7 Days Birding Safari Uganda

Embark on a 7 days birding or avian safari adventure in the lush wilderness of Uganda and witness an awe-inspiring, natural beauty of this vibrant African nation

Our 7 days birding safari in Uganda is designed to take you to the best birding spots in the country, including the Mabamba Swamps where you can spot the elusive shoebill, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and many other locations. Uganda is home to a diverse and extensive avifauna , with over 1000 bird species recorded, some of which have migrated from Asia or Europe.

However, human activities such as tree cutting have had a significant impact on the abundance and distribution of bird species in Uganda. Despite this, there are still many opportunities to spot a wide variety of birds, and our safari is the perfect way to experience the best of Uganda’s birding scene.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe and explore its Environments then transfer to Uganda Wildlife Education centre for Birding

Day 2:  Transfer from Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park for birding, Wild life game views and Boat ride

Day 3: Transfer from Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drive

Day 4: Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National to Bigodi Wetlands in Fort Portal

Day 6: Go for Birding in the Bigodi Wetlands

Day 7: Drive from Fort Portal via Kampala to Entebbe and departure

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1:Arrive at Entebbe and explore its Environments then transfer to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for Birding and other wildlife at the sanctuary.

Our company’s representative, who also doubles as a safari guide, will be at Entebbe airport to receive you upon your arrival. From there, you will embark on an early bird search expedition around Garuga and other areas in the vicinity of Lake Victoria, which is the largest lake in Africa. During this birdwatching excursion, you will be on the lookout for an array of bird species, including the Blue Monarch, blue-breasted bee-eater, Brown Twin Spots, Fain tailed Widowbird, Moustached Warbler, White headed Barbets, Black headed Gonolek, Striped Kingfisher, African Pied hornbill, Red Chested sunbird, Diederik Cuckoo, Black Bishop, and many others.

After the birding excursion, you will have lunch in Entebbe town before proceeding to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, which is a learning and intergenerational facility that is home to captive animals. Here, you will have the opportunity to see over 250 bird species, including rare ones like the shoe bill stork, parrots, ostriches, and seven species of weavers, including the elusive Northern Masked Weaver and Orange Weaver, among others.

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation include;

Budget Lodges:

1. Backpackers Hostel Entebbe
2. Gorilla African Guest House
3. Red Chili Hideaway

Midrange Lodges:

1. Hotel No.5
2. 2 Friends Entebbe Beach Hotel
3. Boma Guesthouse

Upmarket Lodges:

1. Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
2. Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
3. Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe

Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park for Birding, Wild life game views and Boat ride 

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive to Mpanga Forest, which is located 37 kilometers west of Kampala along the Masaka/Kampala Road. This lush forest is home to a diverse range of bird species as well as impressive tree species. As we trek through the forest, be prepared to encounter numerous bird species, such as the blue-breasted kingfisher, African pied hornbill, spotted greenbul, black and white casqued hornbill, the great blue Turaco, African grey parrot, and Uganda woodland warblers, among others.

From Mpanga Forest, we will proceed to Masaka, branching off to Lake Nabugabo, a stunning lagoon lake that was encircled off from Lake Victoria. The lake is a haven for numerous bird species, especially water birds, such as herons, lesser jacana, and other water birds.

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Lake Mburo National Park, which is located in southern Uganda. Here, we will have the opportunity to spot an array of bird species and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. We will spend the night at either Rwonyo Camp or Mantana Luxury Tented Camp, where we will enjoy dinner and rest for the night.

Accommodation include;

Budget Lodges:

1. Eagle’s Nest Camp
2. Rwakobo Rock Lodge
3. Arcadia Cottages Lake Mburo

Midrange Lodges:

1. Mantana Tented Camp
2. Mburo Safari Lodge
3. Rwonyo Rest Camp

Upmarket Lodges:

1. Mihingo Lodge
2. Lake Mburo Tented Camp
3. Amagara Tented Lodge

Day 3: Transfer from Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive

After indulging in a delicious breakfast early in the morning and then embark on an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This stunning savannah grassland park is dominated by acacia vegetation and offers the perfect habitat for a diverse range of bird species. As we explore the park, we can expect to encounter numerous bird species, including water birds, woodland and grassland birds, as well as wetland birds. In addition to bird watching, we may also spot animals such as elands, antelopes, zebras, topis, impalas, and several Acacia-associated birds.

Next, we will take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Mburo, where we can enjoy the serene surroundings and spot a variety of wetland birds as well as animals such as hippos. After lunch, we will check out of our lodge and embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the beautiful countryside.

As we arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, we will enjoy an evening game drive through the park, where we will have the opportunity to spot a wide range of bird and animal species. Finally, we will check in at our lodges, either Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Lodge, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and rest for the night.

Day 4: Go for a Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast early in the morning, begin your day with an early morning game drive through the park. As you explore the open grassy plains, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird species, such as the Saddle-billed stork, Brown Snake eagle, Wahlberg’s eagle, Bateleur, African harrier-hawk, and Grey Kestrel. Return to the lodge for a relaxing break before lunch.

In the afternoon, head to the Kazinga channel for a launch cruise, where you’ll have the opportunity to see hundreds of hippos, elephants, and a plethora of migratory bird species, including the Grey-headed Gulls, White-winged Black Terns, African skimmers, Morning Doves, Water Dikkops, Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, and Great and Long-tailed Cormorants. After a memorable day, return to Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Lodge, for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National to Bigodi Wetlands in Fort Portal

After early morning breakfast, embark on a morning game drive as you explore the wildlife of the park. Later, after lunch, drive to Fort Portal, a charming town that offers stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. Visit the breathtaking Crater Lakes region before proceeding to your accommodation near the Bigodi Wetlands for dinner and an overnight stay at either Ndali Lodge or Crater Valley Kibale.

Day 6: Go for Birding in the Bigodi Wetlands

Once you finish breakfast early in the morning, embark on a drive to Bigodi Swamp, a sanctuary that hosts a diverse birdlife. During your nature walk, be on the lookout for birds such as the majestic Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Canary, and White Winged Warblers. Afterward, head to the forest for a brief hike, where you’ll encounter primates, various tree species, and forest birds. Enjoy a tasty lunch, then make your way to the Crater Lakes region where you may catch sight of birds such as the elusive White Spotted Flufftail, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Blue Headed Coucals, and Yellow Billed Barbet, among others. Return to your Lodge or Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation include:

1. Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse – This guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and bar, and is conveniently located near the town center.

2. Midrange: Mountains of the Moon Hotel – This hotel features spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains. It has a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, and spa facilities.

3. Upmarket: Kyaninga Lodge – This luxurious lodge is set on a crater lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It features spacious cottages with private decks, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and spa facilities. It also offers a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cultural tours.

Day 7: Drive from Fort Portal via Kampala to Entebbe and departure

After breakfast early in the morning, depart the beautiful Fort Portal town for Kampala and Entebbe. Have a brief stopover at Mubende for lunch and take a short visit to the Nakayima tree then depart to Entebbe airport and on your way home and end of our 7 Days Birding Safari Uganda.