Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari Private Tour Itinerary for Birders

Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 1,050 recorded bird species across a variety of habitats, from dense rainforest and papyrus swamps to savannah plains and crater lakes. This Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari is meticulously designed to maximize your encounters with Uganda’s avian diversity, combining forest walks, swamp excursions, game drives, and boat cruises.

Your Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari begins in Entebbe, followed by excursions to Mabamba Swamp, Mabira Forest, Murchison Falls, Budongo Forest, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park region. Along the way, you will engage in chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, and scenic boat cruises, all while spotting a remarkable array of birds, including rare Albertine Rift endemics.

Bird Watching in Mubwindi Swamp of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Each day is structured to allow ample time for birdwatching, with expert guides providing insights on bird behavior, calls, and habitats. From the elusive shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp to high-canopy Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi and Mubwindi Swamp, every location offers unique and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

This Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari balances luxury, adventure, and educational birding, catering to serious birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. By the end of the safari, travelers will have observed over 250 bird species, alongside iconic African wildlife such as gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, hippos, and buffaloes, providing an immersive African wildlife experience.

Uganda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Detailed Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe and Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by your Deks Safaris birding guide. After settling into your accommodation, embark on an afternoon excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a green oasis on the shores of Lake Victoria. This location offers an introduction to Uganda’s urban birdlife in a serene setting.

Expect to see garden-adapted species, including the African Grey Parrot, African Pied Wagtail, African Paradise Flycatcher, and Black-collared Lovebird. You may also spot migratory species, depending on the season. Guides will point out habitat-specific behaviors and help identify birds by their distinctive calls and plumage.

This gentle introduction allows travelers to adjust to Uganda’s climate and time zone while also providing early opportunities for photography and bird identification. Even the garden’s resident monkeys and squirrels can be observed, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s biodiversity beyond birds.

Birds to Spot Today:

African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) | African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) | African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) | Black-collared Lovebird (Agapornis swindernianus) | Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher (Bias musicus) | Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) | African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus) | Little Weaver (Ploceus luteolus) | Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis) | Red-cheeked Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus bengalus)

Accommodation: Lake Victoria Guest House / Similar
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp Birding: The Shoebill Expedition

Rise early for a full-day excursion to Mabamba Swamp, a world-renowned site for observing the legendary Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex). Travel by boat through papyrus channels, listening for whistles, calls, and splashes, while gliding silently among dense reeds and waterways.

Mabamba is also home to marshland specialists, including the Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamphen, White-winged Swamp Warbler, and Lesser Jacana. Your Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari guide will provide behavioral context and ecological insights, explaining how each species thrives in the wetland ecosystem.

Afternoon provides time to relax while continuing to observe kingfishers, malachite kingfishers, and African fish eagles along the waterways. A rare sighting of the shoebill hunting motionlessly in shallow waters is one of the safari’s most memorable moments.

Birds to Spot Today:

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Shoebill Tracking on a Canoe

Day 3 – Mabira Forest Birding & Transfer to Masindi

After breakfast, head to Mabira Forest, a lowland rainforest and haven for forest-dependent species. Begin a guided trail walk, searching for species like the Nahan’s Francolin, African Broadbill, and Blue-headed Sunbird. Listen for distinct calls of owlets and flycatchers, while your guide points out cryptically camouflaged species in dense foliage.

Late morning, depart for Masindi, en route to Murchison Falls National Park. Stop at key points to observe savannah-edge species, including Northern Red Bishops and Black-and-white Mannikins. The drive offers excellent photographic opportunities of Uganda’s rural landscapes, river valleys, and forested patches.

Birds to Spot Today:

Nahan’s Francolin (Pternistis nahani) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis) | Yellow-throated Greenbul (Chlorocichla flavicollis) | White-tailed Blue Flycatcher (Elminia albicauda) | Black-and-white Mannikin (Spermestes bicolor) | Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) | Red-chested Cuckoo (Cercococcyx cinnamomeus) | African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)

Accommodation: Masindi Hotel / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Murchison Falls National Park: Arrival & Sunset Game Drive

Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. Arrive at the lodge in time for a late afternoon game drive in the northern savannah, observing species like Giraffes, Elephants, and Uganda Kob, along with savannah raptors and passerines.

Murchison Falls offers excellent birding along the Nile River, where you may spot African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, and a variety of waders along riverbanks. As the sun sets, enjoy the golden light over the Victoria Nile, an iconic photography moment.

Birds to Spot Today:

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Full-Day Birding & Game Drive in Murchison Falls

Spend a full day in Murchison Falls, combining early morning and late afternoon game drives with birding along rivers, wetlands, and forested areas. The park is a hotspot for savannah and woodland species, including Northern Carmine Bee-eater, African Grey Hornbill, and Red-necked Falcon.

During breaks, scan river edges for waterbirds, including Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, and Great Egret. Forest patches provide opportunities for forest-dependent species, and your Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari guide will point out subtle plumage differences among raptors and weavers.

Birds to Spot Today:

10-Day Uganda Birding Safari

Day 6 – Budongo Forest Birding & En Route to Kibale Forest

After an early breakfast in Murchison Falls, depart south toward Budongo Forest, Uganda’s largest mahogany-dominated rainforest. Budongo offers a diverse avifauna, including elusive forest specialists such as African Broadbill, Nahan’s Francolin, and Yellow-throated Greenbul. A morning guided walk through forest trails introduces travelers to canopy species, with the guides pointing out vocalizations, feeding behavior, and nesting habits.

Budongo Forest is also known for its chimpanzee populations, so keep your binoculars ready primates often stir mixed-species flocks that include birds like the Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher. Midday, continue your Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari journey to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of Uganda, arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon. If time permits, take a brief birding walk near the lodge, scanning for forest edge species and riverine birds.

Birds to Spot Today:

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Rise before dawn for a primordial rainforest experience: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. After a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, set out along winding trails through dense undergrowth and towering mahoganies, listening for chimpanzee vocalizations echoing through the canopy. Upon locating a troop, spend approximately one hour observing their natural behaviors, including feeding, grooming, and play.

Simultaneously, Kibale is a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemic birds, with species like African Green Broadbill, Blue-headed Sunbird, and Grey-chested Greenbul. Watch the rangers’ movements and the chimps’ activity, as birds often follow primates to feed on insects stirred up by their foraging. After the trek, enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest and a late afternoon birding walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, scanning papyrus and wetland edges.

Birds to Spot Today:

Chimpanzee companion species: African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis), Grey-chested Greenbul (Arizelocichla montana) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) | Red-throated Alethe (Chamaetylas poliophrys) | Green-headed Oriole (Oriolus chlorocephalus) | Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri) | Dusky Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo (Cercococcyx olivinus)

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive

Depart Kibale in the morning, heading southwest to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s famed savannah and woodland park. En route, observe rural village habitats, farmland edges, and riverine forests, providing stopovers for transient bird species. Arrive mid-afternoon and enjoy a sunset game drive in the Ishasha sector, home to the famous tree-climbing lions and herds of elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob.

Birding today focuses on savannah and woodland species, including raptors perched atop acacia trees. Keep an eye out for Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Yellow-throated Longclaw, and Northern Carmine Bee-eater. The open landscapes make photography particularly rewarding, with wildlife and birds often co-occurring in the same frame. Evening allows for relaxation at the lodge with a view of the savannah horizon, as the calls of baboons, hornbills, and starlings fill the air.

Birds to Spot Today:

Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Rwanda Kenya Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari

Day 9 – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Birding

Spend the morning on a guided boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The waterway is rich in aquatic birds, as well as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants that often come to the riverbanks. Birders will be thrilled by species like Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, Malachite Kingfisher, and Shoebill Stork (if lucky).

The afternoon is dedicated to a game drive through open savannahs, seeking lions, leopards, and antelope, with keen attention to savannah birds such as the Senegal Coucal, Yellow-billed Stork, and African Openbill. This combination of water and savannah birding provides a full spectrum of Uganda’s avifauna in one location.

Birds to Spot Today:

Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Buhoma Birding Walks

Drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the Buhoma sector for a late afternoon birding walk along forest trails, focusing on forest canopy species such as Green-breasted Pitta, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and Rwenzori Turaco.

The forest’s microclimates allow birders to see both lowland and montane species. Quiet observation and scanning with binoculars may reveal mixed flocks of sunbirds, bulbuls, and flycatchers, as well as raptors circling above the forest edges. Guides share insights on habitat conservation and bird ecology, enhancing the educational value of the walk.

Birds to Spot Today:

Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi) | Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) | Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Dwarf Honeyguide (Indicator pumilio) | Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra) | Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus ruficapilla) | Red-throated Alethe (Chamaetylas poliophrys) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae)

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

Day 11 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Rise early for the highlight of the safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing with UWA rangers, embark on the hike, which may last 2–6 hours depending on gorilla locations. Observing a family of gorillas feeding, playing, and interacting is an experience that leaves travelers in awe.

During the trek, pay attention to forest birdlife, as the gorillas’ movements often stir insectivorous birds and canopy flocks. Expect sightings of Red-throated Alethe, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and Green-breasted Pitta, alongside forest raptors circling high above. Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon relaxation, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounter.

Birds to Spot Today:

Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi) | Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) | Red-throated Alethe (Chamaetylas poliophrys) | Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra) | Dusky Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis)

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

How Expensive is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Day 12 – Mubwindi Swamp Birding & Transfer to Ruhija

After breakfast, transfer to Ruhija sector of Bwindi, stopping along the Mubwindi Swamp, a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics. Here, carefully navigate forest edges and swamp trails in search of species like the Albertine Owlet, Handsome Francolin, and White-tailed Greenbul.

The swamp provides opportunities to see rare mixed flocks of sunbirds, flycatchers, and warblers, many of which are endemic to this region. The afternoon is dedicated to transfer to Ruhija lodge, with optional short forest walks for photography or additional bird spotting.

Birds to Spot Today:

Albertine Owlet (Glaucidium albertinum) | Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis) | White-tailed Greenbul (Eurillas insignis) | Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus) | Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi) | Dusky Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis)

Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Birding & Golden Monkey Encounter

After an early breakfast in Ruhija, depart for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in Uganda’s southwestern Virunga landscape. The Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari takes you through lush rolling hills and terraced farmlands, which are excellent habitats for Albertine Rift endemics. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge before embarking on a guided forest walk in search of highland forest species.

Mgahinga is renowned for its Golden Monkey populations, and the morning trek provides a dual opportunity to see these vibrant primates alongside rare birds such as Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and African Broadbill. The forest trails are alive with canopy flocks, woodpeckers, and sunbirds, making this one of Uganda’s most rewarding birding locales. Rangers carefully guide trekkers, ensuring minimal disturbance while allowing for excellent photography opportunities.

By afternoon, enjoy a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Virunga volcanoes, with endemic birds like Rwenzori Turaco and Blue-headed Sunbird frequently visible. The combination of endangered primates, endemic birds, and spectacular scenery makes this a truly unforgettable day.

Birds to Spot Today:

Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) | Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus laetus) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris) | African Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix) | Grey Apalis (Apalis cinerea) | White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra) | Dusky Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge / Mgahinga Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 – Mgahinga Forest Birding & Scenic Hikes

Today is dedicated entirely to birding and exploration within Mgahinga Forest, with early morning walks along the forest floor and ridge trails. Focus is placed on Albertine Rift endemics, and experienced Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari guides will lead you to areas known for shy species like the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher and Grauer’s Rush Warbler.

The park’s high-altitude microclimate supports species that are rarely observed elsewhere. In addition to endemic birds, look for forest raptors and hornbills, often spotted along ridges and river valleys. Hikes provide panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes, blending dramatic scenery with a unique birding environment. After a morning hike, enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest and continue afternoon birding near streams, where kingfishers and sunbirds abound.

Birds to Spot Today:

Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus) | Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) | Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Dusky Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | African Green Broadbill (Corydon abyssinicus) | White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra) | Red-throated Alethe (Chamaetylas poliophrys) | Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri)

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge / Mgahinga Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 – Transfer to Semliki National Park & Forest Birding

After breakfast, Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari journey northwards to Semliki National Park, located in Uganda’s western Rift Valley. This lowland tropical forest is known for rare and endemic bird species, including Nahan’s Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, and African Pitta.

En route, stop at villages and forest edges, scanning for transient species and wetland birds. Upon arrival at the park, enjoy a late afternoon guided walk, exploring riverside trails and forest clearings, while listening for the calls of elusive species like the Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. Semliki provides a dramatic change of scenery from the highlands of Bwindi and Mgahinga, offering opportunities to see savannah-forest edge species in one afternoon.

Birds to Spot Today:

Nahan’s Francolin (Pternistis nahani) | Black-billed Turaco (Tauraco schuettii) | African Pitta (Pitta angolensis) | Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis) | Chocolate-backed Kingfisher (Halcyon badia) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Yellow-throated Greenbul (Chlorocichla flavicollis) | Red-tailed Bristlebill (Bleda syndactylus) | Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis) | Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo (Cercococcyx olivinus)

Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge / Toro Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Uganda Birding Safaris

Day 16 – Semliki Birding & Game Drive

Spend the entire day exploring Semliki National Park’s Forest and riverine habitats, including a morning game drive for birding and wildlife spotting. Semliki supports a mixture of forest species and riverine waterbirds, and skilled guides often locate rare mixed-species flocks.

Species such as the White-spotted Flufftail, African Broadbill, and Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher are commonly observed along streams and dense undergrowth, while raptors and hornbills occupy the upper canopy. Afternoon provides an optional nature walk near the park boundary, excellent for photography and identifying additional forest species.

Birds to Spot Today:

White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis) | African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) | Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo (Cercococcyx olivinus) | Chocolate-backed Kingfisher (Halcyon badia) | Red-throated Alethe (Chamaetylas poliophrys) | Yellow-throated Greenbul (Chlorocichla flavicollis)

Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge / Toro Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 – Lake Mburo National Park Birding & Walking Safari

Travel east to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s premier savannah-woodland mosaic. This park is ideal for walking safaris, allowing intimate encounters with savannah birds and wildlife. Early morning walks focus on species like the Brown-chested Lapwing, African Pygmy Kingfisher, and Black-headed Gonolek.

A mid-morning boat ride on Lake Mburo offers additional birding opportunities for waterbirds, herons, storks, and African Fish Eagle. Afternoon game drive explores savannah plains for zebra, impala, warthog, and topi, while birding along the way highlights long-legged waders and open-country species.

Birds to Spot Today:

Brown-chested Lapwing (Vanellus superciliosus) | African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta) | Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) | Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) | Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) | Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) | Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Mihingo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 – Return to Entebbe & Departure

After a final morning birding session near Lake Mburo, enjoy breakfast and begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe, stopping en route at the Equator landmark for photographs. Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your flight, concluding a comprehensive 18-day Uganda birding excursion. Reflect on over 350–400 bird species potentially recorded, encounters with chimpanzees, gorillas, and golden monkeys, and the extraordinary diversity of Uganda’s ecosystems.

Birds to Spot Today:

Meals: Breakfast

Uganda Safari Experience

Ultimate Uganda 18-Day Birding Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide
17 nights’ accommodation in mid-range to luxury lodges
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
All park entry fees and permits (Uganda Wildlife Authority)
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Boat cruises at Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo
Guided forest walks and birding excursions
Drinking water during safari

Safari Exclusions

International flights to/from Uganda
Visa fees for Uganda
Tips to guides, porters, and lodge staff
Alcoholic beverages and personal items
Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Travel insurance