12 days Uganda Birding Safari
12 days Uganda Birding Safari: Birding in Eastern and Northern Uganda offers a unique and diverse experience for birdwatchers, thanks to the country’s rich avian diversity and variety of habitats with different bird species. The eastern region is home to several key birding sites, including the Mount Elgon National Park and the Sipi Falls area. These locations offer a chance to see species like the endangered Fox’s Weaver, which is endemic to Uganda, and other birds such as the African Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, and Baglafecht Weaver. Moving north, the Kidepo Valley National Park stands out as a premier birding destination in Uganda. It’s known for its semi-arid climate and savannah landscapes, which are home to a variety of birds including the Karamoja Apalis, which is found only in this part of Uganda, and the Ostrich, Africa’s largest bird. Also, Murchison Falls National Park is a Birder’s paradise located in northern Uganda with a variety of avian species and a popular birding destination in Uganda.
Across these regions, birders can encounter over 1,000 species, including the Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, and various types of Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, and Sunbirds. The diversity is attributed to Uganda’s transitional location between the East African savanna, the West African rainforest, and the semi-desert of the north. Fox’s Weaver: Endemic to Uganda and a must-see for bird enthusiasts, Ruwenzori Double-Collared Sunbird: Another endemic species, offering a glimpse into the unique avian life of the region, Shoebill: A prehistoric-looking bird that is often a top target for birdwatchers in Uganda. The best time to visit for birding is during the dry seasons, which run from December to February and June to August. This is when birds are most active and visible. Conservation Efforts: Birding tourism in Uganda plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, providing vital income to protect habitats and species. By participating in birding safaris, visitors contribute to the preservation of these incredible birds for future generations. With its vast array of bird species and stunning natural landscapes, Eastern and Northern Uganda are truly a birder’s paradise, offering an unforgettable experience for both novice and experienced birdwatchers alike.
Safari Highlights of the 12 days Eastern and Northern Uganda Birding Safari
Day1: Arrival- Birding Botanical Gardens
Day2: Birding to Mabira Forest
Day3: Birding Mabira Forest—Transfer to Mt Elgon
Day4: Birding Elgon and the environs
Day5: Birding to Pian Upe
Day6: Birding Pian Upe and transfer to Moroto at Karatunga Safari Camp
Day7: Birding Moroto and the environs
Day8: Birding to Kidepo (Savannah Lodge)
Day9: Birding Kidepo
Day10: Birding to Murchison Falls
Day11: Birding Murchison Falls
Day12: Transfer to Entebbe via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Detailed Itinerary
Day1: Arrival for the 12 days Eastern and Northern Uganda Birding Safari- Birding Botanical Gardens
At the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, early arrivals will be acclimatised to birdwatching in Uganda. This is an amazing birding destination in Uganda.They can anticipate seeing the nearly Lake Victoria endemic Orange Weaver, Village, Golden Backed, Northern-brown Throated, Slender-billed, Grosbeak, Black-necked, and Black-headed Weaver, as well as a variety of sunbirds, The following birds reside here: the seasonal Eurasian, the seasonal and migrating White-throated and Blue-checked Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Duck, Wood, Common and Green Sandpiper, Black Crake, Black-and-white Casqued, African Pied and Crowned Hornbill, Africa and Red-billed Firefinch, Little Stint, Green-throated, Mariqua, Red-chested, Collared, Scarlet-chested, Bronze, Olive and Olive-bellied Sunbird, Pink-backed Pelican, Vieillot’s Black, African Jacana, Yellow-billed and African Open-billed Stork, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Emerald, Red-chested Klaas’s and Diederik Cuckoo, African Pygmy, Pied, Woodland, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, among others.
Day2: Birding to Mabira Forest
After an early breakfast, we shall transfer to Mabira Forest. Mabira Forest Reserve, the largest remaining block of wet semideciduous forest in Uganda near Kampala, is one of the greatest places to go birding because it is home to many species that are rare in the highly industrialised and populated towns of Jinja and Kampala. We are keeping an eye out for the Cassin’s Hawk Eagle on our birding excursion today, and there have been reports of Nahan’s Francolins in the forest. Olive-green Cameroptera, Red-capped, Blue Shouldered, and Snowy-crowned woodpeckers; Yellow-rumped, Yellow-throated, and Speckled Tinkerbird; Brown-eared, Buff-spotted, and Yellow Crested Woodpecker; Yellow-eared, Grey-throated, and Hairy-Beared Barbet; Grey and Yellow Longbill; and Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike
The quiet, ground-dwelling dark brown robin-chat Chestnut and Jameson’s Alethe, Brown-chested Alethe and its counterpart, Fire-Crested Alethe, Chestnut and Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Little-green, the gorgeous greenish yellow banded Weyns’s Weaver, Yellow Mantled Weaver, Green-throated, Green, Orange Tufted and Superb Sunbird, Narina Trogon, the white-less winged Forest Wood-hoopoe, Blue-throated Roller, the large-tailed almost spineless Cassine’s Spinetail, Sabine’s and Mottled Spinel are all found here, Black Bellied Seed-cracker and the Blue-headed Blue-bill, Dwarf, Blue Breasted, and Shining-blue Kingfisher frequent the aquatic areas within Mabira Forest. Spend the evening and night at Papyrus Guest House.
Day3: Birding Mabira Forest- Transfer to Mt Elgon
After early morning breakfast, you shall once again enter the Mabira Forest Reserve looking for more forest bird species in the area which is one of the best birding destination in Uganda while on our 12 days Eastern and Northern Uganda Birding Safari. Today, Keep an eye out for the magnificent Blue Turaco, the stunning African Pied Hornbill and the majestic African Crowned Eagle soaring high above the canopy among others. We shall have lunch and transfer to Mountain Elgon National Park. Along the way, keep an eye out for the Black-shouldered Kite often seen perched on trees or hovering, the Lammergeyer which is an impressive vulture often seen soaring above the landscape, Black-collared Apalis, and Jackson’s Francolin and others. You shall be transferred to the lodge (Lakam Lodge) for dinner and overnight.
Day4: Birding Elgon and the environs
After an early breakfast, Arrive at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center at 6 am, near the park headquarters. Begin with a guided nature walk through the montane forest to spot birds like the African Blue Flycatcher, Chubb’s Cisticola, and the White-chinned Prinia. We shall visit the Chebonet Falls and Bamboo Zone in the midmorning which is a rewarding birding destination in Uganda. Look for species such as the Lammergeier and Mackinnon’s Shrike in the bamboo zone.
We shall have a lunch break involving a Picnic at the Forest. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the forest’s natural beauty, listening to the calls of the African Crowned Eagle and the Black-collared Apalis. In the afternoon, we shall go birding along the Sipi Falls Trail. Explore the Sipi Falls Trail. Target birds like Jackson’s Francolin, Tacazze Sunbird, and Luhder’s Bush-shrike. We shall later go birding on the lower slopes and farmland areas. Descend to the lower slopes and farmland areas searching for the Baglafecht Weaver, Crowned Hornbill, and the Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon. You shall return to the Lodge (Lakam Lodge) for overnight and dinner.
Day5: Birding to Pian Upe
We shall wake up for an early morning breakfast and then transfer to Pian Upe Game Reserve while birding. Along the way, expect to see different bird species such as the Superb Starlings and the Jackson’s Hornbill usually recognised by its curved bill. On arrival, you shall be transferred to your lodge as you prepare for an evening birding excursion at Pian Upe Game Reserve. Expect to see the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary birds, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Fawn Coloured Lark, and Abyssinian Scimitarbill among others. You should also keep an eye out for the intricate nests of the Fox’s Weavers. You will be returned to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight at UWA bandas.
Day6: Birding Pian Upe and transfer to Moroto at Karatunga Safari Camp
On our 12-day birding safari through Eastern and Northern Uganda, today is particularly remarkable as we go and discover the birding paradise that receives the least amount of traffic. Not to mention the roan antelope and cheetah, the virgin grasslands and woodland environments have produced an extraordinarily inviting habitat for dry country bird species and rare creatures. The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is home to a variety of birds of prey, including the Secretary Bird, Four Banded Sandgrouse, Quail-plover, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Fawn-colored Lark, small and neat Abyssinian Scimitarbill, and Fox’s Weaver.
The reserve is dotted with Red acacia and Bush willows with Harrisonia abyssinica, and the skies which provide an excellent habitat for many of these birds of prey. Being the sole indigenous species to Uganda, the Fox’s Weaver has many nests on the main road trails and will enhance our birding experience, making Pian Upe one of the best places to go birding in the nation. Since they are breeding in February and March, it’s practically a must-see. A few of the rare species that can be seen in this reserve, which is connected to Kidepo Valley National Park, are Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Red-fronted Warbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Wailing Cisticola, Pygmy Sunbird, Yellow-billed Shrike, Hunter’s and Beautiful Sunbird, and the nearly endemic and uncommon Karamoja Apalis. We shall transfer to Moroto at Karatunga Safari Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day7: Birding Moroto and the environs
After early morning breakfast, we shall set off and arrive at the base of Moroto Mountain. You will begin birding at dawn to catch early risers like the Red-fronted Barbet, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, and White-browed Sparrow-Weaver. We shall then visit the Napak Rock Paintings Area at 9:00 am. Look for species such as the African Grey Flycatcher, Speckle-fronted Weaver, and Yellow-billed Shrike. We shall have a Lunch Break involving a Picnic at Moroto Forest Reserve.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at Moroto Forest Reserve. While resting, keep an eye out for the Abyssinian Roller, Turkestan Shrike, and Rufous Chatterer. We shall then explore Loporokocho Swamp. Target water-associated bird species like the African Jacana, Common Moorhen, and Woodland Kingfisher. In the late afternoon, we shall go birding in the Savannah Area. Birdwatch in the savannah areas surrounding Moroto. Search for the Karamoja Apalis, Fox’s Weaver, and Yellow-necked Spurfowl. You will be transferred back to the lodge( Karatunga Safari Camp) for dinner and overnight.
Day8: Birding to Kidepo (Savannah Lodge)
Depart from Moroto (starting point: Karatunga Safari Camp). Enjoy the scenic drive through the semi-arid landscapes. Birdwatching Along the Way is a must. Keep an eye out for bird species such as the Red-fronted Barbet, Black-breasted Barbet, and Vinaceous Dove. Observe the unique flora and fauna of the region. we shall have a lunch break involving a Picnic with a View. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the savannah surroundings.
Look out for raptors like the Pygmy Falcon and African Swallow-tailed Kite. Arrive at Kidepo Savannah Lodge. Check-in and settle into your chosen accommodation (safari tent or non-self-contained tent). In the late afternoon, we shall carry out birding at the Lodge. Explore the lodge’s surroundings. Spot birds like the Superb Starling, Rose-ringed Parakeet, and White-bellied Buffalo Weaver. In the evening, you shall Enjoy sunset views over the expansive Narus Valley. Relax at the lodge’s restaurant and bar area.
Day9: Birding Kidepo Valley National Park on our 12 days Eastern and Northern Uganda Birding Safari
After an early morning breakfast, we shall start at Apoka Rest Camp in Kidepo a rewarding birding destination in Uganda at 6 am. Look for the Ostrich, Kori Bustard, and Pygmy Falcon as the sun rises. By mid-morning, we shall explore the Narus Valley. Spot the Abyssinian Roller, Red-throated Bee-eater, and Black-breasted Barbet. We shall lunch break involving a picnic with a view. Enjoy a picnic lunch while observing the African Jacana and Senegal Coucal near the wetlands. Head to Namamukweny Valley.
Search for bird species like the White-bellied Go-away Bird, Eastern Plantain-Eater, and Superb Starling. In the late afternoon, we shall enjoy birding along the Kidepo River. Walk along the dry Kidepo River bed. Keep an eye out for the Yellow-billed Shrike, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and Fox Kestrel. we shall furthermore enjoy Sunset Birding at Apoka in the evening. Final chances to see the African Grey Flycatcher, Steel-blue Whydah, and Rufous Chatterer. You shall be transferred back to your lodge for dinner and accommodation. Dinner and overnight at Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day10: Birding to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, Start your journey from Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park a popular birding destination in Uganda. Enjoy the scenic drive as you leave the remote beauty of Kidepo behind. Keep your binoculars handy! Look out for bird species such as the Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Speckle-fronted Weaver, and Gray-crowned Crested Crane along the route. Stop for a picnic lunch amidst Uganda’s picturesque landscapes. Observe raptors like the Martial Eagle and Malachite Kingfisher while you dine. Reach Murchison Falls National Park. Check-in at your chosen accommodation (lodge or campsite). Explore the area around the Nile River. Spot water-loving birds like the African Jacana, Saddle-billed Stork, and Pied Kingfisher. In the evening, enjoy sunset views over the Nile. Reflect on the day’s birding adventures and relax at your lodge on this 12 days Eastern and Northern Uganda Birding Safari. Dinner and overnight at Sambiya Lodge
Day11: Birding Murchison Falls
After Breakfast, you will embark on the morning boat cruise. The boat journeys to the base of the falls and, if time permits, the delta area will surely be the highlights of the tour; naturally, while at the delta, everyone’s thoughts will be focused on the Shoebill. You may get amazing vistas and photo opportunities with this amazing bird at this birding destination in Uganda. Other birds that can be seen are the Red-throated and Northern Carmine Bee-eater.
Mammals that can be seen include the Rothschild’s Giraffe, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Waterbuck, and many more. Watch out for the following bird species: Heuglin’s Falcon, Senegal Thick-knee, Rock Pratincole, Giant, Woodland, Grey-Headed, Malachite, Pygmy, and Striped Kingfishers; Saddle-billed, Yellow Billed, and African Open Billed Storks. Abyssinian Rollers, the enormous Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Black Winged and Northern Red Bishops, Black Billed Barbet, Northern and Red Faced Barbet, Swallow-tailed, Blue-breasted, and Northern Carmine Bee-eater are among the animals we keep an eye out for on the game drive. Lately, sightings of the Southern Carmine Bee-eater and Dickinson’s Kestrel have also been reported. Today, the primate to watch out for is the Patas Monkey. Today is a great day for a night drive, during which you should look for nocturnal animals and birds. You will be transferred to Sambiya Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay as we enjoy our 12 days Eastern and Northern Uganda Birding Safari.
Day12: Transfer to Entebbe via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
In the morning after breakfast, start your journey from Murchison Falls National Park a popular birding destination in Uganda. Enjoy the drive through the park, observing bird species like the African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, and African Skimmer along the Nile. By mid-morning, arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Begin your birdwatching adventure while searching for the Shoebill Stork, White-crested Turaco, and African Pied Hornbill. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the sanctuary’s natural beauty. Spot other wildlife like the Uganda Kob, the rare white rhino and Oribi. Resume your journey towards Entebbe. Keep an eye out for birds like the Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Palm-nut Vulture. Check-in at your chosen accommodation or proceed to the airport for departure as we end the 12 days Eastern and Northern Uganda Birding Safari