30 Days Uganda Birdwatching Safari: The Ultimate Hardcore Itinerary

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering some of the most diverse avian species found anywhere on the continent. The 30 Days Uganda Birdwatching Safari is a meticulously planned itinerary designed for hardcore birding enthusiasts who want to explore the vast and varied habitats of Uganda. This extensive journey takes you through a range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to savannas, wetlands, and mountainous regions, ensuring you have the best chance to spot some of Uganda’s rarest and most sought-after bird species.

Overview of the 30 Days Uganda Birdwatching Safari

This all-inclusive 30-day birding safari in Uganda is specially timed to coincide with the dry seasons—June, July, August, December, and February—when birdwatching conditions are optimal. Departing from Entebbe International Airport, this safari will take you through Uganda’s most important birding areas, aiming to spot approximately 600 bird species, including the Albertine Rift endemics and the only endemic species to Uganda, the Fox’s Weaver. The focus will be on finding some of Africa’s most elusive birds, such as the Shoebill Stork, Green-breasted Pitta, African Green Broadbill, and many others.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Your birding adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. After a short drive to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to freshen up and prepare for the days ahead. Depending on your arrival time, we’ll kick off the safari with birdwatching in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where you can spot species like the Eastern Plantain-eater, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and the splendid Ross’s Turaco. These initial sightings provide a fantastic introduction to Uganda’s rich birdlife.

Day 2-3: Mabamba Wetland and Lake Mburo National Park

On the second day, we leave Entebbe early in the morning and head to Mabamba Wetland, an Important Bird Area (IBA) located on the western shores of Lake Victoria. Mabamba is one of the best places in Uganda to see the elusive Shoebill Stork. Other species you might encounter include the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, and African Pygmy-Goose.

After exploring Mabamba, we proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, which is known for its acacia-dotted savannas. The park is a haven for bird species like the Crested Francolin, Nubian Woodpecker, and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. The evening can be spent on a boat safari where species like the African Finfoot and White-backed Night Heron are often seen.

Day 4-6: Birding at Lake Mburo and Transfer to Kisoro via Echuya Forest

We start Day 4 with a morning birding walk in Lake Mburo National Park. The park’s varied habitats provide opportunities to see birds such as the Red-faced Barbet, Tabora Cisticola, and Green-capped Eremomela. After breakfast, we continue birding as we transfer to Kisoro, stopping en route at Echuya Forest. This high-altitude forest is home to Albertine Rift endemics like the Dusky Crimsonwing and Regal Sunbird, offering a preview of the birds we’ll be targeting in the days ahead.

Day 7-8: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Ruhija

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area, is our next destination. Here, we spend a full day birding, with the aim of spotting species like the Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and the rare African Green Broadbill. The park’s unique montane forest is a treasure trove for birdwatchers.

On Day 8, we transfer to Ruhija, birding along the way through the Echuya Forest. Ruhija, located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is considered one of the best birding spots in Africa. Our birding focus will be on Albertine Rift endemics such as the Grauer’s Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, and Red-throated Alethe.

Day 9-11: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Over the next three days, we will explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a birdwatcher’s paradise. We’ll hike to Mubwindi Swamp, one of the top birding spots in the park, known for sightings of the African Green Broadbill, Fraser’s Eagle-Owl, and Regal Sunbird. Bwindi is also home to Mountain Gorillas, and an optional gorilla trekking experience is available for those interested.

In Buhoma, another section of Bwindi, we’ll search for species like the Bar-tailed Trogon, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, and the highly sought-after Short-tailed Warbler. The variety of birds in Bwindi, combined with its breathtaking scenery, makes this part of the trip truly unforgettable.

Day 12-14: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel

We depart Bwindi and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse habitats ranging from savannas to wetlands and forested areas. Our birding will focus on the park’s open plains and the shores of the Kazinga Channel. Notable species include the African Skimmer, Martial Eagle, and the colorful Red-throated Bee-eater.

A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, with species like the Lesser Black-backed Gull, Water Thick-knee, and the majestic Goliath Heron. This park is also home to large mammals, and you may encounter elephants, hippos, and buffalo during your birding excursions.

Day 15-17: Semuliki National Park and Transfer to Kibale Forest

Next, we journey to Semuliki National Park, a hotspot for bird species of the Guinea-Congo biome. Here, we will seek out rare birds like the Nkulengu Rail, Congo Serpent Eagle, and the elusive Lyre-tailed Honeyguide. Semuliki’s diverse ecosystems make it one of the most exciting birding destinations in Uganda.

From Semuliki, we transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its rich primate population, including chimpanzees, and its birding potential. We’ll spend the next two days exploring Kibale’s forests, with the aim of spotting the Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, and the vibrant Narina Trogon.

Day 18-21: Birding in Kibale and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Our time in Kibale Forest concludes with a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where we can expect to see Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, and many other species. Afterward, we travel to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, famous for its powerful waterfalls and rich birdlife.

In Murchison Falls, we’ll explore the northern sector, focusing on the savanna and riverine habitats. Bird species like the Shoebill Stork, Secretary Bird, and the stunning Abyssinian Ground Hornbill are some of the highlights here. A boat ride to the base of the falls offers the chance to see species such as the Rock Pratincole and the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl.

Day 22-25: Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remote and least visited parks, is our next destination. Known for its dramatic landscapes and unique bird species, Kidepo is home to birds like the Karamoja Apalis, Clapperton’s Francolin, and the rare Yellow-billed Shrike.

We’ll spend two full days exploring Kidepo’s vast savannas and rugged mountains, ensuring we cover all the key birding spots. The park’s isolation and beauty make it a true gem for hardcore birdwatchers, offering sightings of species not found elsewhere in Uganda.

Day 26-30: Pian Upe, Mount Elgon, and Return to Entebbe

Our journey continues to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, where we will search for dry country species like the Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, and the highly localized Fox’s Weaver. Pian Upe’s semi-arid environment offers a different birding experience, adding to the diversity of species seen on this safari.

We then move on to Mount Elgon National Park, where we’ll spend a day birding in the montane forests and moorlands. Here, we target species such as Jackson’s Francolin, Moorland Chat, and the rare Black-collared Apalis. The cooler climate and unique vegetation of Mount Elgon provide a fitting conclusion to our birding adventure.

Finally, we return to Entebbe, where you can reflect on the incredible diversity of birds and landscapes experienced over the past 30 days. This hardcore birdwatching safari offers a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s avian riches, making it the perfect trip for dedicated birders.

The Ultimate Birding Experience

The 30 Days Uganda Birdwatching Safari is not just a trip; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of Africa’s avian biodiversity. From the swamps of Mabamba to the heights of Mount Elgon, this itinerary covers all the major birding habitats in Uganda, providing unparalleled opportunities to spot some of the rarest and most beautiful birds in the world.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or a passionate nature enthusiast, this safari promises to be the adventure of a lifetime, offering not just bird sightings, but also a deep connection with the wild and untouched beauty of Uganda. Prepare for an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories and birding experiences that few places on earth can match.