7-Day Birding Safari in Uganda
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Safari Overview
This exciting 7-day birding safari in Uganda offers one of the most diverse birding experiences in East Africa, covering Uganda’s finest birdwatching locations. From wetland birding in Mabamba Swamp and woodland species in Lake Mburo, to Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and aquatic birds on the Kazinga Channel, this Uganda birding holiday guarantees a checklist of over 400 bird species. You’ll enjoy canoe rides, boat cruises, nature walks, and game drives—all tailored for passionate birdwatchers, bird photographers, and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable African safari experience.
Safari Highlights
- Spot the rare Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Swamp
- Search for Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Enjoy scenic boat cruises on Lake Mburo and the Kazinga Channel
- Combine birdwatching with wildlife viewing in top national parks
- Explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Maramagambo Forest
- Excellent opportunities for bird photography and eco-tourism
Detailed Itinerary
Included/Exclude
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and birding guide
- Professional English-speaking birding guide throughout
- Canoe ride, boat cruises, and guided bird walks
- All park entrance and birding activity fees
- 6 nights' accommodation (luxury, midrange, or budget options)
- All meals and daily bottled water
- Airport transfers and hotel pick-up/drop-off
Tour Plan
Upon arrival in Entebbe or after an early breakfast, begin your Uganda birding safari with a transfer to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s top sites for spotting the Shoebill Stork. Board a traditional canoe to navigate papyrus-lined channels and look out for other wetland birds such as the African Pygmy Goose, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Lesser Jacana, and Papyrus Gonolek. Return to Entebbe in the afternoon and relax at your lodge for the evening.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Midrange: Papyrus Guesthouse
Budget: Airport Guesthouse Entebbe
After breakfast, drive west to Lake Mburo National Park, a key birding site known for its dry savannah, acacia woodlands, and rolling hills. En route, enjoy birding stops in grasslands that may yield Grey-crowned Crane, Zebra Waxbill, and Pin-tailed Whydah. Upon arrival, take a game drive targeting species such as Crested Francolin, White-winged Widowbird, Black-bellied Bustard, and the localized Red-faced Barbet. Wildlife sightings may include zebras, elands, impalas, and warthogs.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Budget: Eagles’ Nest Lodge
Start the day with a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, offering prime chances to see the elusive African Finfoot, Giant Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, and White-backed Night Heron. After the cruise, enjoy a guided birding nature walk through the park’s woodland trails. Depart afterwards for the long but scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, arriving in the Ruhija or Buhoma sector by evening.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp
Spend a full day birding in the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over 350 bird species including more than 20 Albertine Rift endemics. Key species include African Green Broadbill, Regal Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher. This is one of the best birding destinations in Africa, and the dense forest environment offers chances to encounter primates such as gorillas or chimpanzees.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp
Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp
Travel north through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a bird-rich savannah area famed for its tree-climbing lions. En route, enjoy birding opportunities with potential sightings of Black-lored Babbler, Grey Kestrel, African Wattled Lapwing, and various bee-eaters. Arrive near Mweya Peninsula and explore the surroundings of the Kazinga Channel for late afternoon birding.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge (Eco Bandas)
Begin the day with a morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, known for open-country species such as Temminck’s Courser, Martial Eagle, Black-headed Gonolek, and White-tailed Lark. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, teeming with birds like the African Skimmer, Yellow-billed Stork, Great White Pelican, and numerous kingfishers and cormorants. Optionally, explore the Maramagambo Forest for woodland species and possible bat sightings.
Accommodation Options
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge (Eco Bandas)
After breakfast, travel to Kibale Forest National Park and explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an eco-community birding site known for White-spotted Flufftail, Speckled Tinkerbird, Papyrus Canary, and the majestic Great Blue Turaco. After lunch, begin your return journey to Entebbe, with brief birding stops along the way. Optional overnight in Entebbe or airport drop-off.
Accommodation option:
Luxury: Hotel No.5
Midrange: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Budget: Airport Guesthouse
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