along the swamp in small boats, seeking the legendary shoebill stork, an ancient-looking bird whose calm presence is mesmerizing. While searching for this elusive species, guests also observe a rich diversity of wetland birds including Lesser Jacana, Purple Swamphen, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, and Squacco Heron. Each birding moment offers a lesson in species behavior, feeding patterns, and habitat preferences.
After a fulfilling morning, guests transfer to the nearby Botanical Gardens, where a more terrestrial birding experience unfolds. Here, dozens of species such as the Yellow-billed Stork, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Yellow White-eye, Purple-banded Sunbird, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Yellow-billed Duck, Glossy Ibis, African Open-billed Stork, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, and Crowned Hornbill are frequently observed. Guided walks reveal both common and rare species, with naturalists providing insights into migration patterns and ecological roles.
The day concludes with a transfer back to Kampala for dinner and overnight accommodation. This first day sets the tone for the 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari, blending wetland birding, educational insights, and the thrill of spotting rare species, establishing a foundation for the subsequent forest and savannah birding experiences.
Day 2: Kasenge Forest Birding and Transfer to Mabira Forest for Griffins Falls
After breakfast, the 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari continues with a visit to Kasenge Forest in Mukono district. This 60-acre forest reserve provides a sanctuary for numerous bird species. Enthusiasts encounter African Grey Parrots, Common Bulbuls, Slender-billed Greenbuls, Madagascar Bee-eaters, Open-billed Storks, and the Great Blue Turaco, observing them in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers also enjoy the immersive forest environment, learning how different species interact with native flora.
The 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari then continues to Mabira Forest, a vast rainforest interspersed with trails and waterfalls, including the picturesque Griffins Falls. This area is particularly rewarding for spotting rarer forest birds such as Nahan’s Francolin, Tit Hylia, Purple-throated Cuckoo Shrikes, Illadopsis, and Jameson’s Wattle-eye. Guided walks through Mabira Forest reveal how species adapt to dense foliage, making each sighting a thrilling discovery.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at a forest lodge offer an opportunity to reflect on the day’s sightings while preparing for the full day of birding in Nasemba the following day. This day combines forest and waterfall habitats, demonstrating Uganda’s ecological diversity and providing a robust start to a premier Uganda Birding Safari.
Day 3: Full-Day Birding in Nasemba (Mabira Forest)
The third day offers a comprehensive birding experience in Nasemba, within Mabira Forest. The forest boasts remarkable biodiversity, with species such as Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, African Pied Hornbill, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Sooty Flycatcher, Toro Olive Greenbul, Purple-throated Cuckoo Shrike, Green-tailed Bristlebill, Black-headed Heron, Marabou Stork, Hadada Ibis, Yellow-billed Kite and many others.
Birders are guided along the network of trails in a relaxed pace, allowing detailed observation and photography. Expert guides identify each species, discuss ecological significance, and highlight behavioral traits. During breaks, travelers can learn about forest conservation and the role of native flora in supporting the avian population. This immersive experience reinforces Uganda’s status as a leading birdwatching destination, and the day concludes with a return to Kampala, providing a restful evening before continuing the 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari into the country’s central forest regions.
Uganda Birding Safaris
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest and Evening Bigodi Swamp Walk
Travelers transfer from Kampala to Kibale National Park, a renowned site for forest birds and primate species. Arrival in the afternoon leads to a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a biodiverse area home to over 200 bird species and numerous primates, including Red Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. Bird species observed include Great Blue Turaco, Black-crowned Waxbill, White-spotted Flufftail, White-breasted Negrofinch, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Black Bishop, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Western Nicator, Superb Sunbird, and Brown-backed Scrub-robin.
The Bigodi walk introduces travelers to the dynamics of wetland ecosystems while providing excellent photographic opportunities. Observing these species in natural habitats enhances understanding of ecological interactions. The day ends with transfer to a nearby lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation, ensuring comfort while maintaining proximity to prime birding locations.
Day 5: Birding and Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
The morning begins with a dedicated birding expedition in Kibale Forest, focusing on the elusive Green-breasted Pitta and other rare species. Kibale hosts over 370 recorded bird species, including forest endemics such as Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Nahan’s Francolin, and Masked Apalis, some not found in other Ugandan national parks.
In the afternoon, travelers embark on chimpanzee tracking, following the social groups of these primates through dense forest trails. Birdwatchers often spot additional species during the trek, highlighting the synergy between primate tracking and birding. Observers spend up to one hour with habituated chimpanzees, witnessing their social interactions, feeding patterns, and vocalizations. This unique combination of primate tracking and forest birding provides a multi-faceted wildlife experience, deepening appreciation for Uganda’s biodiversity.
Day 6: Transfer to Semuliki Forest and Evening Birding
The 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari continues with a transfer from Kibale to Semuliki Forest, passing through scenic landscapes and opportunistic birding stops along the way. Semuliki Forest hosts approximately 40% of Uganda’s bird species and 66% of forest species, making it an essential destination for serious birders. Evening birding in Semuliki introduces travelers to Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Black-wattled Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, and other Central African species unique to this forest.
The evening concludes at a lodge within the forest reserve, where guests relax and prepare for full-day birding in Semuliki. This area exemplifies Uganda’s ecological richness and Congo Basin influence, providing unmatched species diversity for bird enthusiasts.
Day 7: Full-Day Birding Kirumia Track in Semuliki
The Kirumia Track offers one of the most rewarding birding experiences in Uganda. Full-day exploration along this trail reveals rare and sought-after species such as Blue Swallow, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Spotted Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Red-throated Alethe, Fire-crested Alethe, Snowy-headed Robin-Chat, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, White-tailed Robin-Chat, Northern Bearded Scrub-Robin, Capped Wheatear, Common Stonechat, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, Grey Ground-Thrush, Little Grey Greenbul, Toro Olive Greenbul, Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-throated Nicator, Western Nicator, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Black Saw-wing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Long-tailed Hawk, Chestnut-flanked Goshawk, Grant’s Bluebill, Afep Pigeon, Yellow-billed Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, Black-billed Barbet, and many more.
Birders enjoy the dense rainforest habitat while guided by experts who explain ecological niches, foraging behavior, and migratory patterns. Photography enthusiasts capture remarkable images, and the day concludes with a reflection on the region’s significance for conservation and biodiversity.
Uganda Safari Experience
Day 8: Whole-Day Birding in the Monkey Track of Semuliki Forest
The Red-tailed Monkey Track, stretching 11 kilometers along Semuliki’s eastern border, provides a perfect blend of forest and woodland birding. Bird species observed include Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Red-tailed Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, and many others. The diversity here showcases Uganda’s forest bird richness, offering opportunities to observe feeding, nesting, and social behaviors.
Guided walks allow for detailed observation while respecting wildlife and habitat. Guests gain in-depth knowledge about Congo Basin species and their conservation challenges, enhancing the educational value of the safari. Evening return to the lodge ensures rest and preparation for the journey to Murchison Falls.
Day 9: Transfer to Murchison Falls and Evening Birding
Travelers transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, birding along the scenic route. Arrival in the afternoon allows extended evening birdwatching. Savannah bird species begin to dominate, providing contrast to the forest species previously observed. Notable birds include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-headed Lapwing, Grey-crowned Crane, Senegal Thick-knee, African Jacana, Denham’s Bustard, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Goliath Heron, Giant Kingfisher, and others.
Deks Safaris & Tours guides ensure that birders capture prime sightings while learning about migratory patterns and the ecological significance of savannah species. The day concludes at a lodge within the park.
Day 10: Morning Birding and Evening Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls
Morning birding in Murchison Falls focuses on Savannah species. Later, a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls provides an opportunity to spot aquatic birds, including the iconic shoebill stork, as well as migratory birds from November to April. Other species include Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Black-billed Barbet, Silver Bird, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Jacana, and more.
The boat cruise also showcases the breathtaking power of Murchison Falls, creating a sensory experience combining nature’s spectacle and wildlife observation. Guests return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Transfer to Royal Mile (Budongo Forest) Birding
The 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari continues with a transfer to Royal Mile in Budongo Forest, a tropical rainforest rich in bird diversity. Species observed here include African Crowned Eagle, Nahan’s Francolins, White-spotted Flufftail, Sabine’s Spinetail, Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Dwarf Kingfisher, Piping Hornbill, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Ituri Batis, Chestnut-caped Flycatcher, Grey-headed Sunbird, and Western Black-headed Oriole.
If time permits, birding continues along the Masindi-Kafu corridor, seeking nomadic species such as the Wattled Sitatunga, before returning to Masindi for overnight accommodation.
Day 12: Transfer Back to Kampala via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The final day involves a scenic drive back to Kampala with stopovers for opportunistic birding, including a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Guests can spot species such as the White-crested Turaco and White-crested Helmeted Shrike. Arrival at the airport concludes the safari, marking the end of an unforgettable 12-day Uganda birding and wildlife adventure.
Bird Watching Mabamba Swamp
12 Days Uganda Birding Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Accommodation throughout the safari as per itinerary
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified)
- All transfers in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to national parks, reserves, and wetlands
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
- Boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Mabamba Wetland
- Birdwatching guidance and itinerary planning by experts
- Bottled water during game drives and transfers
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees for Uganda
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as laundry and souvenirs
- Drinks not included in meals
Items of personal nature (binoculars, cameras, field guides, etc.)
This detailed 12 Days Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary is expertly crafted to provide maximum wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and educational value for global travelers. Each day is designed to optimize birdwatching, primate tracking, gorilla trekking, and scenic exploration, making Deks Safaris & Tours a trusted leader in Uganda wildlife tourism.
