27 Days Cultural and Birding Uganda Rwanda Tour

The 27 Days Cultural and Birding Uganda Rwanda Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines the thrill of East Africa’s most spectacular birding hotspots with rich cultural encounters across Uganda and Rwanda. This carefully designed itinerary takes you deep into vibrant landscapes—from lush tropical rainforests and pristine wetlands to volcanic highlands and expansive savannahs—while giving you the chance to interact with local communities and learn about their unique traditions.

Uganda and Rwanda together are home to over 1,200 bird species, including endemic Albertine Rift species and globally threatened birds like the Shoebill Stork, Green-breasted Pitta, and Ruwenzori Turaco. Alongside birdwatching, this tour immerses you in cultural experiences: visiting rural villages, attending dance performances, learning about traditional crafts, exploring genocide memorials, and sharing meals with local families.

Over 27 days, you will visit famous birding destinations such as Mabamba Swamp, Kibale Forest, Semuliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Nyungwe Forest, and Akagera National Park. The cultural side of the journey is equally rich, with encounters among the Batwa pygmies, Bakiga, Banyankole, Banyarwanda, and other communities that showcase East Africa’s diverse heritage.

This extended safari blends birding, culture, primates, and wildlife in one seamless adventure, creating lasting memories for passionate birders, photographers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone seeking authentic experiences in Africa.

Tour Highlights

• Birding in top Uganda & Rwanda hotspots: Mabamba Swamp, Kibale Forest, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Nyungwe, Akagera.

• Search for Shoebill Stork, Green-breasted Pitta, Papyrus Gonolek, Albertine Rift endemics, and migratory species.

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda).

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest (Uganda) and Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda).

• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Akagera National Park.

• Cultural immersion with the Batwa pygmies, Bakiga, Banyankole, and Rwandan traditional communities.

• Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.

• Scenic boat cruises on Kazinga Channel and Lake Bunyonyi.

• Photography opportunities: landscapes, people, birds, and wildlife.

• Comfortable accommodations ranging from safari lodges to eco-camps.

Detailed Itinerary (27 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Uganda

• Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

• Transfer to your hotel near Lake Victoria.

• Birding walk around the hotel gardens, where species like African Grey Parrot and Black-headed Gonolek are common.

• Overnight: Papyrus Guesthouse / Lake Victoria Hotel.

Day. 2: Birding Mabamba Swamp

• Morning birding excursion to Mabamba Wetland, famous for the Shoebill Stork.

• Canoe ride with local guides in search of Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and African Pygmy Goose.

• Afternoon cultural visit to a nearby fishing village.

• Overnight: Papyrus Guesthouse.

Day 3: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, en route birding stopovers.

• Birding species include Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern Crombec, African Hoopoe.

• Evening guided rhino walk.

• Overnight: Amuka Lodge.

Day. 4: Ziwa – Murchison Falls National Park

• Morning birding in Ziwa.

• Transfer to Murchison Falls NP with stop at the top of the falls.

• Birding along Nile banks: Rock Pratincole, Red-throated Bee-eater, Grey-crowned Crane.

• Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day 5: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

• Early game drive and birding in the northern circuit: Secretary Bird, Martial Eagle, Abyssinian Roller, Silverbird.

• Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls, spotting African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Pied Kingfisher.

• Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day. 6: Murchison – Hoima (Cultural Tour)

• Cultural visit to a Bunyoro Kingdom village.

• Learn about drum-making, traditional dances, and ancient royal history.

• Evening relaxation.

• Overnight: Kontiki Hotel Hoima.

Day 7: Hoima – Kibale Forest

• Drive to Kibale Forest, en route birding.

• Afternoon walk around Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

• Bird species: Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, Black Bishop.

• Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale.

Day. 8: Chimpanzee Tracking & Birding Kibale

• Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.

• Afternoon birding: Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Black Bee-eater.

• Overnight: Primate Lodge.

Day 9: Kibale – Semuliki National Park

• Morning drive to Semuliki, birding en route.

• Afternoon birding in lowland forest: White-crested Hornbill, Congo Serpent Eagle, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill.

• Overnight: Semuliki Safari Lodge.

Day. 10: Full Day Birding in Semuliki

• Birding in Kirumia Trail and hot springs area.

• Look for Nkulengu Rail, African Piculet, Black-wattled Hornbill.

• Overnight: Semuliki Safari Lodge.

Day 11: Semuliki – Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP.

• Evening birding and game drive: African Skimmer, White-winged Warbler.

• Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day. 12: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Cruise

• Morning birding/game drive: Temminck’s Courser, Brown Snake Eagle, Harlequin Quail.

• Afternoon boat cruise along Kazinga Channel for African Jacana, Gull-billed Tern, Yellow-billed Stork.

• Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 13: Queen Elizabeth NP – Ishasha Sector

• Birding transfer to Ishasha, home of tree-climbing lions.

• Species: Ross’s Turaco, Brown-chested Lapwing, Black-headed Batis.

• Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Camp.

Day. 14: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Transfer to Bwindi, birding along the way.

• Evening Batwa cultural experience.

• Overnight: Buhoma Lodge.

Day 15: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• Early morning gorilla trekking experience.

• Afternoon birding in Buhoma trails: African Broadbill, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Dusky Crimsonwing.

• Overnight: Buhoma Lodge.

Day. 16: Birding Bwindi – Ruhija Sector

• Birding transfer to Ruhija sector.

• Target: Grauer’s Broadbill, Ruwenzori Batis, Shelley’s Crimsonwing.

• Overnight: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge.

Day 17: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi Cultural Tour

• Drive to Lake Bunyonyi.

• Canoe ride to local islands, storytelling with Bakiga elders.

• Overnight: BirdNest Resort.

Day. 18: Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Rwanda (Cyanika Border)

• Birding along the way.

• Cross into Rwanda.

• Overnight: Musanze Gorilla Lodge.

Day 19: Musanze – Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

• Morning cultural immersion at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

• Traditional Rwandan music, dance, banana beer brewing.

• Afternoon birding in volcanic foothills.

• Overnight: Gorilla Lodge.

Day. 20: Musanze – Nyungwe Forest

• Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

• Evening birding near Uwinka.

• Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

Day 21: Birding Nyungwe Forest

• Full-day birding in Nyungwe.

• Key species: Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Albertine Owlet.

• Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

Day. 22: Chimpanzee Tracking Nyungwe Forest

• Morning chimpanzee tracking.

• Afternoon canopy walkway birding.

• Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

Day 23: Nyungwe – Butare Cultural Tour

• Visit National Museum of Rwanda in Butare.

• Evening cultural performance by Intore dancers.

• Overnight: Ibis Hotel Butare.

Day. 24: Butare – Kigali

• Drive to Kigali.

• Visit local craft markets.

• Overnight: Hotel Mille Collines.

Day 25: Kigali City Tour

• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, and handicraft centers.

• Overnight: Hotel Mille Collines.

Day. 26: Kigali – Akagera National Park

• Transfer to Akagera NP.

• Evening birding: Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, White-backed Night Heron.

• Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge.

Day 27: Akagera Safari and Departure

• Morning game drive & birding: Crowned Lapwing, Red-faced Barbet, Long-crested Eagle.

• Transfer to Kigali for departure flight.

Tour Inclusions

• Airport transfers.

• Accommodation as per itinerary.

• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

• Ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicle.

• Professional birding/cultural guide.

• Gorilla & chimpanzee permits.

• Park entry fees.

• Boat cruises (Kazinga Channel, Lake Bunyonyi).

• Cultural experiences & village visits.

• Drinking water during safari.

Tour Exclusions

• International flights.

• Visa fees for Uganda & Rwanda.

• Travel insurance.

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone, alcohol).

• Optional activities not included in itinerary.

What to Pack

• Sturdy hiking boots.

• Light and breathable clothing.

• Waterproof jacket and layers (mountain weather).

• Binoculars and spotting scope.

• Bird field guide (East Africa).

• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Personal medication and first aid kit.

• Notebook for birding records.

Travel Advisory

• Both Uganda and Rwanda are safe for travelers, but follow guide instructions at all times.

• Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination.

• Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.

• Local currencies: Uganda Shilling (UGX) and Rwanda Franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted.

• Respect local culture: ask before taking photos, dress modestly in villages.

• Gorilla trekking requires good fitness and permits should be booked early.