Uganda Albertine Rift Birding
The Albertine Rift's endemics and the Shoebill in one connected itinerary.
Countries
Uganda
Duration
14 days · 13 nights
Best season
December through February, and June through September (drier weather, easier trail access)
Group size
2–6 guests
Overview
What this journey is about.
Uganda's western arm of the Rift Valley is one of the most biodiverse places on the continent, over half of Africa's mainland bird species occur in the Albertine Rift zone. Our itinerary is structured around the 23 Albertine Rift endemic birds and the Congo Basin specialists that reach East Africa only through Uganda's western forests.
The route opens with the Shoebill at Mabamba Swamp, worked by dugout canoe through papyrus channels. It moves west through the Albertine Rift endemics of Bwindi and Mgahinga. It delivers the Congo Basin specials of Kibale and Semliki, species almost nowhere else findable in East Africa. And it closes with Murchison Falls and Budongo. A well-executed trip on this route can produce 500+ species and 20 of the 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Suitable for
Dedicated Albertine Rift chasers, world listers targeting Congo Basin species, serious birders wanting maximum diversity
Highlights
What you can expect to see.
Shoebill by dugout canoe at Mabamba Swamp
Bwindi's Albertine Rift endemics (Ruhija and Buhoma sectors)
Semliki's Congo Basin specialties, nowhere else in East Africa
Kibale's chimpanzees and Great Blue Turaco on the same walk
500+ species achievable across the itinerary
Target species
Shoebill, Grauer's Broadbill, Handsome Spurfowl, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, African Piculet, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Blue-throated Roller, Great Blue Turaco, Rock Pratincole, Rwenzori Apalis, African Green Broadbill.
Destinations
Where this itinerary goes.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Ruhija and Buhoma)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Kibale Forest
Semliki National Park
Murchison Falls
Budongo Forest
Day by day
The itinerary, one day at a time.
Tap any day to open it. Every day stays flexible in the field, this is the plan, not a constraint.
Airport pick-up, an afternoon in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for lakeside species, and a route briefing over dinner.
What's included
Everything covered in the field.
Accommodation options and a full quotation follow your enquiry, they depend on your dates, party size, and preferred standard.
Professional Guide
A trained naturalist guide with you throughout, including species identification in the field.
Park & Reserve Fees
All national park, reserve, and conservancy entry fees for the parks on your itinerary.
4x4 Safari Transport
Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof, window seat guaranteed for every guest.
Meals in the Field
Full board while on safari, including picnic breakfasts and lunches on long game-drive days.
Airport Transfers
Arrival pick-up and departure drop-off at your agreed airport or railway station.
Photography Support
Vehicle positioning for light and angle, bean-bag support, and unhurried time at sightings.
Drinking Water
Bottled or filtered drinking water in the vehicle for the duration of the safari.
Flying-Doctor Cover
Emergency evacuation cover for the duration of your time in the field.
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal items, laundry, and drinks
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Accommodation upgrades quoted separately
Accommodation options and a full quotation follow your enquiry, both depend on your dates and preferences.
Licensed East African operator. Emergency evacuation cover throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you enquire.
The questions guests most often ask about this kind of itinerary.
Yes. Every itinerary here is a starting point. Days can be added or removed, parks swapped, and the pace slowed down or tightened around what you most want to see.
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Start Planning
Let's plan your East African safari.
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