Detailed Itinerary for the 15 days Uganda Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe for the Uganda Birding Safari with Primates

Arrive at Entebbe international airport for the Uganda Birding safari with Primates. Meet and greet with an experienced birder from Valiant Safaris who will be your expert driver-guide throughout this birding adventure. Transfer to the hotel in Entebbe where we spend an overnight. This is basically a day for meeting and relaxation from the long-haul flight.

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Start the birding trip with a morning transfer to Kibale conservation area. Birding enroute, we shall arrive in the afternoon for lunch before heading to Bigodi swamp for a swamp walk. Bigodi swamp has a high conservation of different Birds and primate species. it is a community conservation project.

Bigodi swamp is part of the Magombe Wetland and is an excellent birding destination with several riverine and forest birds. Depending on the weather, you would see as many species as White-spotted Flufftail, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Great blue turaco, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Joyful Greenbul, Dusky and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Lesser Honey Guide, White-chinned Prinia, Grey Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera, and Many other riverine and forest species.

Grey Heron, Photo By Tara

Day 3: Birding walk in Kibale forest for the Green breasted Pitta

Early morning birding in the forest through the lush vegetation cover in search of the elusive Green breasted Pitta. As we trek through the dense foliage, our experienced guides will help you spot various bird species, including the colorful pitta. With its vibrant green and red plumage, the Green breasted Pitta is a sought-after sighting had to find anywhere else in East Africa.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the stunning forest and catch a glimpse of this beautiful bird in its natural habitat, on a full day’s bird watching tour.

Kibale forest is home to different 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, with a population of over 1450 chimpanzees. This makes the majority of the population of this endangered primate in Uganda. Yet the largest population of the endangered Red Colobus Monkeys and the rare L’hoest’s Monkey in whole East Africa is found in this park. Other primate species you may encounter on this birding expedition include the Black and White Colobus, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey,  Olive Baboon, Bush babies and Potto which are nocturnal.

The park covers 321 square kilometers, the northern and central regions of the park are largely covered by the forest, while the others parts of the park are savanna bushlands. Kibale stands at a height of 1,590 meters above sea level and is the highest point of the park.

Kibale forest national park is a habitant to over 370 bird species, including 23 that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. They consist of the Red-faced Woodland Warbler, The cassin’s spinetail, Dusky Crimsonwing, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Nahan’s francolin, Blue-headed Sunbird, blue headed bee-eater, Collared Apalis, Black-capped Apalis, and low-land masked apalis.

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking and Afternoon scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning to the forest for a chimpanzee trekking experience, where you can observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat. After trekking and finding the chimps, you will be allowed a one hour of observing these apes and photography.  You will then return to the lodge for lunch and later drive to Queen Elizabeth.

Some of the other birds we may find here include;  the Black-billed Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, Purple-headed Starling, Blue-throated Roller, Yellow-billed Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Narrow-tailed Starling, Western Black-headed Oriole, Yellow-throated and Yellow-rumped Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Tinkerbirds, Fire-crested Alethe, in addition; colorful butterflies and primate species.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Wildlife safari and Boat tour

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the top choice destination visitors to Uganda. The park’s diverse ecosystems with vast savannas, lush forests, beautiful lakes, and rich wetlands, provide the ideal habitats for a wide range of wildlife. 95 recorded mammals including big game, 10 different species of primates (including chimpanzees), and over 600 bird species recorded.

The park has best bird watching sites in Uganda but also Africa at large, you can possibly spot upto 300 bird species in a single day, this is overwhelming!

In the afternoon, we will embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where we can observe herds of Elephant, Giant Forest Hog, Buffalo, Monitor lizard, Crocodiles, and abundant Hippopotamus. This area is also perfect for birdwatching, offering fantastic opportunities for photography.

With luck, we may encounter flocks of African Skimmers, Great-white and Pink-backed Pelicans, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Open-billed Stork, African Skimmer, White-faced Whistling Duck, Marsh, Wood and Common Sandpipers, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, African Wattled Plover, and more.

Day 6: Morning birding trip in Imaramagambo forest enroute Ishasha

The Imaramagambo forest is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, especially in the early morning hours. The birds in the forest are most active during this time, making it the perfect opportunity to spot a variety of species. From the towering trees to the winding pathways, there are endless opportunities to catch a glimpse of beautiful and rare birds.

Whether it’s the melodious call of the African paradise flycatcher or the vibrant plumage of the Great Blue Turaco, the Imaramagambo forest is a birding paradise worth exploring in the morning.
We will later continue birding to Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth in the afternoon.

Day 7: Birding Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable forest

Birding in Ishasha offers the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, including the African grey parrot, white-breasted cormorant, and pink-backed pelican.

The journey through Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest provides a unique opportunity to spot the tree climbing lions and birds in the lush and diverse landscapes of southwestern Uganda.

Over 400 bird species have been recorded in Bwindi, of which 23 are Albertine Rift endemics. Including the globally threatened African Green Broadbill and the iconic African green pigeon, welcome to this region which is a paradise for birders. This park is ranked among the greatest birding destinations in the world with excellent forest birding.

Day 8: Gorilla trekking and birding nature walk

Gorilla trekking and birding nature walks are two exhilarating activities that provide a close encounter with nature and wildlife in the Bwindi ecosystem. Trekking through the lush forests of Africa in search of these magnificent creatures offers a sense of adventure and excitement unlike any other.

Bwindi alone has more than half the population of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas.

The Trekking experience starts in the morning and lasts for about 3 -8 hours depending on how far the gorillas are feeding. Depending on the time you complete the gorilla trek, we will go back to the forest for a nature walks with interest of searching for different birding species. this offers an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems and landscapes, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of this habitat for unique birds.

The Buhoma sector in Uganda is a popular destination for bird watchers, with its diverse range of bird species and beautiful natural surroundings. As we spend the entire day birding in Bwindi,  we look forward to spotting a variety of colorful birds such as the African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimson-wing, and the mountain masked apalis.

The Buhoma sector is also home to several endemic bird species, making it a must-visit for area in Uganda for avid birders. The lush green forests and unique landscape provide the perfect setting for birding activities, and visitors can enjoy guided bird-watching tours to make the most of their experience in this picturesque location.Bwindi national park has 76 species of 144 Guinea – Congo Forest biome species that occur in Uganda.

Mainly recorded in the Northern sector of the forest. The area is also home to a significant amount of Afro tropical highland biome species, with 68 out of 86, as well as 4 out of 12 Lake Victoria biome species.

This park is fortunate to have 90% the Albertine rift endemics, which are rarely seen in any other part of East Africa, as well as seven species listed in the IUCN red data. A good bird watcher can record over 150 species in a single day and tick the bird list.

Day 9: Birding watching to Ruhija via ‘the Neck’ of the forest

This is another full day of birding in the park as we search for birds along the way from Buhoma to Ruhija, through the forest Uganda is an exceptional experience, especially when you venture through ‘the Neck’ of the forest. This area is known for its diverse bird species, offering birders the opportunity to spot a variety of colorful and unique birds in their natural habitat.

As you explore the forest, you may come across the stunning Rwenzori turaco, the vibrant scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, and the elusive African green broadbill. The lush and diverse landscape of Ruhija provides the perfect environment for birdwatching, making it an important birding area. Whether you are a novice birder or a seasoned expert, the birding experience in Ruhija is truly unparalleled.

Day 10: Birding Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija Sector

The Mubwindi Swamp trail in the Ruhija Sector is a must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts. This trail offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat, on this whole day birding tour including the elusive African Green Broadbill and the Grauer’s Rush Warbler.

The dense and diverse vegetation surrounding the swamp provides a rich ecosystem for birdlife, making it a prime destination for birders.

The trail also offers stunning views of the lush, green landscape and the chance to spot other wildlife such as primates and butterflies. Birding along the Mubwindi Swamp trail is truly a memorable and rewarding experience for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Ruhiija sector of Bwindi is a major highlight of any bird watching safari to Uganda with important birding spots. Hence we cant miss it on this 15 day Uganda birding safari with primates.

There are numerous birds in this area, and they are quite easy to spot. Various species of birds often feed together in groups that are active all day long.

The best time to spot birds like Handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, western Green Tinkerbird, Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Regal Sunbird, Black headed waxibill, Grauer’s warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, White starred robin, Rwenzori Night jar, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, Rwenzori batis, white-tailed crested Flycatcher and many other birds is early in the morning.

Day 11: Birding to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

We leave leave Ruhijja and drive to Mount Mgahinga birding along the way.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located at high elevations, ranging from 2,227m to 4,127m. Its purpose is to safeguard the scarce mountain gorillas that live in its thick woodlands, and it also serves as a crucial environment for the endangered golden monkey species.

The most outstanding feature of Mgahinga are its three conical and inactive volcanic mountains, which are part of the stunning Virunga Range located on the border of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. Mgahinga is a part of the expansive Virunga Conservation Area, which encompasses neighboring parks in these nations.

The slopes of the volcanoes support a variety of ecosystems and have a rich diversity of plant and animal life, while their summits create a stunning backdrop to the beautiful landscape.

Day 12: Birding trip in Mgahinga with Golden Monkey safari in Uganda

In the Morning after briefing, embark on a journey into the volcanoes in search for the spectacular golden monkeys, where you can witness these charming creatures in their natural habitat. After the golden monkey tracking we will continue the adventure searching for different bird species in this volcanic region.

This scenic park in Uganda is home to over 200 species of birds, including 14 Albertine Rift endemics, like the Kivu ground thrush and turacos.

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo national Park for a Uganda safari experience

After exploring the south Western arm of the country, we transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for more Uganda wildlife experiences, birding en-route. Lake Mburo with other 13 lakes in the region, forms part of a 50 kilometer long wetland system linked by a swamp.

5 of these lakes are located within the borders of the park. The park is known for its diverse birdlife as it is a home to over 350 bird species, making it a great birding destination in Uganda.

This is the best place in Uganda to see other animal species like Uganda kob, Zebra, giraffe, Eland and many others on a birding trip to Uganda

En-route to the park we have chances of encountering some of; the Red faced Barbet, Green backed wood pecker, Nubian Woodpecker, Tabora Cisticola,  Barefaced Go-away -bird, Crested Francolin, Emerald spotted wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Blue-napped Mousebird, Lilac-breasted Roller, Green Wood-hoopoe, common Scimitar-bill, African Grey Hornbill, Spot-flanked Barbet, Trilling Cisticola, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Northern Black Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, and the Greater Blue-eared starling.

Day 14: Birding Lake Mburo National Park

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park offers a good opportunity to spot a variety of birds and other wildlife on a game drive, walking Safari and boat trip on lake Mburo. The park’s varied landscapes, from open savannah to acacia woodlands and seasonal wetlands, provide a rich and diverse habitat for birds.

Some of the major birding sites include the Zebra track and the open grasslands to the north of the Rwonyo Camp. yet on the Lake Mburo safari we hope to see animals like Giraffes, Zebras, buffalos, water bucks, Elands, bush bucks, topi, Impala, warthogs mongoose and leopard.

Birds include the shy African Finfoot, white-backed night heron, Black Collard Barbet, Giant Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, yet animals like crocodiles and hippos are commonly seen on a boat trip.

Day 15: Birding Mabamba Swamp and Transfer to Entebbe

Birding Mabamba Swamp is a must-do experience for a bird enthusiasts on any Uganda bird watching tour, not only the bird watching safaris. As it offers a chance to spot the elusive shoebill stork in its natural habitat. We will drive back to central Uganda stopping by the equator for a quick detour before heading to Mabamba swamp.

Here we will get our guide to the small canoes and hit the waters of Lake Victoria shores as we go for birding in the swamp. Search for Majestic African bird, the Shoebill. Once we site and enjoy photographic moments, it will mark a happy ending of our 15 day Uganda birding safari with primates.

Transfer to Entebbe for an overnight or even departure for late night flights.

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