Overview
This comprehensive 24-day itinerary focuses on maximizing your bird photography opportunities across Uganda’s diverse landscapes, ensuring ample time for capturing stunning shots of its incredible avian and mammalian inhabitants.
From the wetlands of Mabamba Swamp, where the legendary Shoebill commands attention, to the ancient forests of Budongo and Kibale, alive with kingfishers, broadbills, and primates, each stop is chosen to balance bird diversity with photography potential. Savannah parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo add sweeping backdrops and dramatic lighting for photographing large raptors, waterbirds, and plains game.
Bird Photography: Detailed Itinerary with Cost
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Relaxation/Evening Birding in the Botanical Gardens.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Transfer to your lodge (approx. 15-30 min). Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation to shed jet lag. You’ll have time for shopping, cash exchange, and meeting your local guide (Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens). Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Entebbe Boma Hotel
Destination: Entebbe, Uganda
Birds: Grey Crowned Crane, Hamerkop, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Black-headed Heron, Long-toed Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Slender-billed Weaver, Orange Weaver, Red-chested Sunbird, Swamp Nightjar, African Marsh Harrier, Blue-headed Coucal, African Reed Warbler, Winding Cisticola, Rufous-bellied Heron, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Marabou Stork, Hadada Ibis, Sacred Ibis, Speckled Mousebird, African Thrush, Eastern Plantain-eater, Golden-backed Weaver
Mammals: Vervet Monkey, Black and White Colobus, Spotted-necked Otter.
Day 2: Shoebill Photography & Mabira Transfer
Early morning 4-hour Shoebill photography tour at Mabamba Swamp. Afternoon rest at the lodge. Transfer to Mabira Forest edge (approx. 2-3 hrs). Evening 3-hour bird photography around the lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Rainforest Lodge Mabira (No direct official website found, but this is a common booking site)
Destination: Mabamba Swamp
Birds: Shoebill, African Jacana, African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, Caruthers’s Cisticola, Palm-nut Vulture, Blue Swallow, Pallid Harrier, Black-headed Weaver, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Pigmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, Blue-headed Coucal, African Reed Warbler, Winding Cisticola, Rufous-bellied Heron, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Grey Crowned Crane, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Black-headed Heron, Long-toed Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Blue-breasted Kingfisher.
Mammals: Sitatunga, Spotted-necked Otter.
Day 3: Mabira Forest Birding
Morning (4+ hrs) and evening (3+ hrs) dedicated bird photography in Mabira Forest with a site guide. Afternoon rest at the lodge. Explore the rich forest diversity. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Rainforest Lodge Mabira
Destination: Mabira Forest
Birds: Grey Parrot, Nahan’s Francolin, Forest Wood Hoopoe, African Pied Hornbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Speckled Tinkerbird, Green-breasted Pitta, Dusky Tit, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Little Greenbul, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, Blue-throated Roller, African Emerald Cuckoo, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Green-backed Twinspot, Superb Sunbird, Shining Blue Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Black-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Green Pigeon, Afep Pigeon, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Western Green Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-faced Barbet, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Brown-backed Woodpecker.
Mammals: Red-tailed Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, Olive Baboon, Bushbuck, Duiker.
Day 4: Mabira & Transfer to Pian Upe
Morning (4+ hrs) birding in Mabira Forest. Afternoon transfer to Pian Upe Game Reserve (approx. 5-6 hrs). Settle in and enjoy an evening (3+ hrs) bird photography session in the park. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Karamoja Overland Camp
Destination: Pian Upe Game Reserve
Birds: Kori Bustard, Jackson’s Hornbill, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretarybird, Fox Kestrel, Pygmy Falcon, Stone Partridge, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Crested Francolin, White-bellied Bustard, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, Heuglin’s Courser, Red-winged Lark, Foxy Cisticola, Black-headed Plover, Crowned Plover, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Four-banded Sandgrouse, African Grey Tit, White-crested Turaco, Rufous-crowned Roller, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater, Superb Starling, Speckle-fronted Weaver, African Golden Oriole, Black-faced Waxbill, Common Ostrich, Abyssinian Roller, Rufous-crested Bustard, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill.
Mammals: Cheetah, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Common Eland, Zebra, Topi, Oribi, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Roan Antelope, Bright’s Gazelle, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Lesser Kudu, Uganda Kob, Buffalo.
Day 5: Pian Upe Game Drive Birding
Full day dedicated to birding game drives in Pian Upe National Reserve. Enjoy 4+ hours of morning photography and 3+ hours in the evening, capturing the unique dryland species. Afternoon rest. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Karamoja Overland Camp
Destination: Pian Upe Game Reserve
Birds: Karamoja Apalis, Ostriches, Kori Bustard, Jackson’s Hornbill, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretarybird, Fox Kestrel, Pygmy Falcon, Stone Partridge, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Crested Francolin, White-bellied Bustard, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, Heuglin’s Courser, Red-winged Lark, Foxy Cisticola, Black-headed Plover, Crowned Plover, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Four-banded Sandgrouse, African Grey Tit, White-crested Turaco, Rufous-crowned Roller, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater, Superb Starling, Speckle-fronted Weaver, African Golden Oriole, Black-faced Waxbill, Common Ostrich, Abyssinian Roller, Rufous-crested Bustard, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill.
Mammals: Cheetah, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Common Eland, Zebra, Topi, Oribi, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Roan Antelope, Bright’s Gazelle, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Lesser Kudu, Uganda Kob, Buffalo.
Day 6: Pian Upe & Transfer to Moroto
Morning (4+ hrs) birding in Pian Upe. Afternoon drive to Moroto (approx. 2-3 hrs). Settle in at your accommodation. Enjoy evening (3+ hrs) bird photography in the Moroto grasslands. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kara-Tunga
Destination: Moroto, Karamoja
Birds: White-bellied Go-away-bird, Purple Grenadier, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Green-winged Pytilia, Orange-winged Pytilia, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, African Grey Flycatcher, White-bellied Tit, Red-pate Cisticola, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Grey-capped Social Weaver, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Lesser Kestrel, Fox Kestrel, Pygmy Falcon, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Jackson’s Hornbill, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Crested Francolin, White-bellied Bustard, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, Heuglin’s Courser, Red-winged Lark, Foxy Cisticola, Black-headed Plover, Crowned Plover, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Four-banded Sandgrouse.
Mammals: Striped Hyena, Bat-eared Fox, Caracal, Lesser Kudu, Greater Kudu, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Oribi, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Klipspringer.
Day 7: Matheniko Game Reserve Birding
Full day birding at Matheniko Game Reserve. Enjoy 4+ hours of morning photography and 3+ hours in the evening, focusing on the arid and semi-arid species. Afternoon rest. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kara-Tunga
Destination: Matheniko Game Reserve
Birds: Common Ostrich, Abyssinian Roller, Rufous-crested Bustard, Jackson’s Hornbill, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill, Superb Starling, Golden-breasted Starling, Black-breasted Barbet, Pygmy Falcon, Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Karamoja Apalis, African Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Purple Grenadier, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Green-winged Pytilia, Orange-winged Pytilia, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, African Grey Flycatcher, White-bellied Tit, Red-pate Cisticola, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Grey-capped Social Weaver, Speckle-fronted Weaver, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Lesser Kestrel, Fox Kestrel, Stone Partridge, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Crested Francolin, White-bellied Bustard, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Temminck’s Courser.
Mammals: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, Leopard, Oribi, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Klipspringer, Striped Hyena, Bat-eared Fox, Caracal.
Day 8: Transfer to Kidepo & Lodge Birding
Drive while birding in the car to Kidepo Valley National Park (approx. 3-4 hrs). Arrive and settle in. Enjoy evening (3+ hrs) bird photography around the lodge, capturing resident species. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo
Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Birds: Common Ostrich, Abyssinian Roller, Rufous-crested Bustard, Jackson’s Hornbill, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill, Superb Starling, Golden-breasted Starling, Black-breasted Barbet, Pygmy Falcon, Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Karamoja Apalis, African Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Purple Grenadier, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Green-winged Pytilia, Orange-winged Pytilia, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, African Grey Flycatcher, White-bellied Tit, Red-pate Cisticola, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Grey-capped Social Weaver, Speckle-fronted Weaver, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Lesser Kestrel, Fox Kestrel, Stone Partridge, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Crested Francolin, White-bellied Bustard, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Temminck’s Courser.
Mammals: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, Leopard, Ostrich, Lesser Kudu, Greater Kudu, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Oribi, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Klipspringer, Striped Hyena, Bat-eared Fox, Caracal.
Day 9: Kidepo Game Drive Birding
Full day dedicated to game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park, with a strong focus on bird photography. Enjoy 4+ hours in the morning and 3+ hours in the evening. Afternoon rest. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo
Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Birds: Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, Red-throated Bee-eater, Standard-winged Nightjar, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Denham’s Bustard, Secretarybird, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Weaver birds, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, Black-billed Barbet, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, African Grey Hornbill, Vinaceous Dove, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Swamp Nightjar, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Marabou Stork, Hadada Ibis, Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican.
Mammals: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, Leopard, Ostrich, Lesser Kudu, Greater Kudu, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Oribi, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Klipspringer, Striped Hyena, Bat-eared Fox, Caracal.
Day 10: Kidepo & Transfer to Murchison Falls
Morning (4+ hrs) birding in Kidepo. Late morning transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (approx. 5-6 hrs). Settle in and enjoy evening (3+ hrs) bird photography around the lodge, capturing riverine and savannah species. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Murchison Falls Bamboo Village Lodge
Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Birds: Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, Red-throated Bee-eater, Standard-winged Nightjar, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Denham’s Bustard, Secretarybird, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Weaver birds, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, Black-billed Barbet, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, African Grey Hornbill, Vinaceous Dove, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Swamp Nightjar, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Marabou Stork, Hadada Ibis, Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican.
Mammals: Rothschild’s Giraffe, Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Hartebeest, Oribi, Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Chimpanzee (Budongo Forest).
Day 11: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Boat Trip
Morning (4+ hrs) game drive focusing on bird photography in Murchison Falls. Afternoon rest. Evening private boat trip (3+ hrs) to the bottom of the falls, excellent for waterbirds. Dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Murchison Falls Bamboo Village Lodge
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Birds: African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, African Skimmer, Red-throated Bee-eater, Standard-winged Nightjar, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Denham’s Bustard, Secretarybird, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, Black-billed Barbet, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, African Grey Hornbill, Vinaceous Dove, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Swamp Nightjar, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Marabou Stork, Hadada Ibis, Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Osprey, African Darter, Long-tailed Cormorant, White-breasted Cormorant, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, Squacco Heron, Rufous-backed Heron, Green-backed Heron.
Mammals: Rothschild’s Giraffe, Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Hartebeest, Oribi, Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Chimpanzee (Budongo Forest).
Day 12: Murchison & Transfer to Masindi
Morning (4+ hrs) birding drive in Murchison Falls. Afternoon transfer to Masindi (approx. 1-2 hrs). Enjoy a brief evening (3+ hrs) bird photography session in the grassland at the edge of Budongo Forest. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Masindi Hotel
Destination: Masindi, Uganda
Birds: Puvel’s Illadopsis, Ituri Batis, Nahan’s Francolin, White-thighed Hornbill, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Grey-headed Sunbird, Crested Guinea Fowl, Dusky Tit, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Little Greenbul, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, Blue-throated Roller, African Emerald Cuckoo, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Green-backed Twinspot, Superb Sunbird, Shining Blue Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Black-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Pied Hornbill, Forest Wood Hoopoe, Yellow-billed Barbet, Speckled Tinkerbird, Green-breasted Pitta, Northern White-faced Owl, African Scops Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, African Barred Owlet, African Wood Owl, Rufous-backed Night-Heron, White-backed Night-Heron, Little Bittern, Dwarf Bittern, Great Bittern, Green-backed Heron, Squacco Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Black-headed Heron, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Grey Heron.
Mammals: Chimpanzee, Olive Baboon, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Black-and-white Colobus, Bushbuck, Duiker, Giant Forest Hog.
Day 13: Masindi Forest Edge Birding
Morning (4+ hrs) bird photography at the edge of the forest in the grassland. Afternoon rest. Evening (3+ hrs) bird photography deeper in Budongo Forest, targeting forest specialists. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Masindi Hotel
Destination: Budongo Forest
Birds: Puvel’s Illadopsis, Ituri Batis, Nahan’s Francolin, White-thighed Hornbill, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Grey-headed Sunbird, Crested Guinea Fowl, Dusky Tit, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Little Greenbul, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, Blue-throated Roller, African Emerald Cuckoo, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Green-backed Twinspot, Superb Sunbird, Shining Blue Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Black-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Pied Hornbill, Forest Wood Hoopoe, Yellow-billed Barbet, Speckled Tinkerbird, Green-breasted Pitta, Northern White-faced Owl, African Scops Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, African Barred Owlet, African Wood Owl, Rufous-backed Night-Heron, White-backed Night-Heron, Little Bittern, Dwarf Bittern, Great Bittern, Green-backed Heron, Squacco Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Black-headed Heron, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Grey Heron.
Mammals: Chimpanzee, Olive Baboon, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Black-and-white Colobus, Bushbuck, Duiker, Giant Forest Hog.
Day 14: Transfer to Kibale & Lodge Birding
Morning (4+ hrs) birding drive towards Kibale Forest (approx. 5-6 hrs). Arrive and settle in. Enjoy evening (3+ hrs) bird photography around the lodge and Lake Rweteera. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Destination: Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Rweteera
Birds: Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Crowned Eagle, Western Nicator, White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Joyful Greenbul, Toro Olive Greenbul, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Great Blue Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Red-chested Owlet, African Wood Owl, Narina Trogon, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Dwarf Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Grey-winged Robin-chat, Scaly Francolin, Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Broadbill, Green-throated Sunbird, Superb Sunbird, African Green Pigeon, Afep Pigeon, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Western Green Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-faced Barbet, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Brown-backed Woodpecker.
Mammals: Chimpanzee, Red Colobus, Black-and-white Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Olive Baboon, Bushbuck, Sitatunga (Bigodi).
Day 15: Green-breasted Pitta & Bigodi Swamp
Early morning 4+ hours for African Green-breasted Pitta photography in Kibale. Afternoon rest. Evening (3+ hrs) birding photography at Bigodi Swamp Sanctuary. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Destination: Bigodi Swamp Sanctuary
Birds: Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Crowned Eagle, Western Nicator, White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Joyful Greenbul, Toro Olive Greenbul, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Great Blue Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Red-chested Owlet, African Wood Owl, Narina Trogon, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Dwarf Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Grey-winged Robin-chat, Scaly Francolin, Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Broadbill, Green-throated Sunbird, Superb Sunbird, African Green Pigeon, Afep Pigeon, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Western Green Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-faced Barbet, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Brown-backed Woodpecker.
Mammals: Chimpanzee, Red Colobus, Black-and-white Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Olive Baboon, Bushbuck, Sitatunga.
Day 16: Semuliki Valley National Park
Spend the whole day (4+ hrs morning, 3+ hrs evening) birding and photography in Semuliki Valley National Park. Afternoon rest. Focus on Congo-biome species. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Semliki Lodge
Destination: Semuliki Valley National Park
Birds: Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black-wattled Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Eastern Bearded Greenbul, Sassi’s Olive Greenbul, Rufous-sided Broadbill, African Piculet, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Crested Malimbe, Red-bellied Malimbe, Blue-billed Malimbe, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Dwarf Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Shining Blue Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-crested Hornbill, Black-casqued Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Leaf-love, Greenbul, Forest Robin, Red-tailed Ant-thrush, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Lemon-bellied Crombec, African Broadbill, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, African Dwarf Kingfisher, White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black-wattled Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throthroated Nicator.
Mammals: Forest Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Pygmy Antelope, Water Chevrotain, Target Rat, Central African Red Colobus, De Brazza’s Monkey, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Blue Monkey, Olive Baboon, Chimpanzee.
Day 17: Queen Elizabeth NP Game Drive & Boat Trip
Early morning 4+ hours game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon rest. Evening (3+ hrs) boat trip at Kazinga Channel for waterbird photography. Dinner and overnight. (Accommodation implied as part of tour, not specified by user for this night.)
Accommodation: (Implied, no specific lodge to link)
Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel
Birds: African Skimmer, Grey-capped Warbler, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, African Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Yellow-billed Stork, Marabou Stork, African Spoonbill, Black-headed Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, Grey-headed Kingfisher, African Finfoot, White-winged Terns, African Wattled Lapwing, Spur-winged Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, African Spoonbill, Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, Grey Crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, African Jacana, Long-tailed Cormorant, White-breasted Cormorant, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, Squacco Heron, Rufous-backed Heron, Green-backed Heron, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Marabou Stork, Hadada Ibis, Sacred Ibis, Glossy Ibis, African Spoonbill, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, African Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Red-billed Duck, Hottentot Teal, Cape Teal, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Pintail, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Maccoa Duck, Knob-billed Duck.
Mammals: Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Topi, Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Giant Forest Hog, Warthog, Bushbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Common Eland, Bush Pig, Side-striped Jackal.
Day 18: Transfer to Ishasha & Lodge Birding
Birding in the car while driving to Ishasha (approx. 2-3 hrs). Afternoon rest. Enjoy evening (3+ hrs) bird photography around the lodge in Buhoma section. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman
Destination: Ishasha Sector, Queen Elizabeth NP, Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Birds: African Cuckoo-Hawk, African Crowned Eagle, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, African Fish Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, African Scops Owl, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Woodland Kingfisher, Striped Kingfisher, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Grey Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, African Pied Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Spot-flanked Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, Black-billed Barbet, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Grey-throated Barbet, Lesser Honeyguide, Greater Honeyguide, Wahlberg’s Honeyguide, African Emerald Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Didric Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Great Spotted Cuckoo.
Mammals: Tree-climbing Lions, Topi, Uganda Kob, Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Hyena, Warthog, Bushbuck, Waterbuck.
Day 19: Bwindi Birding - Buhoma Section
Full day dedicated to bird photography in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Buhoma Section. Enjoy 4+ hours in the morning and 3+ hours in the evening. Afternoon rest. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Buhoma
Birds: African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Lühder’s Bushshrike, Many-colored Bushshrike, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Didric Cuckoo, African Wood Owl, Fraser’s Eagle Owl, African Scops Owl, Rwenzori Nightjar, Montane Nightjar, Black-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, African Broadbill, Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, African Green Pigeon, Afep Pigeon, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Western Green Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-faced Barbet, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Brown-backed Woodpecker, African Piculet, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Black-bellied Seedcracker, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Red-faced Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, African Golden-breasted Bunting, Oriole Finch, Mountain Illadopsis, Ruwenzori Apalis, White-browed Crombec, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-bellied Robin-chat, Archer’s Robin-chat, Equatorial Akalat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Cisticola, Chubb’s Cisticola, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Black Bee-eater, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Crowned Hornbill, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet.
Mammals: Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Black-and-white Colobus, Bushbuck, Duiker, Giant Forest Hog.
Day 20: Bwindi Buhoma to Ruhija
Morning (4+ hrs) birding around the lodge in Buhoma. Afternoon transfer to Ruhija through “The Neck” (approx. 2-3 hrs), birding en route from the car. Evening (3+ hrs) bird photography at the school trail. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Ruhija
Birds: African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Lühder’s Bushshrike, Many-colored Bushshrike, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Didric Cuckoo, African Wood Owl, Fraser’s Eagle Owl, African Scops Owl, Rwenzori Nightjar, Montane Nightjar, Black-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, African Broadbill, Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, African Green Pigeon, Afep Pigeon, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Western Green Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-faced Barbet, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Brown-backed Woodpecker, African Piculet, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Black-bellied Seedcracker, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Red-faced Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, African Golden-breasted Bunting, Oriole Finch, Mountain Illadopsis, Ruwenzori Apalis, White-browed Crombec, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-bellied Robin-chat, Archer’s Robin-chat, Equatorial Akalat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Cisticola, Chubb’s Cisticola, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Black Bee-eater, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Crowned Hornbill, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet.
Mammals: Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Black-and-white Colobus, Bushbuck, Duiker, Giant Forest Hog.
Day 21: Bwindi Birding - Ruhija Section
Full day dedicated to bird photography in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Ruhija Section. Enjoy 4+ hours in the morning and 3+ hours in the evening. Afternoon rest. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Ruhija
Birds: African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Lühder’s Bushshrike, Many-colored Bushshrike, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Didric Cuckoo, African Wood Owl, Fraser’s Eagle Owl, African Scops Owl, Rwenzori Nightjar, Montane Nightjar, Black-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, African Broadbill, Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, African Green Pigeon, Afep Pigeon, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Western Green Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-faced Barbet, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Brown-backed Woodpecker, African Piculet, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Black-bellied Seedcracker, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Red-faced Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, African Golden-breasted Bunting, Oriole Finch, Mountain Illadopsis, Ruwenzori Apalis, White-browed Crombec, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-bellied Robin-chat, Archer’s Robin-chat, Equatorial Akalat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Cisticola, Chubb’s Cisticola, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Black Bee-eater, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Crowned Hornbill, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet.
Mammals: Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Black-and-white Colobus, Bushbuck, Duiker, Giant Forest Hog.
Day 22: Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Mburo
Morning (4+ hrs) birding in Bwindi. Afternoon transfer to Lake Mburo National Park (approx. 4-5 hrs). Settle in and enjoy an evening (3+ hrs) bird walk in the park. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Hyena Hill
Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
Birds: African Finfoot, White-backed Heron, African Marsh Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Red-faced Barbet, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-headed Lovebird, Black-collared Barbet, Green Wood Hoopoe, African Grey Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, White-winged Terns, Grey Crowned Crane, Rufous-naped Lark, African Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Common Fiscal, Black-lored Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Northern Crombec, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, African Paradise Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Grey-headed Batis, African Golden Oriole, Black-headed Oriole, African Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Common Waxbill, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, Green-winged Pytilia, Orange-winged Pytilia, African Quailfinch, Zebra Waxbill, Bronze Mannikin, Black-and-white Mannikin, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Red-billed Firefinch, African Firefinch, Jameson’s Firefinch, Village Weaver, Black-headed Weaver, Spectacled Weaver, Lesser Masked Weaver, Slender-billed Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver, Compact Weaver, Grosbeak Weaver, Red-billed Quelea, Yellow-backed Weaver, Pin-tailed Whydah, Eastern Paradise Whydah, African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk, Black Kite, Yellow-billed Kite, African Goshawk, Shikra, Little Sparrowhawk, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, African Hawk-Eagle, Booted Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, African White-backed Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Ruppell’s Vulture, Egyptian Vulture.
Mammals: Zebra, Eland, Impala, Topi, Buffalo, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Olive Baboon, Vervet Monkey.
Day 23: Lake Mburo Birding Game Drive
Morning (4+ hrs) birding game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon rest. Optional evening boat trip on Lake Mburo for waterbird photography (3+ hrs). Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Hyena Hill
Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
Birds: African Finfoot, White-backed Heron, African Marsh Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Red-faced Barbet, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-headed Lovebird, Black-collared Barbet, Green Wood Hoopoe, African Grey Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, White-winged Terns, Grey Crowned Crane, Rufous-naped Lark, African Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Common Fiscal, Black-lored Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Northern Crombec, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, African Paradise Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Grey-headed Batis, African Golden Oriole, Black-headed Oriole, African Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Common Waxbill, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, Green-winged Pytilia, Orange-winged Pytilia, African Quailfinch, Zebra Waxbill, Bronze Mannikin, Black-and-white Mannikin, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Red-billed Firefinch, African Firefinch, Jameson’s Firefinch, Village Weaver, Black-headed Weaver, Spectacled Weaver, Lesser Masked Weaver, Slender-billed Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver, Compact Weaver, Grosbeak Weaver, Red-billed Quelea, Yellow-backed Weaver, Pin-tailed Whydah, Eastern Paradise Whydah, African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk, Black Kite, Yellow-billed Kite, African Goshawk, Shikra, Little Sparrowhawk, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, African Hawk-Eagle, Booted Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, African White-backed Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Ruppell’s Vulture, Egyptian Vulture.
Mammals: Zebra, Eland, Impala, Topi, Buffalo, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Hippopotamus, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Olive Baboon, Vervet Monkey.
Day 24: Lake Mburo & Departure
Morning (4+ hrs) birding in Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon transfer back to Entebbe (approx. 3-4 hrs) for your return flight home. (Depending on the time of your flight, but there’s opportunity to do several roadside stops to watch a bird)
Accommodation: N/A (Possibly an optional day use room per two people)
Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Birds: (Already covered in previous days)
Mammals: (Already covered in previous days)
