Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for your adventure of the Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 2: To Pian Upe Reserve – Birding
After breakfast, we journey into the remote Karamoja region, heading for the vast, stunning plains of Pian Upe Reserve, Uganda’s second-largest protected area, offering exceptional Pian Upe Reserve Birding. This forgotten frontier is a birder’s dream, holding the promise of the endemic Fox Weaver bird and the elusive Karamoja Apalis among its 242 recorded species. We’ll start our search with evening birding, scanning for the Fox Kestrel, Black Coucal, and the vivid Red-pate Cisticola.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner|Accommodation: Karamoja Overland Camp |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 3: Pian Upe’s Avian Treasures and Hot Springs
A full day dedicated to uncovering Pian Upe’s rich Uganda Bird Species. We start with the silvery tones of the Silverbird and the striking plumage of the Superb Starling. Later, we explore the unique ecosystem around the Cheposukunya Hot Springs, a magnet for water birds and dry-land species alike. Look out for the Green-breasted Pitta, majestic Secretary Bird, and the endemic Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Karamoja Overland Camp |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 4: To Kidepo Valley – Where Mountains Meet the Plains
We continue our epic journey north to Kidepo Valley National Park, a place of dramatic savannahs cradled by rugged mountains, perfect for a Kidepo Valley National Park Safari. This is a park of genuinely Kidepo dramatic landscapes. The drive itself is a window into the unspoiled wilderness. We settle in our lodge with stunning views of Mount Morungole views home to the fascinating Ik people, as the sun sets on the magnificent Narus Valley.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 5: Kidepo’s Birding Hotspots: Barbet and Narus Valley
Today is a deep dive into Kidepo’s biodiversity, visiting the best Kidepo Birding Spots. We track the unique Black-breasted Barbet near its namesake rocky hill. The afternoon takes us to the Namamukweny Valley, a delight for species like the vibrant White-crested Turaco and the Abyssinian roller. Finally, we cruise the fertile Narus Valley, hoping to spot the enormous Kori bustard and the magnificent Ostriches, completing a day of stunning sightings.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 6: Kidepo to Murchison Falls – The River’s Roar
A scenic transfer day tracing the transformation of Uganda’s landscape. Leaving the Karamojong region behind, we travel south towards the mighty Nile. The journey culminates at Murchison Falls National Park, where we anticipate the sight of the Nile River squeezing through a 7-meter gorge, the legendary Murchison Falls journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Fort Murchison |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 7: Budongo Forest and The Royal Mile – Endemic Hunters
An essential day for serious birders! We delve into the dense, humid canopy of Budongo Forest Reserve, renowned for 360 species and as the only known site for the rare Puvel’s Illadopsis, specializing in Budongo Forest Birding. After a forest lunch, we walk the iconic Royal Mile Birding, a historic, wide-forested path offering spectacular views of canopy species like the African dwarf kingfisher and the Chestnut-capped Flycatcher.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Fort Murchison |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 8: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal
A transition day featuring roadside birding. We stop at the vibrant Papyrus Swamps to search for the specialized Marsh Tchagra and Yellow-mantled Widowbird, offering excellent Fort Portal Birding opportunities en route. Our destination is Fort Portal, a charming town set against the backdrop of the Fabled Mountains of the Moon, surrounded by lush, sustainable tea plantations.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 9: Semuliki National Park – The Congo Connection
Today, we explore Semuliki National Park, a true East African extension of the great Ituri Forest of DR Congo. This is the place to find West African species found nowhere else in Uganda, a prime Semuliki National Park for Birding. We explore the hot springs area near Sempaya Hot Springs, looking for White-crested Hornbills and the White-napped Pigeon.
There are more than 441 species of birds recorded in this protected area, including many West African forest species and 9 hornbill species. As you proceed deeper into the forest, look out for the Red Rumped Tinkerbird and Palm Greenbul, which are endemics.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 10: The Kirumia River Trail and Kibale Bound
Birding along the Kirumia River is another top birding spot, along the 13 km walking trail. Look out for the White-bellied Kingfisher, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Congo serpent eagle, Grey-throated Rail, Long-tailed Hawk, Spot-breasted Ibis, and Yellow-throated Nicator.
Other species include Northern red-chested Owlet, Western bronze-napped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird, Zenker’s honeyguide, White-throated Blue swallow, Bate’s nightjar, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and Orange-tufted Sunbird.
Later, head to Fort Portal and continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park on the 20-day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 11: Kibale Forest and Bigodi Sanctuary – The Pitta Search
Kibale is a hotspot! Our primary quest during our Kibale Forest Birding session is the brilliantly colored Green-breasted Pitta and the stunning African Broadbill. In the afternoon, we transfer to the community-run Bigodi Sanctuary at Magombe Swamp. This vital wetland is the best place to find the endemic Papyrus Gonolek and the majestic Great Blue Turaco.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is an example of community-based eco-tourism. Your entrance fees directly fund local schools, health centers, and conservation initiatives, making your visit a vital contribution to community development.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Turaco Treetops |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 12: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park
A morning drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, recognized as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. This park boasts over 600 species, one of the highest numbers in Uganda’s national parks, due to its unique blend of savanna and forest connecting to the DR Congo, allowing us to spot a variety of bird species. After lunch, an evening game drive introduces us to the park’s wildlife.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 13: Maramagambo Forest & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
We begin with Maramagambo Forest Birding, searching for deep forest species like the Black, White-breasted, and Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrikes. The afternoon is the highlight: a spectacular Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise. This aquatic paradise is guaranteed to deliver sightings of thousands of hippos and an endless array of waterbirds, notably the majestic African Skimmers and Yellow-Billed Storks.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 14: To Bwindi Impenetrable NP – Home of the Giants
We journey through rolling hills and stunning landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the climax of our safari and the sanctuary for the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Bwindi is a global birding destination, holding 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift Endemics, including the globally threatened African Green Broadbill and the Shelley’s Crimsonwing. An introductory forest walk this afternoon sets the stage for the days of Bwindi National Park Gorilla Trekking ahead.
Look out for the Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, African Broadbill, Black and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Western Green Tinkerbird, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed, and Regal Sunbirds; Short-tailed and Black-faced Rufous Warblers, among others.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Haven Lodge |Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 15: Munyaga waterfall trail – Ruhija sector
A morning exploration of the Munyaga Waterfall Trail in Buhoma, targeting sought-after species like the Bar-tailed Trogon and African Broadbill. We hope to spot the Handsome Francolin here. After lunch, we ascend to the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi, setting up in the high-altitude zone known for its distinct Albertine Rift endemics for our Ruhija Sector Birding.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 16: Ruhija’s Endemic Quest – The Broadbill Sanctuary
The Mubwindi Swamp Trail awaits. This is a critical birding day, offering our best chance for African Green Broadbill tracking and the magnificent Shelley’s Crimsonwing. We also keep a sharp eye out for the endemic Rwenzori Turaco and the Regal Sunbird, cementing Bwindi’s status as a top-tier birding destination.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 17: Gorilla Trekking on the birding and gorilla safari in Uganda
The unforgettable climax of the safari. Following a pre-trek briefing, we enter the mist-shrouded forest to find one of the habituated Mountain Gorilla Bwindi families. Standing quietly, observing their family dynamics is a profoundly moving and Ethical Wildlife Encounter. This is the heart of the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience.
Your Gorilla Trekking Permit fees are the single most significant factor in funding the protection of these endangered species and provide essential economic support to the local communities surrounding Bwindi, ensuring the long-term survival of the Mountain Gorillas.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 18: Bwindi to Lake Mburo NP – The Tranquil Acacia
We trade the misty mountains for the tranquil, acacia-dotted savanna of Lake Mburo National Park. This park offers excellent Lake Mburo National Park Birding. After checking in, an afternoon boat ride on Lake Mburo is a must-do. We specifically seek the shy and sought-after African Finfoot and the endemic Papyrus Gonolek along the water’s edge.
Later return to the lodge, and as you head back, you will have some birding as well. Look out for the Long Willow Warbler and European Bee-eater.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 19: Lake Mburo – Birding along Kigambira Loop – Entebbe
Our final birding session takes us along the Kigambira Loop Birding, targeting savanna and Acacia woodland species like the striking Red-Faced Barbet and the Blue-napped Mousebird. After checking out, we begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe, marking our Uganda Safari Departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 20: Mabamba Swamp and Departure – The Shoebill Stork
Our grand finale will lead us to a morning excursion to the renowned Mabamba Swamp. We board a traditional canoe to navigate the marsh, on a dedicated quest for the prehistoric-looking and critically endangered Rare Shoebill Stork sighting. This iconic bird is the ultimate sighting to crown a magnificent Uganda birding trip end. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, with your soul renewed by the Pearl of Africa.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Day Room Papyrus Guest House | Comfort Level: Mid-range