Tour Name: 12-Day Uganda Birding Safari

Description
Included/Excluded
Tour Plan
Reviews

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:

  • Explore Mabamba wetland for shoebill stork and African pygmy Goose.
  • Spot rare endemics in Mount Elgon’s montane forests
  • Discover Kidepo Valley’s unique birdlife
  • Spot over 100 species in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Discover the source of the Nile River at Jinja
  • Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for exclusive bird watching.

Overview:

  • Join us on an epic 12-day birding journey through Uganda’s hidden gems. Explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from wetlands to mountains and savannahs, uncovering an incredible array of bird species.

Practical Information

  • Accommodation:
  1. Luxury lodges: Enjoy premium amenities and services in upscale establishments.
  2. Mid-range: Experience comfort and value in our handpicked mid-range accommodations.
  • Group Size: This is a private tour, fully customizable to suit your preferences.
  • Guides & Drivers: Professional local guides with deep knowledge of Uganda’s wildlife and culture will accompany you, along with experienced drivers.
  • Transportation: Travel in style and safety with 4×4 safari vehicles for all game drives.
  • Equipment: Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  • Flexible Start Dates: You can begin your tour on any available day, based on your schedule.
  • Customizable: Make adjustments to accommodations or activities to create the perfect itinerary for you.
  • Minimum Age: This tour is designed for participants aged 15 years and older.

Community Interactions:

  • Kanyanda community experience: Cooking lessons, cultural dance, planting indigenous trees on the organic farm etc
  • Karamajong community. Learn about their ways of life, cultural dance among others.

Geography:

  • This 12-day adventure spans Uganda’s diverse regions. Beginning in Entebbe, we traverse eastern Uganda’s Mabamba Wetlands, then to Jinja’s source of the Nile and Mabira forest. Next, we explore Mount Elgon National Park followed by Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast. We then journey west to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, concluding with a visit to Kanyanda community before returning to Entebbe.

Included/Excluded

  • Park fees
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Double shared)
  • A professional driver/ guide
  • Community experience
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/ VAT
  • Round trip airport transfer
  • Meals (As specified in the day by day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day by day section)
  • International flights (From/ to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline $10.00 PP per day
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/ or park fees

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival and transfer to the hotel
  • Upon your arrival, you will drive to the hotel for relaxation, meals and the night as you prepare for the next day’s activities. Stay at Jet villas eco lodge for luxury and Papyrus guest house for mid-range.
  • Meals: Dinner.
Day 2 Mabamba Wetland and Entebbe botanical gardens
  • After enjoying breakfast at your lodge, you will visit Mabamba wetland, a Ramsar site and habitat for the elusive Shoebill Stork. Take a canoe ride through the wetland, spotting African Pygmy Goose, purple Swamphen, and other aquatic birds.
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and later on drive to Entebbe botanical gardens for more birds. Later on you will return back to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner and a beautiful night.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 Entebbe to Jinja - Mabira Forest Walk & Source of the Nile Boat Cruise. (Approx. 85 km).
  • After an early morning breakfast, you'll meet your tour leader for a briefing before setting off for Jinja along the Kampala-Jinja Highway Along the way, you’ll make a stop at Mabira Forest, a stunning natural reserve teeming with diverse birdlife, primates, and unique tree species. Here, you'll embark on a guided nature walk through the forest, keeping an eye out for various birds, butterflies, and forest animals.
  • After the forest walk, resume your journey to Jinja, passing extensive tea and sugarcane plantations en route. Upon arrival in Jinja, you'll have lunch at a local restaurant before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River for water birds. This tranquil cruise will take you to the Source of the Nile, with an opportunity to visit Samuka Island, a haven for bird watching. After the cruise, relax over dinner and settle into your accommodation for the night. Stay at 2Friends hotel for luxury and Brisk hotel for mid-range.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 Birding & Transfer to Mount Elgon National Park (Approx. 150km)
  • After enjoying an early morning breakfast at your lodge, you will explore the nearby wetlands and forests, targeting birds like African Pygmy Goose, Malachite Kingfisher, and Grey-headed sparrow. Return back to your lodge for lunch. After lunch you will begin your journey to Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda, a journey through scenic landscapes and rural villages.
  • Stop at scenic view points and birding hotspots along the way. On arrival, you will check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner and the night. Stay at Mount Elgon hotel and spa for luxury and Sipi valley resort for mid-range.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 Mount Elgon Birding
  • After breakfast, you will explore the Park’s montane forests and moorlands, searching for Elgon Francolin, Jackson’s Francolin, and Bronze-naped Pigeon. Return to your lodge for lunch.
  • After lunch you will explore the caves, cliffs, and endemic-rich areas, targeting species like Lammergeier, verreaux’s Eagle, and Cinnamon-chested Bee eater.
  • Later on you will return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and the night.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6 Journey to Kidepo Valley National Park (Approx. 409.5km)
  • After enjoying breakfast, you will set off for Kidepo Valley National Park, passing through Karamoja, Uganda’s northeast region. Along the way, visit local markets to see vibrant cultural displays of traditional craftsmanship. You will have lunch along the way at a local restaurant and after lunch you will drive up to Kidepo Valley National Park with stops at birding hotspots along the way.
  • Arrive in the evening and check into the lodge for relaxation, dinner and the night. Stay at Apoka safari lodge for luxury and Kidepo savanna lodge for budget.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 Kidepo Valley Birding
  • After an early morning breakfast, you will explore Kidepo’s savannah and rocky outcrops, spotting species like Karamajong Apails, Fox’s Weaver, and White-bellied Go-away-bird. Enjoy lunch at your lodge.
  • After lunch, explore Narus Valley and Apoka, targeting birds like Ostrich, Secretary bird, and Kori Bustard. After this rewarding experience, you will return back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and the night.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8 Birding and Cultural encounter
  • Enjoy breakfast and bird in Namamukweny valley, searching for Red-cheeked Cordon-blue, Purple Grenadier, and Steelblue Whydah.
  • After enjoying this wonderful experience, you will return back to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
  • Later on you will delve into the local culture by visiting the Karamajong community. Learn about their traditional practices, vibrant customs and resilience.
  • Engage with their friendly locals, sharing stories and laughter. Later on you will return back to your lodge for dinner and the beautiful night.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 9 Transfer to Murchison Falls (Approx. 314.3km)
  • After breakfast, depart Kidepo and travel to Murchison Falls National Park via Gulu. Enjoy a scenic drive through Northern Uganda’s plains, stopping for lunch en route. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and rest in preparation for upcoming adventures in the park.
  • Stay at Nile safari lodge for luxury and Fort Murchison lodge for mid-range.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10 Murchison Falls NP (Nature walk, Boat Trip and Hiking to the top of the falls)
  • You will embark on a nature walk, exploring the Park’s diverse habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests. The guided walk offers an intimate encounter with the Park’s birdlife, allowing you to spot species that might be difficult to see from a vehicle.
  • Expect sightings of birds like Black-Billed Wood Dove, Yellow-rumped Tinker bird, Grey Headed kingfisher, etc
  • Return to your accommodation for a hearty breakfast, replenishing your energy for the day ahead. Later, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile, providing a unique perspective to observe aquatic animals such as crocodiles and hippos basking along the riverbanks. Marvel at the diverse birdlife, including kingfishers, cormorants, saddle-bill storks, the rare shoebill stork, pelicans, bee-eaters, Egyptian geese, and the majestic Goliath heron, among others.
  • After the boat cruise, return to your hotel for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a hike to the top of the falls for a breathtaking view and the opportunity to capture stunning photos, including the rainbow created by the cascading water. You will still have chances to spot more birds including, Augur Buzzard, Lizard buzzard, African Goshawk, etc
  • Head back to your hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening, reminiscing about the day's adventures.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Day 11 Game drive and Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Nature walk) approx. 148km
  • Begin your day early with a thrilling morning game drive, offering the best opportunity to observe wildlife and savanna species like the Abyssinian Roller and the Northern Carmine Bee-eater.
  • Return to your accommodation for a hearty breakfast, replenishing your energy for the day ahead. Later, drive from Murchison falls national park to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
  • Upon your arrival at Ziwa Rhino, you will check into your accommodation for lunch and some relaxation.
  • After enjoying lunch at your lodge, you will embark on a nature walk with an opportunity to spot different bird species including, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, African Jacana, Black Crake, among others. After this rewarding experience, you will return to your lodge for dinner and the beautiful night. Stay at Amuka Safari lodge.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Day 12 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary-Entebbe (Approx. 201km) with an en route visit to Kanyanda community.
  • Enjoy an early morning breakfast at your lodge and transfer from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Entebbe with an en route visit Ewaka community project. A project under the Kanyanda Women and Youth Initiative. Here, you'll take part in an immersive local food preparation experience and also interact with the locals. Afterwards, you will enjoy a meal featuring the local dishes you helped prepare.
  • After this enriching day of cultural and educational exchange, you'll continue with your journey up to Entebbe for your flight back home or you will be dropped at the place of your own choice around Kampala or Entebbe.
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

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