Uganda Birding with Nature Travel Birding

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to a comfortable guesthouse close to the shores of Lake Victoria, allowing time to relax before your Ugandan birding adventure begins. If your arrival time permits, there is an optional visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where mature tropical gardens, lakeshore woodland and open habitats provide an excellent introduction to Uganda's remarkable birdlife.

Key species may include Great Blue Turaco, Grey Parrot, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Red-headed Lovebird, Palm-nut Vulture, White-throated Bee-eater, Double-toothed Barbet, Orange Weaver and Black-headed Gonolek. The gardens also support Angola Colobus, Red-tailed Monkey and Vervet Monkey. This relaxed first afternoon offers the perfect opportunity to begin your trip list before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Entebbe.

After breakfast, depart Entebbe for Masindi with a memorable stop at the internationally renowned Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on the shores of Lake Victoria. Exploring the papyrus channels by traditional canoe with an expert local guide offers one of Africa's finest opportunities to search for the iconic Shoebill. Other key species include Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-headed Coucal, Blue Swallow, African Pygmy Goose, African Fish Eagle, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Black Heron, Carruthers's Cisticola, Greater Swamp Warbler, White-winged Swamp Warbler and Malachite Kingfisher.

After the morning birding excursion, continue north through Uganda's scenic countryside towards Masindi. Birding en route may produce Long-crested Eagle, African Pied Hornbill, Piapiac, Splendid Starling and Fan-tailed Widowbird. The route passes the famous Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda's only wild population of Southern White Rhinoceros, before arriving at your comfortable lodge in Masindi for dinner and an overnight stay ahead of your visit to Murchison Falls National Park.

After breakfast, travel to the magnificent Budongo Forest Reserve, the largest natural tropical forest in East Africa and one of Uganda's premier birding destinations. A guided walk along the famous Royal Mile explores pristine rainforest beneath towering mahogany trees, searching for forest specialists including Nahan's Partridge, White-thighed Hornbill, Narina Trogon, Blue Malkoha, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Great Blue Turaco, Uganda Woodland Warbler (E), Ituri Batis, Tit Hylia and Black-capped Apalis. The forest is also home to Chimpanzee, Guereza, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey and Olive Baboon.

Following a picnic lunch, continue into Murchison Falls National Park, birding through woodland and savanna habitats en route to the lodge. Possible sightings include Black-winged Red Bishop, Baglafecht Weaver, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Black-bellied Firefinch and Short-winged Cisticola, while the park's rich wildlife and spectacular Nile scenery provide an unforgettable introduction to one of Uganda's finest protected areas. Arrive at a riverside lodge overlooking the Victoria Nile for dinner and an overnight stay.

Begin the day with an early morning boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the Albert Delta, one of Uganda's finest birding experiences. This exceptional wetland and riverine habitat offers another opportunity to search for the iconic Shoebill, together with Pel's Fishing Owl, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Long-toed Lapwing, African Darter, Red-throated Bee-eater, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Wire-tailed Swallow and Red-winged Grey Warbler. The cruise also provides outstanding sightings of Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile and African Elephant along the riverbanks.

After the cruise, explore Murchison Falls National Park on game drives through open savanna, Borassus palm woodland and riverine forest. Key bird targets include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Grey Crowned Crane, Great Blue Turaco, White-thighed Hornbill, Double-toothed Barbet, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Grey-headed Bushshrike, White-crested Helmetshrike and Silverbird. Mammals regularly encountered include Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Rothschild's Giraffe, Jackson's Hartebeest, Uganda Kob, Waterbuck, Oribi, Common Warthog and Spotted Hyaena. The day also includes a visit to the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls before returning to Masindi. If time permits, a stop in the Kaniyo Pabidi sector of Budongo Forest offers the chance to search for Puvel's Illadopsis, Rufous-sided Broadbill and Crested Guineafowl.

After breakfast, depart Masindi and travel south through the scenic Albertine Rift, enjoying spectacular views across the escarpment, Lake Albert and the distant mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Birding stops along wetlands and woodland around Kagadi and Kagorro Forest Reserve provide opportunities for Long-crested Eagle, Shikra, Village Indigobird, Vieillot's Black Weaver, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Marico Sunbird, Black-crowned Waxbill and Yellow-bellied Waxbill.

After lunch in Fort Portal, continue to Kibale National Park, one of Africa's finest rainforest birding destinations. This diverse landscape of evergreen forest, woodland and forest edge supports an exceptional variety of birds and primates. An afternoon birding session in the Sebitoli sector targets Ross's Turaco, Blue Malkoha, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Honeyguide Greenbul, Brown-breasted Barbet, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, African Dusky Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Bocage's Bushshrike and Lühder's Bushshrike. Kibale is also renowned for its primates, with Chimpanzee, Uganda Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Ashy Red Colobus, L'Hoest's Monkey, Guereza, Blue Monkey and Red-tailed Monkey all possible. Arrive at your forest lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Spend the morning birding in the rich evergreen forests of Kibale National Park, one of Africa's premier rainforest birding destinations and home to more than 325 bird species. Search for sought-after forest birds including African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Afep Pigeon, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Brown-chested Alethe, Crowned Eagle, Grey Parrot, Western Nicator and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Albertine Rift endemics include Dusky Crimsonwing (E), Black-capped Apalis (E), Black-collared Apalis (E), Purple-breasted Sunbird (E), Blue-headed Sunbird (E) and Red-faced Woodland Warbler (E).

After lunch, guests have the option to join an unforgettable Chimpanzee trekking experience in the Kanyanchu sector. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, track habituated Chimpanzees through pristine rainforest and spend time observing their natural behaviour at close range. Other mammals that may be encountered include Uganda Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Ashy Red Colobus, L'Hoest's Monkey, Bushbuck, Blue Duiker and Forest Hog. Later, return to Fort Portal for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel west from Fort Portal for a full day of birding in Semuliki National Park, East Africa's only true lowland tropical rainforest. This remarkable Guinea-Congo forest, bordering the vast Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Uganda's most rewarding birding destinations, with an extensive trail network passing through pristine rainforest and around the park's famous hot springs.

Search for sought-after Guinea-Congo forest specialists including Congo Serpent Eagle, Nkulengu Rail, White-bellied Kingfisher, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Oberländer's Ground Thrush, Long-tailed Hawk, Red-chested Owlet, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, African Piculet, Blue-billed Malimbe, Crested Malimbe, White-crested Hornbill, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon and Zenker's Honeyguide. Mammals may include Uganda Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Angola Colobus, Red-tailed Monkey, Olive Baboon and Vervet Monkey. Return to Fort Portal in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay after an unforgettable day in one of Africa's richest rainforest ecosystems.

After breakfast, depart Fort Portal and travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most diverse protected area. Birding en route through farmland, woodland and open country may produce Little Sparrowhawk, Bronzy Sunbird, African Golden Weaver and Black-headed Weaver before arriving at your lodge overlooking the scenic Kazinga Channel. The surrounding gardens often attract White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Snowy-crowned Robin-chat, Swamp Flycatcher and Green-winged Pytilia.

In the afternoon, explore the park's rich mosaic of savanna, wetlands and crater lake habitats on a game drive before enjoying a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Key bird targets include African Skimmer, Pink-backed Pelican, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, African Wattled Lapwing, Water Thick-knee, White-winged Tern, Hamerkop and Great White Pelican, while the surrounding grasslands offer opportunities for Bateleur, Rüppell's Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Temminck's Courser, Senegal Lapwing, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Black-lored Babbler. Mammals regularly encountered include African Elephant, Hippopotamus, African Buffalo, Leopard, Lion, Forest Hog, Defassa Waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Bushbuck, Common Warthog and Spotted Hyaena. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay after an unforgettable day in one of Uganda's premier wildlife destinations.

After an early breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy a final game drive through the Ishasha sector, renowned for its famous tree-climbing Lions resting in large fig trees. This unique area also offers opportunities to see Topi, Sitatunga, African Elephant, African Buffalo and Uganda Kob before continuing south towards the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive after lunch and settle into your forest lodge before beginning your first birding session in one of Africa's richest montane rainforests.

Explore the forest trails in search of Albertine Rift specialties and other sought-after species including Grey-throated Barbet, Green-throated Sunbird (E), Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Green Crombec, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Grey-winged Robin-Chat, Petit's Cuckooshrike, Ansorge's Greenbul, Red-tailed Greenbul, Elliot's Woodpecker, Tullberg's Woodpecker and Buff-spotted Woodpecker. After dinner, enjoy an exciting night birding excursion along the forest edge targeting Fraser's Eagle-Owl, Montane Nightjar, African Wood Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo and Pennant-winged Nightjar. Nocturnal mammals may include African Civet, Serval, Demidoff's Dwarf Galago, Northern Lesser Galago and Southern Tree Hyrax before returning to the lodge for the night.

Spend a full day exploring the world-famous Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's finest montane rainforest birding destinations. This ancient forest is home to an exceptional diversity of Albertine Rift endemics and sought-after forest species. Birding along the forest trails targets African Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, Chapin's Flycatcher (E), Many-colored Bushshrike, Neumann's Warbler (E), Green-headed Sunbird (E), Green-throated Sunbird (E), Grey-chinned Sunbird (E), Mountain Oriole, Willard's Sooty Boubou (E), Red-throated Alethe, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Grey Parrot and Red-headed Malimbe.

The forest also supports remarkable wildlife, with Mountain Gorilla, African Elephant and several forest primates inhabiting this unique ecosystem. Enjoy a full day of birding with a packed lunch or return to the lodge during the day before continuing the search for Bwindi's celebrated forest specialties. Return to the lodge in the evening to relax and prepare for tomorrow's unforgettable Mountain Gorilla experience.

Today offers the opportunity to experience one of Africa's greatest wildlife encounters with an optional Mountain Gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early briefing by experienced park rangers, set out on foot through ancient montane rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, spend a memorable hour observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Other mammals that may be encountered include L'Hoest's Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Guereza, Chimpanzee, Black-fronted Duiker and Yellow-backed Duiker.

Following the trek and lunch, continue birding in another sector of Bwindi, targeting Albertine Rift specialties including Rwenzori Apalis (E), Mountain Illadopsis (E), African Hill Babbler (E), Equatorial Akalat, Black-faced Rufous Warbler (E), Cabanis's Greenbul, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Black-billed Turaco, Thick-billed Seedeater, Elliot's Woodpecker and Tullberg's Woodpecker. Later, transfer to a lodge overlooking the mist-covered forests of Bwindi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Enjoy another full day exploring the exceptional birdlife of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, focusing on the renowned Ruhija sector and the famous birding locality known as "The Neck". This spectacular mix of montane rainforest, forest edge and cultivated clearings is one of the best places to search for Albertine Rift endemics. Key targets include Rwenzori Batis (E), Doherty's Bushshrike (E), Regal Sunbird (E), Red-faced Woodland Warbler (E), Mountain Illadopsis (E), African Hill Babbler (E), Bar-tailed Trogon, Ross's Turaco, Grey-throated Barbet, Red-throated Alethe, White-headed Wood Hoopoe and African Shrike-flycatcher. Mammals such as L'Hoest's Monkey, Blue Monkey, Guereza and Black-fronted Duiker may also be encountered.

If time allows, continue to the Umubwindi Swamp, one of Uganda's most celebrated birding sites, in search of the highly localised Grauer's Broadbill (E). Other sought-after species may include Grauer's Swamp Warbler (E), Mountain Yellow Warbler (E), Chestnut-throated Apalis (E), Mountain Greenbul (E), Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Black-billed Turaco and Carruthers's Cisticola. Return to the lodge for dinner and a final evening surrounded by the misty forests of Bwindi.

After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and travel northeast to Lake Mburo National Park, enjoying birding stops through rolling farmland and open countryside. En route, look for Long-crested Eagle, Augur Buzzard, African Stonechat, Fan-tailed Widowbird and Long-tailed Cisticola before entering Uganda's smallest savanna national park. The journey also passes the traditional grazing lands of the impressive long-horned Ankole cattle.

In the afternoon, explore Lake Mburo National Park on a game drive through acacia woodland, open savanna and wetland habitats. Key bird targets include the localized Red-faced Barbet, White-winged Tit, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Marsh Harrier, Bateleur, Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-headed Lovebird, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Meyer's Parrot and Green-capped Eremomela. Mammals frequently encountered include Plains Zebra, Common Eland, Impala, African Buffalo, Topi, Defassa Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Southern Reedbuck, Oribi and Leopard. Return to your lodge overlooking Lake Mburo for a memorable farewell dinner and your final overnight stay in Uganda.

Enjoy a final early morning boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Mburo, exploring one of Uganda's most productive wetland birding habitats. This peaceful excursion offers excellent opportunities to search for African Finfoot, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Water Thick-knee and Squacco Heron, while Hippopotamus are regularly seen along the shoreline. The surrounding wetlands provide a fitting finale to an exceptional Ugandan birding adventure.

After the cruise, depart for Entebbe with a stop at the famous Equator crossing at Kayabwe, where you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres before continuing to Entebbe International Airport. Arrive in time for your onward flight, bringing an unforgettable journey through Uganda's world-class birding destinations to a close.