Overview
Step into Uganda’s breathtaking wilderness on a 20-day immersive birding journey that weaves conservation, community, and culture together. From canoeing through Mabamba Swamp in search of the rare shoebill to tracing endemic species in the remote valleys of Kidepo, this itinerary is designed for mindful travelers who want more than sightings—they seek connection. With over 1,000 species to encounter across wetlands, savannahs, and misty montane forests, Uganda’s diversity will leave you inspired.
Duration: 20 Days / 19 Nights
PRICES PER PERSON
| Number of pax | Luxury (per person) | Mid-range (per person) | Budget (per person) |
| 2-3pax | $13,819 | $6,694 | $6,651 |
| 4-5pax | $12,200 | $5,074 | $5,033 |
| 6-7pax | $11,662 | $4,536 | $4,495 |
| 8-9pax | $11,530 | $4,404 | $4,363 |
| 10-11pax | $11,335 | $4,209 | $4,168 |
| 12-13pax | $11,211 | $4,085 | $4,044 |
| 14-15pax | $11,123 | $3,997 | $3,956 |
Rates valid till 31st/December/2025
Tour Highlights
- Search for the shoebill stork and pygmy goose in Mabamba Swamp
- Track montane species in Bwindi and Mount Elgon
- Cruise along the Nile to the river’s source in Jinja
- Discover over 100 species in Murchison Falls NP
- Explore Queen Elizabeth’s migrant-rich habitats
- Birdwatching-led by local community guides
- Cultural exchange with Karamojong, Bakonzo, and Batwa communities
- Stay in eco-conscious lodges supporting conservation and local employment
- Visit community-run wetlands in Bigodi and Semliki
- Learn traditional practices in Nshenyi Cultural Village
Day To Day Descriptions
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Moderate
At sunrise, glide silently through Mabamba Swamp in a traditional dugout canoe, eyes peeled for the majestic shoebill and pygmy goose. Later, stroll through Entebbe Botanical Gardens—a haven of green and birdsong.
Included: Mabamba canoe safari, Botanical Gardens visit
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drive Time: ~2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Stop in Mabira Forest for a nature walk beneath tall mahogany trees. Arrive in Jinja and drift down the Nile by boat, scanning for waterbirds near Samuka Island.
Included: Mabira walk, Source of the Nile boat cruise
Accommodation: 2Friends Hotel
Why 2 Friends Guest House?
- Location: Jackson Crescent, Jinja
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Emphasis on locally sourced materials and furnishings
- Offers comfortable accommodations with a focus on sustainability
- Community Impact: Supports local employment and uses local suppliers
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~4.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Early birding near Jinja wetlands, then ascend into the cool highlands of Mount Elgon. Stop for birds along the slopes before reaching your lodge near Sipi.
Accommodation: Lacam Lodge
Why Lacam Lodge?
- Location: Slopes of Mount Elgon, overlooking Sipi Falls
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Built using local timber and grass thatch
- Offers eco-friendly wooden bandas with private bathrooms
- Promotes cultural experiences with the local Sabiny community
- Community Impact: Supports local employment and cultural preservation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Explore ancient montane forest in search of Elgon and Jackson’s Francolins, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, and raptors like Lammergeier.
Accommodation: Lacam LodgeMeals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~9 hrs | Difficulty: Long travel day
Travel across Uganda’s northeast frontier, through the plains of Karamoja. Stop for market visits and birding en route.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Why Kidepo Savannah Lodge?
- Location: Just 500 meters from Kalokudo Gate, on the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park.
- Eco Credentials: Constructed with locally sourced materials, the lodge features solar-powered amenities and minimal environmental footprint.
- Highlights: Offers 12 self-contained safari tents with private verandas and 9 non-self-contained tents with shared bathrooms. The thatched-roof restaurant and bar provide panoramic views of the Nar’s Valley.
- Activities: Game drives, cultural visits to nearby Karamojong communities, and guided nature walks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Minimal | Difficulty: Moderate
Spend the day exploring Kidepo's open plains and rocky ridges. Early morning, search the savannah for Fox’s Weaver, Secretary Bird, and Kori Bustard. After lunch, bird through the Narus Valley where ostriches stride across the horizon. Included: Full-day guided birding safari
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Light
This morning, bird in Namamukweny Valley expect Red-cheeked Cordon-bleus and Steelblue Whydahs. In the afternoon, connect with the Karamojong community, sharing stories and music under the vast Karamoja skies. Included: Community visit, guided birding Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~7.5 hrs | Difficulty: Long travel day
Travel south to the mighty Murchison Falls National Park, a haven of birds, big game, and the iconic Nile. Arrive in time for sunset over the savannah.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Why Pakuba safari lodge?
- Location: Northern bank of the Nile inside the park
- Employs local staff and supports local sourcing
- Operates using solar power and eco-sensitive design
- Offers guided nature walks with community guides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Start with a nature walk for close-up sightings of woodpeckers, tinkerbirds, and warblers. Later, cruise the Nile with eyes on the riverbanks for the rare shoebill. End with a hike to the top of the falls. Included: Guided walk, Nile cruise, top-of-the-falls hike
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~6 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Begin the day with a dawn game drive—look for Abyssinian Rollers and bee-eaters. Then travel southwest to Kibale National Park through tea country.
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Why Isunga Lodge?
- Location: Crater Lake region, approximately 20–25 minutes from Kanyanchu Visitor Center.
- Eco Highlights: Solar-powered cottages, organic gardens, and locally sourced ingredients.
- Amenities: Eight en-suite cottages (including family options), panoramic views of Kibale Forest and Rwenzori Mountains, on-site restaurant and bar.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking tranquility, birdwatching, and nature immersion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Bird along forest trails with a local guide, spotting Red-headed Malimbes and Turacos. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi—a community-run wetland where conservation meets culture. Included: Guided forest walk, Bigodi wetland tour
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Light
Drive west into the Rift Valley to Semliki National Park. After checking in, enjoy a sunset game drive through this Congo-basin biome.
Accommodation: Mountain of the Moon Hotel
Why Mountains of the Moon Hotel
- Location: Fort Portal town
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Combines oriental and French chic styles with hand-carved furniture made from natural woods
- Offers amenities such as a spa, wellness center, and gardens that promote relaxation and connection with nature
- Utilizes eco-friendly practices in daily operations to minimize environmental impact
- Community Impact: Employs local staff and supports community initiatives in Fort Portal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Light to Moderate
Nature walk in Semliki looking for Congo Serpent Eagles and hornbills. In the afternoon, visit the Bakonzo community to experience their traditions and dance. Included: Nature walk, community experience
Accommodation: Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3 hrs | Difficulty: Light
Arrive in Queen Elizabeth NP and unwind with a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel—home to pelicans, fish eagles, and over 60 bird species in one outing. Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge
Why Enganzi Game Lodge?
- Location: Situated on the Kichwamba escarpment, offering panoramic views of the rift valley and Rwenzori Mountains.
- Eco Credentials:
- Constructed using local materials that reflect African traditions, ensuring harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.
- Features private cottages with en-suite bathrooms and balconies.
- Incorporates sustainable practices in daily operations.
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Supports local employment and uses locally sourced materials.
- Provides opportunities for cultural encounters and community engagement.
- Offers activities like boat cruises and game drives, emphasizing environmental education.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~4 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Morning game drive through Ishasha for tree-climbing lions. Stop for birds of prey and rollers along the way. Continue into the misty highlands of Bwindi.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Why Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge?
- Location: Rushaga Sector
- Eco Highlights:
- Constructed with local materials, offering panoramic views of Bwindi Forest.
- Provides amenities like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving locally sourced meals.
- Engages in community development and conservation education.
- Sustainability Impact: Supports local communities through employment and cultural exchange programs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Take a forest walk for Albertine Rift endemics. Later, drive to Lake Bunyonyi—Uganda’s “lake of little birds.” Enjoy a peaceful boat ride at dusk.
Accommodation: Bird Nest Resort at Lake Bunyonyi
Why Bird Nest Resort?
- Location: Lake Bunyonyi, Kabale District
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Offers 15 cozy rooms with lake views and 7 nature-inspired cottages across the water
- Emphasizes eco-friendly design and operations
- Provides activities such as birdwatching, canoeing, and cultural experiences
- Community Impact: Engages local communities through employment and supports cultural preservation initiatives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3 hrs | Difficulty: Light
Travel to Nshenyi, where you’ll be hosted by a local family. Participate in farm walks, cattle herding, and Banyankole traditions. Included: Community activities, homestay Accommodation: Nshenyi Cultural Village homestay
Why Nshenyi Cultural Village Homestay?
- Location: Kitwe, Ntungamo District, near the Rwanda and Tanzania borders
- Eco Features:
- Operates as a community-based tourism initiative promoting sustainable living.
- Accommodations built using traditional methods and materials.
- Community Engagement:
- Visitors participate in daily activities like milking cows, harvesting, and cooking local dishes.
- Supports local education and health projects through tourism revenue.
- Guest Experience:
- Offers authentic homestay experiences with local families.
- Provides insights into the Ankole culture and traditions.
- Ideal For: Travelers interested in cultural immersion and supporting community development.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~2 hrs | Difficulty: Light
Explore Lake Mburo’s birdlife by boat. Look for African Finfoots, herons, and kingfishers. An ideal slow safari to reflect on your journey.
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge
Why Mpogo Safari Lodge?
- Location: Situated on a hill within Lake Mburo National Park, offering panoramic views.
- Eco Features:
- Use of solar power for lighting and water heating.
- Construction incorporates natural materials to blend with the environment.
- Engages in community development and conservation education.
- Experience:
- Provides game drives, cultural visits, and bird watching activities.
- Restaurant offers dishes made from locally sourced produce.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking an immersive nature experience with sustainable practices.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~6.5 hrs | Difficulty: Light
Take a final game drive at dawn before the return to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator for lunch and photos—a fitting end to a deeply connected safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Tour
Includes/Excludes
Included
- 19 nights in handpicked accommodations
- All park and conservation fees
- All meals (unless otherwise noted)
- Private 4x4 transport with experienced driver-guide
- Guided birding walks, game drives, and boat cruises
- Cultural experiences and community visits
- Drinking water during activities
- Airport transfers
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities ($10/day recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities (e.g., abseiling, gorilla permit upgrade)
Comfort & Difficulty
- Comfort Level: Mid-range with optional luxury or budget accommodations. Clean, locally-owned lodges with authentic character.
- Difficulty: Moderate. Forest walks and game drives may include uneven terrain. Designed for ages 15+ in good health.
Geography
This journey covers Uganda’s most distinct ecological regions:
- Central Uganda: Wetlands and lakeshores of Entebbe
- Eastern Uganda: River Nile, Mabira rainforest, and Mount Elgon
- Northeastern Uganda: Arid savannahs and escarpments of Kidepo
- Western Uganda: Rwenzori ranges, Rift Valley wetlands, and Semliki basin
- Southwestern Uganda: Bwindi’s rainforest, Lake Bunyonyi, and acacia-dotted Lake Mburo
Community Encounters
- Karamojong (Kidepo): Learn about pastoralist culture, dances, and daily resilience
- Bakonzo (Semliki): Meet agro-pastoralists with vibrant drumming traditions
- Batwa (Bwindi): Discover forest-dwelling knowledge and storytelling
- Banyankole (Nshenyi): Experience Ankole cattle herding and homestead hospitality
Practical Information
- Accommodation: Ranges from boutique eco-lodges to traditional homestays
- Transportation: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Group Size: Private or small group (2–15 travelers)
- Gear Required: Binoculars, hiking shoes, sun protection, and lightweight clothing
- Start Dates: Flexible year-round
- Guide Team: English-speaking birding expert and local driver-guide
- Connectivity: Limited in remote areas; ideal for digital detox

