Uganda & Rwanda Birding Tour 2025 – Including Rift Valley Endemics

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Uganda & Rwanda Birding Tour 2025 – Including Rift Valley Endemics

Birds , Big Apes, Big Five with Albertine Rift Extension

14 Days

Non stop birding & Photography

August 2025

5 - 18 August

$ 5280

Price From

Search for iconic Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where birders can also track mountain gorillas in a landscape echoing with forest calls. In Kibale Forest, glimpse chimpanzees while scanning the canopy for the rare Green-breasted Pitta and other regional gems. Explore Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill Stork and papyrus specialists, before heading north to Murchison Falls to spot Rock Pratincole and observe birds along the Nile’s dramatic gorge. A Kazinga Channel cruise unveils Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, and more. Queen Elizabeth National Park blends savannah birding with big game viewing, while Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda teems with montane endemics like Rwenzori Turaco and Red-collared Mountain Babbler. From papyrus swamps to cloud forest trails, each moment offers exceptional birding, regional rarity encounters, and outstanding photography in Africa’s richest ecosystem.

Follow expert trackers to encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi’s misty forests. Witness a silverback and his family up close—a humbling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Glide through Mabamba Swamp’s papyrus channels in search of the elusive Shoebill Stork. This prehistoric giant remains motionless before striking with precision.

Watch chimpanzees swing through Kibale’s canopy, their chases, gazes, and grooming revealing primate intelligence.

The Nile River thunders through a 7-meter gorge, plunging 43 meters below. A boat safari reveals hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds in its misty embrace.

Add many Rift endemics to your life list, from Grauer’s Broadbill to Shelley’s Crimsonwing, their melodies enriching the forest.

Watch tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, resting in fig trees and scanning the savannah before descending gracefully.

Crafted by us, customised for you

Join us on an exotic journey to search for the elusive African Pitta, Shoebill, and Rift Valley endemics

Embark on a 14-day journey with Endemic Explorers to uncover the endemic treasures of Uganda and Rwanda. This meticulously crafted itinerary is designed for bird and wildlife photography enthusiasts, offering unparalleled access to some of East Africa’s most biodiverse habitats. From the rare Albertine Rift endemics to Uganda’s five distinct biomes and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, this tour promises an immersive experience in nature and culture. Encounter over 400 bird species, 40+ mammals, and breathtaking landscapes while engaging with local communities and their traditions. Whether trekking for gorillas in Bwindi, marvelling at the thunderous Murchison Falls, or birding in Nyungwe’s misty montane forests, it is tailored to immerse you in the wonders of nature and culture.

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Day 1: (August 5, 2025) : Arrival

Botanical Garden and Majestic Varreaux's Eagle Owl

Birding near Entebbe

We start our tour bright and early at 7:00 AM, departing from Entebbe or a nearby hotel close to the airport. After a brief introduction and settling into the rhythm of the day, we ease into Uganda’s natural beauty with a gentle exploration of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Nestled along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, these gardens are a perfect introduction to the region’s rich biodiversity. As we walk beneath the shade of tall trees and follow winding paths towards the lakeshore, we will keep our binoculars ready for colourful sightings—perhaps an Orange Weaver flitting through the reeds, a Black-headed Gonolek calling from the thickets, or, if we are fortunate, a Verreaux’s Eagle Owl resting silently in the canopy. The proximity to the lake enriches the landscape with a blend of aquatic birds and dense foliage that attracts both resident and migratory species. It is a serene and sensory start, allowing us to tune in, breathe deeply, and let the journey truly begin.

Accommodation: Jet Villa Guest House

Day 2: (August 6, 2025)

Exploring the Mabamba Swamp

Shoebills and Bee Eaters

Today, we set off on an early morning adventure to the legendary Mabamba Swamp—a RAMSAR-listed wetland and one of Uganda’s 33 Important Bird Areas. After a short drive, we hop aboard our wooden boat and glide into a landscape that feels untouched by time. As we drift through the swamp’s floating vegetation and narrow channels, the stillness is broken only by the sounds of birdlife. Our eyes are peeled for one of Africa’s most sought-after species: the enigmatic Shoebill Stork. With a bit of luck and patience, we may spot this prehistoric-looking giant standing motionless in the papyrus, waiting to strike. But the Shoebill is only part of the story.

Mabamba is home to over 320 species, including the vibrant Papyrus Gonolek and the elegant Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, often seen darting overhead. The reflections of sky and lilies on the water, combined with the soft morning light, make this a dream for photographers. This three-hour boat tour offers not just brilliant birding, but a deeper connection to Uganda’s commitment to conserving its wild places. It is a peaceful, awe-inspiring start to our day—and one that often becomes a highlight of the entire journey.ru

Accommodation: Masindi Hotel

Day 3: (August 7, 2025)

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Rhinos and cranes

Tracking Giants at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary After our morning at Mabamba, we journey north to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary—approximately a three-hour drive covering 170 kilometres. As we make our way through changing landscapes, from lush wetlands to open savannah, the anticipation builds. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where we can encounter wild rhinos, and today, we will do just that.

Established in 1997, this sanctuary plays a crucial role in bringing the white rhino back from the brink after it was poached to extinction in Uganda. On arrival, we receive a short briefing before setting off on foot with trained rangers to track these magnificent creatures through the bush. Walking quietly, with only the sounds of nature around us, the moment we catch sight of a rhino—massive, calm, and ancient—it is simply unforgettable.

Ziwa is more than a rhino haven. Its mosaic of savannah and wetlands is alive with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the regal Grey-crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird, and the soaring silhouette of a Bateleur Eagle. As we explore, we also learn about the sanctuary’s wider mission: education, eco-tourism, and safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage. Today is not just about sightings—it is about understanding the value of protection and the powerful stories of species that have come back home.ly

Accommodation: Pakuba Hotel

Day 4: (August 8, 2025)

Murchison Falls National Park

Big Fives and More

MurcToday, we make our way to one of Uganda’s crown jewels—Murchison Falls National Park. As we enter this vast and storied landscape, we are stepping into Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, where the mighty Nile roars through a narrow 7-metre gorge and crashes 43 metres below in a thunderous display of raw natural force.

Our day here is rich with experiences. We begin with a game drive across sweeping savannahs, scanning the golden grasslands for giraffes stretching for acacia leaves, lions lounging in the shade, and elephants moving in stately procession. With over 451 bird species recorded here, there is always something in the air—a vibrant flash of a Carmine Bee-eater, the steady glide of a fish eagle, or the rhythmic calls echoing through the riverine forest. Later in the day, we trade wheels for water as we board a boat and head upstream to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the banks, hippos huff, crocodiles bask in the sun, and a kaleidoscope of waterbirds flutters through the reeds.

As we draw nearer to the falls, the air grows misty and the sound intensifies—a moment that leaves no one untouched. Murchison offers a thrilling blend of birding and big game, where the scale of nature’s drama meets quiet moments of wonder. It is a highlight not just of our journey, but of Uganda itself.

Accommodation: Pakuba Lodge

Day 5: (August 9, 2025)

Kibale Forest National Park

Primate capital of the word

This morning, we set off on a scenic drive south, covering approximately 380 kilometres from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park—a journey of around seven hours through varied landscapes that reflect Uganda’s incredible ecological diversity. By late afternoon, we arrive at one of the most enchanting rainforests in Africa. Kibale is often called the Primate Capital of the World, and with good reason. As we enter the cool, green embrace of the forest, it becomes clear why this place is so celebrated. Towering trees reach skyward, their canopies alive with rustling leaves and the distant calls of monkeys.

Home to 13 primate species, Kibale is one of the best places in Africa to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat—an experience we will enjoy tomorrow. But Kibale is also a birder’s paradise. Beneath the filtered light of the forest, we will search for avian gems such as the shimmering Green-breasted Pitta and the striking Black Bee-eater.

Each sighting here feels like uncovering a secret—this ancient forest rewards patience and quiet observation. Beyond its beauty and biodiversity, Kibale plays a critical role as a carbon sink, reminding us that conservation here has global consequences.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 6: (August 10, 2025)

Kibale Forest National Park

Primate capital of the word

Today promises a deep and personal connection with Kibale’s wild heart. We rise early and step into the forest while the mist still clings to the undergrowth. With our guides leading the way, we begin our chimpanzee tracking adventure—an experience that brings us remarkably close to our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

As we move quietly through the forest, we may hear the chorus of hoots long before we see them. And then, suddenly, there they are: a family of chimpanzees grooming, feeding, or swinging with playful ease through the canopy. Observing their social dynamics—the way they communicate, care for one another, and move with such familiarity—offers a rare and emotional insight into the wild world of primates. In the afternoon, we shift gears and turn our attention to the vibrant world of forest birds. With binoculars in hand, we head into the lush trails of the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where patient watching reveals brilliant flashes of colour. Look out for the regal Black-billed Turaco and the elegant Narina Trogon, both hidden treasures of this habitat. And if luck is on our side, the magnificent Great Blue Turaco may glide into view—a true highlight of the day.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 7: (August 11, 2025)

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wetland near Kibale forest

This morning, we begin with a final stroll through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a model of community-driven conservation right on Kibale’s doorstep. Guided by local experts, we weave our way through boardwalks and forest fringes where bird calls echo all around us. Keep your eyes sharp for the vivid Blue-breasted Kingfisher perched above the reeds, and listen for rustling in the trees—this sanctuary is also home to several primate species, including the shy red colobus. Bigodi is more than a birding site; it is a testament to how local stewardship can protect biodiversity while supporting livelihoods. It is the perfect finale to our time in the Kibale region.

After lunch, we set off on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park—approximately 150 kilometres south, a journey of around four hours. As we descend into the Great Rift Valley, the landscape opens into sprawling savannahs, crater lakes, and volcanic hills. By late afternoon, we arrive at one of East Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a dream for any birder. The anticipation builds as we settle in, knowing tomorrow we will wake up surrounded by one of the continent’s most prolific birding landscapes.

Accommodation: Mweya Lodge

Day 8: (August 12, 2025)

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel/boat cruise

Today, we immerse ourselves in the rich mosaic of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest protected area and one of its most celebrated. At dawn, we set out for a game drive across golden savannahs, keeping watch for herds of Uganda kob, stealthy leopards, and the towering elegance of elephants moving through the grasslands. The birding here is exceptional, and we remain alert for special sightings—perhaps the elusive African Crake stepping through the scrub, or the striking Papyrus Gonolek calling from a dense thicket.

As the day warms, we head to one of the park’s true gems: the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George, and a boat cruise here offers an entirely different perspective. From the gentle sway of our vessel, we watch large pods of hippos jostling in the shallows, crocodiles lazing on sunlit banks, and an astonishing diversity of waterfowl—African Spoonbills, Great Cormorants, African Skimmers, and kingfishers of every hue.

Queen Elizabeth is where Uganda’s ecosystems converge—savannah, wetland, lake, and forest—creating a haven for both birds and big game. By the time we return to camp at sunset, the landscape feels both vast and intimately familiar. This day offers one of the most complete wildlife experiences on the journey, balancing thrilling mammal encounters with unforgettable moments for birdwatchers.

Accommodation: Haven Safari Lodge

Day 9: (August 13, 2025)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Land of mountain gorillas

Today, we leave the open plains of Queen Elizabeth behind and journey south into the highlands—towards one of Africa’s most iconic and mystical landscapes. Our drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans around 160 kilometres, taking roughly five hours. As we ascend into the forested slopes, the temperature drops, the air grows cooler, and mist begins to curl through the trees.

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it feels every bit as ancient and sacred as that designation suggests. Known above all as the refuge of the mountain gorilla, this forest also holds another treasure for us—360 bird species, many found nowhere else on Earth. Among them is the Grauer’s Broadbill, a brilliantly green rarity that makes its home deep in the tangled canopy.

Once we arrive and settle in, we take a short forest walk or cultural visit depending on the time. The park’s natural magic is complemented by human heritage as well. Encounters with the Batwa Pygmies—Bwindi’s original forest inhabitants—offer powerful insights into a way of life deeply entwined with the rhythms of this land. Their stories and songs remind us that conservation is not only about species, but also about culture.

Accommodation: Heaven Lodge

Day 10: (August 14, 2025)

Bwindi to Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

Albertine rift expedition

This morning, we bid farewell to the misty heights of Bwindi and begin our scenic journey towards Rwanda, crossing into another gem of the Albertine Rift: Nyungwe Forest. The drive covers approximately 230 kilometres and takes around seven hours, winding through highland terrain, local villages, and rolling hills stitched with tea plantations.

Before we leave Uganda completely, we make a special birding stop at the famed “Neck” of Bwindi—a narrow forest corridor and a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics. This transitional zone, though small, is alive with possibilities. Here, we keep watch for treasures such as the Dusky Crimsonwing, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, and the ever-charming Bar-tailed Trogon. It is a fitting final birding flourish before we cross the border. As we enter Rwanda, the landscape remains lush and elevated. By the time we reach Nyungwe Forest National Park, the light may be softening and the forest cloaked in evening mist.

Known as one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse montane forests, Nyungwe is home to over 310 bird species, countless orchids, butterflies, and a remarkable number of primates.

Accommodation: Travellers Hotel

Day 11&12: (August 15&16, 2025)

Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest national park, Rwanda

Today, we step into the heart of Nyungwe Forest National Park, a pristine montane rainforest tucked within the folds of the Albertine Rift. The forest stretches between 1,600 and 2,950 metres in elevation, and as we begin our explorations, we are struck by the sheer richness of this place—its ancient trees draped in moss, the cool mountain air, and the constant symphony of birdsong above. Our focus today is on discovering Nyungwe’s remarkable biodiversity.

With over 300 bird species recorded, including several Albertine Rift endemics, we will keep our eyes peeled for special sightings like the flamboyant Rwenzori Turaco, a flash of green and crimson in the canopy, and the elusive Yellow-eyed Blackbird, a species found almost nowhere else. The birding here is exceptional, but the forest’s wonders do not end there.

Nyungwe is also home to 13 primate species, from the lively L’Hoest’s monkey to troops of Angola colobus that sweep through the treetops like shadows. Along our walks, butterflies flit across sun-dappled clearings, orchids bloom from tree trunks, and the forest hums with hidden life. Whether we explore on foot along fern-lined trails or take to the park’s famed canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor, Nyungwe offers an immersive experience that touches every sense. It is a place where you do not just observe nature—you become part of it.

Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel

Day 13: (August 17, 2025)

Nyungwe Forest to Kigali

Nyungwe Forest national park, Rwanda

This morning, we take a final stroll through the serene trails of Nyungwe Forest. The soft light filtering through the canopy, the rustle of leaves, and the distant calls of turacos and colobus monkeys create a perfect, peaceful farewell. We take this time to slow down, breathe deeply, and reflect on the journey we have shared—from mist-covered mountains and papyrus swamps to rainforest depths and savannah plains. By late morning, we begin our drive to Kigali, a smooth and scenic route of about three and a half hours.

As we descend from the highlands into Rwanda’s capital, the landscapes gradually shift, but the sense of wonder remains. Upon arrival in Kigali, we check in and freshen up before gathering for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Heaven Hotel Rwanda.

Day 14: (August 18, 2025)

Tour Ends

Genocide memorials & departure

On our final morning in Rwanda, we take time for quiet reflection. Before heading to the airport, we visit additional genocide memorials in and around Kigali—places of remembrance that offer deep insight into the country’s resilience, pain, and the power of healing. These moments are solemn but essential, anchoring our journey in the cultural depth that has accompanied the natural wonders we have experienced. As we walk through these sites, the contrast with the silence of the forests and the chorus of birds becomes deeply moving.

Just as we have tracked gorillas in the mist and sought out rare birds in ancient trees, here we witness a nation that has rebuilt with dignity and strength.

By noon, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.

Tour Highlights

Tour Length: 14 days
Focus: Birding and game viewing •

• Expected Number of Species: Over 400 species of birds and 50+ species of mammals

• Birding Pace: Moderate

• Diﬃculty: Moderate

• Group Limit: 6-8 people

• Birding Photography: Good

Comprehensive List of Birds:

Key Birds and Wildlife:

Birds: Shoebill Stork, Great Blue Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Papyrus Gonolek, Grauer’s Broadbill, Green-breasted Pitta, Orange Weaver, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Egyptian Goose, African Wood Owl, Bat Hawk, Black-headed Gonolek, Yellow- footed Flycatcher, Iliadopsis Puvelli, Saddle-billed Stork, Heuglin’s Spurfowl, Black-headed Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Rameron Pigeon, Blue- breasted Kingfisher, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Blue-breasted Robin Chat, Narina Trogon, Red-throated Alethe, Kungwe Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, Congo Bay Owlet, Red- collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, Archers Robin Chat, Neumann’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, African Piculet, African Green Broadbill.

Wildlife: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, giraffes, tree-climbing lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, Uganda kob, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, and red colobus monkeys.

Attractions: Murchison Falls, Kazinga Channel, Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Nyungwe Forest, and Batwa cultural experience

Tour Cost

Tour Cost Breakdown

USD 5280* Per person double occupamcy

$5,780 USD per person (single occupancy)

Optional Gorilla Tracking Permit: $800 USD per permit

Optional Chimpanzee Tracking Permit: $250 USD per permit

Arrival Airport: Entebbe International, Uganda.
Departure Airport: Kigali International Rwanda.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are optional, as they require special permits. Those who do not participate in the treks will continue birding in the park’s designated birding areas.

Special Notes

Terms and Conditions:

1. A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking.

2. Full payment must be made 60 days before the start of the tour.

3. Travel insurance is mandatory and should cover medical evacuation and cancellations.

4. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or park regulations

Included in the Package:
1. Accommodations with meals as per the itinerary
2. Bottled drinking water
3. 4×4 safari vehicle with knowledgeable birding guides and fuel
4. Park entrance fees
5. Boat trips on Mabamba Swamp, Kazinga Channel, and Murchison Falls
Bigodi Swamp walk
Excluded in the Package
Flight tickets, Visa, Additional food and drinks, Laundry, Insurance, Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking, Trips, Taxes etc.

We reserve the right to make adjustments to the itinerary in order to ensure the best possible experience and overall effectiveness.

Health risks such as malaria (ensure you take proper medication and precautions).
Logistical issues due to the remote nature of the region.
Unpredictable weather, as rain can occur at any time. As a result, last-minute changes to travel plans should be expected. We recommend maintaining flexibility and a spirit of adventure to enjoy this extraordinary fully experience.

Tour Map

Extras & Tools

Read, Watch, or Listen About the Tour

Botanical Garden and Majestic Varreaux's Eagle Owl

Birding near Entebbe

Entebbe, perched on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, is your gateway to Uganda’s wildlife wonders. This tranquil city is home to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The gardens’ lush flora provides habitats for various species, including the Orange Weaver, Black-headed Gonolek, and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagle Owl. The proximity to Lake Victoria enhances the biodiversity, with aquatic birds and lush vegetation attracting both local and migratory species. Entebbe’s serene atmosphere perfectly introduces Uganda’s biomes, allowing you to acclimate after your journey.

Accommodation: Jet Villa Guest House