15-Day Uganda Birding & Wildlife Adventure

Price: Midrange $7,000 / Luxury $10,500

Traverse sweeping savannahs under an endless African sky in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where towering Kori Bustards parade alongside lions and elephants, and the Kazinga Channel beckons with its spectacle of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and graceful African Fish Eagles singing high above shimmering waters. Journey further into the lush depths of Kibale’s rainforests, where playful chimpanzees swing overhead and exotic birds such as the dazzling Green-breasted Pitta and mysterious Nahan’s Francolin flit through sun-dappled canopies. Conclude among the tranquil lakes and rolling hills of Lake Mburo National Park, where armored buffalo roam and jewel-like malachite kingfishers flash by serene waters.

This adventure is not just a tour—it is an intimate story of discovery, where every day pulses with life, color, sound, and awe. Designed for those with a passion for nature’s wonders, it promises memories etched in the soul and a deep connection to the wild heart of Uganda.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your professional guide warmly greets you and transfers you to a comfortable hotel by the shores of Lake Victoria. Settle into your room before an evening briefing where you’ll discover what wonders await in Uganda’s birding and wildlife hotspots. Enjoy dinner with panoramic views, soaking in the anticipation of the adventure.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Birding by Canoe

Rise early for a light breakfast before embarking on a quiet canoe glide through Mabamba Swamp’s papyrus channels. This peaceful, mist-cloaked waterway is home to the iconic and elusive Shoebill Stork, a prehistoric bird known for its impressive size and camouflage. Alongside, spot the vibrant red and black Papyrus Gonolek’s melodious calls, delicate African Jacanas balancing on lily pads, and flashes of brilliant Malachite Kingfishers. Your expert guide will teach you how to identify calls, point out nesting sites, and share conservation stories. Return to camp for lunch, with optional afternoon birding or cultural village visits nearby.

Days 3-5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Travel over scenic, rolling hills to Bwindi National Park, enveloped in ancient mist.

• Day 3: Explore Ruhija sector trails with expert birders looking for rare Albertine Rift endemics such as Shelley’s Crimsonwing—a tiny, fiery red finch with a sharp call—and the jewel-like Bar-tailed Trogon. The forest’s tangled moss-draped limbs harbor insects and birds unique to this area.
• Day 4: Pre-dawn departure for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Enter the dense forest, guided silently by trackers, listening for rustling leaves. Encounter families of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, while bird species like the striking Black Bee-eater and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher flit in the canopy, offering a layered sensory experience.
• Day 5: Explore Buhoma’s winding trails where colorful Rwenzori Batis and the melodic Oriole Finch brighten the lush landscape. Afternoon options include birding walks near your lodge or time to relax amid breathtaking forest views, perfect for journaling or photography.

Days 6-8: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Journey to one of Uganda’s jewels—Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rich savannah and wetland ecosystems.

• Day 6: Set out on thrilling game drives to spot iconic savannah birds like the Kori Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds, and Secretarybird with its long legs and striking crest. Mammals such as elephants and lions add drama to the backdrop.
• Day 7: Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where pods of hippos cool in the water, Nile crocodiles bask on rocky banks, and African Fish Eagles soar overhead with piercing calls. Goliath Herons, the largest heron species, stalk silently through reeds. The aquatic birdlife is abundant, making for prime photography and binocular moments.
• Day 8: Morning and afternoon game drives focus on spotting smaller but equally captivating birds such as the striking Black-headed Gonolek with its red chest and the symbiotic Yellow-billed Oxpecker clinging to buffalo hides.

Days 9-11: Kibale National Park

Dive into the verdant rainforests of Kibale, beckoning with unparalleled biodiversity.

• Day 9: Transfer to Kibale and visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a sanctuary for forest edge birds like the resplendent Great Blue Turaco, a large and vocal forest bird with vivid plumage, and elusive White-spotted Flufftail often hidden in dense underbrush.
• Day 10: Trek with trackers in pursuit of chimpanzees, Uganda’s closest primate relatives, while your guide points out Green-breasted Pitta—a jewel-toned bird that bursts from the undergrowth—along with the melodious Red-faced Woodland Warbler and rare Nahan’s Francolin.
• Day 11: Continue exploring diverse forest trails for prolific birding, seeking additional endemics and enjoying the rich sounds and sights of the forest.

Days 12-14: Lake Mburo National Park

Head to the relaxing acacia woodlands and lakeshores of Lake Mburo National Park.

• Day 12: Embark on game drives seeking the secretive African Finfoot, spotted near water edges with distinctive calls, the distinctive Bare-faced Go-away-bird known for its raucous alarm calls, and the elegant Black-bellied Bustard displaying its mottled plumage in open grasslands.
• Day 13: Optional boat excursions on Lake Mburo reveal flocks of various waterbirds, as well as forest walks to find dazzling sunbirds feeding on nectar and the jewel-like malachite kingfishers darting near streams.
• Day 14: Close your adventure with a final morning game drive, capturing any last glimpses of the park’s bird and wildlife riches before prepping for departure.

Day 15: Return to Entebbe

A scenic drive back to Entebbe offers a time to reflect and savor memories before your onward flight or extended stay.

This 15-day expedition offers an exceptional blend of wetland, forest, and savannah ecosystems, featuring Africa’s rarest birds, majestic primates, and spectacular landscapes. Whether gliding through papyrus waterways, trekking with mountain gorillas, or cruising the Kazinga Channel’s wildlife haven, each day provides unique, immersive wildlife experiences with expert guiding and comfortable accommodation options.