14-Day Uganda Rainforests Birding Safari
A 14-day forest-focused Uganda safari through Mabira, Budongo, Kibale, Bigodi, Semuliki and Bwindi, with two primate-tracking days in the route.
About this tour
This 14-day itinerary concentrates on Uganda’s principal rainforest birding areas. After an opening session in Entebbe Botanical Gardens, it moves to Mabira Forest and then west through Masindi to the Royal Mile in Budongo. The route continues to Kibale for an early Green-breasted Pitta search, followed by chimpanzee tracking in the published programme.
Bigodi Wetland adds riverine forest and forest-edge habitat before the journey reaches Semuliki. That park protects an eastern extension of the Congo forest system and provides a different species community from Uganda’s montane forests. The route then turns south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Three sections of Bwindi shape the closing days: the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, the Bwindi Neck on the transfer to Ruhija, and Umubwindi Swamp. A gorilla-tracking day also appears in the established sequence and depends on advance permit arrangements. The final day returns to Kampala or Entebbe.
The itinerary is birding-led, but the current price, transport, lodging, meals, permits and complete inclusions are not currently specified. They are confirmed after inquiry, and all wildlife observations remain subject to conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Birds you can spot
Merops gularis
target
Pseudocalyptomena graueri
target
Pitta reichenowi
target
Batis ituriensis
target
Ptilopachus nahani
target
Gallirex johnstoni
target
Melaenornis ardesiacus
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Botanical Gardens birding
Begin the route with birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Its paths cover garden, forest-edge and Lake Victoria shoreline habitat.
Day 2
Mabira Forest
Transfer early to Mabira Forest and spend the remainder of the day birding in lowland rainforest.
Day 3
Transfer to Masindi
Travel west to Masindi for the overnight stop, positioning the group for an early start in Budongo Forest.
Day 4
Budongo Royal Mile
Spend a full day on Budongo Forest’s Royal Mile, concentrating on forest-interior birds.
Day 5
Transfer to Kibale
Continue toward Kibale, scanning remnant forest habitat along the highway where conditions allow.
Day 6
Green-breasted Pitta and chimpanzees
Start early in Kibale with a search for Green-breasted Pitta and other forest species. Chimpanzee tracking follows during the afternoon in the published programme.
Day 7
Bigodi and Fort Portal
Explore Bigodi Wetland in the morning, then continue birding around the Kibale area. Transfer afterward to Fort Portal.
Day 8
Semuliki Forest
Make an early excursion to Semuliki Forest for Congo-biome birds. Return to Fort Portal for the night.
Day 9
Transfer to Bwindi
Travel south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, entering the Albertine Rift section of the itinerary.
Day 10
Buhoma Waterfall Trail
Bird the Waterfall Trail in Bwindi’s Buhoma sector for montane forest species.
Day 11
Bwindi Neck to Ruhija
Transfer from Buhoma to Ruhija and stop for birding at the Bwindi Neck along the way.
Day 12
Gorilla tracking
The established programme reserves this day for gorilla tracking. Permit availability, briefing and exact timing are confirmed for the departure.
Day 13
Umubwindi Swamp birding
Bird the Umubwindi Swamp area for Albertine Rift endemics. Trail access and effort depend on current conditions.
Day 14
Return to Kampala or Entebbe
Leave Bwindi and drive back to Kampala or Entebbe Airport.
Locations & map
- Entebbe Botanical Gardens - Entebbe Uganda
- Mabira Forest - Central Uganda Uganda
- Masindi - Western Uganda Uganda
- Budongo Forest / Royal Mile - Western Uganda Uganda
- Kibale National Park - Western Uganda Uganda
- Bigodi Wetland - Kibale area Uganda
- Semuliki National Park - Western Uganda Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Southwestern Uganda Uganda
8 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Policies & FAQ
How are price, permits and inclusions confirmed?
Send an inquiry with your preferred dates and party details. The current price, availability, permits, accommodation, transport and included services will be confirmed for the final proposal.
Are bird and wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. The itinerary identifies habitats and possible target species, but observations depend on season, weather, access and natural bird or wildlife activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.