Discover why Uganda is the undisputed birding capital of Africa. With over 1,080 recorded species, 30+ Albertine Rift endemics, and the legendary Shoebill Stork lurking in the papyrus, this tour is designed for the dedicated birder. Led by our specialist ornithological guide, you will explore seven distinct habitats – from the high montane Rwenzoris to the Bwindi Rift Valley floor – targeting over 450 species, including the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, the Handsome Francolin, the Great Blue Turaco and even Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
This is not just a safari, it is a methodical expedition to tick off the rarest birds in East Africa. Expert-led and with additional local birding guides in each major habitat. Early starts to maximise opportunities; relaxing afternoons to rest and prepare.
*Pricing is per person based on two people sharing.
| Item | Mid-range | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Birding Uganda 11 Days |
$4,395* | $5,145* |
| Customise Options (per person*) | ||
| Hotel On Return | $95 | $195 |
| Lake Bunyonyi Chill-out | $325 | $395 |
| Mgahinga Sabinyo Gorge | $435 | $545 |
| Mountain Gorilla Trek | $1,195 | $1,395 |
| Jungle Rafting | $425 | No upgrade |
| Murchison Falls (2 Nights) | $895 | $995 |
| Single Room Supplement | +$40/night | +$70/night |
| Savings | ||
| Delete Day 1 (Hotel/Transfer) | -$95 | -$195 |
| Travel by Tourist Van | -$40/day | -$40/day |
Expertise: English speaking, specialist ornithological guide
Local Guides: Additional local birding guides in Bwindi, Rwenzori, and Semuliki
Permits:Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit
Activities: All park fees, treks, boat cruises and activities as listed
Transport: Custom Safari 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fridge and charging points
Accommodation: Hand-picked lodges – mid-range or upgrade
Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Drinks: Soft drinks and drinking water. Complimentary water bottle
Relaxation: One complimentary lodge massage or spa treatment
Safety: Emergency air evacuation coverage
Though Uganda is relatively compact compared to other safari destinations, transportation is nonetheless a significant feature of any African safari – connecting the dots between activities and destinations.
We aim to minimize impact of time spent ‘on the road’ by carefully optimizing routes, creatively breaking up the journey and promoting activities to get you out of the vehicle every chance we get! Nonetheless, significant journey time is inevitable and of paramount importance to us is your comfort and, above all, safety.
Our risk assessment identifies four key factors.
Our preferred vehicle is the Toyota 70 Series Landcruiser with custom 6-seater safari package. This has 4 comfortable, customer captain’s seats in the elevated rear cabin and two lower front seats for driver and occasional ranger/guide. For larger groups, we use an extended 8-seater version with 6 customer Captain’s seats.
All captain’s seats are window seats for excellent game viewing. The vehicle has an open ‘safari’ roof for standing and game viewing in the parks and is equipped with wifi (subject to network coverage), charging points and a fridge for cold drinks and snacks.
These vehicles are super-strong, relatively slow and unstressed, providing inherent safety and protection. They have excellent ground clearance and 4-wheel drive to cope with all but the roughest terrain. Enhanced safety features include GPS tracker, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangles, tools and two spare tyres.
A robust maintenance regime is essential to ensure reliability and safety on the road. All our vehicles are rigorously maintained and inspected before each trip. You will see this for yourself. We intend to get you there – and back! If you like, you can count the wheelnuts on some of the other trucks – ours will have 6.
Our driver-guides are suitably qualified and experienced. They are instructed not to exceed speed limits (50kph in town; 80 on the open road) and are required to maintain an accurate safety record. As driver and guide, they will be more than happy to offer information and dialogue along the way, but we would ask that conversation is sensitive to road conditions and to be mindful of distracting the driver.
Routes are carefully planned and optimized to minimize overall travel time; limit drive time to 2.5h hours between breaks; a maximum 10 hours within a 24-hour period; and, to avoid driving after dark (19.00). This is as much for your comfort as it is driver safety.
This is Africa. Things do not always go according to plan. Punctures and breakdowns happen; traffic conditions can create huge delays; adverse weather can wash out tracks.
Your guide will keep you fully informed of such events and their likely impact. He is also required to advise our duty officer so that we can assist in improving outcomes: sourcing and sending a mechanic; checking and agreeing alternative routes; or calling the lodge to hold dinner.
We welcome your constructive feedback on our transportation – or any other aspects – before, during or after your tour. Please contact +256 704 042234 by phone or whatsapp, or email: [email protected] with suggestions or to report concerns.
Joeboentoe Safaris deliver a vital and sustainable funding stream to our non-profit operations, with resources especially directed towards supporting and empowering local communities. Through these initiatives, tourism becomes a practical vehicle for social impact, helping to fund community development, training opportunities, and conservation-linked livelihoods.
Safaris are delivered in partnership with Meanda Uganda, a leading Ugandan tour operator, as part of their strong commitment to responsible and ethical tourism. This collaboration ensures that each journey is professionally managed while also aligning with shared values of environmental stewardship, cultural respect, and meaningful community engagement.
Our joint mission is to curate transformative safari experiences that touch the soul, creating lasting memories for travellers while honouring a deep and active commitment to conservation and local communities. By combining immersive wildlife encounters with authentic cultural interaction, we aim to ensure that every safari contributes positively to both people and nature.
Birding in Uganda requires patience and expertise. The forests are dense; the endemics are shy. Our guides are not just drivers they are accomplished birders with decades of field experience. They know the specific call of Shelley’s Crimsonwing and the exact ridge where the Broadbill displays. By booking this tour, you are buying time – time spent with your eye to the scope rather than navigating potholes in a seamingly endless “African massage”! This is the definitive Uganda birding tour for the serious lister and the nature enthusiast alike.
Our non-profit NGO delivers safaris in partnership with Meanda Uganda. As part of their Responsible Tourism Charter, Meanda Uganda share 25% of their profits with Joeboentoe, with an additional marketing bonus for safaris initiated through us. So, as you travel around Uganda and come face-to-face with those who may be struggling more than others, just know that you are supporting their journey as well as your own. Read more about it above in the tab ‘Sustainable Safari’.