14 Days Birds Of Uganda Tour

4000$

per person

Birding in Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Mburo with Gorillas.

This is one of our longest safaris. With over 1,100 bird species, Uganda has this precious jewel that is not found in many nations around the world. The safari visits tranquil Murchison Falls National Park and explore the entire 7000sq.km facility, with a visit to Budongo Forest (180 Square miles, also known for chimpanzees) and the much smaller Kaniyo Pabidi (25 Square miles); the dense forest of Kibale in Western Uganda; Queen Elizabeth’s unique location and diversity; the gorilla forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga; and finishes with Lake Mburo National Park with its glorious landscapes. Birders could see up to 450 bird species, as well as other wildlife primates, game. (The Gorilla tracking permit in Bwindi is included in the safari cost). The wetter months (February, May and September, November) are usually recommended for birding as most birds breed during this time and are more active and vocal.

On this tour, you will be able to see the shoebill stork, the black bee-eater, many species of kingfisher and several falcons, eagles and flamingos, Open-billed Stork, Grey-crowned Crane, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, Black and White Casqued, Cuckoo Hawk, Bat Hawk, White-faced Scops Owl, African Grey and Brown Parrots, Red-faced Lovebird, Black-headed Gonolekas; as well as many species of butterflies, snakes, impala, eland, kingfisher, waterbuck, zebra, buffalo, crocs and of course the gorillas

14 Days

12+ Age

Birding

Departure

This safari starts and finishes in Entebbe.
Departure Time

Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time

Approximately 8:30 PM.
Dress Code

Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, light jacket.
Include

From Our Gallery

Birding in Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Mburo with Gorillas.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for overnight (BB)

Day 2: Kampala to Murchison Falls Park

We leave via Kampala for the journey to Murchison Falls National Park via Masindi, birding on the way. Lunch en route and continue to Murchison. Bird watching at the top of the Falls and proceed to your lodging, making brief game viewing stops on the way before retiring for the night. In Murchison Falls over 450 species have been recorded, including the shoebill, Saddle-billed stork, red-necked falcon, Green-backed Heron, Fluvous Whistling Duck and Blue-breasted Bee-eater. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Day 3: In Murchison Falls Park

On the game drive, bird north of the Nile. You could carry a packed lunch. Launch trip to the bottom of the mighty falls, after which the park is named. View crocodiles, hippos and birds lazing around on the banks of the Nile – the rare shoebill stork, African jacana, goliath heron, migrant swallows, red-throated bee-eaters, gees, whale-headed stork and the ever-present fish eagle.

Day 4: In Kaniyo Pabidi Murchison Falls Park: chimpanzee tracking. Bird Lake Albert

An early start, carrying a packed lunch. Bird either Budongo Forest or Kaniyo Pabidi. Birdlife is exceedingly rich up to 332 different species have been recorded – including the rare blue-throated roller, dwarf kingfisher, velvet-mantled drongo and grey-chinned sunbird. A three-hour walk allows you an opportunity of seeing up to 60 bird species. Both forests are also rich in chimpanzees, monkeys and other primates. Bird Lake Albert. Lunch and drive to Hoima. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours]

Day 5: Hoima to Fort Portal

Start for Kibale Forest via Fort Portal, past huge tea and coffee plantations. Arrive in time for lunch. Bird Magombe/Bigodi swamps. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours]

Day 6: Kibale Forest

Bird Kibale forest. Over 320 species have been recorded here, including the yellow-spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the African pitta, the crowned eagle as well as wetland species.

Day 7: Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth Park

Bird the lakes near your lodge and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In QE over 500 species of birds have been recorded. The shoebill stork, the black bee-eater, many species of kingfisher and several falcons, eagles and flamingos are some of the variety. Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is rich in game, especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours] O/N: Buffalo Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 8: Maramagambo Forest

Early start, carrying a packed lunch. Chimp tracking and bird watching in Kyambura Gorge. In the afternoon, bird Maramagambo Forest, Lake Kikorongo, and Kasenyi Track. See the illustrious blue lake in Maramagambo Forest. O/N: Buffalo Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth Park to Buhoma

Leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bird the waterfalls, the main track and the area around the camp. Bwindi has over 350 species, more than 184 of which are endemic to the forest. Birding in this park allows you to see up to 100 bird species a day including the Great Blue Turaco, the Black-billed Turaco, the Crested Guinea and Africa’s friendliest bird, The Pied Wagtail. [Approximate driving time: 4 hours]

Day 10: In Bwindi

Go gorilla tracking with birding while there. Be prepared for a tough, ardous day in the jungle, but coming face to face with the great primates is well worth it.

Day 11: Ruhija to Mgahinga

Start for Ruhija (in Bwindi). With your guide, bird the Mubwindi swamps nearby. Continue to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, birding en route. Over 79 species of birds have been recorded in Mgahinga, including the coloured Rwenzori turaco and the very rare Grauer’s swamp warber. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours]

Day 12: In Mgahinga

Bird Gahinga Forest.

Day 13: Gahinga to Lake Mburo Park

Drive to Kabale. Visit Lake Bunyonyi, the lake of small birds for birding. Continue to Lake Mburo National Park. The lovely landscape is complemented by Lake Mburo itself and four smaller lakes, beautiful and tranquil surroundings where you will see impala, eland, kingfisher, waterbuck, zebra and buffalo. After lunch, a canoe trip in the afternoon to see a variety of water birds. Your guide will keep you a safe distance away from the hippos and crocodiles! [Approximate driving time: 3 hours]

Day 14: Return and fly out.

An early morning game drive. Drive to Mpigi and visit Mabamba Swamp, time permitting, for pelicans, eagles and the rare shoe-bill stork. Return to Kampala. Lunch in Masaka. Arrive late afternoon (HB). Transfer to the airport. Tour Ends.

Tour Location

This safari starts and finishes in Entebbe. [The Bwindi gorilla permit is included in the safari cost but the other gorilla trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.]

History of the Uganda

Uganda's history is marked by a transition from organized kingdoms to British colonial rule and ultimately to independence, followed by periods of internal conflict and political instability. The country's borders, drawn in the late 19th century, encompassed diverse societies, including centralized Bantu kingdoms in the south and more decentralized Nilotic and Sudanic peoples in the north.

Early Kingdoms and Colonialism:

- Kingdoms:
  
  By the 11th century, organized kingdoms like Buganda, Bunyoro, and others emerged, based on agriculture, crafts, and trade.
- British Influence:
  
  British explorers and missionaries arrived in the late 1800s, followed by the establishment of the Uganda Protectorate in 1894. The British expanded control through treaties with other kingdoms, including Toro, Ankole, and Bunyoro.

Colonial Economy:

Commercial production of coffee, cotton, and copper was promoted to support British economic interests.

Independence and Post-Colonial Era:

Independence:

Uganda gained independence in 1962, with Milton Obote as the first Prime Minister.

Political Instability:

The early years of independence were marked by political tensions, including the abrogation of the 1962 constitution and the rise of military regimes.

Obote and Amin:

Prime Minister Obote declared himself President and later faced a coup led by Idi Amin, who ruled from 1971 to 1979.

Museveni:

Yoweri Museveni, after a period of interim government, came to power in 1986 and remains the current president.

Key Events and Figures:

Buganda Kingdom:

The kingdom of Buganda played a significant role in Uganda's history, initially granting autonomy and then experiencing tensions with the central government.

Milton Obote:

Uganda's first Prime Minister and later President, Obote was a key figure in the early years of independence.

Idi Amin:

Amin's military rule was a period of significant human rights abuses and instability.

Yoweri Museveni:

Museveni's long tenure as President has been marked by efforts to stabilize the country and promote economic development.

History of Uganda - Wikipedia

In 1894, Uganda became a protectorate of the British Empire, and in 1962, the United Kingdom granted independence to Uganda making...
Uganda - Wikipedia

Uganda gained independence in 1962, with Milton Obote as the first prime minister. ... In 1894, the Uganda Protectorate was establ...
History of Uganda | Events, People, Dates, Maps, & Facts | Britannica

28 Mar 2025 — The early history of Uganda, like much of sub-Saharan Africa, is a saga of movements of small groups of cultivators and...

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Birding in Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Mburo with Gorillas.

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Accomodation

Destination

Meals

Overall

Transport

Value For Money

What is included in this tour? Items that are included in the cost of tour price. Price includes:

1 night at African Roots Guest House
2 Nights at Hotel Murchison River Lodge
1 Night at KonTiki hotel
2 Nights at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
1 night at Semliki Safari Lodge
2 nights at Buffalo Safari Lodge
2 nights at Mutanda Lake Resort
1 night at Crater Bay Cottages
1 night at Mburo Safari Lodge
All park Entrance fees
Game drives
1 Gorilla Permit
1 Chimpanzee Permit for Kibale Forest
Boat cruise on The River Nile in Murchison
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
Vehicle for the tour
Local guide fee
Transfer in and Out
Water

What is not included in this tour? Items that are not included in the cost of tour price. Price excludes:

Meals in Entebbe or Kampala. Tour is on Full Board basis for the rest of the trip
All flight ticket for clients
Chimpanzee Permit (if required) for Budongo Forest, $95pp
Alcoholic drinks and drinks off meal time
Video camera and photographic fee
Porter’s fee
Tips and laundry
Any other expenses apart from those described above including expenditures of a personal nature such as phone calls

Boma Guest House in Entebbe or to Hotel Africana or Bougainviller Hotel in Kampala Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge Crown Hotel/Konteki Hotel Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse Buffalo Safari Lodge/Mweya Lodge/Jacana Lodge Buhoma Homestead/Gorilla Resort/Bwindi Engagi Lodge Travellers Rest hotel Mburo Safari Lodge/Mihingo Lodge