12 Days Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary

Depart Kampala and head east to Kasenge Forest, a serene habitat home to the African Grey Parrot, Slender-billed Greenbul, and Great Blue Turaco.

Continue to Mabira Forest and explore the Griffins Falls trail, a rich corridor where species like the Nahan’s Francolin, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, and Jameson’s Wattle-eye await.

Immerse yourself in the vast trails of Mabira Forest on a full-day birding adventure. Look out for the Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, African Pied Hornbill, Green-tailed Bristlebill, and Toro Olive Greenbul. The forest’s rich canopy and undergrowth offer a high diversity of both resident and migratory birds.

After breakfast, journey westward to Kibale Forest National Park. In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a prime birding hotspot. Capture glimpses of the Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, and Black-crowned Waxbill.

Start your day early in search of the Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa’s most sought-after forest species. Kibale is home to over 370 bird species including four national park endemics.

Drive to the lowland Semuliki National Park, part of the Congo Basin and one of Uganda’s top birding treasures. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening birding walk where you may spot the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Congo Serpent Eagle, or Nkulengu Rail.

Spend a full day on the Kirumia Trail, a 13km forest path offering access to some of Semuliki’s rarest birdlife. Target species include the Red-throated Alethe, White-tailed Robin-Chat, Grant’s Bluebill, and Long-tailed Hawk. This trail is one of the few places to see birds otherwise limited to Central Africa.

Explore the Red-tailed Monkey Trail, an 11km circuit along the park’s eastern border. It’s excellent for forest species like the Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, African Dwarf Kingfisher, and Brown-chested Alethe.

Drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, birding along the way. On arrival, enjoy an evening game drive with special attention to savannah species like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-headed Lapwing, and Denham’s Bustard.

Begin the day with a game drive focused on open-country and riverine species. Look out for Silver Bird, Swamp Flycatcher, and Goliath Heron. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, with a chance to photograph the majestic Shoebill and other aquatic birds.

On your final day, drive back to Kampala. Make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, not only for a chance to see rhinos but also to spot birds like the White-crested Helmetshrike, White-crested Turaco, and Abyssinian Ground Thrush.