23 Day Uganda Birding & Wildlife Grand Safari

Experience a 23-Day Uganda Birding & Wildlife Grand Safari across the country’s top national parks and diverse ecosystems. Discover rare bird species, encounter iconic wildlife including primates and big game, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes on this immersive African adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Botanical Gardens Introduction to Uganda Birding

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are met by your professional birding guide and transferred to your selected hotel such as Boma Hotel or Airport Guest House. Depending on your arrival time, the afternoon offers an optional soft introduction to Uganda’s birdlife at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens along the shores of Lake Victoria.

This historic lakeside forest, established in 1898, provides a gentle first immersion into Uganda’s biodiversity, combining shoreline habitat, tropical woodland, and open gardens. Early wildlife encounters may include troops of Red-tailed Monkeys, Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys, and Vervet Monkeys, with occasional sightings of otters along the lake edge.

Birdlife here is rich and colorful, offering an excellent introduction to East African birding. Species commonly encountered include Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, African Grey Parrot, African Pied Hornbill, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Pink-backed Pelican, Bat Hawk, and Woodland Kingfisher. As the sun sets over Lake Victoria, you settle into your lodge for dinner and a detailed briefing about the safari ahead.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Expedition & Transfer to Mabira Forest

After breakfast, the journey continues to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most important wetland ecosystems and a globally recognized Important Bird Area. A traditional canoe excursion takes you deep into papyrus channels where one of Africa’s most iconic birds, the Shoebill, is carefully tracked in its natural hunting habitat.

Alongside the Shoebill, Mabamba offers outstanding wetland birding opportunities. Species such as Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Marsh Harrier, African Water Rail, Malachite Kingfisher, Allen’s Gallinule, Papyrus Canary, Grey-crowned Crane, Long-toed Lapwing, and Swamp Flycatcher are regularly observed in this rich wetland system.

Later in the day, you proceed eastwards to Mabira Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s largest remaining medium-altitude rainforests. Evening arrival allows for optional forest-edge exploration where nocturnal species such as African Wood Owl, Eastern Potto, and various galagos may be encountered.

Day 3: Mabira Forest Exploration & Transfer to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

A morning guided walk in Mabira Forest reveals one of Uganda’s richest forest ecosystems, home to over 300 bird species and a remarkable diversity of primates and nocturnal mammals. The forest’s towering canopy and dense understory create ideal conditions for forest birding and wildlife observation.

Birding highlights include Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, White-spotted Flufftail, Grey Longbill, Forest Woodhoopoe, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, and Shining Blue Kingfisher. Mammals such as Uganda Mangabey, Red-tailed Monkeys, and various nocturnal primates may also be encountered.

After lunch, the journey continues northeast towards Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Uganda’s largest protected savannah wilderness, arriving in the evening for rest.

Day 4: Full-Day Birding & Wildlife Experience in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Today is dedicated to exploring Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, a vast and remote conservation area in Uganda’s Karamoja region. The reserve offers a unique combination of semi-arid savannah, rocky outcrops, and seasonal wetlands supporting a remarkable diversity of wildlife.

Large mammals such as Cheetah, Eland, Roan Antelope, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Hartebeest, Topi, Oribi, and Bat-eared Fox may be encountered across the open plains. Pian Upe is also one of the best locations in Uganda for rare and localized bird species.

Endemics and key species include Fox’s Weaver, Karamoja Apalis, Clapperton’s Francolin, Common Ostrich, White-bellied Bustard, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Purple Grenadier, White-billed Buffalo Weaver, Yellow-billed Shrike, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, and Rufous Chatterer. Wetland pockets may also support Goliath Heron, African Jacana, and various waders.

Day 5: Scenic Transfer to the Moroto Mountains with En-Route Birding

Today’s journey takes you through remote northeastern Uganda toward the dramatic Moroto Mountain ranges. The drive offers continuous birding opportunities across dry savannah, rocky landscapes, and seasonal wetlands.

Species commonly encountered en route include Hemprich’s Hornbill, Jackson’s Hornbill, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Fan-tailed Raven, Pygmy Batis, Superb Starling, White-bellied Go-away Bird, Silverbird, Fawn-coloured Lark, Long-billed Pipit, and Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill. Wetland sections may reveal Rufous-bellied Heron, Goliath Heron, and African Jacana.

Arrival in Moroto is followed by relaxation and optional evening birding around the lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda’s Remote Wilderness

After breakfast, the safari continues to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and spectacular wilderness areas. The drive crosses vast savannah plains and rugged landscapes, offering excellent opportunities for roadside birding and wildlife sightings.

Kidepo is known for its untouched beauty and exceptional biodiversity, making it one of Uganda’s premier safari destinations.

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive & Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley offers one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife experiences, with expansive savannahs supporting large populations of predators and plains game. Wildlife sightings often include Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalo, Zebra, Giraffe, Hyena, and numerous antelope species such as Eland, Topi, Oribi, and Uganda Kob.

Birding is equally exceptional, with species such as Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Abyssinian Roller, Black-breasted Barbet, Scaly Francolin, Pygmy Falcon, Fox Kestrel, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, and various larks and cisticolas.

The park’s isolation and pristine condition make it one of Africa’s most rewarding birding and wildlife destinations.

Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Northern Savannahs

Today you travel south toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. The journey offers excellent opportunities for birding across dry savannah ecosystems and wetland corridors.

Arrival in the park introduces you to rich birdlife and dramatic landscapes centered around the Nile River.

Day 9: Murchison Falls – Boat Safari to the Base of the Falls

A full day in Murchison Falls begins with a boat cruise along the Nile, one of Africa’s most productive waterways for birding. The cruise to the base of the falls provides exceptional close-range sightings of aquatic birds and raptors.

Species commonly recorded include African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Rock Pratincole, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and seasonal African Skimmer. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo are frequently observed along the riverbanks.

The dramatic scenery of the Nile forcing through a narrow gorge creates one of Africa’s most iconic natural spectacles.

Day 10: Transfer to Masindi – Royal Mile Forest Birding Experience

After breakfast, you travel to Masindi for birding in the famous Royal Mile within Budongo Forest. This mahogany-dominated rainforest is one of Uganda’s finest birding locations.

Species include Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, Ituri Batis, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Grey-headed Sunbird, Olive Woodpecker, Sabine’s Spinetail, and Forest Flycatcher. The forest is rich in primates such as Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Uganda Mangabeys.

Day 11: Transfer to Semuliki National Park – Congo Forest Species

Today you enter Semuliki National Park, Uganda’s only true lowland Congo rainforest. This biologically rich ecosystem supports rare Central African species not found elsewhere in East Africa.

Birding highlights include White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, Blue-billed Malimbe, Crested Malimbe, African Piculet, Congo Serpent Eagle, White-bellied Kingfisher, and Yellow-throated Nicator.

Day 12: Semuliki Birding & Transfer to Kibale Forest

A morning of intensive birding in Semuliki continues before transferring to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive marks a transition from lowland rainforest to mid-elevation tropical forest.

Arrival in Kibale allows for relaxation and preparation for the primate and birding experiences ahead.

Day 13: Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking & Primate Experience

Kibale Forest is Africa’s primate capital, home to the highest diversity of primates on the continent. A guided chimpanzee tracking experience offers close encounters with habituated chimpanzee communities.

Other primates include Red-tailed Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Black-and-white Colobus, Blue Monkeys, and Uganda Mangabeys. Optional night walks may reveal African Golden Cat and nocturnal primates.

Day 14: Kibale Birding & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

A full day of birding in Kibale focuses on forest interiors and the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Key species include Green-breasted Pitta, African Emerald Cuckoo, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher, and Western Nicator.

Bigodi also offers excellent sightings of primates such as Eastern Potto, Demidoff’s Galago, and Uganda Mangabey during evening walks.

Day 15: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Safari

You proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This rich water system supports vast concentrations of birdlife including African Skimmer, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, African Spoonbill, and Yellow-billed Stork.

Large mammals including elephants, buffalo, hippos, and lions are frequently observed along the shores.

Day 16: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions & Savannah Birding

A game drive in Ishasha introduces the famous tree-climbing lions alongside diverse savannah bird species such as Green Woodhoopoe, Banded Snake Eagle, Marsh Tchagra, Hamerkop, Grey Crowned Crane, and Black-chested Snake Eagle.

Day 17: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today offers a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Guests encounter mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat, observing feeding, grooming, and social behavior at close range. Other wildlife includes L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and forest antelopes.

Day 18: Buhoma Forest Birding Trail

A final birding day in Bwindi focuses on the Buhoma Forest Trail, targeting species such as African Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Equatorial Akalat, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, and White-bellied Robin Chat. The forest’s richness provides a perfect conclusion to the rainforest experience.

Day 19: Ruhija Sector Birding via “The Neck”

Birding continues through the Ruhija sector and The Neck region, one of Bwindi’s most productive birding corridors. Species include Black Bee-eater, African Shrike Flycatcher, Mountain Wagtail, Grey-throated Barbet, Red-headed Bluebill, and Mountain Illadopsis.

Day 20: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The journey continues to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. Birding includes Mountain Buzzard, Rwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Regal Sunbird, Dusky Twinspot, and African Crowned Eagle.

Day 21: Mgahinga Birding & Golden Monkey Tracking

A full day in Mgahinga combines birding with golden monkey tracking. The bamboo forests support species such as Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler.

Day 22: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

The safari continues to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s premier acacia woodland ecosystem. Birding includes Papyrus Gonolek, African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, Brown-chested Lapwing, Green Woodhoopoe, and Black-bellied Bustard.

Day 23: Return to Entebbe & Departure

After breakfast, you begin your return journey to Entebbe, with optional final birding stops along wetlands or forest patches depending on time. The safari concludes with transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure.