25-Day Ultimate Uganda Birding & Wildlife Safari

Price: Midrange: $12,700 I Luxury: $18,000

Accommodation Options:

Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp, Kibale Forest Camp, Mazike Valley Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mihingo Safari Lodge

Luxury: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Mihingo Safari Lodge

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Unwind after your journey and attend a briefing to preview the incredible adventure ahead encompassing diverse ecosystems and legendary wildlife.

Day 2: Uganda Wildlife Education Centre & Entebbe Birding
Explore the acclaimed Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, observing native cranes, barbets, and the colorful Papyrus Gonolek. Afternoon birding around Entebbe’s lush natural habitats immerses you in the sounds and sights of Uganda’s avifauna.

Day 3: Mabamba Swamp Canoe Birding
Enjoy an early morning canoe glide through Mabamba Swamp, silently scanning for the elusive Shoebill Stork amid elegant African Jacanas, Malachite Kingfishers, and other wetland marvels. This is a photographers’ paradise in a tranquil watery forest tapestry.

Day 4: Transfer through the Equator to Lake Mburo National Park
Journey southward with a symbolic photo stop at the Equator, then onward to Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon game drives introduce you to savannah birds such as Red-faced Barbets and African Finfoot alongside zebras and impalas.

Day 5: Full Day Birding in Lake Mburo
Spend the day thoroughly birding varied habitats with expert guides. Morning game drives reveal resident species, while evening birdwalks bring nocturnal and elusive species under your gaze as the sun sets in painted skies.

Day 6: To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park via Forest Hills Birding
Travel west to the volcanic highlands of Mgahinga. Afternoon walks through lush forest hills offer intimate views of Albertine Rift endemics including Regal Sunbird and Rwenzori Turaco in their mountain kingdom.

Day 7: Birding Sabinyo Gorge and Volcano Slopes
An exciting full-day trek along the dramatic Sabinyo Gorge and volcanic slopes with rare bird sightings—Handsome Francolin and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler highlight this breathtaking montane ecosystem.

Day 8: Echuya Forest Reserve Exploration
Venture into the fragrant bamboo and mossy canopies of Echuya Forest Reserve to encounter Albertine Rift endemics and secretive forest species thriving in this cool montane environment.

Day 9: Arrival and Birding at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Ruhija Sector
Transfer to Bwindi’s Ruhija sector. Afternoon birding along serene trails and Mubwindi Swamp unveils the haunting calls of Uganda’s rarest Albertine Rift birds.

Day 10: Full Day Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Delve deep into Bwindi’s breathtaking rainforest with expert guides focusing on endemic species like Shelley’s Crimsonwing and Bar-tailed Trogon amid the lush greenery.

Day 11: Through the Neck to Buhoma Sector; Afternoon Birding and Primate Watching
Journey from Ruhija through the narrow forest corridor known as The Neck to Buhoma. Spot vibrant forest birds and keep watch for forest primates moving in the canopy.

Day 12: Tropical Birding and Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma
Spend a profound day trekking mountain gorillas while simultaneously reveling in astounding forest birding amidst Bwindi’s untouched canopy.

Day 13: Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
Travel via Ishasha sector, home of tree-climbing lions, with birding stops to spot unique savannah and woodland species deeply entrenched in this wild paradise.

Day 14: Dawn Birding Kasenyi Plains and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Experience an awe-inspiring sunrise birding the sweeping Kasenyi plains. Afternoon is reserved for a serene Kazinga Channel cruise with close encounters of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds including African Fish Eagles.

Day 15: Game Drives and Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives delve into the rich birdlife and wildlife of Queen Elizabeth, featuring rare sightings in the Ishasha woodlands and open savannahs, punctuated by sightings of lions and elephants.

Day 16: Transfer to Kibale National Park; Birding Bigodi Wetlands
Journey to Kibale Forest and explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary’s watery forests for specialized birds like the Great Blue Turaco.

Day 17: Morning Chimpanzee Trekking and Forest Birding
Track wild chimpanzees at dawn, followed by afternoon excursions through Kibale’s bird-rich forest, including scenic views of the forest canopy alive with wings and song.

Day 18: Journey to Semuliki National Park; Birding Forest Trails and Hot Springs
Travel to Semuliki National Park's pristine forests and hot springs, spotting rare Congo Basin bird species and absorbing uniquely lush vegetation.

Day 19: Full Day Birding in Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
A full day of immersive birding safari exploring Toro-Semuliki’s varied forests and wetlands for exceptional bird diversity and forest primates.

Day 20: Transfer to Budongo Forest Reserve; Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding
Observe habituated chimpanzees in Budongo’s expansive rainforest, alongside rare bird species uniquely adapted to this primate-rich habitat.

Day 21: Morning Birding and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Morning birding session in Budongo followed by travel to Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest national park.

Day 22: Morning Birding and Nile Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls
Bird the Murchison plains at dawn before cruising the Nile’s wild waters to the base of the thundering falls, focusing on aquatic, riparian birds and iconic riverine wildlife.

Day 23: Full Day Birding at Murchison Falls with Optional Waterfall Hike
Explore varied habitats offering sightings of Martial Eagles, African Skimmers, and more. Optional hike to the top of the falls offers spectacular vistas and more birding opportunities.

Day 24: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking and Birding; Return to Entebbe
Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on foot with expert trackers. Spot rare rhinos and species like Abdim’s Stork on scenic grounds before returning to Entebbe.

Day 25: Departure from Entebbe International Airport
Transfer to the airport after a memorable 25-day journey through Uganda’s most treasured birding and wildlife realms.

This itinerary is crafted to captivate with a seamless blend of wildlife wonders, birding spectacles, immersive cultural interactions, and luxurious comfort, designed to delight and inspire every nature enthusiast’s soul.