17 Days Uganda Birding Safari & Primates – Overview

The 17 Days Uganda Birding Safari & Primates is a comprehensive Uganda birdwatching tour taking you birding in Uganda encounter designed for Uganda safari undertake interested in birds of Uganda, Gorillas, and Chimpanzee trekking.

The Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking encounters in Bwindi and Kibale respectively are incorporated to equip you with a mixed Uganda safari experience.

Birding in the wetland of Mabamba, the savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls, and the forested areas of Bwindi, Semuliki, and Budongo will combine to generate ultimate safari memories and in turn, makes this package worth undertaking.

17 Days Uganda Birding Safari & Primates – Safari Highlights

Day 1: Bird in Entebbe Botanical Gardens, UWEC, and Lake Victoria shores

Day 2: Birding transfer to Murchison Falls National Park & visit the top of the falls.

Day 3: Encounter birds of Murchison Falls National Park

Day 4: Explore the birds of Budongo forest & transfer to Hoima.

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do Chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon.

Day 6: Encounter birds in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland

Day 7: Transfer to Semliki National Park & encounter birds of Semliki National Park

Day 8: Have a morning bird walk & transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 9: Encounter birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 11: Do gorilla trekking

Day 12 &13: Encounter birds of Bwindi

Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Day 15: Encounter birds of Lake Mburo National Park

Day 16: Transfer to Kampala

Day 17: Bird Mabamba swamp

17 Days Uganda Birding Safari & Primates – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Bird in Entebbe Botanical Gardens, UWEC, and Lake Victoria Shores

Embark on this activity after breakfast and have an encounter in UWEC, the Botanical Gardens, and the shores of Lake Victoria. You have an opportunity of spotting about 170 bird species of which there are 10 species of weavers like the rare Northern Masked Weaver, African paradise, Golden Backed, Baglafect Grosbeak, Black Necked, and Northern Brown Throated; 5 flycatcher species like Red-bellied, Lead colored, crested shrike flycatcher, Swamp flycatcher among others.

Species of Raptors like the Gabar Goshawk, Shikra, small banded snake Eagle, African Goshawk, African Hobby, and African Fish Eagle among other birds. Retire overnight.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket/Luxury), Cassia Lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget/Basic).

Day 2: Birding Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park & Visit The Top of The Falls.

You embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park in the morning after breakfast. The drive takes about 5 hours excluding en route stops to cover a 311km distance traversing the flat countryside of Nakasongora before crossing River Kafu to Masindi.

You will always make stops to view birds en route and have lunch in Masindi town before proceeding to Murchison Falls National Park.

On arrival you will visit the top of the falls and encounter the chanting birds that swing around the roaring falls and the magnificent scenery that will mesmerize you.

En route birding exposes you to counts of birds like Cliff Chat, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Singing Cisticola, Namaqua Dove, African Moustached Warbler, Green-winged Pytilia, Crested and Scaly Francolin, Red-backed Shrike, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Black Bellied Firefinch, Northern and Black-winged Red Bishops, Marsh Tchagra and Black-faced Waxbill.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange/Standard), or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget/Basic).

Day 3: Encounter Birds of Murchison Falls National Park

The encounter commences after breakfast and the day’s distribution of areas will depend on your guide. The encounter includes birding in the Savannah landscapes in the northern section, the Victoria Nile Delta, along the Nile launch cruise, and the forested landscapes of the south.

This encounter in Murchison Falls National Park might expose you to birds like; Silver Bird, Speckle-fronted and Golden-backed Weavers, Beautiful Sunbird, White Crested Turacco, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Pennant-winged Night jars, the Buff-bellied Warbler, White-rumped Seed Eater, Black Billed Barbet, Yellow-flanked Barbet and Bar-breasted Firefinch, Spotted Morning-Thrush, Red-winged Grey Warbler,  Shoebill Stork, Abyssinian and Rufaous Crowned Roller, Grey Headed and Striped Kingfisher, Abyssinian  Ground Hornbill, Red-throated and Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Sacred Ibis, Senegal Thick-knee, Fulvous and white Faced Whistling-Duck, Water and Spotted Thick-knee, Long-toed Lapwing, Black-headed Lapwing, Little Bittern, Red-necked Falcon, Vinaceous Dove, Osprey and Blue-breasted Bee-eater among other bird species.

Accommodation: You will be spending overnights at your previous lodge.

Day 4: Explore Birds of Budongo Forest & Transfer to Hoima.

After an early breakfast, connect to the adjacent Budongo forest for amazing bird encounters. You will take a bird walk along the royal mile a famously encountered road that lies under a lush forest canopy.

The forest offers opportunities of spotting birds like; Nahan’s Francolin, White-thighed Hornbill, Sabine’s and graceful Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-throated Roller, Forest Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Lemon Bellied Crombec, Ituri Batis, Tit Hylia, Forest Robin, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Grey Throated, Yellow Billed, Yellow Spotted and Hairy Breasted Barbet, Black Billed and Great Blue Turaco, Plain, Spotted, Slender Billed, Little Grey, White Throated and Little Greeenbul, Dusy Long Tailed Cuckoo, Black-capped Apalis and Red Tailed Bristlebill among other species.  Primate species may also be spotted like black and white colobus monkeys, Red-tailed and blue monkeys. After this activity, continue on the drive and spend an overnight in Hoima.

Accommodation: Kontik Hotel / Kolping Hotel

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do Chimpanzee Trekking in The Afternoon.

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Kibale National Park. You will be birding en route across low-lying water-logged environments in Kagadi and Kagorro forest reserves near Kyenjonjo.

You will have an early lunch break in Fort Portal town before proceeding to have a chimpanzee trekking encounter in Kibale in the afternoon starting at 2 pm.

It is such a thrilling encounter as it starts with a briefing before heading to the forest, hiking the undulating landscapes in search of the common chimpanzees with the possibility of spotting them munching fruits, and hunting other species for food.

They will impress you as they swing through the tree branches, make pant-hooting calls, play, and socialize.

The activity tends to last 2 – 5 hours with one full hour of direct encounter with them. Retreat to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Chimpanzee Guesthouse (Midrange/Standard) or Kibale Forest Camp (Budget/Basic).

Day 6: Encounter Birds in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland

The forested landscapes of Kibale Forest National Park offer great encounters with 375 species of birds. More than 200 species thrive in the nearby Bigodi wetland. It starts early in the morning after breakfast and stretches for the whole day.

Birds that may be encountered in this activity include among others; Blue-headed bee-eater, Nahans francolin, masked apalis, White-naped Pigeon, Cassin spine tail, Crested flycatcher, Green- breasted Pitta, Red Winged Francolin, Joyful Greenbul, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Red-chested fluff tail, Grey-winged Robbin, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet,  Hairy-breasted Barbet, Western Nicator, White-spotted Flufftail, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Black Bishop, Grey-winged Robin-chat,  Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, White-breasted Negrofinch, Superb Sunbird, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Black-crowned Waxbill and Brown-throated Wattle-eye.

Accommodation: You will have dinner and overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 7: Transfer to Semliki National Park & Encounter Birds of Semliki National Park

After an early breakfast embark on the transfer to Semliki Forest National Park. The forest tract of Semuliki is an extension of the West African jungle that stretches from Equatorial Guinea through Congo forming a habitat for Guinea Congo biome species that do not exist in other areas of East Africa.

The encounter in Semuliki offers you chances of spotting specialties like;  Congo Serpent Eagle, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Bate’s Nightjar, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Rufous-sided, Black-winged Broadbill, Black-throated Coucal, Icterine Greenbul, Nkulengu Rail, Spot-breasted Ibis, Long-tailed Hawk, Capuchin Babbler, Northern Bearded Scrub Robin, Yellow-throated and Western Nicator,  Red-chested Owlet, Black-collared Lovebird, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, White-bellied Kingfisher, Zenker’s and Lyre-tailed Honey guides, White-throated Blue Swallow, Crested Malimbe, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Blue-billed Malimbe, Chestnut Bellied and Pale-fronted Negrofinch, Fiery-breasted Bush-shrike, Piping, Black Dwarf, Red-billed Dwarf, White Crested, African Piculet among other bird species.

Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge / Kiruia Guesthouse

Day 8: Have Morning Bird Walk & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early morning breakfast, undertake a bird walk along the Sempaya trail to have a chance of exploring more birds or those that you might have missed on the previous day.

The Sempaya trail also takes you to the Sempaya hot springs where female and male hot springs settle in a low-lying marshy ground which will lure you to boil some plantains or eggs to get a fast meal.

After this activity, embark on the transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park to catch up with the launch cruise at Mweya which departs at 3 pm.

The two-hour launch cruise will not only expose you to over 60 species of birds but also other Uganda safari offerings like Hippos, Nile Crocodiles not forgetting elephants, buffaloes, and other antelopes drinking on the channel side.

The birds that might be encountered include; the African Skimmer, African Spoonbill, Striated Heron, Herring Gull, Water Thick-knee, Lesser Black Backed Gull,  Three-banded Plover, Green, Marsh, Wood, and Common Sandpiper, Plain Martin, Gray-headed Gull, Lesser Swamp-Warbler among others.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Enganzi Lodge (Midrange/Standard), or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget/Basic).

Day 9: Encounter Birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Have a whole day’s encounter with birds in the varied ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The birding encounter can be conducted in the Mweya peninsular, the environs of Lake Kikorongo, the Maramagambo forest, the Savannah plains of Kasenyi, Katunguru bridge Area among other areas.

Queen Elizabeth National Park exposes you to birds like; Temminck’s Courser, Rupell’s Griffon, Martial Eagle,  White Headed, Lappet Faced Vultures, Blue Quail, Harlequin Quail, Small (Common) Buttonquail, African Crake, African Skimmer, Black Headed Gonolek, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Lowland Akalat, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Greater, and Lesser Flamingo among others.  The sights of wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, spotted Hyena, side-stripped jackals, and Antelopes among others may not be missed.

Accommodation: You will spend an overnight at your previous Lodge.

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you can take a short bird walk in Imaramagambo forest to encounter a range of forest birds like; Little Grebe, African Finfoot, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow bill, Black Coucal, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Black Bee-eater, Blue-throated Roller, Barbets, Red-throated Wryneck, Honeyguide Greenbul, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike,  Brown-eared Woodpecker, Dark-capped Warbler, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Green Crombec, Broad-tailed Warbler, African Moustached Warbler, Croaking Cisticola, Black-and-white Shrike Flycatcher, Black-headed Batis, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Brown Illadopsis, African Paradise Flycatcher, Marsh Tchagra, Brubru, Black Bishop, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, White-breasted Negrofinch, and Western Black-headed Oriole. Return from this activity and then embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 160km about 5 hours’ drive arriving in the evening for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp (Upmarket/Luxury), Silverback Lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 11: Do Gorilla Trekking

The gorilla trekking encounter commences at 8 am with a short briefing after which you head to the forest in search of the critically endangered mountain gorillas that only thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable and Virunga ranges in the whole world.

You gather at the park headquarters in Buhoma and then embark on the memorable hiking of the hills of Bwindi which are covered by mature forest with dense undergrowth which makes it impenetrable.

This encounter is an attraction in itself before you encounter the mountain gorillas as they forage or take a mid-day rest.

The activity tends to take 2 – 8 hours with one hour of direct interaction with gorillas. Retire in the evening for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: You will have dinner and overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 12 &13: Encounter Birds of Bwindi

These two days are designed to allow you to explore the birds of Bwindi in detail along the trails like the Munyange waterfall trail, River Ivi walk, and Habinyanja trail.

The extension to the Umubwindi swamp and Ruhija sect will enable you to explore the forest birds in detail.

The birds that might be encountered include; Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Rufous-chested Fluff tail, Pink Footed and Northern Puff Back, Honey Guide, Red Tailed, Toro Olive, Slender Billed, Little, Sheilley’s, Little Grey, Cabani’s White Throated and Yellow Wiskered Greenbuls, Cameroon Sombre,  Elliots, Cardinal, Yellow Crested, Red Throated Allethe, Fine Banded woodpeckers, Red Faced Woodland Warbler, White Headed Wood Hopoe, Black-faced Woodland Warbler, Waller’s, Stulman’s and Narro Tailed Starlings, Banded and White Chinned Prinia, Black Bee Eater, Blue Throated Brown, Northern Double Collard, Blue Headed, Collard, Olive, Green, olive Bellied, Rwenzori Double Collard and Green Headed Sunbirds, Kivu Ground Thrush, Bar-tailed Trogon, African Broad Bill, Neumann’s Warbler, Red-chested Owlet, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher and Pale-breasted Illadopsis.

Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp (Upmarket/Luxury), Silverback Lodge (Midrange/Standard), or Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget/Basic).

Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 261km passing through the scenic hillsides of southwestern Uganda before making a lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara town.

After lunch, you will proceed to Lake Mburo for an evening bird walk along the Rwonyo area before retiring for overnight.

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Arcadia Cottages (Midrange/Standard) or Eagles Nest (Budget/Basic).

Day 15: Encounter Birds of Lake Mburo National Park

After an early morning breakfast, embark on the full-day search for birds in the Savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park.

Explore the park on foot following the respective trails in the company of an armed ranger to save you from attacks by wild animals. Explore the Miriti and Warukiri swamps, the Rubanga forest, and the salt lick.

The encounter offers you chances of spotting Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Brown-chested Lapwing, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-headed Lovebird, Ross’s Turaco, Brown Parrot, Green Wood-hoopoe, Common Scimitar bill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-faced Barbet, White-headed Barbet, Long-tailed Cisticola, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Finfoot, White-winged Tit, and Yellow-breasted Apalis among other birds. The boat ride on Lake Mburo in the afternoon exposes you to counts of Kingfishers and African fish Eagle.

Accommodation: You will have dinner and overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 16: Transfer to Kampala

After an early morning breakfast, take a bird walk in the park to encounter some of the birds that you might have missed on the previous days or have another encounter with the birds that were spotted on the previous walk. After this short walk, you will transfer back to Kampala.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket/Luxury), Cassia Lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget/Basic).

Day 17: Bird Mabamba Swamp

Transfer after an early breakfast to Mabamba Swamp which is about 50 km west of Kampala. On your way to the destination and at the destination, you will have opportunities of encountering White Shouldered Tit, Papyrus Gonolek, Red Cap, White Winged Warbler, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Weyns Weaver, and White Spotted Fluftail.

Mabamba swamp offers ideal encounters with the rare and endangered shoebill stork along with other species like Allen’s and Purple Gallinule, Jacanas, Grey herons, Ruffaus  Squaco, Purple and Goliath Heron, Bellied Heron, the Pallid Harrier which is globally threatened and migrant species of blue swallow, egrets, ducks among others.

The bird encounter is done on a canoe where you also have an opportunity of encountering the elusive Sitatunga Antelope. You will retire and transfer back to Kampala.

End of  The 17 Days Uganda Birding Safari & Primates