What is the recommended dress code for this city tour in Dubai?

Dubai is a modern city, but we recommend dressing modestly out of respect for local culture. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is ideal for both comfort in the heat and for visiting cultural sites. While casual, respectful attire is fine in most areas, overly revealing clothing should be avoided in public places like markets and squares.

What is the absolute best time of the year to visit Dubai?

The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler winter months, from October to April. During this period, the weather is sunny and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions comfortably. The summer months from May to September are known for being very hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).

How safe is Dubai for tourists and solo travelers to explore?

Dubai is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in the world, with a very low crime rate and a high standard of security. It is extremely safe for all tourists, including families and solo female travelers. Visitors can explore the city's many attractions, use public transportation, and walk around in the evenings with a great sense of comfort and peace of mind.

Is this city tour fast-paced or suitable for older travelers?

Our city tour is designed to be comfortable and enjoyable for all ages. Much of the tour is conducted from our modern, air-conditioned vehicle to ensure your comfort. The walking portions of the tour, such as through the souks and historical areas, are done at a very leisurely pace, making the tour generally suitable for older travelers and families.

16-Day Uganda Birding Tour – The Ultimate Birding Experience

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

About This Tour

his 16-day Uganda birding tour is an exceptional journey through the diverse habitats of the Pearl of Africa, offering opportunities to encounter a remarkable variety of Uganda’s bird species. The safari combines forests, wetlands, savannahs, lakes, rivers and montane ecosystems, making it ideal for serious birders, photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Trip Highlights

Birding at Mabamba Swamp for the elusive Shoebill
Birding around Lake Mburo and its wetlands
Exploring Semuliki National Park and its Congo-Guinean bird species

Day 01 :

Arrival in Uganda – Kampala / Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you will be welcomed by your Ruku Safaris guide.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed birding session around Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the shores of Lake Victoria. Possible sightings include African Pied Wagtail, Great Blue Turaco, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Fish Eagle and various weavers.

Overnight in Entebbe.

Birding focus: Lake Victoria and Entebbe area.

Day 02 :

Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Birding – Lake Mburo

After breakfast, drive to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda's most important wetland birding destinations.

Take a traditional motorized canoe through the papyrus channels in search of the highly sought-after Shoebill. Other possible species include African Jacana, African Purple Swamphen, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and Papyrus Gonolek.

After birding, continue towards Lake Mburo National Park.

Overnight near Lake Mburo.

Day 03 :

Lake Mburo National Park – Full-Day Birding

pend the day exploring Lake Mburo National Park.The park supports a rich mixture of savannah, woodland, wetlands and acacia habitats. Birding may produce species such as African Finfoot, Southern Ground Hornbill, Red-faced Barbet, Black-collared Barbet, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Wattled Lapwing and various sunbirds.A boat excursion on Lake Mburo may provide additional opportunities for waterbirds.

Overnight near Lake Mburo.

Day 04 :

Lake Mburo – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The journey takes you through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda. Depending on the route and time, stop for roadside birding and short walks.

Arrive in the Bwindi area and relax.

Overnight near Bwindi.

Birding focus: Albertine Rift transition habitats.

Day 05 :

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Full-Day Birding

Spend a full day birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bwindi is one of Uganda's premier birding destinations and is particularly important for Albertine Rift endemic species.

The forest provides opportunities to search for species such as African Green Broadbill, African Green Tinkerbird, Short-tailed Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher and various forest sunbirds.

Depending on the selected trail, the birding experience may involve several hours of walking through dense montane forest.

Overnight near Bwindi.

Day 06 :

Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy an early morning birding session before departing Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The route passes through the scenic Kigezi highlands and Ishasha sector, where wildlife sightings may include elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and, with luck, tree-climbing lions.

Continue to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 07 :

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Birding & Kazinga Channel

Begin the day with an early morning game drive and birding session.

The savannah and woodland habitats provide opportunities to see African Fish Eagle, Grey-backed Fiscal, Black-headed Gonolek, African Wattled Lapwing, Grey Crowned Crane and numerous raptors.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel.

The channel attracts large numbers of waterbirds, including African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Great White Egret, Pied Kingfisher and various herons.

Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 08 :

Queen Elizabeth – Kibale Forest

After breakfast, continue towards Kibale Forest National Park.

Stop along the route for birding in suitable habitats before arriving at Kibale.

In the afternoon, enjoy birding around the lodge or forest edge.

Overnight near Kibale Forest.

Day 09 :

Kibale Forest – Full-Day Forest Birding

Spend the day birding in and around Kibale Forest.

Kibale is famous for its primates and is also an excellent destination for forest birding.

Possible species include Great Blue Turaco, African Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Western Tinkerbird, Purple-headed Starling and various barbets, cuckoos and flycatchers.

A forest walk also offers opportunities to encounter chimpanzees and other primates.

Overnight near Kibale.

Day 10 :

Kibale – Semuliki National Park

Travel to Semuliki National Park, one of Uganda's most important birding destinations.

Semuliki is situated within the Albertine Rift and contains habitats with strong Central African affinities.

Spend the afternoon birding along forest trails.

Possible sightings include White-crested Hornbill, Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-throated Nicator, Red-throated Bee-eater, Blue-billed Malimbe and several species with very restricted distributions in Uganda.

Overnight near Semuliki.

Day 11 :

Semuliki National Park – Full-Day Birding

Enjoy a full day of intensive birding in Semuliki.

Explore the forest trails and search for Congo-Guinean species that are difficult to find elsewhere in Uganda.

Birding will focus on forest specialists, hornbills, kingfishers, barbets, bulbuls, sunbirds and other species associated with the lowland forest.

Overnight near Semuliki.

Day 12 :

Semuliki – Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, begin the long journey northwards to Murchison Falls National Park.

The journey provides opportunities for roadside birding and observation of Uganda's changing landscapes.

Arrive in the Murchison Falls area later in the day and relax.

Overnight in or near Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 13 :

Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drive & Birding

Wake up early for a morning game drive combined with birding.

Murchison Falls provides a mixture of savannah, woodland and riverine habitats.

Possible bird sightings include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-headed Lapwing, Grey Kestrel, Red-throated Bee-eater, Piapiac, Northern Carmine Bee-eater and various raptors.

Wildlife sightings may include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, hartebeests and Uganda kob.

Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 14 :

Murchison Falls – Nile Boat Cruise & Birding

Enjoy a morning boat cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls.

The river supports a wide range of waterbirds, including African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer and various egrets, storks and cormorants.

After the cruise, explore suitable birding areas around the park.

Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 15 :

Murchison Falls – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and travel towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Enjoy rhino tracking on foot with an experienced ranger. The sanctuary also provides opportunities for additional birding in woodland and wetland habitats.

Possible species include Grey Crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, Woodland Kingfisher, various hornbills and weavers.

Overnight near Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 16 :

Ziwa – Kampala / Entebbe – Departure

Enjoy an early morning birding session before beginning your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.

Depending on your departure time, make a final stop at a suitable birding location.

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 16-day Uganda birding adventure.

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