This Uganda birding safari is a classic 17-day loop that takes in the shoebill, the Nile, five great forests and the Albertine Rift endemics.
This Uganda birding safari is designed for birders who want Uganda’s full range in one trip. It starts with the shoebill at Mabamba, heads north to Murchison Falls and Budongo, then sweeps through the western forests to Bwindi and back via Lake Mburo.
Uganda packs more than 1,000 bird species into a small country. This route visits savannah, papyrus, lowland rainforest and montane forest, which is why lists of 450 species or more are common.
Why choose this Uganda birding safari?
- Mabamba Swamp: a boat trip for the shoebill.
- Murchison Falls: standard-winged nightjar, rock pratincole and a night drive.
- Budongo and the Royal Mile: Puvel’s illadopsis, Nahan’s francolin and Ituri batis.
- Kibale and Semliki: chimpanzees, pittas and Congo Basin specials.
- Bwindi and Ruhija: African green broadbill, regal sunbird and an optional gorilla trek.
Where you stay
Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Paraa Safari Lodge, Masindi Hotel, Ndali Lodge, Semliki Safari Lodge, Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Mweya Safari Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, a lodge at Ruhija and Mantana Tented Camp, or similar.
Best time for a Uganda birding safari
You can bird Uganda all year. June to August and December to February are drier, which makes forest trails easier. The wet months bring breeding plumage and fewer visitors.
Read our Uganda national parks guide and Bwindi gorilla trekking guide, or browse all Uganda safaris. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues permits for every park on this route.
How much does the Uganda birding safari cost?
Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.
WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or send the enquiry form on this page, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.
Highlights
- Shoebill by boat in Mabamba Swamp
- Murchison Falls and a night drive for nightjars
- Forest birding on Budongo's Royal Mile
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
- Albertine Rift endemics at Bwindi and Ruhija
