5 Days Birding Safari at Lake Bunyonyi
Overview
Nestled in the scenic Kigezi Highlands, Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s most picturesque and bird rich highland lakes. Known for its serene, bilharzia free waters and 29 islands, Lake Bunyonyi hosts over 200 bird species, including water birds, forest edge species, and highland endemics. This 5 day safari combines boat based birding, forest walks, and cultural experiences for birders seeking a tranquil environment and diverse avifauna.
Highlights
- Birding by motorboat and canoe on Lake Bunyonyi’s scenic islands
- Highland and forest edge species in the Kigezi hills
- Key sightings: Ross’s Turaco, Bronze Sunbird, African Jacana, Grey Crowned Crane
- Guided community walk for rural birding and cultural insight
- Peaceful setting with stunning lake and mountain views
Included/Exclude
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional birding guide
- Full board accommodation (luxury, midrange, or budget options
- Guided birding walks and boat excursions
- Park and activity entrance fees
- Bottled drinking water and bird checklists
- Airport pick up/drop off and all transfers
Tour Plan
Begin your birding safari in Uganda with a scenic drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi in south western Uganda. Travel through rolling hills, local villages and breathtaking landscapes. Stop for lunch en route before continuing to the lake. On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy your first evening bird watching around the shoreline, where you may spot herons, kingfishers and weavers. Dinner is served with beautiful views over the lake.
Accommodation Options:
Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Arcadia Bunyonyi Resort | Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
After breakfast, enjoy a guided canoe excursion across the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi, one of the top birding destinations in Uganda. The lake’s islands and papyrus fringes attract a wide variety of bird species including grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, cormorants and sunbirds. Spend the day exploring hidden bays and forested edges with your birding guide. Return to the lodge for relaxation and an evening at leisure.
Accommodation Options:
Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Arcadia Bunyonyi Resort | Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
This morning, set out on a guided forest birding walk along the lake’s trails, searching for Albertine Rift endemics that make bird watching in Uganda so special. Look out for colourful turacos, flycatchers and rare woodland species. Later, enjoy an island exploration trip with a picnic lunch and continued bird spotting. The peaceful setting makes this an ideal African safari experience for nature lovers. Return to the lodge for dinner as the sun sets over the water.
Accommodation Options:
Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Arcadia Bunyonyi Resort | Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
After breakfast, combine birding with culture by visiting nearby communities around Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy guided walks through terraced farms and local villages where birds thrive in the cultivated landscape. Meet local residents, learn about traditional life and enjoy opportunities for photography. In the afternoon, return for more lakeside bird watching and relaxation. This day adds a meaningful cultural touch to your Uganda birding safari.
Accommodation Options:
Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Arcadia Bunyonyi Resort | Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Enjoy an early morning bird watching session around the lodge gardens, perfect for spotting last minute species before breakfast. Afterwards, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe with lunch en route, marking the end of your unforgettable Lake Bunyonyi birding safari in Uganda.
