Overview
Embark on a spectacular 12-day journey through Uganda’s hidden birding gems. From the mysterious wetlands of Mabamba to the montane forests of Mount Elgon, the rugged savannahs of Kidepo Valley, and the Nile’s wetlands in Murchison Falls National Park, this tour uncovers over 300 bird species and immerses you in the country’s cultural and ecological diversity. Along the way, enjoy community encounters, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife moments.
PRICES PER PERSON
| Number of pax | Luxury (per person) | Mid-range (per person) |
| 2-3pax | $10,584 | $4,203 |
| 4-5pax | $9,577 | $3,196 |
| 6-7pax | $9,234 | $2,853 |
| 8-9pax | $9,145 | $2,764 |
| 10-11pax | $8,912 | $2,532 |
| 12-13pax | $8,854 | $2,472 |
| 14-15pax | $8,810 | $2,428 |
Rates valid till 31st/December/2025
Duration:
- Number of Days: 12
- Number of Nights: 11
Tour Highlights
- Canoe birding at Mabamba Wetland to spot the elusive Shoebill Stork and African Pygmy Goose.
- Guided nature walks in Mabira Forest and Mount Elgon’s montane forests to see rare endemics.
- Explore Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and bird-rich savannahs.
- Game drives and boat cruises at Murchison Falls National Park, spotting aquatic and savannah birds alike.
- Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking and additional birding opportunities.
- Cultural immersion with the Karamajong and Kanyanda communities.
Day To Day Descriptions
- Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be transferred to your lodge for relaxation and overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Jet Villas Eco Lodge (Luxury) – set in tranquil surroundings ideal for birding; Papyrus Guest House (Mid-range) – convenient location near Entebbe and the airport.
Meals: None
- Early morning visit to Mabamba Wetland, a Ramsar site, for a canoe birding trip targeting the Shoebill Stork, African Pygmy Goose, and Purple Swamphen.
- Lunch at a local restaurant before a guided walk in Entebbe Botanical Gardens to observe garden and forest birds.
- Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Morning drive along the Kampala-Jinja Highway, stopping at Mabira ForestReserve for a guided nature walk. Spot forest species, primates, and butterflies.
- Resume to Jinja with lunch en route at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River to the Source of the Nile and Samuka Island, excellent for waterbirds.
- Accommodation: 2Friends Hotel (Luxury) – riverside location for scenic birding; Brisk Hotel (Mid-range) – comfortable, centrally located.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Morning birding in nearby wetlands targeting African Pygmy Goose, Malachite Kingfisher, and Grey-headed Sparrow.
- Journey east to Mount Elgon National Park, passing scenic villages and birding hotspots along the way.
- Accommodation: Mount Elgon Hotel & Spa (Luxury) – ideal for accessing montane birding sites; Sipi Valley Resort (Mid-range) – convenient and comfortable.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Explore montane forests and moorlands in search of Elgon Francolin, Jackson’sFrancolin, and Bronze-naped Pigeon.
- After lunch, visit caves, cliffs, and endemic-rich areas to spot Lammergeier, Verreaux’s Eagle, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater.
- Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Long drive through Uganda’s northeast, Karamoja region, stopping at local markets to see traditional craftsmanship.
- Lunch en route, with occasional birding stops along the way.
- Arrival in Kidepo Valley National Park for relaxation and overnight.
- Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury) – best location for early morning birding; Kidepo Savanna Lodge (Budget) – practical and scenic.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Early morning birding in savannah and rocky outcrops targeting Karamajong Apalis, Fox’s Weaver, and White-bellied Go-away-bird.
- Lunch at lodge, followed by afternoon exploration of Narus Valley and Apoka, spotting Ostrich, Secretary Bird, and Kori Bustard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Morning birding in Namamukweny Valley, seeking Red-cheeked Cordon-Blue, Purple Grenadier, and Steelblue Whydah.
- Afternoon visit to a local Karamajong community, experiencing their vibrant customs, crafts, and storytelling.
- Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Scenic drive through Northern Uganda plains via Gulu, stopping for lunch and birding along the way.
- Check-in at lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury) – prime location along the Nile for birding and sunset views; Fort Murchison Lodge (Mid-range) – comfortable and close to park entrance.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Guided nature walk exploring grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests for species like Black-Billed Wood Dove, Grey-Headed Kingfisher, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird.
- Lunch at lodge, then afternoon Nile boat cruise to spot aquatic birds including Shoebill, Pelicans, and Goliath Heron.
- Late afternoon hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views and birding (Augur Buzzard, Lizard Buzzard, African Goshawk).
- Dinner and overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Morning game drive before departure, targeting savannah birds such as Abyssinian Roller and Northern Carmine Bee-eater.
- Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, check-in at lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Afternoon guided nature walk to spot Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, African Jacana, and Black Crake.
- Accommodation: Amuka Safari Lodge – ideal base for rhino tracking and birding.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Morning transfer to Entebbe with an en route visit to Kanyanda community to prepare and enjoy a local meal, interact with locals, and learn about sustainable farming.
- Continue to Entebbe for departure or drop-off.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Includes/Excludes
Included
- Park fees and birding permits
- All activities (unless labeled optional)
- All accommodation (double occupancy)
- Professional driver/guide
- Community experiences
- 4x4 transport for all drives and game drives
- All taxes/VAT
- Airport transfers
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- Drinks as specified
Excluded
- International flights
- Extra accommodation before/after the tour
- Tips (guideline: $10 PP/day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, visas, travel insurance)
- Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees
Practical Information
Accommodation:
Luxury: Premium lodges providing comfort, scenic locations, and proximity to prime birding and wildlife sites.
Mid-range: Comfortable, clean, well-located lodges offering local charm and accessibility.
Budget: Simple, safe, and clean accommodations with necessary amenities.
Group Size: Private tour, customizable to your preferences.
Guides & Drivers: Professional local guides with extensive birding and wildlife knowledge, plus experienced drivers.
Transportation: 4×4 safari vehicles equipped for long drives and off-road access.
Equipment & Clothing: Binoculars, camera, comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, raincoat, sunhat, and insect repellent recommended.
Flexible Start Dates: Tour can begin on any available day.
Minimum Age: Recommended 15 years and older.
Community Interactions:
Karamajong community – traditional practices, crafts, and storytelling.
Kanyanda community – cooking, sustainable farming, cultural exchange.
Geography:
Uganda’s landscapes include wetlands, montane forests, savannahs, rivers, and lakes, providing a diverse ecosystem for over 1,000 bird species.
Comfort & Difficulty Level:
Comfort: Moderate to high, with a mix of lodges and long drives.
Difficulty: Moderate; early morning birding, some hiking on uneven terrain, long road transfers in remote areas.
