14 day uganda birding safari

Arrive at Entebbe Airport and be warmly welcomed by your guide. Settle into your comfortable accommodation in Entebbe town for the night. Depending on your time of arrival, botanical gardens are an option to introduce you to your 14-day Uganda birding safari

Gear up for your first birding adventure! After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park. it is a 4-5 hours drive from Kampala capital city via Masaka Mbarara highway. 

The equator at Kayabwe is an opportune stopover for many safari travelers to western Uganda. You can take photos and also buy a few items from the souvenir shops. This is the way to support the local business and indirectly contribute to sustainable tourism in Uganda.

After the check-in to your lodge in Lake Mburo National Park, embark on a sundowner boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo boat cruise offers breathtaking views of the verdant greenery of the park with the backdrop of rolling hills and vast savannahs. 

The boat cruise on Lake Mburo National Park also offers a perfect chance to spot waterbirds like the African Fish Eagle, sunbirds, and Pied Kingfisher.

From the hearty breakfast, Immerse yourself in the rich birdlife of Lake Mburo with a guided nature walk. Lake Mburo is the only national park in Uganda where you can enjoy the wildlife and game view during a nature walk. Keep your eyes peeled for the African Finfoot, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, and Brown-chested Lapwing. 

After a licious sumptuous lunch meal, In the afternoon, explore different trails, searching for woodland birds, savannah species, and waterbirds, like the Red-faced Barbet, Rufous-bellied Heron, and Bateleur Eagle.

Spend the night at Lake Mburo and braise yourself for the journey.

Travel to Bwindi, a journey filled with opportunities to spot resident birds along the way. The landscape and the forested valleys plus glares from the locals offer vistas of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind after a delightful day.

Relax at your lodge as you enjoy the sound of the wind in the trees and the forest birds creating a rhythmic background to the tranquil environment and stunning views of the misty Bwindi impenetrable forest by dusk time.

Spend the night at your lodge on the fringes of Bwindi impenetrable national park.

Prepare for an unforgettable encounter! An early morning breakfast is served for all travelers. And then head to the Bwindi National Park headquarters for briefing. After, venture into the Bwindi rainforest on a gorilla-trekking adventure. 

The Bwindi gorilla interaction duration of one hour rewards an experience etched in your memory forever. 

Keep your binoculars handy, as your park ranger will help you identify diverse bird species throughout the forest hike. The trekking duration varies depending on the location of your gorilla family.

To deeply delve into Bwindi birding safari,  an entire day is dedicated to pure avian life encounters and community visits in the Ruhija sector. Ruhija sector is famous for birders as it flaunts several bird species like Grauer’s rush warbler, western green tinker bird, impressing African emerald, and common bulbul among other forest birds.

Pack your binoculars, birding guidebook, and comfortable shoes as you embark on a guided exploration through various forest trails. Bwindi boasts exceptional biodiversity, and you might encounter the African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. 

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the serene forest, surrounded by the symphony of nature. 

Continue your birding quest in the afternoon, and enjoy community visits where you can enjoy tasting the local fruits and interacting with the local people.

Remember, buying from the local communities is an added effort to sustainability and inclusive tourism. 

In the evening, share your sights and experiences with your fellow bird enthusiasts, and have a night’s rest in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on an exciting journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a true gem of Uganda’s natural heritage. Your destination in Queen Elizabeth National Park is, first, the famed Ishasha sector. 

The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions, landscapes, and diverse wildlife. 

Upon arrival at Ishasha, prepare for an unforgettable afternoon game drive. While this region is celebrated for its iconic tree-climbing lions, it promises an enchanting array of wildlife encounters.

Enjoy sightings of enormous herds of buffalos, playful warthogs, and perhaps even the elusive leopard camouflaged in the thickets.

The Ishasha sector also boasts a rich variety of birdlife. Your knowledgeable guide will point out the vibrant colors of the lilac-breasted roller, the majestic flight of raptors like the martial eagle, or the comical antics of the ground hornbill. 

With your binoculars ready, watch for various prey birds like vultures and eagles. 

As the sun dips towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the savannah, you might witness the breathtaking sight of lions lounging in the branches of ancient fig trees – a truly iconic African scene.

You will spend a night in a comfortable safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park depending on your choice.

After breakfast, Prepare for an exhilarating start as you venture out for a pre-sunrise game drive in the mystical Kasenyi region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

As the first rays of dawn pierce the darkness, the vibrant wildlife of the Queen Elizabeth savannah awakens. Witness the vibrant spectacle of animals stirring from their nightly slumber. 

Graceful herds of Uganda kob, majestic African elephants emerging from the woodlands, or playful baboons frolicking at the edge of the track. There is so much to enjoy for the morning game drive as the animals move out of their nests. 

To note: kasenyi region is one of the best sectors for a perfect African game drive.

From the game drive, embark on a captivating boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway teeming with a variety of wildlife. 

As you glide through the water, a breathtaking vista of birdlife unfolds before you. Kazinga channel boat cruise is a perfect time for the birders as the water edge harbors quite several sunbirds, migratory birds, and the majestic fish eagles in the tree branches. 

Marvel at the elegance of pelicans skimming the surface, vibrant kingfishers, graceful herons, and many more. This breathtaking boat cruise through the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park will immerse you in the raw beauty of African wildlife.

You will return to the lodge and enjoy lunch and an afternoon relaxation. You can choose to enjoy the lodge amenities. 

Optional, you can opt for a hot air balloon in the evening to enjoy the game below and the sunset with the backdrop of the Rwenzori mountain ranges.

Embark on a scenic journey to Kibale National Park, a renowned paradise for both primates and birdwatchers. As you wind through lush landscapes from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale, enjoy the greenery view of the undulating hills of the area. 

Your adventure continues upon arrival as you delve into the rich tapestry of the Crater Lakes region. Kibale and its Crater Lakes hold a treasure trove of birdlife, promising an enriching and unforgettable birding experience.

Explore trails winding through tranquil forests and discover a diverse avian world.  Kibale National Park has more than 372 bird species, including 60% forest birds. The park also has four endemic bird species that can’t be found anywhere else in Uganda like Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-headed Bee-eater, and Masked Apalis.

The forest trails of Kibale Forest National Park are covered with distinctive calls of turacos; Great Blue Turaco, the largest species of turaco, with blue and yellow tail feathers. 

With every step, you might encounter a new avian gem – the striking black-and-white casqued hornbill, a vibrant barbet, or perhaps a secretive forest flycatcher. 

Relax and enjoy Kibale National Park for the afternoon, or opt for a nature walk near your lodge to explore more about the forest life. You will spend a night in kibale national park.

In the morning, wake up to the primates’ noise of Kibale National Park. Embark on an exciting exploration of the Kanyanchu area, a haven for birdwatchers. The Kanyanchu visitor center in Kibale National Park in Uganda offers birding tours starting at 7 AM.

The knowledgeable Bird guides can help travelers spot a variety of birds through the best birding trails. The Kanyanchu area has many birds, like; Great-blue Turaco, Double-toothed barbet, Yellow-rumped tinker bird, Red-Rumped Tinkerbird, Western Nicator, and African Green-Pigeon.

The best time to go birding in Kibale National Park is in the morning and evening when the day is cooler. December to February and June to July have the least rain, but rain can cause delays due to slippery hiking trails. 

If fortune favors you, you might even spot the stunning Narina Trogon, a dazzling bird with emerald green plumage and a scarlet breast, perched camouflaged amongst the leaves.

In the evening, after a rest and a sumptuous lunch meal, join us on the bigodi swamp nature walk. Bigodi Swamp is a birders’ haven in Kibale National Park. The swamp flaunts quite several bird species like white-collared olive back, papyrus canary, gonolek, western nicator, and white-winged warbler among others.

The community visit in bigodi also enriches your experience with cultural encounters. Learn about the bakiga tradition of the local community delving into the livelihood and the Bigodi women groups.. 

You can buy a few of the handmade craft items from the local community, this helps in supporting the community’s livelihood and sustainability.

Have another night in Kibale National Park, and prepare for the next journey to Murchison Falls National Park.

After breakfast, embark on a long drive to Murchison Falls National Park with a packed lunch provided. The journey is quite long, about a 6-7 hour drive, through tea plantations, and communities.  

You’ll likely travel through rolling hills, tea plantations, and charming towns, winding your way toward the northern part of the country where Murchison Falls lies. 

Pack a delicious lunch to savor along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs and enjoy the changing scenery during a break. Alternatively, you can have a lunch stop at a local restaurant where you can savor the local delicacies of Uganda.

Settle into your accommodation choice in Murchison Falls National Park. As you arrive at the park, be welcomed by the stunning sight of the Victoria Nile plunging down the majestic Murchison Falls, depending on the location of your accommodation option.

Day 12 in Murchison Falls promises an unforgettable birding experience, starting with a pre-sunrise game drive along the vast savannahs and woodlands. Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park. 

 As the day breaks, keep your ears attuned to the sounds of bird calls –bulbuls, sunbirds, and the hornbills.

As the first rays of dawn paint the sky, go on a thrilling journey, observing the diverse avian world awakening alongside the majestic wildlife. Murchison Falls National Park is home to almost 60% of the remaining Rothschild giraffes in the world.

After the game drive, The boat cruise along the Nile River itself is a magnet for birdlife like various species of kingfishers, their vibrant feathers a splash of color against the water. 

Spot elegant herons and egrets in search of prey. Witness the graceful soaring of African fish eagles as they survey their domain.

Later, the boat cruise along the Victoria Nile culminates at the base of the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls. The hike to the top of the falls is a marvel and a mesmerizing session of your 14-day Uganda birding safari. 

While the powerful waterfall and breathtaking scenery captivate you, don’t forget to keep your binoculars handy, as this boat ride offers a unique perspective on the park’s rich birdlife.

The papyrus swamps along the riverbanks are a haven for waterbirds like the iconic shoebill stork, the African jacanas, and African darters among others.

After you will head back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, enjoying the spectacular views of the vast savannah. You can also see baboons up close and maybe giraffes near your deluxe tent in Murchison Falls National Park.

Relax and enjoy the tranquility of Murchison Falls National Park. opt for a spa evening or just lobby time as you interact with fellow wildlife enthusiasts. 

In the morning after breakfast, Bid farewell to Murchison Falls and embark on a final birding adventure as you journey back to Kampala. 

En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, not just for rhinos, but for over 300 bird species! A hike in the woodland of the ziwa rhino sanctuary offers visitors a chance to see the red-headed bluebill, African wood owl, and several woodpeckers.

The swamps at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary harbor several birds like, the elegant African jacana gracefully walking on lily pads or spot the vibrantly colored African painted snipe, the prehistoric shoebill stork, the grey crowned crane, the African fish eagle, african broad bill among others.

This diverse birding experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary caps off your 14-day Ugandan birding safari adventure, leaving you with a lasting impression of the country’s incredible natural wonders. 

In the evening, you will enjoy resting at a guest house in Entebbe. maybe visit the botanical gardens for more birding or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. 

You will be picked up from your guest house or hotel and taken to the pier on the shores of Lake Victoria. you will board an engine boat or a ferry to Mabamba Swamp. 

Spend the morning birdwatching in the unique Mabamba wetland. This vital ecosystem harbors a significant portion of the world’s Blue Swallow population and other globally threatened species, home to almost 260 bird species including the sought-after shoebill stork. 

After the Mabamba swamp shoebill adventure, relax at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure flight, carrying a treasure trove of memories from your Ugandan birding adventure.

This is the end of your 14 day Uganda birding safari.