Duration
17-Day
Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
Embark on a 17-day mid-range birding safari through Uganda with Leonne Africa Safaris & Adventures. From the papyrus swamps of Mabamba; home of the elusive Shoebill, to the misty slopes of Bwindi with its mountain gorillas, this expedition blends world-class birding and thrilling wildlife encounters. Explore national parks of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and more, as you track chimpanzees, spot rare birds, and witness Uganda's breathtaking beauty at every turn.
Plan snapshot
Duration
17-Day
Route
Entebbe to Entebbe (City)
Via Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo NP, Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas)
Country & park
Uganda / Mabamba Swamp
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
15 years
Activities
game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), canoe/mokoro safaris & boat trip
Accommodation
Airport Guesthouse Entebbe - Mid-range guest house in Entebbe (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; Dinner Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Day 1
Mid-range guest house in Entebbe (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2
Mid-range lodge just outside Lake Mburo NP – Dinner Included
Dinner Included
Day 3-5
Mid-range lodge just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Day 3: Dinner Included; Day 4-5: All Meals Included
Day 6-7
Luxury lodge bordering Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) without fences
Day 6: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 7: All Meals Included
Day 8-9
Mid-range lodge bordering Queen Elizabeth NP without fences – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 10-11
Mid-range tented camp just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)
Day 10: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 11: All Meals Included
Day 12
Mid-range hotel in Masindi (Town) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 13
Mid-range hotel less than 1hr drive from Budongo Forest (Chimps) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 14-16
Mid-range lodge inside Murchison Falls NP
Day 14: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 15-16: All Meals Included
Day 17
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival in Entebbe, perched along the serene shores of Lake Victoria, you’ll immediately sense the tranquillity of this lakeside town. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle introduction to Uganda’s birdlife at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens; Our initial sightings may include the Orange Weaver and Red-chested Sunbird, along with numerous other common species. We may also spot the African Grey Parrot, Ross’s Turaco, and Woodland Kingfisher within the environs of Entebbe. This will be a perfect start to your birding adventure. Overnight at Airport Guest House. Mid-range guest house located in Entebbe (City) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
After breakfast, set off for Mabamba Swamp, Uganda’s legendary birding hotspot and a Ramsar-protected wetland. Glide quietly through papyrus channels by canoe in search of the iconic Shoebill Stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. Keep your binoculars ready for several other interesting species including; Papyrus Gonoleks, Blue Swallows (Hirundo atrocaerulea), Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Chloropeta gracilirostris), White-winged Warbler (Bradypterus carpalis), Greater Swamp-Warblers, Papyrus gonolek, Blue-chested Bee-eaters, Swamp Flycatchers and Malachite Kingfishers before continuing to the savannas of Lake Mburo National Park, your next birding paradise. Over night at Rwakobo Rock lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Awaken to the songs of savanna species and spend the morning exploring Lake Mburo’s acacia-dotted plains. Look for the rare Red-faced Barbet, Tabora Cisticola, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Green-capped Eremomela, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, african scops owl, african stonechat, African grey hornbill, African wood owl, and Spot-flanked Barbet among herds of zebra and impala. Take a tranquil boat cruise for a chance to spot the shy African Finfoot and maybe even a White-backed Night-Heron, which is the neotropical Sungrebe’s African relative. Other birds that may be seen on the lake and shores include African darter, African spoonbill, African fish eagle and more. Later, journey into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where the ancient forest awaits. Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority staff. Equipped with your trekking gear, you’ll set off with expert guides and trackers through thick rainforest, winding vines, and moss-covered trees in search of a 🦍 gorilla family. The trek can take from 2 to 6 hours depending on their location, but the moment you find them, watching young gorillas play and silverbacks beat their chests, will stay with you forever. Spend up to one hour with the gorillas before returning to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. In the afternoon, reunite for a leisurely stroll along a wide route in search of highland 🪶bird species including the Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, Gray Cuckooshrike, Black-billed Turaco, and many more calls of Albertine Rift endemics. Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Spend the day in Bwindi’s misty forest, home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics & at least 7 IUCN-listed species. Search for the elusive African Green Broadbill, Doherty’s Bushshrike, White-headed Woodpeckers, Ruwenzori (collared) Apalis, the Red-crested Alethe, and Archer’s Robin-Chat along forest roads and trails. Valleys echo with the calls of Great Blue Turacos, while nearby Black-and-White Cascading Hornbills add their honking sounds. In Kivu, common species include Mountain Sooty Boubou, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, Red-faced Woodland, Neumann’s, and Grauer’s Warblers, Black-faced Apalis, White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed, and Regal Sunbirds, Stripe-breasted Tit, Dusky Crimson-wing, and Strange Weaver. Hope to spot rare species like White-bellied Robin-Chat and Dusky Twinspot. Watch for playful primates; L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Colobus, and Chimpanzees. Afterward, return for dinner and overnight at Ichumbi. Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
After breakfast, we set off for the Buhoma sector, located in the lower areas, west of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. En route, we’ll pass through “The Neck,” a narrow corridor of forest connecting the park’s northern and southern halves. This area represents the easternmost extension of the vast Congo Basin forests and supports several Albertine Rift endemics with restricted ranges. The Neck offers excellent birding opportunities, providing easier and safer access to species that are otherwise difficult to encounter in the Congo forests. Among the notable birds we may spot are Cassin’s Flycatcher, Black Bee-eater, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Petit’s Cuckooshrike, Tiny Sunbird, and a variety of greenbuls. We’ll continue to Buhoma, arriving in the afternoon for a two-night stay at Mahogany Springs Lodge. Luxury lodge bordering Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) without fences Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Buhoma, at the park’s mid-elevation, offers a different atmosphere than Ruhija. During a full day of birding along the trails, we aim to see species like the Bar-tailed Trogon, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Black-billed Weaver, African Broadbill, Sooty Flycatcher, and various starlings, sunbirds, and greenbuls. This area is also prime for spotting Willard’s Sooty Boubou, distinguished by its pale blue eyes from the Mountain Sooty Boubou. For gorilla trekkers, the adventure lasts 1-8 hours, involving a hike through dense forest. Participants should be in good health, as terrain can be demanding. Each day, up to eight people visit a gorilla family, typically located within an hour by skilled trackers. Gazing into their eyes and observing their behaviors is unforgettable, an extraordinary “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. The trek offers a rare chance to see these majestic creatures closely. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge. Luxury lodge bordering Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) without fences All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
As we head north, the landscape transforms dramatically from montane forest to a more open savanna. Unlike the savannas of Lake Mburo National Park, this region features landscapes reminiscent of Kenya and Tanzania, dotted with flat-topped trees and striking candaleras, euphorbias that resemble cacti. The sight of these cactus-like trees rising from green meadows creates a unique visual contrast. Our journey continues through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. This area is also a haven for birdlife, hosting species such as the Blue-throated Roller, Black-and-white Shrike Flycatcher, and Red-necked Francolin, among many others. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Enjojo Lodge for an overnight stay. Mid-range lodge bordering Queen Elizabeth NP without fences Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of mammals and birds. Beyond elephants and hippos, the park is alive with Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Waterbuck, and Bushbuck roaming its open plains. Its wetlands attract numerous waterbirds, offering rewarding birdwatching opportunities. Our morning begins with an extended game drive through savannas dotted with euphorbia, seeking species like African Wattled Lapwing, Temminck’s Courser, Martial Eagle, African Crake, Flappet Lark, and Moustached Grass Warbler. Later, a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel provides superb birding and photography chances. Large gatherings of animals and waterbirds are common here. Gray Crowned Cranes, Pink-backed Pelicans, African Fish Eagles, Hamerkops, and African Jacanas grace the water’s edge, while African Skimmers, Gull-billed Terns, and various gulls, including Gray-headed and Lesser Black-backed, form impressive flocks. Overnight at Enjojo Lodge. Mid-range lodge bordering Queen Elizabeth NP without fences Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
After breakfast, we will set out for Kibale Forest, following a picturesque route that offers rewarding opportunities to observe waterbirds and enjoy Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Upon arrival, and if time permits, we will spend the afternoon exploring Bigodi Swamp, a vibrant, community-managed wetland renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. This sanctuary is home to primates such as the Gray-cheeked Mangabey and Central African Red Colobus, as well as an impressive array of birdlife including the Speckled Tinkerbird, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, White-spotted Flufftail, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, Bocage’s Bushshrike, and Western Nicator. The dense papyrus vegetation also provides refuge for the shy White-winged Swamp Warbler. Over night at Kibale Forest Camp. Mid-range tented camp located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
We rise before sunrise in search of the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, one of Africa’s most prized birding treasures. Later, we embark on a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park. Unlike gorilla trekking, the chimps’ walk follows gentle terrain, though we often leave the trail to follow these agile primates as they swing through the forest, navigating vines and fallen logs. The thrill intensifies when we encounter chimps feeding or resting high in the trees. Even those who stay on the trail hear their haunting calls echoing through the forest. Kibale’s birdlife is equally captivating: Forest Robins join mixed flocks with Illadopsis and Alethes, while Black-collared Apalis and Malimbes frequent the canopy. Forest edges host Black-bellied Seedcrackers, and dead trees shelter Gray-throated, Yellow-spotted, and African Grey Parrots, African Green Pigeons, and Yellow-billed Barbets. The flamboyant Great Blue Turaco often feasts on ripe figs. Back to Kibale Forest Camp. Mid-range tented camp located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Today’s long but rewarding drive to Masindi town offers a glimpse of rural Uganda’s daily life. We will stop at various locations along the way for birdwatching. If we reach our destination on schedule, we may have sufficient time to seek out the white-crested turaco and grey-headed oliveback in the forests to the south of the town. Overnight stay at Kabalega Resort Hotel, Masindi. Mid-range hotel located in Masindi (Town) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Budongo Forest offers an extraordinary day of exploration. One highlight is the famous Royal Mile, a rarely used public road flanked by forest that has been cleared for about 20 feet on each side. This open corridor allows clear views into the forest’s lower layers and canopy, making it ideal for spotting both understory and treetop species that are often hidden in denser jungles. Budongo provides some of Uganda’s best opportunities to encounter Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, and the Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. We will also search for the striking African Dwarf and Chocolate-backed Kingfishers. The diversity of greenbuls here is remarkable, and the forest resonates with the calls of illadopses and alethes. For birders who prefer more vividly colored species, the white-thighed hornbill and black bee-eater add brilliant splashes of color to the canopy. Over night at Kabalega Resort Hotel, Masindi. Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Budongo Forest (Chimps) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 14
On our way to Murchison Falls National Park, we stop over at the Butiaba Escarpment, a striking area that, despite its closeness to the Budongo Rainforest, reveals a contrasting scenery of arid savanna. This unique habitat shelters several remarkable bird species, including the Mocking Cliff-chat, Foxy Cisticola, and Brown Babbler. As we journey through the expansive palm-dotted savanna, a landscape rare in East Africa, we may also encounter species such as the Piapiac, Senegal Lapwing, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and White-rumped Seedeater. By late afternoon, we reach the banks of the Nile River, where our lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge rests beside the Nile. We spend two nights immersed in the beauty of Murchison Falls National Park. Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 15
On the first day, we’ll explore Murchison Falls National Park, searching for remarkable birds such as White-rumped Seedeater, Silverbird, Buff-bellied Warbler, Black-headed Batis, and Black-headed Gonolek. The riverine thickets offer chances to spot species like White-crested Turaco, Double-toothed Barbet, Heuglin’s Francolin, and African Palm Swift. In the afternoon, we’ll take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile plunges through the gorge with thunderous force. This scenic spot is ideal for birding, with a chance to see the elusive Rock Pratincole. The next day, we’ll cruise downstream to the Victoria Nile delta, where papyrus swamps meet Lake Albert. This rich habitat is excellent for spotting the Shoebill if missed earlier, along with Red-throated and Northern Carmine Bee-eaters and many other water and woodland species. Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge. Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 17
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe for your international flight, your heart full of memories and your bird list brimming with Africa’s finest species. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Leonne Africa Safaris & Adventures is an experienced, locally owned small- to medium-sized safari company, legally registered in Uganda. We provide exciting, affordable, and bespoke high-quality safaris and adventures in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, all delivered with a personal touch. Our safari packages aim to create unforgettable vacations for our guests by connecting them with nature, wildlife, local communities, and the unique cultures of Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Office In
Uganda
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
UTB, UWA & UBF
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5I have been on a few wildlife tours before, but nothing compares to my first gorilla trekking experience with Leonne Safaris and Adventures. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized including; the on-time pickup, comfortable lodges, the trek itself, and even the journey back. Every detail was handled with care and professionalism. Seeing these incredible gorillas up close was truly life-changing. I can’t recommend Leonne Safaris and Adventures enough for anyone planning a safari in Uganda.
Tutilo Mudumba · Kenya
Leonne Safaris helped us plan our trip from looking for great accommodations in Kampala, booking our meals, and driving us to Murchison falls for our safari adventure. I would highly recommend Leonne Africa Safaris for your memorable adventure.
Tuli Dan · United States
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 15 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Airport Guesthouse Entebbe - Mid-range guest house in Entebbe (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
This tour starts and ends in Entebbe
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Prices
These include all the expenses as outlined in the itineraries.
Transport Transportation, transfers, excursions and tours shall be on our safari vehicles which include 4 x4 wheel drives, safari mini vans and saloon cars.
BookingsA deposit of 20% of the cost shall be required for any bookings not later than 30 days before the date of the safari.Payments All safaris must be fully paid for before commencement of the safari.Safari Orientations Unless the safari is private, the clients will share the safari facilities with the others.Clients are therefore advised to be good natures and enjoy being with each others.Be prepared to encounter customs and habits, which may be different from your own and forms part of the adventure.Changes in the itineraries The sequence of the itineraries is normally adheres to but the company reserves the right to make alternations occasioned by the weather, road works, high season congestion or any other unforeseen circumstances. Any alternation by the client to the agreed itineraries should be done in the office. The company shall not be held reliable for any complains arising out of charges made between the client and the safari guide out of the office.
Cancellation In case a booing is cancelled the following cancellation fees shall apply.No show 100%1-7 days 75%7-14 days 50%Above 14 days 25%Liability The company liability to the passage carried in the vehicles for transfer, excursions and tours is governed by the laws of Kenya and all claims are subject to the court of Kenya. Whilst every care is taken, the company shall not be held liable for loss or damage of personal property and clients are advice to arrange relevant insurance. The company has a safe deposit and the clients are advised to deposit their valuables so that they don’t suffer any losses.Sub contract The company reserves the right to sub contract and part or the full safari and in the event of such sub- contract all the above terms shall apply.
This tour is offered by Leonne Africa Safaris and Adventures, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
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