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15 Days Albertine Rift Endemics
Tour Overview
The Albertine Rift of Uganda is home to some of Africa’s most sought-after endemic birds, including Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, and African Green Broadbill. This 15-day birding safari takes you through montane forests, swamps, lakes, and lowland tropical forests across western Uganda, focusing on endemic and near-endemic species. Led by expert local guides, this tour combines intensive birding with breathtaking scenery, including lakes, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. Along the way, travelers also enjoy optional cultural interactions and wildlife encounters.
Included in the Cost
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All trekking and entrance permits for all activities
- Pick and Drop Services
- All Activities listed in itinerary
- Accommodation in lodges or safari camps
- All meals as per the itinerary
- Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
Excluded in the Cost
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal items and beverages outside the meal plan
Tour Details: Day-by-Day Program
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your birding guide, and transfer to a hotel near Lake Victoria. Afternoon birding around the gardens and lakeshore, spotting sunbirds, weavers, and kingfishers. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp
Early morning transfer to Mabamba Swamp. Board traditional canoes and glide through papyrus channels in search of the elusive Shoebill. Spot Papyrus Gonolek, African Finfoot, and Swamp Flycatcher. Return to Entebbe for overnight.
Day 3: Entebbe – Mabira Forest
Drive east to Mabira Forest. Spend the day exploring the forest interior, targeting turacos, forest robins, and greenbuls. Overnight near Mabira.
Day 4: Mabira – Lake Mburo National Park
Morning birding along forest edges. Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon birding in savannah and wetland habitats. Key species include African finfoot, Grey Crowned Crane, and waterbirds. Overnight in Lake Mburo.
Day 5: Lake Mburo National Park
Full day birding in Lake Mburo’s savannah, woodland, and lakeshore areas. Look for African Wattled Lapwing, Pied Kingfisher, and raptors. Optional guided nature walks for closer encounters. Overnight at Lake Mburo.
Day 6: Lake Mburo – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, birding along scenic routes. Evening at leisure in preparation for forest birding. Overnight near Bwindi.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Full-day forest birding targeting Albertine Rift endemics, including Rwenzori Turaco, African Green Broadbill, and various sunbirds. Explore different forest trails for understory and canopy species. Overnight near Bwindi.
Day 8: Bwindi – Ruhija / Nkuringo
Birding in higher montane forest zones at Ruhija or Nkuringo. Focus on rare endemics such as Red-throated Alethe, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, and Shelley’s Sunbird. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 9: Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Birding en-route in farmland and forest patches. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel
Morning boat cruise along Kazinga Channel. Target waterbirds, herons, storks, skimmers, and kingfishers. Afternoon birding in savannah and woodland habitats for raptors, hornbills, and endemic weavers. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.
Day 11: Queen Elizabeth – Kibale Forest
Drive north to Kibale Forest National Park. Afternoon forest edge birding for mixed flocks and forest edge specialists. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 12: Kibale Forest National Park
Full day birding in Kibale Forest, focusing on forest endemics and near-endemics such as African Broadbill, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, and Green-breasted Pitta. Optional chimpanzee tracking for those interested. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 13: Kibale – Semuliki National Park
Drive to Semuliki National Park, a hotspot for Central African species rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda. Afternoon birding in lowland forests and riverine areas. Overnight near Semuliki.
Day 14: Semuliki National Park
Full day birding, targeting rare Albertine Rift and Central African species. Key species include Nkulengu Rail, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. Evening relaxation. Overnight near Semuliki.
Day 15: Semuliki – Entebbe & Departure
Drive back to Entebbe with birding stops along roadside wetlands and forest fragments. Enjoy a final morning birding at Lake Victoria or Entebbe Botanical Gardens before transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey.