Ultimate 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari Private Itinerary for Birders

Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa”, is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 1,000 bird species, including rare Albertine Rift endemics and iconic species like the Shoebill Stork. This 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari offers a meticulously curated itinerary combining forests, wetlands, savannahs, and lakes, providing unparalleled opportunities to observe Uganda’s remarkable avian diversity.

The 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari journey begins in Entebbe, with optional birding at the Botanical Gardens before heading to the Mabamba Wetlands to witness the elusive Shoebill Stork in its prime habitat. From there, the safari traverses Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, and Murchison Falls National Park, featuring activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, boat cruises, and savannah game drives.

Exceptional Forest Walks for Albertine Rift Endemics

Every stop is designed for maximum birding opportunities, including specialized forest walks for Albertine Rift endemics, wetland excursions for waterbirds, and savannah drives for raptors and open-country species. Accommodation in mid-range to luxury lodges ensures comfort while remaining close to prime birding areas. Expert guides, armed with local knowledge and spotting skills, accompany you throughout, making this safari ideal for photographers, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

By combining Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences with targeted birding expeditions, this tour provides an immersive exploration of East Africa’s birding paradise, ensuring every day is filled with discovery, spectacular landscapes, and the thrill of seeing some of the world’s rarest and most spectacular birds in their natural habitat.

Uganda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Shoebill Tracking on a Canoe

Detailed 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe and Botanical Gardens Birding

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your dedicated 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari guide and transferred to a comfortable Entebbe hotel. After a brief rest from your flight, embark on a late afternoon birding session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which host a variety of both resident and migrant species.

The gardens’ mix of native trees, lakes, and flower beds makes it a haven for colorful birds. Here, you may spot the African Grey Parrot, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, African Green Pigeon, and a variety of sunbirds and weavers. The combination of calm lakes and shaded woodland ensures both beginner and expert birders can enjoy sighting numerous species in a tranquil setting.

Evening is spent relaxing at your hotel with a welcome briefing, where your 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari guide outlines the itinerary and provides tips for optimizing birding excursions, photography, and safari etiquette. Dinner features local and international cuisine, setting the tone for a luxury yet adventurous Uganda birding safari.

Birds to Spot Today:

African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) | Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) | African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus) | Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) | Yellow-throated Greenbul (Atimastillas flavicollis) | Northern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus castanops) | Blue-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon malimbica) | Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher (Bias musicus) | Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris) | Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus)

Day 2 – Mabamba Wetlands & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Begin the day with an early morning drive to Mabamba Wetlands, the renowned habitat of the legendary Shoebill Stork. Glide silently in a canoe through papyrus channels while observing wetland specialists such as Goliath Heron, Papyrus Gonolek, and Wattled Lapwing. The marshlands provide one of East Africa’s best chances to photograph this elusive and prehistoric-looking bird.

After lunch, continue to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s bird-rich savannah park, for an evening game drive along the park roads. Lake Mburo’s combination of woodlands, acacia savannah, and papyrus wetlands supports species like Brown-headed Parrot, African Fish Eagle, and African Jacana. Watch for hippos and buffalo near waterholes, creating an unforgettable mix of avian and mammalian wildlife encounters.

Birds to Spot Today:

Day 3 – Lake Mburo Birding & Nature Walks

Spend the day exploring Lake Mburo National Park through nature walks and birding drives. Early morning walks along forested edges and lakeshores target endemic and forest-edge species like Rufous-naped Lark, White-headed Barbet, and Red-faced Crimsonwing. Later, a boat excursion on Lake Mburo allows observation of waterbirds, including Little Egret, Grey Heron, and African Swamphen.

Game drives offer additional opportunities for savannah raptors and birds of prey, including Martial Eagle, Augur Buzzard, and Lizard Buzzard, against the backdrop of zebras, impalas, and giraffes. Guides provide insights into bird calls, nesting behaviors, and habitat preferences, enriching the safari experience. Evening relaxation at the lodge allows reflection on the park’s rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.

Birds to Spot Today:

Uganda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Day 4 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Depart Lake Mburo after breakfast for the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, traversing rolling hills, tea plantations, and the Rwenzori Mountains’ foothills. En route, enjoy stops for roadside birding, looking for African Blue Flycatcher, Dusky Tit, and Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler.

Upon arrival at your lodge near Bwindi, enjoy afternoon relaxation or a short forest bird walk, highlighting endemic forest species like Rwenzori Turaco and Olive-breasted Greenbul. The lodge is strategically located to offer close access to gorilla trekking trails, forest edge birding, and stunning views of the Albertine Rift forests.

Birds to Spot Today:

Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Olive-breasted Greenbul (Arizelocichla kikuyuensis) | Dusky Tit (Melaniparus funereus) | African Blue Flycatcher (Elminia longicauda) | Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus ruficapilla) | Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema) | Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii) | Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) | Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis) | African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)

Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today marks the pinnacle of your Uganda birding and wildlife adventure with an early morning gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s most iconic and biodiverse habitats. Wake up before dawn and enjoy a light breakfast before heading to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) briefing, where experienced rangers explain safety, etiquette, and tracking strategies.

The trek into Bwindi’s mist-laden montane forest takes 2–5 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. While tracking, keep your binoculars trained on forest birds, including African Green Broadbill, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and Dusky Crimsonwing, while the occasional Red-tailed Monkey or Chimpanzee troop may pass nearby. Once you encounter a gorilla family, you’ll spend an hour observing these gentle giants, capturing photographs while respecting their space.

After the trek, enjoy lunch at your lodge followed by a forest birding walk along the forest edges, targeting elusive Albertine Rift endemics. Species to watch include the Ruwenzori Batis, Willard’s Sooty Boubou, and Grauer’s Warbler, as well as forest understory specialists like the Grey-headed Sunbird. The lodge’s setting allows for late afternoon observation of mixed bird flocks, making Bwindi a haven for serious birders and wildlife photographers alike.

Birds to Spot Today:

Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) | Purple-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia purpureiventris) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops) | Willard’s Sooty Boubou (Laniarius willardi) | Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) | Grey-headed Sunbird (Deleornis axillaris) | Black-billed Turaco (Tauraco schuettii) | Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata)

Day 6 – Full Day Birding in Bwindi Forest

After the exhilaration of gorilla tracking, today is dedicated entirely to exploring Bwindi’s rich avian diversity. Embark on forest walks and edge habitat excursions, moving slowly along trails to locate both endemic and migratory species. Birders will delight in sightings of the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Bar-tailed Trogon, while flocks of Green-headed Sunbirds and Blue-throated Brown Sunbirds flit between tree canopies.

Lunch is enjoyed at a forest lodge with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, where you can watch forest raptors like the African Harrier-Hawk and Forest Buzzard. In the afternoon, continue birding in quieter trails, seeking rarities such as the Blue-headed Coucal and White-bellied Robin-Chat. This immersive 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari experience is perfect for photography and species documentation, with guides providing insight into behavioral traits, call identification, and ecological roles.

Evening relaxation at the lodge allows reflection on the forest’s endemic diversity and the intimate encounters with Africa’s gentle giants. Bwindi is unmatched for combining primates, forest mammals, and birds, providing a unique multi-species experience.

Birds to Spot Today:

Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus) | Stripe-breasted Tit (Melaniparus fasciiventer) | Bar-tailed Trogon (Apaloderma vittatum) | Green-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) | Blue-throated Brown Sunbird (Cyanomitra cyanolaema) | African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus) | Forest Buzzard (Buteo trizonatus) | Blue-headed Coucal (Centropus monachus) | White-bellied Robin-Chat (Cossyphicula roberti) | Black-billed Turaco (Tauraco schuettii)

Birding in Umubwindi Swamp

Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha

Depart Bwindi after breakfast and journey through scenic Western Uganda, with birding stops en route in farmlands and forest edges. Look for Papyrus Yellow Warbler, African Blue Flycatcher, and Eastern Citril during stops along streams and wetlands. Lunch is taken in a scenic spot before arriving at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the late afternoon.

The park’s Ishasha sector is renowned for tree-climbing lions, acacia woodlands, and birding opportunities. Enjoy an evening game drive as the sun sets over the savannah, spotting Hornbills, Weavers, and Sunbirds, along with elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. This combination of birding and classic safari wildlife provides a dynamic experience, blending savannah ecosystems with the thrill of African predators.

Birds to Spot Today:

Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Calamonastides gracilirostris) | African Blue Flycatcher (Elminia longicauda) | Eastern Citril (Crithagra flaviventris) | Northern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus castanops) | Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) | Grey-capped Warbler (Eminia lepida) | Red-faced Barbet (Lybius rubrifacies) | Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher (Bias musicus) | Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)

Day 8 – Full Day Birding & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Rise early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth’s open savannahs and wetlands, spotting waterfowl, raptors, and resident savannah birds. Afterward, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birds. This is a prime location for African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, and African Jacana.

Guides provide commentary on avian behavior, nesting sites, and migratory patterns, making the experience both educational and visually stunning. Afternoon drives target forested and bush habitats for Black-bellied Bustard, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, and Grey-headed Sparrow, with evening relaxation at the lodge overlooking the Mweya Peninsula.

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Day 9 – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Wetland

Depart Queen Elizabeth after breakfast for Kibale Forest, stopping for birding along en route wetlands and forest patches. Upon arrival, explore Bigodi Wetlands, home to Papyrus-based species and a wide variety of primates. Look for Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamp Flycatcher, and Papyrus Canary, alongside primates like Red Colobus Monkeys and Mangabeys.

Evening relaxation at your lodge allows for forest edge birding, observing forest robins, sunbirds, and flycatchers, providing a rich multi-habitat birding experience.

Birds to Spot Today:

Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri) | African Swamp Flycatcher (Muscipipraetus rufus) | Papyrus Canary (Crithagra koliensis) | Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii) | Green-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) | Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis) | African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) | Yellow-spotted Nicator (Nicator chloris) | Dusky Tit (Melaniparus funereus) | Blue-headed Coucal (Centropus monachus)

Day 10 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Rise early for chimpanzee tracking, joining UWA rangers for a 2–3 hour walk through dense tropical rainforest. While searching for chimpanzees, spot forest specialists such as Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, and Ruwenzori Apalis. This immersive experience allows for close observation of chimpanzees in their natural habitat while photographing rare forest birds.

Afternoon returns to Bigodi Wetlands for more waterbird and forest-edge birding, making Kibale one of Uganda’s top mixed birding locations.

Birds to Spot Today:

Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) | Black-faced Rufous Warbler (Bathmocercus rufus) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | Ruwenzori Apalis (Apalis ruwenzorii) | African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) | Dusky Tit (Melaniparus funereus) | White-tailed Blue Flycatcher (Elminia albicauda) | Green-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) | Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher (Bias musicus) | Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii)

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

Day 11 – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Depart Kibale and drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping for roadside birding and game viewing. This park offers a mix of savannah, riverine forests, and wetlands, perfect for observing raptors and waterbirds.

Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy afternoon relaxation and short birding walks near the lodge, spotting Martial Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, and Blue-breasted Bee-eaters. Sunset views over the Nile River provide a magical backdrop for photography.

Birds to Spot Today:

Day 12 – Full-Day Game Drive & Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls

Wake up early for a morning game drive, targeting savannah species including lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes, with a special focus on savannah and riverine birds. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds abound.

Afternoon returns for an optional evening bird walk, perfect for raptors, hornbills, and starlings. The combination of game, birds, and river landscapes makes Murchison Falls a truly spectacular location for wildlife photographers.

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Day 13 – Transfer to Kampala via Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls for Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to observe conservation efforts and possibly spot rhinos and savannah birds. En route, enjoy roadside birding and scenery, capturing kingfishers, starlings, and weavers.

Arrival in Kampala provides a chance for relaxation and dinner, reflecting on the 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari spectacular avian and wildlife diversity.

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Day 14 – Final Birding & Departure

Spend a final morning at Entebbe Botanical Gardens or nearby wetlands for last-minute sightings. Enjoy breakfast and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, taking home memorable wildlife encounters and comprehensive birding records.

Birds to Spot Today:

Uganda Birding Safari in the Savannahs

14 Days Uganda Birding Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Accommodation on full board basis (mid-range and luxury lodges).
All ground transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel.
Experienced English-speaking birding guide throughout the safari.
All park entry fees and permits, including gorilla and chimpanzee permits.
Boat cruises at Lake Mburo, Kazinga Channel, and Murchison Falls.
Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking experiences with UWA rangers.
Bottled water daily.
Local taxes and service charges.

Safari Exclusions

International and domestic flights.
Uganda visa fees.
Travel insurance.
Alcoholic beverages, tips, and personal purchases.
Items of personal nature (e.g., souvenirs, snacks).
Pre- and post-tour accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe.

This completes the full 14 Days Uganda Birding Safari, offering luxury comfort, expert guidance, gorilla and chimpanzee encounters, and unmatched birdwatching across Uganda’s most iconic habitats.