Birding through Uganda (22 days)

Our 22-day trip brings you the best of the birdlife in Uganda.

Uganda has a variety of landscapes and over 1000 bird species! This trip brings you to the most important birding sites in Uganda. Habitats to be seen: Forest, Lowland jungle, Swamps, Canals and Lakes, Mountains and Savannahs.

Expect to see over 400 bird species and also the large animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard) and up to 16 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!

Birding sites to be seen: Mabamba Swamp, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Mabira Forest, The Nile in Jinja, Kaniyo Pabidi (Budongo Forest), Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Swamps, Semuliki National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, Bwindi National Park, Mubwindi Swamp, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.

Highlights

Highlights

  • See the Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp, Semliki Wildlife Reserve or Murchison Falls National Park
  • Game drives (safaris) on the savannahs of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, with chances of seeing the birds and wildlife from close quarters
  • Boattrip on the Nile to the Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a gorge and drops 60 meters. The boat is the perfect platform to make photos of the birds.
  • Spectacular bird and wildlife viewing from the boat on the Nile where it reaches the delta into Lake Albert
  • See the chimpanzees and 12 other monkey species in Kibale Forest
  • See the unique Bigodi Swamps with spectacular birdlife
  • Experience the spectacular hot springs and birds  in Semuliki National Park. This is the only Lowland jungle in East Africa!
  • Boattrip on the Kazinga Channel with the biggest concentration of hippos and spectacular birds
  • Meet the Mountain Gorillas and endemic birds in Bwindi National Park
  • Enjoy the silence and beautiful landscape in Uganda’s most beautiful lake, Lake Bunyonyi
Photos

Photos

Videos

Videos

Kazinga Tours - Uganda Highlights

Kazinga Tours – Ishasha and Queen Elizabeth National Park by drone

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a spectacular savannah and seen from the Sky it is even more spectacular! In Queen Elizabeth NP we saw some very interesting Crater Lakes.

Ishasha is home of the tree climbing lions and the Ishasha River. Beautiful to see from the Sky. Please enjoy flying with us!

This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com

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Kazinga Tours – Murchison Falls National Park by drone

We explored the amazing Murchison Falls National Park with our drone! We saw the beautiful landscapes and a lot of animals from the sky. Most special were the elephants playing in the water, the hippo with fish around him and the silhouettes of giraffes and elephants. Please enjoy flying with us.

Kazinga Tours - Bwindi from the Sky

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the highlights of Uganda. This jungle is home of the Mountain Gorillas! And it is also beautiful seen from the sky. With our drone we have been able to fly above the mist, which gave a nice view of the forest and the ‘sharp line’ with the surrounding rural land. Come and see this beautiful videos for yourself!

This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

And for more other drone videos, please check www.theworldfromthesky.com

Kazinga Tours – Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Fall National Park is one of the best national parks in Uganda. See the spectacular Murchison Falls, a huge waterfall in the Nile. Murchison Falls is home to the big 4: Elephants, Buffalos, Lions and Leopards.

Kazinga Tours - Lake Mburo NP From The Sky

In this video we explore the beautiful Lake Mburo National Park from the Sky. On this day, we were the only ones who saw the giraffes.

Kazinga Tours - Mountain Biking in Uganda

Uganda is a great place for Mountain Biking! We explored Lake Mburo National Park on our MTB and enjoyed it a lot. See all the zebras, Impalas, Ankole Long-Horned Cattle and beautiful nature. We used cameras on our bikes and a drone to film us from above.

Kazinga Tours – Kibale Forest and Tea Plantations

Kibale Forest National Park is one of the highlights of Uganda. This beautiful forest is home to the Chimpanzees and 12 monkey species. The forest creates its own mist. With our drone we have been able to fly above the mist, which gave a spectacular view of the forest with the Rwenzori Mountains behind it. Apart from the National Park, Kibale Forest is surrounded by tea plantations, which gives beautiful views from above. Come and see this beautiful videos for yourself!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see our new uploads!

This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com

Route

Route

Day 1
Entebbe
Day 2
Entebbe - Mabamba - Entebbe
Day 3
Entebbe - Mabira Forest - Jinja - Kampala
Day 4
Kampala - Murchison Falls National Park
Day 5
Murchison Falls National Park
Day 6
Murchison Falls National Park
Day 7
Murchison Falls National Park- Hoima
Day 8
Hoima - Kibale Forest
Day 9
Kibale Forest
Day 10
Kibale Forest
Day 11
Kibale Forest - Semuliki National Park
Day 12
Semuliki National Park - Semliki Wildlife Reserve - Fort Portal
Day 13
Fort Portal - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 14
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 15
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable
Day 16
Bwindi Impenetrable
Day 17
Bwindi Impenetrable
Day 18
Bwindi Impenetrable
Day 19
Bwindi Impenetrable - Lake Bunyonyi
Day 20
Lake Bunyoni
Day 21
Lake Bunyonyi - Lake Mburo National Park
Day 22
Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe
Map Birding through Uganda (22 days)
Day to day

Day to day program

Day 1

Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe airport. Your guide will be there waiting for you. Pick up and proceed to your accommodation.

Day 2

Entebbe - Mabamba - Entebbe

Early breakfast and transfer to Mabamba Swamp, a large and accessible wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is one of the best places to see the Shoebill Stork. In the afternoon we visit the Botanical Gardens in Entebbe to see many beautiful bird species.

Included: birding in Mabamba Swamp, birding in Botanical Gardens

Day 3

Entebbe - Mabira Forest - Jinja - Kampala

Transfer to Mabira Forest, 65km east of Kampala. We spend the rest of the day birding in the Mabira forest, pausing for lunch at Jinja and visiting the source of the Nile. Transfer to Kampala afterwards.

Included: birding in Mabira Forest, visit source of the Nile

Day 4

Kampala - Murchison Falls National Park

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Birding in Kaniyo Pabidi (Budongo Forest) in the afternoon. Afterwards we proceed to Murchison falls and spend the night on the shores of the Nile.

Murchison Falls is one of the most beautiful national parks of Uganda. One of the main attractions is the Nile, with the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the whole Nile is forced through a narrow gorge and falls 60 meters. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and maybe leopards.

Included: birding in Budongo Forest

Day 5

Murchison Falls National Park

Early game drive in the morning to see the large animals of Africa and also for birding. In the afternoon we make a boat trip on the Victoria Nile up to the bottom of the falls. The boat is an ideal platform to make photos of the birds.

Included: game drive, boat trip

Day 6

Murchison Falls National Park

Early morning adventure on the Nile on a private boat trip to the delta. Game drive in the afternoon or visit the top of the Falls.

Included: boat trip, game drive or visit top of the falls

Day 7

Murchison Falls National Park- Hoima

Early transfer to Budongo forest. Birding through the  jungle. In the afternoon we drive to Hoima Town were we spend the night. Budongo Forest is also home of many butterflies and chimpanzees.

Included: birding in Budongo

Day 8

Hoima - Kibale Forest

After breakfast we drive to Kibale Forest. You can make a walk through the forest around the lodge in the afternoon. It is also possible to make a night walk through the forest to see the animals of the night, like bush babies (both activities optional).

Kibale Forest is a spectacular jungle, with 13 primate species! Including chimps, baboons, black and white colobus, red colobus, grey cheeked mangabey and L'Hoest monkey.

Day 9

Kibale Forest

Chimpanzee tracking in the morning or in the afternoon. Birding in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. It is also possible to visit the local people or the crater lakes (optional).

Included: chimp tracking, Bigodi Swamp Walk

Day 10

Kibale Forest

Birding in Kibale Forest and the area around it.

Included: birding in Kibale Forest

Day 11

Kibale Forest - Semuliki National Park

Transfer to Semuliki National Park. Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs and make a walk through the jungle for birding.

Semuliki is a unique place and the only lowland jungle in East Africa, part of the Congo eco system.

Included: birding walk

Day 12

Semuliki National Park - Semliki Wildlife Reserve - Fort Portal

Transfer to Semuliki Wildlife Reserve for a Boat trip on Lake Albert. Transfer to Fort Portal afterwards.

Semuliki is an interesting area, partly forested and partly savannah. The shores of Lake Albert are well known to see the Shoebill Stork.

Included: boat trip

Day 13

Fort Portal - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. On our way we pass the equator where we will make a stop. Game drive for birding or optional guided walk on the Mweya Peninsula in the afternoon.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see lions. Expect to see elephants, lions, many hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and maybe leopards.

Included: game drive

Day 14

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game drive in the morning, boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon. The boat is an ideal platform to make photos of the birds.

The Kazinga Channel is one of the highlights of Uganda and has the highest concentration of hippos in the world.

Included: game drive, boat trip

Day 15

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable

Birding through the park, leading to Maramagambo Forest. Transfer to Buhoma, Bwindi, in the afternoon.

Bwindi Impenetrable is a unique jungle, with many monkey species. Bwindi is one of the 2 places in the world where you can find Mountain Gorillas!

Included: birding in Maramagambo Forest

Day 16

Bwindi Impenetrable

Birding in Bwindi National Park.

Included: birding in Bwindi Impenetrable

Day 17

Bwindi Impenetrable

Birding through the Neck area of Bwindi. It is also possible to do a gorilla tracking (optional).

Included: birding in Bwindi Impenetrable

Day 18

Bwindi Impenetrable

Transfer to Ruhija. Birding in this unique area, with a lot of Albertine endemics.

Included: birding in Bwindi Impenetrable

Day 19

Bwindi Impenetrable - Lake Bunyonyi

Birding in Mubwindi Swamp and after transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest and most beautiful lake of Uganda. We sleep on one of the beautiful islands. Possible activities: make a nature walk, go for a birding walk, go for canoeing, take a swim or visit the local community (all activities optional).

Included: birding in Mubwindi Swamp

Day 20

Lake Bunyoni

Birding on the island and along the lake shores. Optional boat trip on the lake.

Included: birding on the island

Day 21

Lake Bunyonyi - Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast we drive to Lake Mburo. Boat trip for birding on the lake in the afternoon. It is possible to do a night game drive with high chances of seeing leopards and nocturnal birds (optional activity).

Lake Mburo is one of the 2 national parks with zebras and the only national park with impalas in Uganda. There are no elephants and lions, so walking safaris are possible.

Included: boat trip

Day 22

Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe

Early morning game drive or game walk in Lake Mburo National Park. Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Included: game drive or game walk, airport transfer

Accommodations

Accommodations

Medium Budget
Day 1
Entebbe
Medium Budget: Lake Heights Hotel (BB) or Lake Victoria View Guesthouse (BB)
Day 2
Entebbe - Mabamba - Entebbe
Medium Budget: Lake Heights Hotel (BB) or Lake Victoria View Guesthouse (BB)
Day 3
Entebbe - Mabira Forest - Jinja - Kampala
Medium Budget: Forest Cottages (BB)
Day 4
Kampala - Murchison Falls National Park
Medium Budget: Pakuba Safari Lodge (BB)
Day 5
Murchison Falls National Park
Medium Budget: Pakuba Safari Lodge (BB)
Day 6
Murchison Falls National Park
Medium Budget: Pakuba Safari Lodge (BB)
Day 7
Murchison Falls National Park- Hoima
Medium Budget: Hoima Cultural Lodge (BB)
Day 8
Hoima - Kibale Forest
Medium Budget: Turaco Treetops (BB)
Day 9
Kibale Forest
Medium Budget: Turaco Treetops (BB)
Day 10
Kibale Forest
Medium Budget: Turaco Treetops (BB)
Day 11
Kibale Forest - Semuliki National Park
Medium Budget: UWA Bandas and Campsite/Cottages (BB)
Day 12
Semuliki National Park - Semliki Wildlife Reserve - Fort Portal
Medium Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse (BB)
Day 13
Fort Portal - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Medium Budget: Kasenyi Safari Camp (BB)
Day 14
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Medium Budget: Kasenyi Safari Camp (BB)
Day 15
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable
Medium Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp (BB)
Day 16
Bwindi Impenetrable
Medium Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp (BB)
Day 17
Bwindi Impenetrable
Medium Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp (BB)
Day 18
Bwindi Impenetrable
Medium Budget: Gorilla Mist Camp (BB)
Day 19
Bwindi Impenetrable - Lake Bunyonyi
Medium Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort (BB)
Day 20
Lake Bunyoni
Medium Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort (BB)
Day 21
Lake Bunyonyi - Lake Mburo National Park
Medium Budget: Rwakobo Rock (BB)
Day 22
Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe
Medium Budget: Flight (End of service)

Legend: BB = Bed and Breakfast / HB = Half Board / FB = Full Board

 

Prices

Prices 2024

Price on request, please send an email to mail@kazingatours.com

Includes

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodations with meals mentioned
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Private 4x4 custom built safari vehicle with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
  • Entrance fees to the included National Parks
  • Activities mentioned as included

Excludes

  • Flights      
  • Visa
  • All optional activities
  • Insurances    
  • Meals not mentioned and beverages
  • Tips and personal expenses such as laundry and communication
Travel info
Health Uganda

The Government of Uganda requires mandatory proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination for travelers 1 year of age and above. Travelers should possess a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (vaccine received at least 10 days ago) prior to entry into Uganda. Travelers who do not meet this requirement must be vaccinated at the Airport (with possibility of isolation as determined by the Aiport health authority) prior to entry into Uganda at the travelers own costs.

Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!

Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):

  • Yellow Fever
  • DTP
  • Hepatitis

For Malaria you need to take tablets,  Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).

Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.

On arrival

On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.

Visa Uganda

Uganda visa information

The Government of Uganda has an online visa application When you are visiting Uganda you must apply for a visa online:

  • Go to the website https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
  • Please make sure you have the following documents in .pdf, .jpeg, .png or .bmp format: a copy of your passport, copy of recent passport size photograph and a vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever)
  • Fill in the form:
    • Visit Uganda only: single entry: “ordinary” visa, USD 50
    • Visit 2 countries or more: East Africa / multi entry visa, USD 100 (participating in the East African visa: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya)
  • When you send the form you will immediately receive a tracking code. This code helps you to keep track of how far your application has progressed. You can check its status from this webpage
  • The Ugandan authorities will send you a letter in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too)
  • Print this letter and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Entebbe International Airport. You need this letter to be allowed to purchase the entree visa there for USD 50 (Uganda) or USD 100 (East Africa-Multi Entry).

Some nationalities do not require a visa, please check this in advance.

Money

In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.

Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.

Currency Uganda

The unit of currency is the Ugandan Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.

AMREF Flying Doctors


We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.

AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).

Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.

Language in Uganda

Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language in Uganda. Next to English there are about 30- plus different indigenous languages.

Climate Uganda

Uganda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes (Kampala, Murchison Falls, Kidepo and Bundibugyo).

Areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Lake Bunyonyi are generally cooler.

When to visit Uganda

Uganda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March - May and October - November).

For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Uganda.

Rainy season means it rains more often, but not every day and not the whole day.

What to wear Uganda

Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes (areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale) so carry a couple of sweaters too.

Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket.

During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies).

If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders

What to bring

A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.

To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.

Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful

Electricity Uganda

We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Uganda is the British system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.

Driving Uganda

Driving in Uganda is on the left-hand side.

Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.

All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".

Stopover Points

Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.

Facilities and accommodations

Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.

Tipping

Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.

Further information Uganda

The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for Uganda. The Lonely Planet (East Africa), Footprint Guides and Spectrum Guides produce other guidebooks. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.