12-Day Uganda Birding Safari (Shoebill to Albertine Rift)

12-Day Uganda Birding Safari (Shoebill to Albertine Rift)

Tour Overview

Shoebill in Mabamba swamp, Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi, waterbirds on the Kazinga Channel and forest specials in Kibale, with a specialist bird guide throughout. This 12-day private safari visits Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park.

Crane taking off over the water at Lake Mburo

Highlights: Entebbe Botanical Gardens entry; Mabamba swamp canoe trip for shoebill; Boat trip on Lake Mburo; Lake Mburo birding walk; Bwindi birding walks; Kazinga Channel launch cruise; QENP birding walk.

Best time to go: Nov-Apr: Palearctic migrants present; May-Jun breeding plumage. Shoebill year-round.

Accommodation Options (Budget, Midrange, Luxury):

Choose the comfort level that suits you; the vehicle, guide and activities stay the same. Price per person (2 people sharing, 2027): Budget $4,302 · Midrange $6,045 · Luxury $10,969.

Entebbe (1 night): Budget – Airport Guesthouse Entebbe; Midrange – Karibu Guesthouse or Boma Hotel; Luxury – Lake Victoria Serena or Protea Entebbe
Lake Mburo NP (2 nights): Budget – Eagle's Nest; Midrange – Rwakobo Rock; Luxury – Mihingo Lodge
Bwindi – Ruhija (2 nights): Budget – Trekkers Tavern Cottages; Midrange – Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge; Luxury – Top luxury lodge in the Ruhija/Rushaga area
Bwindi – Buhoma (2 nights): Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp; Midrange – Buhoma Community Haven Lodge; Luxury – Buhoma Lodge
Queen Elizabeth NP (2 nights): Budget – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (explorer tent); Midrange – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda); Luxury – Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Kibale / Fort Portal (2 nights): Budget – Isunga Lodge; Midrange – Turaco Treetops; Luxury – Primate Lodge Kibale

Lodges shown are examples, or similar, subject to availability. Gorilla and chimp permits are included at cost.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe

Afternoon birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Overnight: Karibu Guesthouse or Boma Hotel (midrange) or similar.

Day 2: Mabamba shoebill, to Lake Mburo

Dawn canoe in Mabamba swamp for shoebill, then Lake Mburo. Overnight: Rwakobo Rock (midrange) or similar.

Day 3: Lake Mburo

Boat trip (African finfoot) and a birding walk. Overnight: Rwakobo Rock (midrange) or similar.

Day 4: To Ruhija

Drive to Bwindi's high-altitude Ruhija sector. Overnight: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 5: Mubwindi swamp trail

Full day for Albertine Rift endemics, including the chance of green-breasted pitta and Grauer's broadbill. Overnight: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 6: The Neck to Buhoma

Bird the Neck forest on the way to Buhoma. Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 7: Buhoma waterfall trail

Forest birding at Buhoma (gorilla trek optional, permit extra). Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 8: Ishasha to Queen Elizabeth

Ishasha, then Mweya peninsula. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda) (midrange) or similar.

Day 9: Kazinga Channel & Kasenyi

Launch cruise for waterbirds and a birding walk. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda) (midrange) or similar.

Day 10: To Kibale & Bigodi

Drive north; Bigodi swamp (great blue turaco). Overnight: Turaco Treetops (midrange) or similar.

Day 11: Kibale forest

Forest birding walk; chimps optional (permit extra). Overnight: Turaco Treetops (midrange) or similar.

Day 12: Kibale to Entebbe

Drive back to Entebbe.

Inclusions:

Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, English-speaking driver-guide and fuel
Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
Accommodation as listed, sharing a double or twin room; full board on safari
Entebbe Botanical Gardens entry
Mabamba swamp canoe trip for shoebill
Lake Mburo park entry (2 days)
Boat trip on Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo birding walk
Bwindi park entry (3 days)
Bwindi birding walks
Queen Elizabeth park entry (2 days)
Kazinga Channel launch cruise
QENP birding walk
Kibale park entry (1 day)
Kibale forest birding walk
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary community walk
Specialist bird guide throughout
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
All government taxes

Exclusions:

International flights and Uganda visa (single-entry e-visa about $50, or the East Africa Tourist Visa at $100)
Travel and medical insurance; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
Tips for guides, porters and lodge staff
Drinks unless the lodge includes them, laundry and personal items
Optional activities and anything not listed
Single room supplement (on request)

How to Get There:

Book an international flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 45 minutes from Kampala. Your Mwema Safaris driver-guide meets you at arrivals or at your hotel. About 4 hours by road from Kampala or Entebbe on the main road to the south-west.