Birds and wildlife of Uganda

Planet

This Birding and Wildlife Safari takes you across Uganda, with opportunities to engage directly in conservation efforts that protect endangered species. Guests visit research and conservation areas such as the Semliki Wildlife Reserve in western Uganda, and en route to Bwindi Forest from Queen Elizabeth National Park, the itinerary includes support for a community-run chimpanzee conservation project. These initiatives are led by local people and sustained through visitor contributions. Many of the lodges chosen for this safari rely on solar power for lighting, charging, and heating water, and several use dry compost toilets. Because the safari involves long drives between destinations and during game viewing, food and drinks are carried in recyclable plastic bottles and biodegradable paper packs, which are collected and disposed of responsibly to keep the environment clean.

People

The safari also provides opportunities to connect with communities such as Busoga, Bunyoro, Batwa, and Tooro, where visitors can explore local craft shops and support artisans by purchasing handmade items directly. In Mubako, a small community near Murchison Falls National Park, guests encounter traditional thatched huts and a craft shop selling carved wooden sculptures and woven items. In the evenings, cultural groups perform songs and dances around lodge campfires, accompanied by the adungu, a traditional string instrument. Tourism income in this region helps families buy food, pay school fees, and support a nursery for 90 children.

During gorilla tracking and village walks, visitors are encouraged to hire local porters to carry luggage, providing direct employment and income to community members. In Bwindi’s Nkuringo and Buhoma areas, guests can visit local libraries and craft shops, as well as participate in the Batwa Experience program, which showcases the Batwa’s traditional forest life. Income from this program supports the Batwa Development Program, a community initiative that strengthens livelihoods. The safari also includes visits to schools and clinics in places like Ruhija and Nkuringo, where part of the tour fees are allocated to provide stationery, clothing, and medicine. Guests often deliver these items personally, creating meaningful interactions with the communities they support.