Arrive in Uganda for the ultimate best of Uganda's birding safari experience.

As you touch down at Entebbe International Airport, a warm welcome awaits from a dedicated RORENA Tours and Safaris representative, marking the commencement of your captivating Uganda birding expedition. This seamless transition sees you whisked away to your comfortable accommodation in Entebbe.

Should your arrival align with the morning hours, an enticing prospect arises a chance to explore the avian wonders of the Botanical Gardens in Entebbe. This verdant haven promises a delightful introduction to the rich birdlife of Uganda. Alternatively, if your journey brings you in later, settle into your chosen lodging and anticipate the exciting start of your Uganda birding escapade the following day.

Embark on a journey that pairs the expertise of RORENA Tours and Safaris with the diverse avifauna of Uganda, promising an unforgettable adventure tailored to your schedule.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

Commence your day with a satisfying breakfast before embarking on a captivating expedition to the Mabamba Swamp Wetland, nestled in the scenic Kasanje region on the outskirts of Lake Victoria. This pristine ecosystem offers an exceptional opportunity to witness nature's wonders up close.

At Mabamba Swamp, an exhilarating experience awaits as you board a motorised canoe accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Your mission: to encounter the awe-inspiring Shoebill, a magnificent bird renowned for its distinctive presence among the marshes. Observe in awe as the Shoebill stands poised, ready to strike while hunting, or gracefully takes to the sky above the lush papyrus plants.

As you navigate this rich wetland, you'll also be treated to a spectacle of diverse waterfowl. Watch for the enchanting African Jacana, the graceful White-winged Terns, the vibrant African Purple Swamphen, the stately Purple Heron, and the resplendent Blue-breasted Bee-eater. The symphony of avian life continues with sightings of the Pied Kingfisher, the resplendent Malachite Kingfisher, the melodious Winding Cisticola, the vibrant Red-billed Fire-finch, and the charming White-faced Whistling Duck.

Marvel at the Long-toed Lapwing and the striking African Pied Wagtail while the elegant Saddle-billed Stork and the lively Cape Wagtail capture your attention. Witness the mesmerising display of the Fan-tailed Widowbird and the captivating Yellow-billed Duck. The ethereal Long-toed Plover, the iconic African Fish Eagle, and the majestic African Marsh Harrier further enhance this avian tapestry.

Concluding your exploration is the delightful Swamp Flycatcher, among other remarkable species that grace this wetland sanctuary. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary ecosystem, where every moment promises a discovery. After this enriching adventure, relish a well-deserved rest at your lodge, brimming with memories of your avian encounters amidst the splendours of Mabamba Swamp Wetland.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We headed out to Mabira Forest, where we planned to search for some amazing species the whole day. As the only Forest reserve located within the central area of the country, Mabira Forest provides a rather easy opportunity for sighting several “difficult” forest species located in different parts of the country, such as the Tit Hylia, Nahan’s Francolin, Lowland Sooty Boubou as well as other species like the Shinning Blue Kingfisher among many more. The relatively flat terrain of the area makes movement easy, thus aiding with the experience one has whilst birding in the forest. We shall continue East to Jinja for an overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We drive through towns and communities to Mount Elgon at a higher elevation. Mount Elgon is one of the few volcanic mountains within the country. This has provided the vibrant growth of the forest that is inhabited by a multitude of species including the Abyssinian Ground Thrush. Stay in Mbale

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We hike the mount through the forest as we hopefully try to acquire sightings of species like Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, White-bellied Tit,

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We transfer from the forest of Mount Elgon to the wooded grasslands of Pian Upe. The change in elevation and habitat provides for quite scenic views. Pain Upe is the largest Wildlife Reserve in the country and is home to many wildlife species, especially birds, which include the only country endemic species, Fox’s Weaver.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

The hunt for the Fox’s Weaver has us journey through the park as we also search for other interesting birds like the Rufous Chatterer, Northern Brownbul, Stone Partridge, Purple-banded Sunbird, 32 Days Best of Uganda birding Safari, African Golden Oriole, among many others.

Location: Pian Upe Game Reserve

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We shall do some birding through the park as we transfer to Matheniko Wildlife Reserve in Moroto. We intend to try and get some other sightings along the journey

Location: Pian Upe Game Reserve

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Africana Hotel Moroto / Medium: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp /

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

The plan is to spend the whole day moving through Matheniko-Bokora Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is home to various species, such as the White-headed, Red-billed and White-billed Buffalo Weavers and Purple Grenadier.

Location: Pian Upe Game Reserve

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Africana Hotel Moroto / Medium: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We will transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park after breakfast. We shall drive through Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, as this stretch provides fascinating scenery, and we will hopefully pick up any species we might have missed out on the previous day. Kidepo Valley National Park is the least explored of all parks in the country, which also provides for more popular bird activity with its count reaching 480 species, making it second to Queen Elizabeth National Park amongst all the protected areas in the country.

Location: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge / Medium: Adere Safari Lodge Kidepo

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

The park has two main areas, and the plan is to give each area appropriate time. The first will have us explore the Narus Valley, and then the Kidepo Valley on the next. Both valleys are fantastic spots for an exceptional birding experience, providing opportunities for the Secretary bird, Fox Kestrel, Stone Partridge, Rick-necked Francolin, White-bellied and Hartlaub’s Bustards, among others.

Location: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge / Medium: Adere Safari Lodge Kidepo

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

After breakfast, we will drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. It protects a huge chunk of untamed savannah bisected by the mighty River Nile. It is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the World’s longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43 m below. The park also boasts 76 mammal species, including the lion, elephant, leopard, hippopotamus, Rothschild giraffe, Cape buffalo, and hartebeest, 32 Days Best of Uganda birding Safari, oribi, warthog, and the Uganda Kob, as well 360 bird species, including the rare Shoebill Stork.

Location: Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Paara Safari Lodge / Medium: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

The two days in the park involve multiple game drives to cover the different areas within this vast wilderness and two boat cruises, one to the bottom of the Murchison Falls, considered by some as the strongest falls in the world. This stretch provides multiple birding opportunities with recorded sightings of the Rock Pratincole, White-fronted Plover, and Purple Swamphen, among many others that have been sighted along the boat cruise that ends with beautiful views of the Murchison Falls. The other boat cruise will have our journey to the delta as the river drains into Lake Albert. This stretch is rather long but definitely worth it as it provides opportunities for the Saddle-billed Stork, Red-winged Gray Warbler, and the Shoebill.

Location: Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Paara Safari Lodge / Medium: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We shall look out for other sightings as we depart from the park. We will drive a short stretch of the Budongo forest with recorded sightings of the Puvell’s Illadopsis. We intend to try out a few species as we proceed to Masindi.

Location: Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Paara Safari Lodge / Medium: Pakuba Safari Lodge /

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

This stretch consists of a broad flat trail with in the Budongo forest with relatively tall trees on either side of the track. The Budongo forest is considered to have been a part of the Ituri forest at some point

Location: Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Paara Safari Lodge / Medium: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We shall drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park for the last time as we proceed to Kibale forest, arriving in Fort Portal late afternoon. Kibale Forest National Park is the best safari destination for chimpanzee tracking in East Africa. It contains one of Uganda's loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forests. It hosts 13 species of primates, including the Chimpanzee. It has 1450 chimpanzees, representing Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. It is also home to the rare L’hoest’s Monkey and East Africa’s largest population of the threatened Red Colobus Monkey.

Location: Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Medium: Turaco Treetops

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We start the day with a drive to Semliki National Park, which is about 2 hours away from Fort Portal. The forest was once connected to the greater Ituri Forest that stretches from West Africa through the Congo basin. Best of Uganda birding: This is considered to be the furthest eastern range for West African species, which includes hornbills like the Red-billed Dwarf, White-crested, 32 Days Best of Uganda birding Safari, Black Dwarf, Black Casqued as well as other special species like the Yellow-throated Nicator, Capuchin Babbler among many others.

Location: Semuliki National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Semuliki Safari Lodge / Medium: Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

With one day set aside for Chimpanzee Tracking, the two days in Kibale National Park are intended to provide us with maximum coverage of the hotspots within and outside the park boundaries. For the day of birding, we intend to have a very early start to get into the forest, with the main target being the Green-breasted Pitta and other specials like the Joyful Greenbul and lowland Apalis. Best of Uganda birding: The afternoon will have us outside the park as we explore the Bigodi Wetland, which the natives have preserved as it provides good opportunities for birds like the Yellow-billed Barbet, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, White-spotted Flufftail, among many more.

Location: Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Medium: Turaco Treetops

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

The main activity for the day is the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park was named after the Queen of England, who visited it in 1954, and it is the second-largest national park in Uganda. Best of Uganda birding, Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts the region's highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve. This is evidenced by open savanna, rainforest, dense papyrus swamps, brooding crater lakes, and the vast Lake Edward.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 612 bird species, hence making it a superb safari territory, with elephants, a profusion of hippos, the elusive Giant Forest hog and the beautiful Uganda Kob, which are all regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula – which also boasts a marvellous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Medium: Kasenyi Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

There will be a morning game drive searching for Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Uganda Kob, Waterbucks, Warthogs and many more bird species like Collard Pratincole, Temninck’s Courser, Kittlitz’s Plover. After lunch, you have an exotic and exciting boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. Best of Uganda birding:  The trip is one of the most exciting water activities in Uganda since the channel is a narrow neck of water that connects Lakes George and Edward, with excellent photographic opportunities for waterside birds and abundant Hippopotamus, 32 Days Best of Uganda birding Safari, huge families of buffalos, and elephants with a possibility of multiple bird species like an endless number of the Pied Kingfisher, African Skimmer, Red-throated Bee-eater, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Medium: Kasenyi Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We plan to drive through the Ishasha section (if the road and weather conditions are favourable) where, if lucky, you can view tree-climbing lions and as we proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to approximately half of the world's endangered population of Mountain Gorillas. This vast reserve also offers arguably the most productive montane forest birding in Africa and supports 22 of Uganda’s 23 Albertine Rift endemic bird species. The park was once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighbouring Rwanda, and now Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an ecological island within a sea of human cultivation and, therefore, of great conservation importance.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Medium: Haven Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We shall spend the day birding the Buhoma main trail as we head towards the waterfalls within the forest. This stretch provides us with opportunities for sightings of the Neumann’s warbler, Dusky long-tailed Cuckoo, Gray-breasted Babbler, Willard’s Sooty Boubou, and African Hill Babbler among many more species. The trail is relatively even, thus providing a rather easy excursion that is not as physically demanding.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Medium: Haven Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We shall assemble at the Park Offices for the briefing in the morning before this historic event. Gorilla tracking is a very captivating activity as it might take 1-8 hours, which involves walking in the wilderness searching for these gentle giants. It can be challenging, therefore ensuring physical fitness. Best of Uganda birding: It is a wonderful experience to stare into the eyes of these gentle giants and watch them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities. Gorilla Tracking is a “once in a lifetime” experience you must never miss.

Each encounter with the gorillas is different and has its rewards, but you will likely enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Medium: Haven Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

The journey between Buhoma and Ruhija has us moving through “the neck”, which is a small stretch of forest that connects the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the southern sector, and this small stretch provides a birding hotspot. We intend to make a few stops to look for species such as the Jameson’s Ant-pecker.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Medium: Bakiga Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

This sector of Bwindi is further south and is at a higher elevation, and due to this conducive range, it is where we intend to maximise the opportunity for finding the Albertine Rift Endemics such as the Strip-breasted Tit, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Nightjar, Collard Apalis. The option to move to the Mubwindi Swamp is dependent on the client as this stretch is rather very physically demanding but it provides benefits such as opportunities for the Grauer’s Broadbill, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, all of which are also Albertine Rift Endemics.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Medium: Bakiga Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We then head further south to an even higher elevation. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to the Mountain Gorilla and is connected to the great Virunga Forest that connects the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda

Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge / Medium: Mutanda Lake Resort

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We hike the montane forest for high-altitude species such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Bamboo Warbler, and Kandt’s Waxbill.

Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge / Medium: Mutanda Lake Resort

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

As we drive to Lake Mburo National Park, we shall watch for bird sightings along the way. The plan is to arrive at the park in the afternoon and try out some evening species as we transfer to the lodge, which will be within the park's boundaries.

Location: Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mihingo Lodge / Medium: Rwakobo Rock

Meal Plan: Full Board

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

We start the day with a boat cruise on Lake Mburo as we search for the elusive African Finfoot, considered a must-see in the area. We shall also have other sightings, such as the Red-headed Weaver and Spot-flanked Barbet. Best of Uganda birding: We will have an afternoon game drive in the park looking at bird specialities like the Crested Barbet, 32 Days Best of Uganda birding Safari, Red-faced Barbet, and Pearl-spotted Owlet. After birding in the morning, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport. Thank you so much for specifically choosing Paradise Adventure Vacations on 32 Day Best of Uganda Birding Safari and we hope to see you again in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa!

Location: Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation Options: No

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey