For more
information
(including and
easy to print
itinerary), contact
us at
1-888-203-7464 or
by email at

info@pibird.com

To learn about our
other great trips,
click here.
Uganda  with Johnnie Kamugisha

Our typical birding and wildlife trip in Uganda begins in Kampala.  A first day at the Entebbe
Botanical Gardens, Lake Victoria and other Kampala locales is worthwhile for finding a number of
bird species.  Then we travel to Mabamba Swamp in the next morning for Shoebill and numerous
other species.  Next to Queen Elizabeth National Park for great African wildlife and birds over two
days.  Other destinations over the week will include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
(both Buhoma and Ruhija)  and Lake Mburo National Park.  Most trips are then extended (based
upon group interest) to Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve,  
Muchison Falls National Park and many other bird watching spots along the way.  350 to 400 bird
species will be seen on the base trip, with about 20 to 40 more per day on each day of extension.
Brief Itinerary

Flight In and Arrival Day 1:  Assure you can start with the group
on the morning of Day 2.  Most participants will fly in the day
before (Day 1), but arriving late at night.

Day 2:  Birding in the Kampala and Entebbe area, including
Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria.  An
opportunity for resting (for those interested and/or recovering
from a long flight) is possible on this first day.
Day 3:  Birding on foot and by boat at Mabamba Swamp (for
Shoebill)
and birding in the Kampala area.
Days 4 and 5:  After transfer nearly two full days of spectacular
birding and fantastic African wildlife at
Queen Elizabeth
National Park
.
Days 6 to 9:  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
(BIFNP)
  • Day 6 BINFP:  Buhoma Main Trail
   (or Optional Mountain Gorilla Trek)
  • Day 7 BIFNP:  Other Buhoma Area Birding
(or Optional Mountain Gorilla Trek)
  • Day 8 BIFNP:  The Neck to Ruhija and Bamboo Zone
  • Day 9 BIFNP:  Mubwindi Swamp/Ruhija Area
     (or Optional Less Rigours Ruhija Area Birding)
Day 10: Birding in transit and at Lake Mburo National Park
Day 11:
Birding and wildlife watching at Lake Mburo National
Park
Day 12:
Birding in morning at Lake Mburo and then birding and
transfer to Entebbe.  Flights home that evening starting at about 5
PM.

Extension Options:  Most trips are then extended (based upon
group interest) for another 2 to 9 days.  Extensions can include
Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Budongo
Forest Reserve,  Muchison Falls National Park
and many
other bird watching spots along the way.  An additional day or two
just outside Kampala is also often worthwhile for the avid bird
watcher.
With Uganda's Top Bird Guide:  Johnnie Kamugisha was
featured in Birder's World Magazine as one of two top
guides in Uganda.  One of our trip hosts has been
exploring Uganda birding possibilities for several years
and has spoken to many bird watchers to learn about the
best birding spots and the best local guides.  Johnnie was
highly recommended by everyone who birded with him.  
Two of our business partners have birded with Johnnie,
and we believe his hospitality and trip leadership will
make your trip enjoyable, safe and comfortable.  Not only
does Johnnie know the bird calls he hears, he can call
back to the birds without the use of tape.  Johnnie has
been guiding throughout Uganda for over a decade and is
recognized by many as the top bird guide in the country.

This full itinerary is available below.  Please contact us at
1-888-203-7464 if you are interested in birding in Uganda.  
We will gladly discuss birding, lodging and other details
with you..
Partnership for International Birding:  Full Itinerary for Uganda

Day 1: Arrival and Flight Suggestions

On your arrival into Uganda (Day 1), you will be met by Johnnie (in nearly every
situation) when you arrive to Entebbe airport.  Most flights arrive late at night.  A few are
overnight, and it is fine to arrive in the morning on Day 2 (but please check with us
about arrival plans in these cases).  We will spend the night at a nice (yet quiet) hotel
close to the airport to make transfers simple.

Day 2:  Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria

After an excellent breakfast at the hotel, the group will start on an all morning birding
venture.  

These century-old botanical gardens are on the shore of Lake Victoria.  Here we hope
to find Pink-backed Pelican, Gray Kestrel, Green Pigeon, African Open-billed Stork,
Great Blue Turaco, Ross's Turaco, and Malachite Kingfisher.  Past trips have picked up
Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Orange Weaver and Black-crowned Waxbill.  The
Gardens are also good for a number of surprises.

Most trip participants will appreciate an early afternoon nap after lunch on this first day,
after a long flight to Uganda the proceeding days before.

At about 2 PM, we will try a couple of other Entebbe and Kampala area birding locations.

After supper and doing the bird list, the group will go for a good nights rest to support
an early start for the Shoebill on Day 3.

Note:  This location is close to the airport so transfers from arrivals are possible on Day
2, but you will miss some good birding.

Itinerary for Uganda in 2010 to be continued below to under the Martial Eagle.
Itinerary for Uganda in 2010:  Continued

Day 3:  Mabamba Wetlands and Shoebill and More
  • After breakfast we’ll head towards the Mabamba
    Wetlands. This area is southwest of Kampala along the
    shore of Lake Victoria.   There’ll be birding stops along
    the way. Arriving at Mabamba we’ll spot birds at the boat
    dock.  Then we will begin our search for the Shoebill by
    canoe.  Birds we hope to see in addition to Shoebill:
    Long-tailed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Squacco
    Heron, Yellow-billed Duck, African Open-billed Stork,
    Malachite Kingfisher, and Long-toed Plover.  We may
    even find Blue-headed Coucal and Blue-breasted Bee-
    eater in the area. Some of these birds are more
    approachable by canoe.
  • Leaving Mabamba Wetlands we will then head in the
    direction of Queen Elizabeth National Park.  On the
    route, we will look for Grey Kestrel, African Green-
    Pigeon, Great Blue Turaco, Ross's Turaco, Angola
    Swallow, Splendid Starling, Black-headed Weaver,
    Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Slender-billed
    Weaver, White-rumped Swift, Little Swift, African Palm
    Swift, and Red-billed Firefinch.  We should find our first
    members of the beautiful Sunbird family (including
    Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Red-chested Sunbird,
    Collared Sunbird, and Green-headed Sunbird).
  • We will have dinner and complete the bird list so we can
    get ready for bed by about 8 PM.  Another early start will
    be worthwhile to support early morning birding as we
    complete our transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
    in the morning.

Day 4: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)

After breakfast we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
birding en-route.  Getting to the National Park by noon will
require an early start.  Based upon interesting habitat or based
upon what birds Johnnie hears, we will take several fun and
productive birding breaks along the way.  

QE National Park is in southwestern Uganda on Lake Edward
and Lake George and the Kazinga Channel that connects them.
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here, and we’ll
see some of them.  During the day, we will look out for species
like Western banded Snake Eagle, Woodland Kingflish, Grey-
headed Kingfisher, Red-chested Cuckoo, Great blue Turaco,
Lizard Buzzard, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Lesser striped
and Red-breasted Swallows, Joyful Greenbul, Masked Apalis,
Whinchat, Stonechat, Green-headed Sunbird, Zitting Cisiticola,
Grey-backed Fiscal, Common Fiscal, Wattled Starling, Sharpe’s
Starling, Baglafecht Weaver, and Fan-tailed Widowbird among
others.  QNEP is home to numerous of the large mammals of
Africa.

Itinerary for Uganda continued under the Luhder's Bush-
shrike and more on QENP below.
Itinerary for Uganda in 2010:  Continued QENP

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
   
After an early breakfast, we will set off for a birding and wildlife safari. In the morning,
we may see African Fish Eagle, Yellow-billed Kite, Helmeted Guineafowl, Red-necked
Spurfowl, Yellowbill, African Grey Hornbill, and White-winged Widowbird.    After lunch at
the lodge, we will take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.  Here we should see
hundreds of hippos, crocodile and bird life from a boat for two hours. We will look for
pelicans, Green-backed Heron, storks, African Spoonbill, Martial Eagle, Kittlitz’s Plover,
Water Thick-knee, Senegal Plover, Wattled Plover, Yellow-throated Longclaw,  Arrow-
marked Babbler, Black-lored Babbler, and White-throated Bee-eater. Sometimes it is
possible to see the spectacular Papyrus Gonolek from the boat too. Mammals could
include Uganda Kob, Bushbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Water Buffaloe, Elephants, and
Warthog. If we’re lucky we could see leopard, spotted Hyena and Lion among others.

Day 6:  QENP and Then On To Bwindi

After breakfast with a packed lunch, we’ll drive south to Bwindi  Impenetrable Forest
National Park. Yes that’s the real name “Impenetrable Forest”.  We’ll be birding en-
route. We hope to encounter African White-backed Vultre, Lappet–faced Vulture, White-
headed Barbet, Spot-flanked Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Nubian Woodpecker,
Bearded Woodpecker, Flappet Lark, Rufous-naped Lark, Plain-backed Pipit, Lesser
Striped Swallows, Zitting Cisiticola, Grey-backed Shrike, Common Fiscal, Lesser Blue-
eared Starling, and Ruppell’s Long-tailed Starling.

Lodging in Bwindi ranges from the affordable to the very expensive; however, the
lodges are very close together (about 5 minutes drive).   The group will have a choice
between two different lodges (with no logistical problems)  to suite the budget of the
trip participant.

Itinerary for Uganda continued with over 4 days at Bwindi National Park.  Go to  right
hand column under the Ross's Turaco and start next at Day 7.
Itinerary for Uganda in 2009:  Continued

Day 7: Birding Bwindi

After an early breakfast, we find our way into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi is
home to nearly two dozen species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift zone.  Some
species we hope to see are: Black Bee-Eater, Yellow Tinkerbird, Red-rumped
Tinkerbird, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Elliot’s Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Ansorge’
sGreenbul, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red-
faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Bocage’s Bush-
shrike, Luhder’s Bush-shrike, Pink-footed Puffback, Petit’s Cuckooshrike,, Blue-
throated Brown Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, and Brown-
capped Weaver among others.  In addition to a rich bird habitat, the park provides
protection for numeorus butterfly and tree species.  Much of this montane rift zone is
over 6000 feet in elevation.

Note on Bwindi and Mountain Gorilla Trek:  Anyone interested in trying for the
Mountain Gorilla will have to take a Trek with a National Park Guide.  There is a
separate cost for this, and you will have to sacrifice a day of bird watching.  
Opportunities for trying to see the Mountain Gorilla are on a lottery system.  If you are
interested in seeing the Mountain Gorilla, we will enter you in a lottery for both Bwindi
days with the hope that you will get an opportunity to see this species.  The launching
point for this trek is very close to either of the lodges at which we are staying.  We will
have someone return you to the lodge after the trek (so you can easily rejoin the birding
group and share your Mountain Gorilla adventure).

Day 8:  Bwindi Day Two

After an early breakfast, we will re-enter the forest and track down some of the birds we
didn’t encounter the previous day, such as White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Scaly-breasted
Illadopsis, Mountain Illadopsis, Short-tailed Warbler, Dwarf Honeyguide and Barred
Long-tailed Cuckoo . We should find mixed feeding flocks with several species seen in
one tree or location.  In addition to forest, Bwindi affords some marshland birding and
a bamboo zone with its own avifauna. Before we leave Bwindi we hope to see:
Stuhlmann’s Starling, African Cuckoo-Hawk, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Chubb’s Cisticola
and African Citril.  

Day 9: Bird as you transfer to Ruhija via the Neck

After breakfast we’ll bird as we move southward to Ruhija via “the neck.”  “The neck” is
a narrow band of mid-elevation forest connecting the two ends of Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest National Park. We’ll expect birds like Black Bee-eater, Red-throated Wryneck,
Mountain Wagtail, Toro Olive-Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Olive Thrush, Cassin’s-
grey Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Chubb’s Cisticola,
Banded Prinia, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis,
Stripe-breasted Tit, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Sharpe’s Starling, Regal Sunbird, Strange
Weaver, Dusky Twinspot, Yellow Bishop, Black-throated Seedeater and more.

A late evening drive along the road can often turn up Rwenzori Nightjar and several
other nocturnal birds.

Notes on Lodging:  The group will stay at the newer Treker’s Lodge.  However, for
those wishing to save some money, it would be possible to stay at a nearby research
station.   However, lodging at the research station is very basic (with no running water).

Day 10:  Bird Mubwindi Swamp at Bwindi

After breakfast, we’ll walk down to the Mubwindi Swamp, where you can find the Grauer’
s Rush Warbler, Archers Robin Chat and Western Bronze-naped Pigeon. We’ll be
looking for other specialties including the Black-billed Turaco, Western Green
Tinkerbird, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul,
African Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain
Yellow Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Chestnut-throated
Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Bar-
tailed Trogon, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird and more. If we are very lucky, we
may find African Green-Broadbill. Certainly one of the highlights of any birding trips in
Uganda, this walk is physically challenging, but taken slowly it is quite manageable for
many participants. The elevation change is about 1000 feet.

For those not thinking the Mubwindi Swamp is suitable for the physical abilities, an
alternative birding day with a National Park Guide will be arranged.

Itinerary for Uganda continued as we go to Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP).  
Continued below under the African Paradise Flycatcher below.
Itinerary for Uganda in 2010:  Continued


Day 10: Bird to Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP)

After an early breakfast, we will bird the National Park for a little bit more as we leave
Ruhija and head to the Park border.  Then we go onto Lake Mburo looking out for birds
like Bateleur, Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Bare-
faced Go-away-bird, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Grey Hornbill, Spot-flanked Barbet,
Yellow-breasted Apalis, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Stripe-breasted Tit, Mountain
Masked Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Fork tailed Drongo, Black-crowned Waxbill, and Black-
headed Waxbill among others.  Lake Mburo National Park is located in southern
Uganda, west of Lake Victoria.

Day 11:  Bird Lake Mburo National Park

Whole day birding Lake Mburo National Park.  Habitat here is acacia forest, lake and a
large expanse of papyrus wetlands. The papyrus swamps are host to numerous
species found in no other habitat. We’ll be looking for species like the Marsh Harrier,
Wahlberg’s Eagle, Grey-crowned Crane, Marsh Tchagra, Papyrus Gonolek, Brown-
backed Scrub Robin, Brown-throated Wattle-eye,  Red-faced Barbet, White-headed
Saw-wing, Nubian Woodpecker, Diedrick and Klass’s Cuckoos, Long tailed Cisticola,
Yellow-breasted Apalis and more. If we can fit in a boat trip on the lake African Finfoot is
a distinct possibility. Before dinner, try for the African Scops Owl, Swamp Nightjar,
Black-shouldered Nightjar and Freckled Nightjar. Look out mammals like the gorgeous
Eland, Zebra, Impala, Buffalo, Reedbuck, Topi, Waterbuck Bushbuck, Hippos, Oribi,
Bush-duiker and others.

Day 12: Drive to Entebbe

After breakfast and a morning of birding, we will spend the remainder of the day
heading back towards the Entebbe Airport arriving by about 5 PM.  As we head back to
the airport, we will enjoy birding along the way and look out for birds like  Lilac-breasted
Roller, Broad-billed Roller, Striped Kingfisher, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Grey
Hornbill, Spot-flanked Barbet, and Fork tailed Drongo.

Most participants will start the journey home later that evening flying from Entebbe
aiport.  Others will check into the hotel for another night’s stay (at an additional charge).

Extension Options:  Most trips are then extended (based upon group interest) for
another 2 to 9 days.  Extensions can include Kibale National Park, Semuliki National
Park, Budongo Forest Reserve,  Muchison Falls National Park and many other bird
watching spots along the way.  An additional day or two just outside Kampala is also
often worthwhile for the avid bird watcher.  To learn more about extension, click
here.
Species Lists:  A complete bird
list of 1,014 species
is available
upon request.  We also have a list
of the
141 mammals which could
be seen on this trip.
Uganda 2010 and 2011
Uganda Options on Length of Trip and
Pacing:
These itineraries are for the
birders, loving an early start and
birding until dusk.  
A more leisurely
paced trip can also be developed
over
one week or two weeks.  Trips for
specifically for photographers can also
be arranged.  Please contact and let
us know what pace of trip best meets
your needs.
Many itineraries
are possible
year round, but
best times are
June and into
August, and
then November
and December.
Scheduling for Uganda Birding and
Wildlife Trips:

November 14 to 25, 2010:  Uganda with
Johnnie Kamugisha and hosted by PIB's Harry
Fuller.  Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Mabamba
Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and
Bwindi including Buhama Main Trail
(alternative day for Mountain Gorilla Trek),
The Neck, Ruhija and more.  Then Lake Mburo
National Park.  Maybe room for 1 or 2 day
extension.   

June 1 to 12, 2011:  Uganda with Johnnie
Kamugisha.   Entebbe Botanical Gardens,
Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National
Park, and Bwindi including Buhama Main Trail
(alternative day for Mountain Gorilla Trek),
The Neck, Ruhija and more.  Then Lake Mburo
National Park.  Uganda offers a number of trip
extension options depending upon group size
and interest from two to nine days.

June 27 to July 8, 2011:  Uganda with
Johnnie Kamugisha.  Entebbe Botanical
Gardens, Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth
National Park, and Bwindi including Buhama
Main Trail (alternative day for Mountain Gorilla
Trek), The Neck, Ruhija and more.  Then Lake
Mburo National Park.    Uganda offers a
number of trip extension options depending
upon group size and interest from two to nine
days.

August 1 to 12, 2011:  Uganda with Johnnie
Kamugisha.   Entebbe Botanical Gardens,
Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National
Park, and Bwindi including Buhama Main Trail
(alternative day for Mountain Gorilla Trek),
The Neck, Ruhija and more.  Then Lake Mburo
National Park.  Uganda offers a number of trip
extension options depending upon group size
and interest from two to nine days.

Scheduling Custom Trips:  If these dates do
not work for you, we are glad to help schedule
trips for you from June to August and then
November and December.