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15‑Day Birding Itinerary – Uganda

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Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Morning: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast while reviewing the birding checklist.

Afternoon: Visit the BirdLife Uganda Headquarters for a briefing on key species such as the African Fish Eagle and the endemic Uganda Woodpecker. Pick up maps and permits for the upcoming parks.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy a night walk along the Entebbe Wetlands, spotting nightjars and owls before an early night’s rest.

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Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park – Arrival

Morning: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving mid‑morning. Stop at the park gate for a quick briefing on the park’s birding hotspots.

Afternoon: Explore the River Nile Gorge where you can see the striking Goliath Heron and the vibrant Grey Crowned Crane along the riverbanks.

Evening: Settle into your lodge and enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Nile, keeping an eye out for the elusive White‑browed Robin‑Chat.

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Day 3: Murchison Falls – Intensive Birding

Morning: Early trek to the Top of the Falls trail, spotting the rare White‑spotted Fantail and various raptors soaring above the mist.

Afternoon: Visit the Komanda Wetlands, a haven for waterbirds like the Goliath Heron, African Jacana, and several species of kingfishers.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a briefing on the next day’s itinerary and a relaxed dinner under the stars.

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Day 4: Murchison Falls – Peripheral Sites

Morning: Guided walk in the Savannah Grasslands, focusing on grassland specialists such as the Yellow‑billed Oxpecker and Grey‑headed Kingfisher.

Afternoon: Head to the Karuma Falls overlook for a chance to spot the majestic Marsh Eagle and the colorful Red‑capped Crombec.

Evening: Night stay at the lodge; optional night walk near the lodge to hear the calls of the African Scops Owl.

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Day 5: Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park

Morning: Fly from Entebbe to Moroto Airport and transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park, enjoying the changing landscapes en route.

Afternoon: After check‑in, explore the park’s open savanna, focusing on the striking Black‑crowned Tchagra and the endemic Kidepo Lark.

Evening: Sunset at the Kidepo Waterhole, a prime spot for waterbirds like the Goliath Heron and the colourful Black‑billed Barbet.

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Day 6: Kidepo Valley – Deep Birding

Morning: Early guided walk in the Kidepo Plains, targeting desert‑adapted species such as the Golden‑winged Warbler and the Somali Lark.

Afternoon: Visit the Mabira Wetlands (within the park) to see the vibrant Rufous‑winged Buzzard and a flock of White‑breasted Swallow.

Evening: Return to camp for a cultural visit with the Karamojong community, learning about traditional bird knowledge.

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Day 7: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park

Morning: Fly back to Entebbe and drive to Kibale Forest, known as the “Primate Capital” but also a birding hotspot.

Afternoon: Short forest walk to locate the endemic Uganda Turaco and the colourful Blue‑capped Robin in the understory.

Evening: Night walk near the lodge for nocturnal species like the Brown‑capped Bush Warbler and the soft‑hooted Nightjar.

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Day 8: Kibale Forest – Intensive Birding

Morning: Guided trek to the Nyakafunjo Trail, focusing on forest canopy birds such as the Great Blue Turaco and the elusive African Green Broadbill.

Afternoon: Continue to the Chimaliro Waterfall, a micro‑habitat for the striking White‑browed Robin and several sunbirds.

Evening: Relax at the lodge with a briefing on the upcoming highland sites, and enjoy a local dinner.

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Day 9: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Morning: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, crossing scenic highland terrain.

Afternoon: Arrival and brief orientation at the lodge; short forest walk to spot the endemic Uganda Partridge and the striking Grey‑winged Lovebird.

Evening: Night walk for owls, with a chance to hear the hoot of the African Wood Owl and see the glint of the Brown‑capped Weaver.

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Day 10: Bwindi – High‑Altitude Birding

Morning: Early trek to the Gahungabiri Ridge, a superb spot for the endemic Ruwenzori Turaco and the rare Ruwenzori Sunbird.

Afternoon: Continue to the Nyakafunja Valley, targeting the striking Grey‑crowned Prinia and the vivid Red‑collared Widowbird.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening and a brief talk on the next park’s wetland birds.

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Day 11: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Arrival

Morning: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving at the park’s main gate.

Afternoon: Visit the Kashasha Wetlands, a prime area for waterbirds such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Fish Eagle, and several species of herons.

Evening: Sunset boat cruise on Lake Edward, where you may spot the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl and the striking Great White Pelican.

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Day 12: Queen Elizabeth – Savannah & Wetland Birding

Morning: Safari drive across the savanna to locate raptors like the Black‑eared Kite and the colorful Red‑capped Robin.

Afternoon: Guided walk in the Kasaka Wetlands, focusing on the endemic Uganda Swallow and the vibrant Red‑billed Firefinch.

Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and a short night walk near the lake to hear the calls of nightjars.

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Day 13: Travel to Lake Mburo National Park

Morning: Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, known for its open grasslands and wetlands.

Afternoon: Explore the lake’s edge, spotting the beautiful Pink‑breasted Lark, the striking Grey‑headed Kingfisher, and flocks of Wattled Lapwing.

Evening: Sunset game drive along the lake shore, with opportunities to see the soaring Marsh Harrier and the vocal Black‑crowned Night Heron.

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Day 14: Lake Mburo – Comprehensive Birding

Morning: Guided boat ride on Lake Mburo to focus on waterbirds such as the African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, and numerous duck species.

Afternoon: Hike to the Mabamba Swamp (outside the park) for a chance to see the iconic Grey Crowned Crane and the rare Black‑billed Woodpecker.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner and a final review of the species list.

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Day 15: Return to Entebbe & Departure

Morning: Drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for a quick recap of conservation efforts.

Afternoon: Free time for last‑minute souvenir shopping at the Entebbe Market and a final bird‑watching stroll along the Lake Victoria shoreline to spot the Great Cormorant and White‑breasted Kingfisher.

Evening: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Entebbe International Airport – Arrival/Departure: 2 hrs, $30 (transfer)
  • BirdLife Uganda HQ – Briefing: 1 hr, $20 (materials)
  • Murchison Falls NP (Gorge, Wetlands, Top of Falls) – 3 days, $150 /day, $450
  • Kidepo Valley NP (Plains, Waterhole, Wetlands) – 2 days, $160 /day, $320
  • Kibale Forest – 2 days, $140 /day, $280
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – 2 days, $150 /day, $300
  • Queen Elizabeth NP (Kashasha & Kasaka Wetlands) – 2 days, $145 /day, $290
  • Lake Mburo NP & Mabamba Swamp – 2 days, $130 /day, $260
  • Guides & Local Drivers – 15 days, $80 /day, $1 200
  • Accommodation (mid‑range lodges) – 14 nights, $120 /night, $1 680
  • Meals (incl. special birding snacks) – 15 days, $50 /day, $750
  • Park Entry Fees & Permits – All parks, $300 total
  • Internal Flights (Entebbe–Moroto–Entebbe) – $500 total
  • Transportation (vehicles, fuel) – $400 total
  • Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – $200 total
  • Total Estimated Cost: $6 340

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day at either Murchison Falls or Bwindi to explore additional birding trails and increase your chances of spotting rarities. If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping Lake Mburo and the Mabamba Swamp day, focusing on the core parks (Murchison, Kidepo, Kibale, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth), which still provides a comprehensive overview of Uganda’s diverse avifauna.

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