15 Days & 14 Nights Uganda Butterfly-Watching Safari Itinerary

Arrival in Entebbe & Introduction to Zika Forest

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Butterfly and Birding Safaris and transferred to your lodge for check-in and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you will have your first immersion into Uganda’s butterfly world with a light exploration of Zika Forest, located just 15 minutes from Entebbe.

Zika Forest is a tropical lowland gem renowned among entomologists for its exceptional diversity of butterfly species. The forest floor is alive with Euphaedra, Graphium, and Charaxes, fluttering through shafts of golden sunlight. Keen observers may spot species like Afriodinia neavei, Protogoniomorpha temora, and Pseudacraea boisduvalii. Other highlights include Ypthima doleta, Acraea semivitrea, and Hypolycaena species, representing families Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, and Pieridae.

Your expert guide will provide an introduction to butterfly identification techniques, flight pattern observation, and forest ecology. This marks the beginning of your transformative Butterfly Watching Safari in Uganda, where science meets serenity.

• Overnight: Kisubi Forest Cottages.

Full-Day Butterfly Exploration in Zika Forest

Spend the entire day immersed in the wonder of Zika Forest’s butterfly diversity. With over 250 recorded species, this site offers unparalleled photographic and observational opportunities. Early morning is the best time to spot active butterflies basking in sunlight and mud puddling along forest clearings.

Guided by the Butterfly and Birding Safaris naturalists, you’ll move through multiple habitat zones dense canopies, open glades, and swampy edges each hosting distinct species. Expect sightings of Euphaedra medon, Cymothoe lurida, Acraea zetes, and Hypolycaena scintillans. The day also allows you to learn about host plants, larval stages, and environmental factors affecting species diversity.

Evening discussions at the lodge provide opportunities to review photographic records and identify species using field guides such as Butterflies of East Africa by Torben Larsen.

• Overnight: Kisubi Forest Cottages.

Transfer to Mabira Forest – The Search for the Rare Mabira Ghost

After breakfast, depart for Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s largest and most biologically rich rainforests. The drive takes approximately 2 hours. Mabira is famous for hosting the elusive “Mabira Ghost” butterfly, a prized sighting among lepidopterists. This forest bridges the ecological transition between lowland and mid-altitude habitats, offering species from both realms.

Spend the morning exploring forest trails, accompanied by your Butterfly & Birding Tours guide. You will spot Papilio, Euriphene, Belenois, and Neptis species in abundance. After an exciting field session, return to Entebbe and overnight at Kisubi Forest Cottages in preparation for the next day’s long journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Mabamba Swamp and Transfer to Kabale (En Route to Bwindi)

Early morning departure to Mabamba Swamp for a rewarding birding interlude as part of your Butterfly & Birding Safari. Mabamba, situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, is globally renowned for the prehistoric Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex). You will enjoy a canoe excursion through papyrus channels where butterflies like Eurema hecabe and Catopsilia florella frequent sunny spots near the reeds.

After the swamp excursion, continue the scenic drive towards Kabale near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with lunch en route. On arrival, check into Bakiga Lodge a perfect base for exploring the highlands where the legendary Papilio antimachus, Africa’s largest butterfly, can be found.

• Overnight: Bakiga Lodge.

The Legendary Papilio antimachus and Bwindi Neck Exploration

Today is a highlight of your entire Butterfly Watching Safari a field excursion to photograph and observe Papilio antimachus, the “African Giant Swallowtail.” Depart early with packed breakfast and lunch to increase the chances of sighting this magnificent butterfly, known for its enormous wingspan and graceful flight.

The Bwindi Neck is a rich mud-puddling zone where you can also find Papilio nireus, Papilio dardanus, Euphaedra christyi, and Cymothoe lurida. Ruhija, one of Bwindi’s highest points, reveals a mix of high-altitude Albertine Rift endemics. In the afternoon, return to the lodge for rest and preparation for the next day’s optional gorilla trekking experience.

• Overnight: Bakiga Lodge.

Gorilla Trekking (Optional) and Transfer to Kalinzu Forest

After an early breakfast, set out for an optional Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek lasts 3–5 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Those opting out of trekking may continue butterfly photography around Ruhija’s trails.

After the activity, proceed through Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying wildlife views en route, before reaching Kalinzu Forest. This pristine forest near Bushenyi offers a fresh transition between rainforest and savannah-edge habitats.

• Overnight: Ankole Tea Estate Lodge near Kalinzu Forest.

Butterfly Exploration in Kalinzu Forest

Spend three full days in Kalinzu Forest, which remains one of Uganda’s least-disturbed yet under-explored butterfly sanctuaries. Led by Butterfly and Birding Safaris’ expert guides, you’ll traverse ecological gradients from forest interior to riverine corridors, identifying species like Charaxes fournierae, Graphium ridleyanus, and Eurema hecabe.

Morning sessions focus on sunlit clearings and mud-puddling grounds, while afternoon excursions explore dense understory habitats. Local forest rangers will help identify host plants and seasonal butterfly congregation points. The forest’s mosaic of vegetation types supports both forest and savannah-edge species, creating ideal conditions for photography and specimen documentation (non-collection basis).

• Overnight: Ankole Tea Estate Lodge.

Transfer from Kalinzu to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park via Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic journey offering glimpses of savannah butterflies and iconic wildlife such as elephants, antelopes, and birds. Lunch will be enjoyed en route in Fort Portal.

Upon arrival, check in at Kibale Canopy Lodge, situated amidst lush forest landscapes. Kibale is globally recognized as one of Uganda’s most significant biodiversity hotspots, hosting over 450 butterfly species, 13 primate species, and numerous forest birds.

• Overnight: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge.

Butterfly Watching in Kibale Forest

A full day dedicated to butterfly and birding exploration in Kibale’s central forest zone. Your Butterfly & Birding Safari guide will lead you through forest trails rich in floral diversity, focusing on spotting Aphnaeus orcas, Myrina silenus, Pilodeudorix azurea, and Hypolycaena liara. The forest canopy and understory are also frequented by Papilio jacksoni and Euphaedra medon.

You’ll observe butterfly behavior, mud-puddling activity, and predator-prey dynamics. The combination of biodiversity and tranquility makes Kibale a premier destination for Butterfly & Birding Tours in East Africa.

• Overnight: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge.

Extended Butterfly Research and Photography at Turaco Trails

Spend two full days exploring the Turaco Tree Tops trails and nearby secondary forests. Open glades are ideal for species like Charaxes fulvescens, Acraea eponina, Belenois aurota, and Junonia oenone. The dense zones harbor Epitola urania, Iridana spp., Telipna spp., and Cephetola spp. tiny yet vividly colored lycaenids that reward patience and close observation.

Afternoon sessions may include puddling studies near watercourses and photographic documentation for research purposes. Optional nocturnal moth light-trapping can be arranged for enthusiasts interested in Lepidoptera beyond butterflies. This segment exemplifies Butterfly and Birding Safaris’ integrated eco-tourism model balancing scientific value with sustainable tourism.

• Overnight: Kibale Canopy Lodge.

Makerere Field Station – Advanced Butterfly Observation

After breakfast, proceed to Makerere University Biological Field Station within Kibale’s buffer zone. This area is excellent for spotting rare forest butterflies like Cymothoe herminia johnstoni, Harma theobene superna, and Neptis melicerta. The well-marked trails here allow for in-depth ecological observations, from canopy dwellers to ground-level feeders.

Participants will also have time for final photographic records, field notes, and species checklist consolidation before returning to the lodge.

• Overnight: Kibale Canopy Lodge.

Transfer Back to Entebbe / Departure

Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on the return journey to Entebbe. The 8–10 hour drive offers scenic stopovers for landscape photography and relaxation. Lunch will be taken en route, and depending on flight schedules, you may visit roadside craft markets for souvenirs.

On arrival in Entebbe, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of this extraordinary Butterfly Watching Safari in Uganda—an unforgettable experience curated by Butterfly and Birding Safaris.

Optional Gorilla Trekking Safari Extension

For travelers wishing to extend their experience, Butterfly and Birding Safaris offers a 3-day Gorilla Trekking Safari Extension either in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). This extension provides an unmatched opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while observing forest butterflies such as Graphium policenes, Papilio leucotaenia, and Acraea johnstoni.

The extension includes guided treks, park permits, accommodation, and transport logistics, ensuring a seamless continuation of your nature exploration journey.