20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari: Ultimate Birding, Wildlife & Primate Trekking Experience

Embark on an extraordinary 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari with Deks Safaris and Tours through Uganda’s lush landscapes, from sprawling wetlands and savannas to pristine rainforests. This 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari is curated for bird enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike, offering unprecedented opportunities to witness Uganda’s rich avian diversity, rare primates, and breath-taking scenery. The safari spans key Important Bird Areas (IBAs) across the country, including Mabamba Wetland, Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest, Kibale, Semliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga, Lake Mburo, and Mabira Forest.

From the moment you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, the journey immerses you in Uganda’s natural wonders. Glide through Mabamba Swamp in a canoe in search of the elusive Shoebill, venture through Budongo and Kibale Forests to track chimpanzees, and explore the volcanic montane forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga for mountain gorillas and Albertine Rift endemic birds. Along the way, enjoy boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, nature walks, cultural encounters with local communities, and visits to unique ecosystems, such as wetlands, papyrus swamps, and the highland forests.

Guided Bird Watching Safari Adventure in Uganda

This 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari expedition is more than a safari it is a curated birding odyssey. Expert guides lead daily excursions, highlighting both common and rare species, from canopy-dwelling turacos to elusive forest-floor birds. Each day presents a new habitat, from the savannahs of Murchison Falls to the dense montane forests of Bwindi, offering a dynamic and comprehensive experience of Uganda’s unparalleled biodiversity.

By the end of this 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari, you will have encountered hundreds of bird species, majestic wildlife, and primates in their natural habitats, capturing memories that last a lifetime. Deks Safaris ensures comfortable accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and immersive wildlife experiences throughout this 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari journey.

Detailed 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari

Day 1 – Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are greeted by your professional English-speaking guide from Deks Safaris. After a briefing on the 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari and itinerary, transfer to your nearby lodge for overnight rest. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle introduction to Uganda’s birdlife around the lodge and Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This is an opportunity to stretch your legs after the flight and spot early arrivals such as the African Grey Hornbill, Red-throated Bee-eater, and African Paradise Flycatcher. The lush tropical gardens, flowering trees, and surrounding wetlands make for a relaxing first birding experience.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Entebbe / Boma Guesthouse
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Mabamba Wetland Birding Canoe Excursion

Rise early for a canoe excursion on Mabamba Wetland, one of Uganda’s most important birding destinations. Glide quietly along the papyrus channels searching for the legendary Shoebill Stork, the swamp’s elusive giant, whose prehistoric appearance captivates all who see it. Along the waterways, you may spot Papyrus Gonolek, Black Crake, African Swamphen, and Malachite Kingfisher. The wetland’s mix of open water, reed beds, and islands provides excellent habitat for waterbirds and marsh species.

After the canoe ride, enjoy a guided walk along the swamp’s edge, observing African Jacanas, Lesser Swamp Warblers, and Black Crakes. Lunch is served at a nearby lodge, followed by optional birding along the wetlands or nearby forest edges. Late afternoon is perfect for reflection, photography, or recording your sightings in a personal birding journal.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Boma Guesthouse / Entebbe Botanical Gardens Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Mabira Forest Birding on Foot

Today, travel to Mabira Forest, a tropical rainforest northeast of Kampala, known for a variety of forest and Albertine Rift species. Walk along forest trails under a canopy alive with birdsong. Here, birding focuses on forest-edge and interior species, including Black-billed Turaco, Grey-throated Barbet, African Blue Flycatcher, and African Paradise Flycatcher.

The dense forest offers an opportunity to witness feeding flocks and mixed-species groups, common in Mabira. Look for forest sunbirds, woodpeckers, and apalis, all adapted to the tropical forest environment. Seasonal butterflies and lush vegetation provide a visually stunning complement to the 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari experience. The afternoon is spent exploring secondary forest paths or relaxing in your lodge, sharing highlights from the morning sightings.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Mabira Forest Lodge / Boma Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uganda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Day 4 – Transfer to Masindi & Kafu Masindi Stretch Birding

Depart Mabira early and journey northwest toward Masindi, en route stopping along the Kafu Masindi stretch for open woodland and wetland birding. This area provides a transition from forest to savannah, offering a wide mix of species. Look for White-crested Turaco, Brown-headed Parrot, African Harrier-Hawk, and Lilac-breasted Roller, among others. The drive itself is a visual delight, with rural landscapes, riverine trees, and scattered wetlands creating natural feeding grounds for birds and small mammals.

Lunch is served en route, followed by an afternoon continuation toward Murchison Falls National Park, where the afternoon is spent settling into your lodge and preparing for the upcoming birding and game drives. This day sets the stage for savannah and riverine birding, contrasting the dense forest habitats of the previous days.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Budongo Forest Reserve Birding & Afternoon Murchison Falls Launch Cruise

Begin the day at Budongo Forest Reserve, home to dense tropical rainforest and a high diversity of forest bird species. Trek through trails that may reveal African Broadbill, Nahan’s Francolin, Blue-headed Sunbird, and Black-capped Apalis. The forest also hosts habituated chimpanzee groups, allowing you to observe primates alongside birds in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, transfer to Murchison Falls National Park for a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls. While cruising, look for African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Woolly-necked Stork, and Saddle-billed Stork along the riverbanks. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are often spotted, adding dynamic wildlife interactions to your 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari experience. Sunset views at the base of the falls provide a perfect backdrop for photography.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Full-Day Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Spend a full day exploring Murchison Falls National Park, combining savannah birding with game viewing. Morning game drives focus on open savannah and riverine habitats, targeting Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Black-bellied Bustard, and various weavers and bishops. Midday, a shaded picnic allows observation of birds along waterholes, including Long-crested Eagle and African Jacana.

Afternoon is spent on foot or vehicle along trails leading to forest patches, riverbanks, and floodplains. The park’s bird diversity spans wetland, savannah, and woodland species, with raptors circling overhead and colorful rollers and bee-eaters flitting among trees. This immersive day provides an exceptional overview of Uganda’s northern ecosystems, from large mammals to endemic bird species.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

15 Days Uganda Kenya and Tanzania Safari

Day 7 – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park & Evening Birding in Bigodi Wetland

After breakfast at Murchison Falls, embark on a scenic drive southwest to Kibale Forest National Park, approximately 5–6 hours, passing rolling hills, small villages, and farmland that harbor a variety of roadside and woodland birds. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge before heading out for a late afternoon birding excursion at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed wetland known for its rich avian diversity and lush papyrus swamps.

Bigodi provides excellent opportunities to spot forest edge and wetland species, including Black-headed Gonolek, Grey-capped Warbler, Papyrus Canary, and the rare Papyrus Gonolek, one of the iconic wetland birds of Uganda. Walk along well-maintained trails through reed beds, papyrus, and secondary forest, keeping a keen eye on the canopy for colorful sunbirds and flycatchers. The wetland’s dense vegetation and network of streams make it ideal for shy species that are difficult to see elsewhere.

In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner, sharing highlights from the day’s birding and preparing for tomorrow’s early morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. The combination of forest, wetland, and agricultural mosaic creates a unique 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari experience that bridges savannah and montane ecosystems.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Afternoon Birding

Rise early for the highly anticipated chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest, a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its primates and birdlife. Trek through pristine rainforest trails led by 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari experienced guides, listening for the distinctive calls of chimps and tracking their movement across the dense canopy. Along the trail, observe a wealth of forest birds such as African Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, and Blue-throated Roller. The interplay of primates and birds is mesmerizing, with monkeys feeding in the treetops while colorful birds flit between branches.

After observing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, enjoy lunch at the lodge before setting out for afternoon birding in nearby forest edges and secondary habitats. Focus on species that may have been elusive during the morning trek, such as African Emerald Cuckoo, African Dwarf Kingfisher, and various sunbirds. Listen for the bubbling calls of forest warblers and the occasional hammering of woodpeckers as the day winds down.

The combination of primate tracking and immersive birding highlights the richness of Kibale, one of Uganda’s most biodiverse national parks. Evening reflections at the lodge offer the perfect opportunity to log sightings, share photos, and anticipate tomorrow’s journey toward Semliki National Park.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Early Morning Transfer to Semliki National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale for Semliki National Park, located in the western Rift Valley near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This drive passes scenic landscapes, farmland, and small settlements, with opportunities to stop along the way for roadside birding. Semliki, Uganda’s least visited forest reserve, is famous for its lowland tropical rainforest and numerous endemic and range-restricted species.

Upon arrival, settle into your lodge before taking a guided evening walk along forest trails. Focus on spotting elusive species like the Red-throated Alethe, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, and Rufous-sided Broadbill. Semliki is also home to shy antelopes, duikers, and primates, offering a dynamic wildlife backdrop to your 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari. The combination of early morning forest walks and late afternoon excursions maximizes sightings of forest specialists and endemic birds.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge / Nyakagei Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shoebill Tracking on a Canoe

Day 10 – Semliki Forest Full-Day Birding

Spend a full day exploring Semliki National Park, venturing deep into the forest on guided trails. The park’s lowland rainforest supports over 400 species of birds, many endemic to the Albertine Rift. Look for canopy species such as Grauer’s Broadbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, and White-headed Wood Hoopoe, as well as understory specialists like Dusky Crimsonwing and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher.

Morning walks focus on active birding in shaded trails, listening for the distinctive calls of woodpeckers, hornbills, and turacos. Midday, rest and enjoy lunch at the lodge before an afternoon session exploring wetlands and forest edges, increasing your chances of spotting water-associated species like Little Bittern and Purple Heron. Semliki’s unique biogeography makes this an exceptional site for endemics and range-restricted species, perfect for serious birders.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge / Nyakagei Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Ishasha Sector Birding

After breakfast, depart Semliki and head south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the Ishasha sector in the afternoon. The drive offers intermittent roadside birding in savannah and woodland habitats, where you may spot Crowned Eagle, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, and Red-necked Falcon. Ishasha is famed for its tree-climbing lions, and along the way, keep an eye out for elephant herds and antelope grazing in open fields.

Afternoon birding excursions explore the park’s gallery forests, swamp edges, and floodplains, ideal for African Pygmy Kingfisher, White-bellied Go-away-bird, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. The unique combination of savannah and riparian forest offers varied birding opportunities, contrasting with the dense rainforests visited earlier in the 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari. Enjoy sunset views over the savannah before returning to the lodge.

Birds to Spot:

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

Day 12 – Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Birding Cruise

Begin with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring savannah, woodland, and wetland habitats. Expect sightings of Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, and an array of plains birds like Grey-headed Sparrow, Red-billed Quelea, and Black-winged Lapwing. Mid-morning, transfer to the Kazinga Channel for a relaxing boat cruise, one of Uganda’s prime waterbird hotspots.

On the cruise, observe African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, and African Jacana along the riverbanks. Hippos wallow in the channel, while crocodiles bask on the shores, providing stunning wildlife viewing alongside birding. The combination of terrestrial and aquatic habitats makes this one of Uganda’s richest birding locales. Late afternoon returns you to your lodge to relax and review your growing bird list.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Birding in Umubwindi Swamp

Day 13 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with a stopover in the Ishasha sector for additional birding. The forested corridor between Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi is rich with forest edge species, including White-browed Crombec, Black Bee-eater, and Dusky Tit.

Arrival in Bwindi in the late afternoon allows time to settle at your lodge, prepare for early morning gorilla tracking, and enjoy a short nature walk near the lodge to spot forest generalists. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for both its mountain gorillas and Albertine Rift endemic birds, making it a bucket-list destination for both wildlife and bird enthusiasts.

Birds to Spot:

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

Day 14 – Gorilla Tracking in Buhoma & Transfer to Ruhija via the NECK

Begin your day with the ultimate wildlife experience: gorilla tracking in Buhoma, deep within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Early morning, your guides will brief you on gorilla etiquette before setting out on forest trails that wind through dense foliage, moss-covered trees, and fern-filled undergrowth. The trek varies in difficulty but is richly rewarding. As you move quietly through the forest, listen for the deep grunts, roars, and chest-beating of the gorilla family. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

While tracking, remain attentive to the forest canopy and understory for forest-specialist birds such as the Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-throated Alethe, African Broadbill, and the elusive Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher. Other endemics, including the Grauer’s Rush Warbler and Bar-tailed Trogon, may be spotted with patience and keen observation.

After an unforgettable gorilla encounter, enjoy lunch in the forest before traveling to Ruhija, a quieter sector of Bwindi famous for its high-altitude birding. En route, stop at the NECK (Nekkar Environmental Conservation area) to observe additional forest species in the montane ecosystems. Birds commonly seen here include Mountain Illadopsis, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, and Black-faced Rufous Warbler. Late afternoon concludes with check-in at your lodge, a review of the day’s sightings, and preparation for an early morning in the Mubwindi Swamp.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Camp / Silverback Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Half-Day Birding in Mubwindi Swamp & Afternoon Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Begin your day with birding in Mubwindi Swamp, one of Bwindi’s premier high-altitude birding sites. The swamp’s dense bamboo stands, montane forests, and open edges are ideal for endemics and Albertine Rift specialists. With your 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari guide, trek through mossy paths while searching for species such as the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Warbler, and Dusky Crimsonwing. This serene environment offers both photographic opportunities and the chance to hear rare bird calls echoing across the swamp.

After the morning birding session, enjoy lunch before driving to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda within the Virunga volcanic range. Mgahinga’s montane forests and bamboo zones provide an excellent mix of gorilla habitat and birding potential. Upon arrival, take a brief afternoon walk along the lodge’s trails, focusing on forest edge and bamboo specialists such as the Red-throated Alethe, Black Bee-eater, and Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird. The panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes create an unforgettable backdrop for 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Mgahinga Gorilla Lodge / Virunga View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uganda Birding Safaris

Day 16 – Full-Day Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Spend a full day exploring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with a focus on its birding treasures and volcanic landscapes. The park’s unique elevation gradient from bamboo forests to afro-montane forest supports a diversity of Albertine Rift endemics. Trek with your 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari guide along bamboo zones in search of elusive species like the Grauer’s Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Mountain Masked Apalis, and Red-collared Mountain Babbler.

In addition to the avian highlights, the park is home to golden monkeys, which can be spotted moving through bamboo thickets. Watching these primates interact amidst a symphony of bird calls is a truly magical 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari experience. Pause at scenic viewpoints for photographs and to observe raptors like the Augur Buzzard and Black Sparrowhawk soaring above the peaks. Evening reflections back at the lodge provide a perfect opportunity to review your expanding bird list and enjoy the tranquil highland environment.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Mgahinga Gorilla Lodge / Virunga View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Birding

After breakfast, journey northeast to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but one rich in birdlife. The drive crosses diverse agricultural landscapes, providing opportunities to observe common farmland species like the Red-headed Weaver, Black-crowned Tchagra, and Yellow-throated Leaflove.

Upon arrival, settle at your lodge before embarking on an evening birding walk along the park’s woodland edges and floodplains. Lake Mburo’s mixture of grassland, acacia, and papyrus swamp supports a variety of species, including African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and African Fish Eagle. The evening light provides excellent photography conditions and a chance to spot nocturnal species emerging in the twilight.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 – Morning Birding & Afternoon Boat Cruise in Lake Mburo

Begin your day with morning birding around Lake Mburo, taking in the park’s diverse habitats: wetlands, acacia woodlands, and open savannah. Look for Brown-chested Lapwing, Black-winged Lapwing, and African Finfoot, which can be challenging to spot but are well worth the effort. The combination of walking trails and lake edges provides close-up encounters with both waterbirds and savannah species.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, scanning for water-associated birds such as African Darter, Grey Heron, Little Egret, and Malachite Kingfisher. Hippos and Nile crocodiles often accompany your birding adventure on the water, making for a dynamic wildlife experience. Conclude the day with sunset views across the lake, reflecting on the breadth of Uganda’s avian diversity encountered during your 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uganda Birding Safaris

Day 19 – Mabira Forest Birding & Transfer towards Entebbe

After breakfast, drive northeast to Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s largest lowland rainforests. Spend the morning birding on well-maintained forest trails, observing species such as African Broadbill, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, and Blue-headed Sunbird. The forest is rich with both endemics and widespread species, making it an ideal spot to consolidate your bird sightings before returning to the central region.

Late afternoon, continue your journey toward Entebbe, stopping along the way for roadside birding and cultural encounters if time allows. This day bridges the lush forests with the lake-dotted central region, providing a final immersive 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari experience.

Birds to Spot:

Accommodation: Lake Victoria Guesthouse / Protea Hotel Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20 – Transfer to Entebbe International Airport & Departure

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. On the way, pause at the Uganda Equator Crossing in Kayabwe, where you can take photos, enjoy the scenery, and reflect on your 20-day adventure across Uganda’s premier birding and wildlife destinations.

This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable journey exploring over 1,050 bird species, iconic wildlife including chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, and the lush landscapes of Uganda. With a wealth of memories and photographs, you depart enriched by one of Africa’s most comprehensive 20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari.

Birds to Spot (En Route):

Meals: Breakfast

20-Day Uganda Birding Excursion Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Airport transfer in Entebbe
Ground transportation by private 4×4 safari vehicle
Accommodation for 19 nights on full board basis
All park entrance fees and ranger fees
Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi/Mgahinga
Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale
Boat cruises on Murchison Falls, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo
Guided birding excursions and nature walks
English-speaking professional guide
Complimentary mineral water (1 liter per person per day)
Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi
All relevant government taxes

Safari Exclusions

International and domestic flights
Visa fees for Uganda entry
Personal travel insurance
Tips, gratuities, and personal expenses
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks not included