- Overview
- Full Itinerary
- Photo Gallery
- Costing
- Travel Details
- Trip Reports
- Map
- Know Before You Go
- Other Trips You May Like
Join Tucson Audubon in Africa! In support of conservation we have selected Uganda, a country fast gaining fame for hosting a rich geography of wetlands, savannas, and montane rainforests. Experience the Albertine Rift, backbone of the continent, a high plateau where Africa’s great rivers are born and 20+ endemic bird species can be found. From the shores of Lake Victoria to lush forests skirting the beautiful Virunga Volcanos, Uganda hosts both a rich bird and mammal fauna which we find birding and on classic African safari game drives. A bonus to time in Uganda is the chance to explore some of the best forests remaining on the continent; Uganda’s wild forest reserves are home to myriad beautiful birds, rare Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and other primates. The Gorilla and Chimpanzee treks on this trip are optional, but highly recommended.
- *Great trip, not only saw lots of birds but also Gorilla, Chimpanzee and other large and small mammals. Our guide was wonderful, very knowledgeable and took care of all our issues…Highlights include the number of birds we saw, total of 288 species including the rare Shoebill! (Uganda is a) country with very warm people welcoming visitors, rich in bird life especially around lakes and rivers.” — Nancy Siepman, 2023 Traveler
- "Amazing, incredible, the trip of a lifetime. It was a dream come true." — Elizabeth Trimble, 2023 Traveler
- “A lovely introduction to the country of Uganda - including wildlife and birds” — 2023 Traveler
Tour Highlights
- Explore the labyrinth of lagoons at Mabamba Swamp by canoe in search of Uganda’s iconic Shoebill
- Enjoy a game drive in Lake Mburo NP for views of Zebra, Impala, Eland, Topi, African Buffalo, and more
- See some of Africa’s most beautiful birds: turacos, barbets, bushshrikes, bee-eaters, and broadbills
- Enter Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest NP, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to approximately half the world’s endangered population of Mountain Gorilla
- Discover Bwindi’s productive montane forest birding along the mountain spine of Africa—lush forests support 23 of Uganda's 24 Albertine Rift endemic birds
- Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Equator in search of Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Leopard, Lion, Ugandan Kob, Side-striped Jackal, Baboon, and other mammals, as well as abundant birds
- Take an exciting boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for excellent sightings and photo opportunities of wading birds and abundant Hippopotamus
- Find out why Kibale Forest National Park is the best safari destination for Chimpanzee tracking in East Africa, a place where up to 13 species of primates can be seen (and the bird list is 325 species!)
- Discover Murchison Falls, a stunning end to our journey!
Trip Itinerary
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Sun., June 15 : Arrive in Entebbe, on the Shore of Lake Victoria
Several major airlines provide service to Entebbe, including United, Delta, Emirates, Ethiopian, KLM, and others. Typical stops in route include your gateway through Brussels, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Doha, or Kigali. Note, you need to leave the day prior to arrival, July 12 departing the USA. If you wish to combine with another part of Africa, then Kenya or Ethiopia work well and in both we have partner companies that can provide guided custom excursions.
Today is planned as just a day of rest; for those arriving in time we gather for a welcome dinner at our hotel. For those that arrive early in the day, you can rest and enjoy birding on the grounds. The hotel is close to the airport, and provides dependable and convenient shuttle service.
Accommodations at the Boma Hotel or similar, Entebbe (D)
Mon., June 16: Entebbe’s Botanic Garden Birding | Local Hotspots
This morning, we explore the local botanic gardens, a fabulous birding area on the shores of Lake Victoria. Trails are well-manicured and easy for walking and birding so it makes for a grand introduction. That first sighting of Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill is particularly impressive. Water birds abound by the lakeshore, from two species of pelicans (Great White and Pink-backed) to African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, a variety of herons and egrets and the odd-looking Hamerkop. In the lush mix of flowering trees and shrubs we find African Green Pigeon, Great Blue Turaco, Beautiful Sunbird, and a variety of weavers, greenbuls and bee-eaters to introduce you to those families.
And like most cities, there are some wonderful birds that occur in pockets of good habitat, some quite close to our hotel. We look for raptors, woodpeckers and more in favorite areas this afternoon. Or if your travel energies are low from the long flight, enjoy the pool and perhaps a nap ahead of an evening together which includes a lovely dinner and time to tally up our sightings.
Accommodations at the Boma, Entebbe (D)
Tues., June 17 : Mabamba Swamp | Lake Mburo National Park
After an early breakfast, we proceed to the Mabamba Swamp, a Wetland of International Importance and a community-led conservation project, in search of water birds including Uganda’s iconic Shoebill. In this narrow bay, lined by papyrus, other specialty birds include Hamerkop, Lesser Jacana, Blue Swallow, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Blue-breasted and Madagascar Bee-eaters, Gray-rumped Swallow, Greater Swamp-Warbler, Slender-billed Weaver, African Pygmy-Kingfisher, and Plain-backed Pipit. Waterbirds include African Pygmy-Goose, Spur-winged Goose, Long-toed Lapwing, Gray-hooded Gull, and three species of terns: Gull-billed, White-winged Black, and Whiskered. We may be lucky and find the giant of all herons, the Goliath. Raptors include the interesting Lizard Buzzard, and perhaps the Palm-nut Vulture. Mammal fans want to be on the lookout for Spot-necked Otter, occasionally seen in the water here.
Mabamba Swamp hosts a labyrinth of channels and lagoons. Even getting there holds exciting birding! We meet our local hosts who know the swamp well at parking area adjacent to a papyrus reed-bed adjoining Lake Victoria. They guide us in canoes explore a maze of channels and mudflats for a reliable resident, the majestic Shoebill.
After a rewarding morning, and a picnic lunch, we head on to Lake Mburu, on the road for much of the afternoon. Sit back and watch a bit of Ugandan rural life as we go.
While small, this park has outstanding biodiversity, with numerous species of birds and an excellent array of large mammals including Burchell’s Zebra, Impala, Elands, Topi, and Buffalo. Oribi can be found here, as well as Olive Baboon, and Waterbuck and Reedbuck that relish the lush habitat. Where grazing mammals occur, we find Yellow-billed Oxpecker as well.
The park contains an extensive area of wetland including lakes and marshes. Ancient Precambrian rock tells a fascinating geologic story. The bird population is rich, including Green-backed Woodpecker, African Finfoot, Brown-chested Plover, Southern Ground Hornbill, Spot-flanked, Red-faced and Black-collared Barbets, White–winged Warbler, Carruthers Cisticola, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, and Northern Brown-throated Weaver. Gray-crowned Crane are often the photographers’ favorite.
Settle into our delightful lodgings ahead of dinner; this is a special place. We are up close and personal with wildlife here; at night we need to keep on the lookout for nightjars and Hippos!
Accommodations at Kigambira Safari lodge, Lake Mburo (B,L,D)(B,L,D)
Wed. June 18 : Lake Mburo National Park: Full Day Birding, Game Drive & Boat Cruise
We have the full day to explore the park today. With our expert guides, on drives and a fabulous boat trip we look for birds and large mammals. Search the skies for Tawny Eagle, Ruppel's Griffon Vulture, Grey Kestrel, and the differently-patterned male and female Bateleur. Feeding in trees we look for Ruppel's Starling, Brown Parrot, Grey Hornbill, White-browed Coucal, Northern Brubru, Black-headed Oriole; in and around their roots we may find Water Thick-knee seeking shade or Coqui Francolin busily feeding. Favorites for the day often include Shining Blue, Woodland, and Giant Kingfishers, Broad-billed Roller, and Little Bee-eater. With keen eyes we may spot a roosting Verreaux's Eagle Owl, a Greater Honeyguide, and associated with water, White-backed Night-Heron, Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser Masked Weaver, and Carruther’s Cisiticola.
In more open savanna, dotted with acacias, we look for Senegal Lapwing and birds of the grasslands and scrub, including White-backed Scrub Robin, Plain-backed Pipit, Sooty Chat, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Red-faced Crombec, Chinspot Batis, Grassland Pipit, and Golden-breasted Bunting. Learn to sort out starlings today: Rupell’s Long-tailed, Greater Blue-eared, and Bronze-tailed.
We return to our upmarket lodge for an enjoyable evening. Chefs take pride in our meals, and include fresh local foods in the menu. Enjoy drinks from the bar, and as night falls, sounds of the African night.
Accommodations at Kigambira Safari lodge, Lake Mburo (B,L,D)
Thurs., June 19 : Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park | Buhoma
Today we start early after breakfast, with an exciting destination in mind—the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is mainly a travel day, our drive time is 6 – 7 hours or more, depending on the stops we make for scenery and birding (and lunch) along the way.
Bwindi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to approximately half of the world’s endangered population of Mountain Gorillas. This vast reserve offers arguably the most productive montane forest birding in Africa and supports 23 of Uganda's 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species.
Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighboring Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is now an ecological island within a sea of human cultivation and therefore of big conservation importance. We have several days here to enjoy the world-famous Mountain Gorillas (permit required, additional cost) and some spectacular birding.
Our lodge opened in 2014, with a mission to provide lodging for the park while supporting the local community. It is a small lodge, with wonderful hospitality. And the birding is terrific, so after a day of travel we can marvel at a number of new species right off the deck of the lodge!
Accommodations at Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bwindi (B,L,D)
Fri., June 20 : Optional Gorilla Tracking in the Forest | Local Birding
For those that select the Gorilla tracking option, after an early breakfast, we report to the park headquarters for a briefing prior to the Gorilla tracking excursion. This activity may take anywhere from one hour to a full day, so a reasonable degree of fitness is required. The hike starts about 8:30 – 9:00 AM and we are back anytime of the day. It may be just an hour or several hours. It is a wonderful experience to stare into the eyes of these gentle giants; watch them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities. It is indeed a “once in a lifetime” experience. Each encounter is different and has its own rewards; we are likely to enjoy close view of adults feeding, grooming, and resting as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display. Only a limited number of people are allowed in to see the family groups each day (we have two days and may split up between them), so the earlier you sign on the better. We forward your permit payment on with registration. The forest habitat is fascinating, with lush greenery and of course, a host of birds.
We hope that our whole groups opts for the gorilla trek; our visit supports their conservation and rangers work hard to pace the hike for you to have success in finding them. If you are not able to do the hike, or perhaps have seen them at another location, birding is plentiful and we will provide that as an alternate activity on this day. Also possible are short nature walks or a cultural visit.
Accommodations at Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bwindi (B,L,D)
Sat., June 21: Birding Bwindi
Forest birding at Bwindi ranks the best birdwatching in Uganda and Africa as well, having been voted the number one hot spot in Africa. It is home to over 23 highly-localized Albertine Rift endemics. Our birding today takes place at different elevations, much of it in mid-montane forest.
The list of special birds is long! Sunbirds appear like our hummingbirds, but are songbirds that sing. We look for Blue-headed Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, and Grey-headed Sunbird, Green-throated Sunbird, and Blue-throated Brown Sunbird. Stunning and colorful are the Black-billed Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Lagden’s Bush-shrike, Doherty's Bush-shrike, Montane Oriole, African Golden Oriole, and the smaller Oriole Finch. Flycatchers and other small birds of the forest include Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Grauer's Warbler, Banded Prinia, three species of Apalis: Black-throated and Mountain Masked, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Ashy Flycatcher, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Chapin's Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Rwenzori Batis, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, White-bellied Crested-flycatcher, Mountain Illadopsis, and Dusky Tit.
Noisy are the African Hill-Babbler, Sooty Boubou, Pink-footed Puffback, and White-naped Raven. Starlings, various finches, sparrows, and weavers abound, including Stuhlmann's Starling, Narrow-tailed Starling, Waller's Starling, Strange Weaver, Brown-capped Weaver, Black-billed Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Magpie Mannikin, Yellow-crowned Canary, Thick-billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, and Shelly's Crimsonwing. Overhead, we look for two striking raptors, Mountain Buzzard and Ayre's Hawk-eagle.
Sought after as we work a mix of elevations are African Wood-Owl, Scarce Swift, Black Bee-eater, Red-chested Owlet, Tullberg's and Elliot's Woodpeckers, African Broadbill, Petit's Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Archer's Ground Robin, Toro Olive-Greenbul, Ansorge's Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat, White-bellied Robin-chat, Olive Thrush, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Short-tailed Warbler, and Red-faced Woodland-Warbler.
We could continue, but you can see from those species mentioned here that the area is rich! Extremely rare and likely tough to find, requiring more extensive hiking than we do, is the endemic African Green Broadbill.
We return to the hospitality of our lodge, to dine and enjoy the evening.
Accommodations at the Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bwindi (B,L,D)
Sun., June 22 : Birding to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Today we shall start early because it is a travel day, with a 5 – 6-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We pass through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (known for its tree climbing Lions), watching for mammals and birding along the way. We hope to find African Long Crested Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Mackinnon's Fiscal, Black-headed Waxbill, Black-and-white Mannikin, Senegal Coucal, Red-chested Cuckoo, Grey-capped Warbler, and other species.
The peak experience today is saving the active hours of late-afternoon for an exciting boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Several participants have rated this as their favorite outing in Uganda. The channel is a narrow neck of water that connects Lakes George and Edward, with excellent photo opportunities for waterside birds and abundant Hippopotamus. Amongst the birds we are likely to encounter African Skimmer, Striated Heron, African Spoonbill, Water Thick-knee, Three-banded Plover, Marsh, Green, Wood, and Common Sandpiper, Gray-headed Gull, Plain Martin, Lesser Swamp-Warbler, and following the mammals, Yellow-billed Oxpecker.
We then check into our lodge, which is at the gateway of the park, with fine views and good birding on the grounds. The main house has large windows in the dining area and a viewing deck, great for sundowners and dining, sometimes with Elephants in view!
Accommodations at Enganzi Game Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park (B,L,D)
Mon., June 23 : Full Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park | Game Drives in the Park Morning and Afternoon
After breakfast we set out for a nearly full day game drive and birdwatching drive in the park. There is always anticipation of what the outstanding sightings will be, over the years we have seen so many wonderful species here.
The park is named after the Queen of England, who visited in 1954. It is the second largest national park in Uganda. In terms of diversity, this park ranks among the best birding destinations in Uganda with over 610 species recorded, and a one-day record of 296 species. Mammals include African Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Leopard, Lion, Ugandan Kobs, Side-striped Jackal, Baboon, Chimpanzee, Bush and Water Bucks, Warthog, and Giant Forest Hog to mention but a few. Specialty birds of this park include Harlequin Quail, Blue Quail, Small (Common) Buttonquail, African Crake, White-winged Warbler, Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Ovampo Sparrowhawk, Lowland Akalat, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Shoebill, Black Bee-eater, Secretary Bird, and Temminck's Courser.
We go out in the morning, return for lunch and a mid-day break, the venture out again for an afternoon safari drive ahead of dinner, and our checklist tally.
Accommodations at Enganzi Game Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park (B,L,D)
Tues., June 24 : Birding to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, we drive to Kibale National Park, crossing the Equator with views of the mountains as part of our day. Kibale is the best safari destination for Chimpanzee tracking in East Africa. It contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of all tropical forests in Uganda. It hosts 13 species of primates, including the Chimpanzee. The population we see today is among the estimated 1450 chimpanzees, Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. It is also home to the rare L’hoest’s Monkey and East Africa’s largest population of the threatened Red Colobus Monkey. Other primates that you may see include the Black-and-white Colobus, Blue Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Red-tailed Monkey, Olive Baboon, Bush Baby, and Potto.
Kibale’s lush forest cover predominates in the northern and central parts of the park. Kibale’s highest point is at the park’s northern tip, reaching just over 5000 feet above sea level. The park boasts 325 bird species, including six that are endemic to the Albertine Rift region. They include the Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimson Wing, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and Red-faced Woodland-Warbler. If we are lucky, we may also see the stunning African and Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-spotted Nicator, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Little Greenbul, Black-eared Ground-thrush, Brown-chested Alethe, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Abyssinian Ground-thrush, and perhaps the regal Crowned Eagle.
Our lodgings again have fine views of surrounding tea plantations in this fertile mountain setting. There are gardens and our rooms are in a colonial house where we can enjoy the bar and dining.
Accommodations at Chimpanzee Guest House, near Kibale National Park (B,L,D))
Wed., June 25 : Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee Tracking in the Forest
After an early breakfast we drive to Kibale National Park visitor center for a briefing and chimp tracking. The activity may last a few hours to several hours. It is an extraordinary experience, and we provide permits for all since hiking here is gentler than at Bwindi. Enjoy the antics of these fascinating chimps!
We also look for birds in the area, finding different species. Birding in the afternoon along the main road may be productive. Depending on the weather conditions, birding Bigodi Wetland is also productive for riverine forest birds. Kibale National Park is a good site for a number of birds that are hard to find elsewhere, including Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Cabanis's Greenbul, and Joyful Greenbul, as well as White-spotted Flufftail, Dusky and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Lesser Honeyguide, Blue-shouldered Robin-chat, White-chinned Prinia, Grey Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera, and White-collared Oliveback. Smaller winged species also catch our eye, this area is well-known for stunning butterflies!
And the grounds of our lodge afford lovely views and some great birds close to home.
Accommodations at Chimpanzee Guest House, near Kibale National Park (B,L,D)
Thurs., June 26 : A Taste of West Africa at Semliki National Park
We start early today from Kibale to explore African lowland tropical forest habitat at Semliki National Park, where a number of species occur that have an affinity to West Africa, reaching the easternmost edge of their range here. Possible species of this Guinea-Congo biome include Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Black-wattled Hornbill, both Black and Red-billed Dwarf Hornbills, African Piculet, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Fire-crested Alethe, Red-billed Helmetshrike, both Crested and Red-bellied Malimbes, Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, Maxwell’s Black Weaver and Red-throated Bee-eater, to mention a few of the specialties. This Important Bird Area of Uganda is also a good area to observe several species of monkeys and Red-legged Sun Squirrel.
After a full but rewarding day, we return to our lodgings at Kibale to freshen up, have dinner and tally up our sightings.
Accommodations at Chimpanzee Guest House, near Kibale National Park (B,L,D)
Fri., June 27 : On to the Royal Mile! | Colonial Hotel Masindi
Today after some early birding on the grounds where we encounter several colorful species of sunbirds, we enjoy breakfast and pack up and head on to the east, arriving late in the day to the town of Masindi, once a bustling river port city. We break up the drive with birding stops and enjoy the vivid scenery as we travel alongside Lake Albert.
Our hotel at Masindi is colonial style and while located in the city has nice plantings and a central courtyard/garden area with bar and dining. Enjoy the sense of history here and a nice dinner.
Accommodations at the Masindi Hotel (B,L,D)
Sat., June 28 : Birding the Royal Mile of Budongo Forest
We rise early to be in the lush forests of Budongo at dawn, when birds are singing. The area we visit today has tall trees and is known as the Royal Mile. It is a wonderful feeling to stroll here, and who can resist the chance to find a Chocolate-backed Kingfisher? This forest area is home to over 360 species of birds and brings a notable number of species from Central and Western Africa into the mix. We take a packed lunch to have as much of the day here as possible. By visiting a mix of habitats, we may find Blue-breasted and Dwarf Kingfisher, White-spotted Flufftail, Puvell’s Illadopsis (unique here) Yellow-crested Woodpecker, a new variety of sunbirds and greenbuls, and overhead, possibly Crowned Eagle or Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle.
At day’s end we return to our hotel in Masindi and enjoy dinner in the garden area. If we hear an African Wood Owl as we return to our rooms, we’ll try to find it!
Accommodations at the Masindi Hotel (B,L,D)
Sun., June 29 : Murchison Falls National Park | Pakuba Lodge
We leave Budonga today and head on to Murchison Falls National Park. The two protected areas are quite different from one another yet in close proximity. From Masindi to the South Gate will be an hour’s or so. South of the river the park is quite forested, once across savanna opens up extensively, perhaps the most classic landscape of our tour if comparing to better known areas of Kenya and Tanzania.
We stop to see the famous falls. Murchison Falls are on the White Nile River and are impressive for here as the Nile narrows, it pushes water through a narrow cleft. The drop is almost 150 feet, majestic and mesmerizing. The rocks below the falls are great habitat for Rock Pratincole which we look for on our boat trip along with colorful bee-eaters and more.
This is Uganda’s largest national park, impressive for both birds (over 450 species) and mammals (76 species). Many famous visitors, including Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway explored here. Many first knew of it from movie scenes in the film the African Queen, filmed here and starring Humphrey Bogart. Part of the park is on the shores of Lake Albert at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley. This is ecologically the most intact park in Uganda, with predators including Leopard and Lion.
The lodge and its dining area have a river view and excellent birding on the grounds. Our clients have enjoyed the extensive gift store here and herds of Waterbuck that feed on the lawn.
Accommodations at Pakuba Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Mon., June 30 & Tues., July 1 : Two Full Days to Explore Murchison Falls National Park
After early breakfasts each day, we have morning game drives. In the lush Borassus Palm savanna, we may be able to encounter Elephant, African Buffalo, Giraffe, and a variety of antelopes. With luck, we may also see Lion and Leopard is also possible. Birds of the grassland include the Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller, Black-bellied Bustard, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. This is the African landscape of documentary films and you are here to see it!
We have two days. One with a packed lunch and one with a restaurant patio lunch, and in addition to game drives we venture off on an afternoon boat trip to the base of the falls. The variety of water birds here is dazzling, including species like Pied Kingfisher, Red-throated Bee-eater, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Senegal Thick-knee, Black-headed Lapwing, Long-toed Lapwing, Little Bittern, and one familiar from back home, the Osprey. There are also good numbers of Nile Crocodile.
On our drives we look for Giraffe, Elephants, various ungulates, Lion and other mammals. Birds may include Red-necked Falcon, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Vinaceous Dove, and Grosbeak Weaver. Other specialties include Buff-bellied Warbler, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Bar-breasted Firefinch, Red-winged Grey Warbler, Spotted Morning-Thrush, Maribou Stork, Red-throated Bee-eater, Silverbird, Beautiful Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver, White-rumped Seedeater, White-crested Turaco, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Carmine Bee-eater, White-rumped Canary, and more.
Our lodge offers an option for a night drive, with a chance to see Serval Cat, Hyena, Leopard, and more. This is organized by a concession at an additional cost and you can decide at the time if you’d like to go.
Accommodations at Pakuba Safari Lodge (B,L,D)
Wed., July 2 : Drive to Entebbe for Evening Departures
We organize flights out today, with a return to our hotel for a chance to repack and regroup in a hospitality room for the group if you wish. As flights vary in time you can wait here in the garden or while enjoying a nice meal. If you need to overnight, we can make arrangements for you.
If for any reason weather precludes our flight, our backup is five-to-six hour drive back to Entebbe. As most flights depart in the evening hours, with the flight we have time for a final morning of birding and a chance to freshen up and pack for our flights. (B,L)
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Buffalo Herd in Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Shoebill Stork
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Lions Sleeping in Tree in Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Birding Uganda by Peg Abbott
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African Fish-eagle
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Gorilla
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Lions Sleeping in Tree in Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Malachite Kingfisher
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Elephant
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Crocodile
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Jackson's Chameleon
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Chimpanzee
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Mountain Gorilla by Herbert Byaruhanga
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Great Blue Turaco by Peg Abbott
Cost of the Journey
Cost of the Journey is $8790 DBL/$9735 SGL, based on occupancy, per person. The tour price includes airport transfers, 17 nights’ accommodations, all meals from dinner Day One through lunch Day 18, professional guide services, park and preserve entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. The Chimpanzee permits are included and arranged for the group.
Cost of the journey does not include airfare from your home to Entebbe, Uganda or items of a personal nature, such as drinks from the bar, telephone, and local guide gratuities (at your discretion, we will give some guidelines). Since the Gorilla hike requires more stamina, we make that optional, and the permit needs to be paid in addition to the tour cost, at present $800 (subject to change). Please pay this permit fee with your registration to ensure you get a spot. Your funds go to support Gorilla conservation.
You may wish to arrive early to rest up from travels or stay after to fly out the following day. We can add a night or nights as you wish before or after the journey (additional cost).
Travel Details
Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.
Arrival and Departure Airport: Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive June 15, 2025 at your leisure. Note that you will need to leave a day early, on June 14, for flights departing from the US.
Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart July 2, 2025 after 8:00 PM.
Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, we can book an early night hotel for you at the Boma Hotel, which is our first night tour hotel. The hotel is a great place to relax and has a restaurant, bar, pool, and nice gardens. They also offer a convenient airport shuttle. In case the Boma Hotel is full, we also use the Protea Hotel by Marriott, which is located on Lake Victoria and very close to the airport. They also have a restaurant, bar, and pool.
E-Visa Requirement: US residents need an e-Visa to travel to Uganda, a quick and easy online process.
Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.
Uganda
- August 2019
- February 2020
- July 2022
- September 2022
- November 2023
- July 2024
UGANDA RELIEF FUND REPORT
- October 2020
Essential Information +
Pace & Protocols +
Packing List +
Suggested Reading List +
Useful Links +
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Uganda Highlights Fabulous Birds & MammalsNovember 22 - December 5, 2023
Photo credits: Banners: Gorilla (NJ Stock), Queen Elizabeth National Park (NJ Stock), Lion in Tree (NJ Stock), Pied Kingfisher (NJ Stock), Gorilla (NJ Stock), Giraffes (NJ Stock), Elephant (NJ Stock) Thumbnails: Great Blue Turaco (NJ Stock), Impala (NJ Stock), Pied Kingfisher (NJ Stock), Marabou Stork (NJ Stock), Baboon (NJ Stock), Spekes Weaver (NJ Stock), Gorilla (NJ Stock), Gray-crowned Cranes (NJ Stock)