This Uganda shoebill birding safari gives you two chances at the shoebill, plus Murchison Falls, the Royal Mile, five forests and a gorilla trek.
This Uganda shoebill birding safari is a full loop of Uganda in 17 days. It starts in the north at Murchison Falls, moves through the forests of the west and ends near Lake Victoria, giving you two of the best shoebill sites in the country.
Along the way you bird the famous Royal Mile in Budongo, track chimpanzees in Kibale, search Semliki for Congo Basin birds and trek gorillas in Bwindi.
Why choose this Uganda shoebill birding safari?
- Murchison Falls: boat trips to the falls and the Nile delta, a top shoebill site.
- Budongo’s Royal Mile: one of Uganda’s best forest birding trails.
- Kibale and Semliki: chimpanzees and rare lowland forest birds.
- Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi: Kazinga Channel and mountain gorillas.
- Mabamba and Mabira: a second shoebill chance and a final forest.
Where you stay
Lodges include Lindsay Cottages in Entebbe, Paraa Safari Lodge, Masindi Hotel, Primate Lodge Kibale, Semliki Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Trekker’s Tavern at Ruhija, Mihingo Lodge at Lake Mburo, Cassia Lodge in Kampala and Mabira Rainforest Lodge, or similar.
Night drives
Optional night drives at Murchison and Lake Mburo give you a chance at nightjars, owls and nocturnal mammals.
Best time for a Uganda shoebill birding safari
Shoebills are resident and can be seen all year. The drier months from June to August and December to February are easiest for travel and forest walks. The wetter months bring breeding birds and fewer vehicles.
Read about Uganda’s top parks in our Uganda national parks guide and plan your trek with our Bwindi gorilla guide. Browse more birding safaris. The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages all the parks on this route.
How much does the Uganda shoebill 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
- Two shoebill sites: the Murchison Nile delta and Mabamba Swamp
- Boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls
- Forest birding on Budongo's Royal Mile
- Chimpanzees in Kibale and gorillas in Bwindi
- Congo Basin specials in Semliki National Park
