15 Day Eastern Uganda and Karamoja Birding Safari
Mabamba, Mabira, Mount Elgon, Pian Upe, Moroto, Kidepo, Murchison and Budongo, chasing Fox's weaver and Karamoja apalis.
Go beyond the expected.
Fifteen days for birders. See shoebill at Mabamba, forest birds in Mabira and Elgon, dry-country specials around Moroto and Kidepo, and the Nile and Budongo to finish.
- Shoebill at Mabamba
- Mabira Forest
- Fox's weaver and Karamoja apalis
- Kidepo's Narus Valley
- Budongo and Ziwa
What's included
Included
- Airport transfers
- Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Specialist birding guide where specified
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival and Botanical Gardens
Entebbe and Mabamba
Arrive, then bird the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the Mabamba Swamp for shoebill.
Day 2 To Mabira
Mabira Forest
Drive four hours to Mabira and bird the forest in the afternoon.
Day 3 Mabira and Sipi
Mabira and Sipi
A morning birding session in Mabira, then a four-hour transfer to Sipi.
Day 4 Mount Elgon birding
Mount Elgon National Park
Drive half an hour to Kapkwai Exploration Centre for a full day of birding.
Day 5 To Pian Upe
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
A three-hour transfer to Pian Upe, with an afternoon game drive and birding.
Day 6 Pian Upe birding
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
A morning safari walk with birding and an afternoon game drive.
Day 7 To Moroto
Moroto
A three-hour transfer to Moroto, then birding around Mount Moroto.
Day 8 Moroto foothills
Moroto
Drive toward the border and bird the foothills of the Moroto Mountains.
Day 9 To Kidepo
Kidepo Valley National Park
A five-to-six-hour transfer to Kidepo.
Day 10 Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley
Kidepo Valley National Park
Morning game drive at Narus Valley and afternoon game drive at Kidepo Valley.
Day 11 To Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park
A six-to-seven-hour transfer to Murchison.
Day 12 Northern sector and Nile cruise
Murchison Falls National Park
A game drive in the northern sector and a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile.
Day 13 Top of the falls and Masindi
Murchison Falls and Masindi
A morning game drive, then a visit to the top of the falls and a two-hour transfer to Masindi.
Day 14 Budongo and Ziwa
Budongo Forest and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Drive an hour to Budongo Forest for birding, then three hours to Ziwa for more birding.
Day 15 Return to Entebbe
Entebbe
A five-hour transfer to Entebbe for your flight.
On this safari
Places you will visit
KaramojaExplore place →
EntebbeExplore place →
Mabira ForestExplore place →
Mount Elgon National ParkExplore place →
Pian Upe Wildlife ReserveExplore place →
MorotoExplore place →
Kidepo Valley National ParkExplore place →
Murchison FallsExplore place →
Murchison Falls National ParkExplore place →
Budongo ForestExplore place →
Sipi FallsExplore place →
MasindiExplore place →
Ziwa Rhino SanctuaryExplore place →Travel Guide
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Ready to plan this Safari?
Start with the places and experiences that matter to you. We will shape the Safari around them.
Plan This Safari →Need to know?
Questions about 15 Day Eastern Uganda and Karamoja Birding Safari
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, commonly available as an e-visa applied for online before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the current official guidance for your passport well ahead of your safari.
How many days do I need in Uganda?
A focused gorilla trekking safari can work in as few as 4–5 days, but 8–12 days lets you combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, a savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, and some rest time. We shape the exact length around what you want to include.
How many national parks does Uganda have?
Uganda protects its landscapes and wildlife across ten national parks, ranging from the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas) to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and priced separately from your safari cost. Permit prices and availability change periodically, so we confirm the current official rate and secure your permit as part of planning your safari: book several months ahead where possible, since permits for popular dates sell out.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda can be visited year-round. The drier months (roughly December–February and June–September) are generally easiest for trekking and game viewing, while the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer crowds and lower lodge rates. Gorilla trekking is possible in any month, since it happens in rainforest regardless of season.
What wildlife is Uganda known for?
Uganda is best known for mountain gorillas, it holds roughly half of the world’s remaining population, alongside strong chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and over 1,000 recorded bird species, an exceptional figure for a country of its size.