10-Day Albertine Rift Endemics Birding Safari

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy optional birding at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where you might spot the Orange weaver, African grey parrot, and Great blue turaco. Dinner and overnight in Entebbe.

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southwest through Uganda’s lush hills and terraced landscapes to Mgahinga. En route stops in papyrus swamps may reveal Lesser jacana, Papyrus canary, and White-winged warbler. Arrive at your lodge nestled near the Virunga Volcanoes for rest and preparation for forest birding.

Spend the day in the bamboo and montane forests of Mgahinga, seeking Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori batis, Regal sunbird, Stripe-breasted tit, and Archer’s robin-chat. The scenic trails also offer sightings of the Rwenzori turaco and Dusky crimsonwing. Enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga peaks and cultural insights from nearby communities.

After breakfast, drive to Echuya Forest Reserve, a mid-altitude forest corridor between Mgahinga and Bwindi. The forest is excellent for spotting Grauer’s swamp warbler, Rwenzori apalis, and Black-faced apalis. Bird through the forest edge and interior trails, then continue to your lodge near Bwindi’s Ruhija sector for the night.

This is a prime day for endemics. Descend into the famous Mubwindi Swamp Trail, a hotspot for the African green broadbill, Grauer’s rush warbler, and Short-tailed warbler. The trail winds through lush montane forest and offers chances to see the Red-throated Alethe and Yellow-eyed black flycatcher. Packed lunch will be provided in the field.

Today, explore the bamboo-rich habitats above Ruhija, searching for species like the Handsome francolin, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, and White-headed woodhoopoe. This area is also good for Mountain masked apalis and Stripe-breasted tit. Optional community visits can be arranged in the afternoon to experience Batwa culture.

Enjoy birding along The Neck, the forested corridor connecting Ruhija to Buhoma, where you’ll find species such as Cassin’s flycatcher, Many-colored bushshrike, and Black bee-eater. Arrive in Buhoma in the afternoon and relax at the lodge nestled at the edge of the forest.

Spend the day on the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, a productive path for forest birding. Look out for species like Bar-tailed trogon, White-bellied robin-chat, and Red-faced woodland warbler. The trail also offers opportunities to see primates like L’Hoest’s monkey and cultural interactions with the Batwa people.

Depending on your interest, you can choose to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience or continue birding along forest edge communities for sunbirds, weavers, and greenbuls. Either activity provides a rich blend of wildlife viewing and immersive natural encounters.

After breakfast, begin the long but scenic return to Entebbe, with stopovers for birding and lunch. You may spot some savannah species and wetland birds along the way. Your trip ends with a drop-off at the airport or your hotel in Entebbe.