10 DAYS BIRDING THE ALBERTINE RIFT ENDEMICS. Overview
This 10-day Albertine Rift Birding Safari takes you on a breathtaking journey through Uganda’s most diverse and bird-rich ecosystems — a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The Albertine Rift Valley is home to a remarkable concentration of endemic and globally threatened bird species, making it one of Africa’s premier birding regions. From the misty peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the lush forests of Bwindi, Semliki, and Mgahinga, this expedition offers the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s most sought-after avian treasures, including the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Broadbill, and the elusive Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
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10 DAYS BIRDING THE ALBERTINE RIFT ENDEMICS. Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your professional birding guide from Jeisking Tours will welcome you and brief you on your 10-day birding adventure. You’ll check in at your hotel for lunch and some rest before heading out for your first birding session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, one of Uganda’s best introductory birding sites. Expect to spot species such as the Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Purple-banded Sunbird, African Jacana, Glossy Ibis, and Yellow-billed Duck. Return to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful evening overlooking Lake Victoria.
Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: Lake Victoria View Hotel
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Meal Plan: Dinner
Journey time: 45 minutes
Day 2: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southwest toward Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. The journey passes through rolling hills, tea plantations, and small farming communities, with a lunch stop in Mbarara. Arrive in Kisoro by evening, check into your lodge, and relax as you prepare for the next day’s birding adventure in one of Uganda’s most scenic mountain parks.
Journey Time: 8–9 hours
Destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodations option: Chimpanzee Forest guest house ( Budget ) or Primates lodge (Luxury) or Kibale Forest camp (Mid-Range)
Day 3: Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Begin the day with an early breakfast, then set out for a full day of birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a sanctuary for Albertine Rift endemics. You’ll explore montane forests and bamboo zones while searching for the Rwenzori Turaco, Dwarf Honeyguide, Kivu Ground Thrush, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. This park is not only a birdwatcher’s paradise but also a place of breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by the towering volcanoes of Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Nature walk is done in the Bigodi Swamp this is to enable you spot primates like Vervet & L’Hoest monkey and also observe plenty of bird species. You will return to the lodge in the evening for your dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Community Visit
After breakfast, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to 23 of the Albertine Rift’s endemic bird species. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before visiting the Batwa Community, where you’ll learn about their traditional forest life, music, and cultural practices. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation Buhoma community lodge(Budget ) or Buhoma haven lodge (Mid-Range) or Mahogany springs lodge (L
Day 5: Birding in Mubwindi Swamp – Bwindi
After an early breakfast, head out to Mubwindi Swamp, one of Bwindi’s premier birding trails known for its abundance of Albertine Rift endemics. Expect sightings of the Grauer’s Broadbill, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, Neumann’s Warbler, Archer’s Ground Robin, and African Broadbill. The swamp’s tranquil setting and rich biodiversity make it a highlight for any birder. Return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, and a serene evening surrounded by forest sounds.
Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation options: Bunyonyi overland (Budget) or Bunyonyi rock resort (Mid-Range) or Bird nest Bunyonyi (Luxury)
Day 6: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the legendary Rwenzori Mountains National Park, known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” The journey passes through tea estates and lush valleys, with a lunch stop in Kasese. Upon arrival, check into your campsite at the park base and enjoy dinner surrounded by towering peaks.
Journey Time: 5–6 hours
Destination: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Birding in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast and begin a guided birding hike through the Rwenzori forest zone. Look out for the Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Lammergeyer, and Slender-billed Starling. The misty montane environment offers a chance to spot the Rwenzori Turaco once again, alongside unique flora and the rare three-horned chameleon. Have lunch at your camp, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at Nyabitaba Camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Descend and Transfer to Semliki National Park
After breakfast, descend from Nyabitaba while birding en route, watching for missed species. Meet your driver and transfer to Semliki National Park, Uganda’s only true lowland tropical forest. Stop for lunch in Fort Portal before continuing to the park, where you’ll check in at your lodge. The park’s warm climate and rich biodiversity provide a striking contrast to the montane ecosystems of previous days.
Destination: Semliki National Park
Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9: Birding in Semliki National Park
After breakfast, set out for a full day of birding along the Kirumia Trail, renowned for species unique to central Africa. Here you’ll seek out the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Congo Serpent Eagle, Red-throated Alethe, Piping Hornbill, and Swamp Palm Bulbul. Semliki is home to over 400 bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in East Africa. After birding, visit the Sempaya Hot Springs to witness bubbling geothermal activity and even cook eggs in the steaming pools — a fun and fascinating local tradition.
Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Return to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy lunch en route and scenic stops along the way. Reflect on your incredible journey through Uganda’s birding havens — from high-altitude forests to lowland jungles — each offering unforgettable sightings and memories. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your departure flight or overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Tour Includes
Tour Excludes
Why Book With Us?
24/7 Support Before & During Your Safari
From the moment you inquire to the day you return home, our dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with any questions or needs.
Trusted East African Experts
With years of experience in Uganda and Rwanda’s tourism industry, Jeisking Tours Ltd has built a reputation for organizing exceptional safari adventures — from gorilla trekking in Bwindi to wildlife drives across the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Personalized Safari Planning
Every traveler is unique — and so is every safari we create. Our team tailors each itinerary to match your travel style, interests, and budget, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Professional & Passionate Team
Our experienced driver-guides and tour consultants are not just professionals — they’re passionate storytellers who know Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultures deeply, offering insight and care at every step.
Guaranteed Gorilla Permits & Reliable Bookings
We handle all travel logistics — from securing gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits to arranging trusted lodges, transport, and park entries — so your adventure runs smoothly.
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