15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda
Embark on 15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda to explore lush forests, remarkable national parks, iconic landscapes and a full immersion into in the rich biodiversity of this East African country. Uganda boasts over 11% of all birds found on the African continent making her one of the most rewarding bird watching destinations on the planet. On this 15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda you will witness a diverse array of birds in their natural habitats. From elusive Shoebill Storks to vibrant African Skimmers, the African Rift Endemics and a lot more. What bird(s) do you consider a lifer?!
Brief Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
- Day 2: Mabamba Wetland and Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 3: Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 4&5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 6&7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 8&9: Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 10&11: Semuliki National Park
- Day 12&13: Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 14: Budongo Royal Mile
- Day 15: Rhinos and Departure
15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda in details
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
Welcome to Uganda! Your 15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda commences with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where our local guide will receive you and provide an overview of the tour. Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe for an overnight stay. This is your opportunity to rest and shed off the jetlag as you get ready for the upcoming birdwatching adventure through the Pearl of Africa.
Day 2: Mabamba Wetland and Lake Mburo National Park
Start with an early morning exploration at Mabamba Wetland, an avian paradise renowned for its rare and elusive Shoebill Stork, among other remarkable species. Guided by our expert ornithologist, you’ll navigate the labyrinth of waterways in a traditional canoe, providing an intimate and immersive birdwatching experience.
Following this, you’ll journey to Lake Mburo National Park, where the afternoon holds an exciting boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Mburo. As you glide along, keep your binoculars at the ready, as this park is teeming with water-associated birdlife, from African Fin foots to majestic African Fish Eagles.
Day 3: Lake Mburo National Park
Prepare for an exhilarating full day of birding in the scenic Lake Mburo National Park. This diverse and compact park is a treasure trove of avian wonders. You’ll embark on a birdwatching odyssey, seeking out a multitude of species that call this park home. Expected sightings are for the enigmatic African Finfoot, its strikingly colorful neighbor, the Papyrus Gonolek and the melodious White-winged Warbler. These are just a few of the avian gems you might encounter as you immerse yourself in the rich birdlife of Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You’ll depart for the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This journey isn’t just a transfer; it’s an opportunity for incredible birding. As you traverse the picturesque landscapes, your eagle-eyed guide will help you spot some of Uganda’s avian treasures, including the captivating Red-throated Alethe and the elusive African Green Broadbill. These moments en route to Bwindi are a testament to the incredible diversity of birdlife that Uganda has to offer, setting the stage for the exceptional birding experiences that await you in the heart of the impenetrable forest. Request a Quote
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, what awaits you is an extraordinary adventure which also seems as the highlight of your trip – Gorilla trekking in the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lush forests through which you trek are these magnificent creatures’ natural habitat. An experience that is both humbling and awe-inspiring! Your day shall continue with birding in the enchanting Mubwindi swamp. Expect to spot the striking Handsome Francolin and the melodious Black-faced Rufous Warbler, adding an avian dimension to your unforgettable day of wildlife encounters in Bwindi.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6 leads you to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park. After a scenic 
transfer, you’ll arrive at this diverse and captivating park. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling birding excursion within the park’s rich ecosystems. Keep your binoculars ready for a chance to spot the remarkable African Skimmer, known for its distinctive beak and unique feeding habits, as well as the melodious Papyrus Canary, a wetland specialist that graces the park’s lush surroundings. Your introduction to Queen Elizabeth National Park promises an exciting journey into Uganda’s avian treasures.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, embark on an exhilarating full day of birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This diverse landscape offers a rich tapestry of birdlife, and you will spend the day exploring its various habitats. Keep looking out for some of the park’s avian gems, including the iconic Shoebill Stork, the elusive African Broadbill with its unique vocalizations, and the vibrant Black Bee-eater. While on the Kazinga Channel boat cruise within Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of water-associated bird species. Sightings of African Fish Eagles, African Skimmers and other avian wonders that call this unique ecosystem home will enrich your birding experience.
Day 8: Kibale Forest National Park
Take a journey to the enchanting Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World“ due to its remarkable primates populace. After arriving, your afternoon will be for birding within the park’s lush and diverse habitats. Keep your binoculars ready for a chance to spot the vibrant Green-breasted Pitta, a striking forest jewel, and the elusive African Pitta, known for its vibrant plumage and melodious calls.
Day 9: Kibale Forest National Park
This day comes with a unique blend of wildlife experiences in Kibale Forest National Park. The day begins with an enthralling chimpanzee tracking adventure, providing an opportunity to witness these intelligent and lively primates in their natural habitat. After the exciting morning adventure, return to the forest in the afternoon for birding. Chances are high to spot the striking Yellow-spotted Barbet with its distinctive plumage and the elegant White-naped Pigeon. Evening explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for wetland bird species and a fascinating addition to your Kibale Primates adventure.
Day 10: Semuliki National Park
The 10th day of the 15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda takes you to the unique and lesser-visited Semuliki National Park. After your transfer, the afternoon unveils a rewarding birding experience within this pristine environment. Be on the lookout for the elusive Nkulengu Rail, a cryptic and rarely seen bird that inhabits the wetlands, and the striking Long-tailed Hawk, known for its distinctive plumage and impressive aerial displays. In addition to your birding adventures in Semuliki National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the intriguing Sempaya hot springs, where you can witness the geothermal wonders of the park and take in the unique landscapes that surround these natural thermal pools.
Day 11: Semuliki National Park
Prepare for a full day dedicated to the exploration of this biodiverse park. Your expert guide will lead you through various ecosystems in search of unique bird species. Keep an eye out for the elusive Congo Serpent Eagle, a striking raptor rarely encountered in other parts of Uganda. You can also look forward to sightings of the captivating Black-wattled Hornbill with its distinctive call and the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, known for its fascinating behavior of guiding humans to bee nests. This day in Semuliki National Park promises a memorable journey into the heart of the forest, where avian wonders await at every turn.
Day 12: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Check out of the lodge for breakfast and later embark on the transfer to the iconic Murchison Falls National Park. After a picturesque drive, your afternoon is for birding within the park’s diverse landscapes. We shall look out for the majestic Goliath Heron, a giant of the heron family that frequents the park’s waterways, and the striking Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, known for its distinctive appearance and impressive vocalizations. To culminate the day’s adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge. This awe-inspiring natural wonder offers a breathtaking panoramic view, making it a memorable addition to your birding and wildlife exploration in Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 13: Murchison Falls National Park Whole Day Birding
Day 13 of your 15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda is dedicated to a full day of birding in the captivating Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll traverse diverse habitats in pursuit of the park’s avian treasures. Keep a keen eye out for the iconic Shoebill Stork, an emblematic species known for its unique appearance, the striking Red-throated bee-eater, and the elegant Silverbird. While on the thrilling boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of water-associated bird species, such as African Skimmers, African Fish Eagles, and numerous other avian wonders that call the Nile River home, enhancing your birding adventure with a unique waterside perspective. This extensive birding experience within Murchison Falls National Park promises an extraordinary opportunity to encounter a wide array of bird species.
Day 14: Budongo Royal Mile Birding
Your second last day of the 15 Days Bird Watching Tour Uganda will commence with an exciting morning birding session at the popular one-mile-long forest road known as the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest. This renowned birding spot earned its regal name because it was built by the Omukama of Bunyoro, Kabalega, as a military training ground for his Abarusura Army. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe an array of bird species, including the elusive Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, the striking White-thighed Hornbill, and the African Dwarf Kingfisher, among many others. Your time at the Royal Mile will be a fitting conclusion to your birding journey in Uganda.
Day 15: Rhino Tracking and departure
As you wake up to the sounds of nature, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge and prepare to drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking. Apart from Rhinos, Ziwa sanctuary is a haven for numerous bird species which you will have a chance to spot with your guide as you walk to reach the Rhino grazing areas. Afterwards, you’ll transfer to Entebbe where your departure flight awaits. As you bid farewell to the diverse and bird-rich landscapes of Uganda, you’ll carry with you cherished memories of this remarkable birding adventure.