12 Days Uganda & Rwanda Birding Safari

Overview—12 Days Uganda & Rwanda Birding Safari

The 12 Days Uganda & Rwanda Birding Safari is a journey for passionate birdwatchers who want to explore two of Africa’s most rewarding birding destinations. Uganda, with its mix of wetlands, forests, and savannahs, and Rwanda, with its volcanic mountains and scenic lakes, together host an extraordinary diversity of species. From the prehistoric shoebill in Uganda’s Mabamba Wetland to the colorful Rwenzori turaco and the Albertine Rift endemics in Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of birding and scenic landscapes.

Over twelve days, you will explore wetlands, forests, and savannahs while also enjoying classic wildlife encounters. Shoebills, pittas, turacos, sunbirds, and bee-eaters are just some of the species you will seek out, alongside mammals such as elephants, hippos, and gorillas in the forests. This safari balances birding excursions with cultural experiences and scenic relaxation, creating a rewarding and immersive adventure across Uganda and Rwanda.

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Detailed Itinerary —12 Days Uganda & Rwanda Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Mabamba Wetland Birding

Your safari begins with arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Depending on your flight time, you take a birding excursion to Mabamba Wetland, one of the best places to spot the elusive shoebill stork. Other species may include malachite kingfishers, swamp flycatchers, and papyrus gonoleks. Dinner and overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa

After breakfast, you drive north to Murchison Falls. En route, you stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is also home to birds such as the white-crested turaco, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and speckled mousebird. By evening, you arrive at your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. Dinner and overnight in the park.

Day 3: Birding & Game Viewing in Murchison Falls – Nile Cruise

This morning, you enjoy birding and game viewing on the northern plains. Key species include Denham’s bustard, secretary bird, red-throated bee-eater, and black-bellied bustard, alongside elephants and giraffes. After lunch, you take a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls, where pied kingfishers, fish eagles, and giant kingfishers thrive. Dinner and overnight in Murchison.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you set off for Kibale, passing through scenic landscapes and tea plantations. Birding stops along the way may reveal species such as the black bishop and pin-tailed whydah. Dinner and overnight at your lodge near Kibale.

Day 5: Birding in Kibale – Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

The day begins with birding in Kibale Forest, where you look out for the green-breasted pitta, African pitta, crowned eagle, and black bee-eater. In the afternoon, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for the great blue turaco, papyrus canary, and white-spotted flufftail. Dinner and overnight in Kibale.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Birding

After breakfast, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, you enjoy an evening birding game drive. Species may include the grey-headed kingfisher, yellow-billed kite, African skimmer, and wattled lapwing. Dinner and overnight in the park.

Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Birding Cruise

The day begins with a game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where you see species such as black-bellied bustards, martial eagles, and flocks of crowned cranes. After lunch, you embark on a birding boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting African skimmers, pelicans, cormorants, and saddle-billed storks, along with hippos and crocodiles. Dinner and overnight in Queen Elizabeth.

Day 8: Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector – Birding En Route

After breakfast, you drive south through the Ishasha sector, looking out for tree-climbing lions and birds such as Ross’s turaco and broad-billed roller. By afternoon, you arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the best places for Albertine Rift endemics. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.

Day 9: Birding in Bwindi Forest – Optional Gorilla Trekking

This day is dedicated to birding in Bwindi’s misty forests. Key targets include the Rwenzori turaco, regal sunbird, handsome francolin, and African green broadbill. For those who wish, there is the option to trek gorillas, adding a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the birding day. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.

Day 10: Cross into Rwanda – Birding Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you cross into Rwanda and head toward Volcanoes National Park. En route and within the park, you look for Albertine Rift species such as the Rwenzori batis, collared apalis, and Archer’s robin-chat. Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 11: Birding in Volcanoes – Transfer to Lake Kivu

The morning is devoted to birding in the bamboo forests and volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Key species include the dusky crimsonwing, strange weaver, and Rwenzori turaco. In the afternoon, you transfer to Lake Kivu, where you relax at a lakeside lodge. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu.

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour – Departure

After breakfast, you transfer to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. Later, you are dropped at the airport for your departure, marking the end of your birding safari.