Overview
This 7-day birding safari offers a rich and diverse expedition through Uganda’s prime birding hotspots, covering wetlands, savannahs, lowland forests, and montane rainforest. Highlights include sightings of the rare Shoebill Stork, Albertine Rift endemics, and forest specialists. You’ll also experience boat cruises, guided nature walks, and game drives, all focused on maximizing bird sightings. This itinerary is ideal for both serious and recreational birders.
Upon arrival in Entebbe or after an early breakfast, transfer to Mabamba Swamp for a canoe birding excursion. This is the best place in Uganda to spot the Shoebill Stork. The swamp also hosts other wetland species like African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and Papyrus Gonolek. After birding, return to Entebbe for overnight.
Accommodation Options
Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, making birding stops en route through savannah grasslands and acacia woodland. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot species such as Crested Francolin, Black-bellied Bustard, White-winged Widowbird, and Red-faced Barbet, among others.
Accommodation Options
Break under shade or in the vehicle for a packed picnic lunch. Continue light birding in nearby grassland
After breakfast, take a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to spot African Finfoot, Giant Kingfisher, White-backed Night Heron, and Malachite Kingfisher. Follow this with a nature walk before departing for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Kabale, arriving in the Ruhija or Buhoma sector by evening.
Accommodation Options (Bwindi)
and and roadside habitats, where species like the African Stonechat, Zitting Cisticola, and Grey-backed Fiscal may appear.
Spend a full day birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Look out for Albertine Rift endemics such as African Green Broadbill, Regal Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher. You may also encounter gorillas or chimpanzees during your walk.
Drive northward through Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife. Birding en route may reveal species like Grey Kestrel, Black-lored Babbler, Southern Red Bishop, and various bee-eaters. Arrive at your lodge near Mweya Peninsula for evening birding by the Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation Options
Start with a morning game drive in Kasenyi plains to spot Temminck’s Courser, Black-headed Gonolek, Martial Eagle, and White-tailed Lark. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a haven for waterbirds such as African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, and numerous kingfishers. Optional late afternoon bird walk in Maramagambo Forest.
After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest, where you’ll explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for species like White-spotted Flufftail, Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Canary, and Speckled Tinkerbird. After lunch, begin your return journey to Entebbe with brief roadside birding stops. Optional overnight in Entebbe or airport drop-off.
Accommodation (optional, Entebbe):
