The definitive birding adventure across Uganda's most biodiverse habitats. From the Congo Basin forests of Semuliki — the true birders' haven — to the papyrus swamps of Mabamba, the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth, and the Albertine Rift forests of Bwindi, this comprehensive expedition targets 400+ species including dozens of Albertine Rift endemics found nowhere else on earth.
Semuliki National Park alone hosts over 440 bird species in its ancient Ituri forest, including Congo Basin specials like the Nkulengu Rail, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa.
Arrive Entebbe. Afternoon birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens — excellent introduction to Uganda's birds including Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, and various sunbirds and weavers.
Accommodation: Entebbe
Pre-dawn departure for Mabamba Bay Wetland. Canoe through papyrus channels searching for the iconic Shoebill stork, plus Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, and Lesser Jacana. Afternoon drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
Accommodation: Murchison Falls area
Full day birding in Murchison Falls National Park — 451 recorded species including the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary Bird, Red-throated Bee-eater, and Pel's Fishing Owl. Morning game drive on the northern bank and afternoon Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls.
Accommodation: Murchison Falls area
Drive south to Budongo Forest Reserve for specialist forest birding. Target the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Ituri Batis, and Puvel's Illadopsis. Continue to Fort Portal in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Fort Portal
Full day in Semuliki National Park — the true birders' haven. This ancient Congo Basin forest survived the last ice age and hosts Central African species found nowhere else in East Africa. Target the Black-wattled Hornbill, Congo Serpent Eagle, and Lyre-tailed Honeyguide.
Accommodation: Semuliki area
Morning birding in Kibale Forest National Park — the world's primate capital with excellent forest birding. Look for the Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, and various cuckoos. Afternoon transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth birding — Kasenyi plains, Maramagambo Forest, and Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Over 600 species recorded here including African Skimmer, Palm-nut Vulture, and various kingfishers and bee-eaters.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector. En route birding for savannah and forest edge species. Afternoon arrival and short forest walk near the lodge.
Accommodation: Bwindi area
Full day Albertine Rift endemic birding in Bwindi. Trek the Mubwindi Swamp trail or bamboo zone at Rwamunyonyi Peak (2,607m) for the African Green Broadbill, Grauer's Rush Warbler, Shelley's Crimsonwing, and Short-tailed Warbler.
Accommodation: Bwindi area
Final morning birding session, then drive to Entebbe via scenic routes with birding stops. Arrive for your evening departure flight. End of expedition.
Recommended gear: Binoculars (8x42 minimum), field guide, rain jacket, sturdy boots, and a birding checklist. Our expert guides carry spotting scopes.