- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Booking
This 10-day birdwatching expedition takes you across Eastern and Northern Uganda, exploring some of the country’s richest birding hotspots. From the elusive Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp to the diverse forest species of Mabira and Budongo, and the waterbirds of Lake Kyoga and Lake Bisina, this itinerary offers a spectacular range of habitats. The adventure also includes a birding safari in Murchison Falls National Park, making this an ideal trip for avid birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Birding safari
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an optional birding excursion around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where you can spot species like the African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, and Palm-nut Vulture.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Number 5
Day 2
Birdwatching in Mabamba Swamp
An early morning departure takes you to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s best locations for spotting the rare Shoebill. You will explore the wetland on a canoe, navigating through papyrus channels to see a variety of waterbirds, including the African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Blue-breasted Bee-eater. The afternoon offers additional birding opportunities along the edges of the swamp before returning to your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Number 5
Day 3
Full-Day Birdwatching in Mabira Forest
A morning drive takes you to Mabira Forest, a prime birding destination with a mix of rainforest species. You will spend the day searching for the Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Dwarf Kingfisher, and the elusive Forest Woodhoopoe. Walking along the forest trails, you may also encounter primates and butterflies, adding to the richness of the experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rain Forest Lodge
Day 4
Extended Birding in Mabira Forest
A second day in Mabira Forest allows for deeper exploration of its varied birding trails. The focus will be on spotting additional forest-dwelling species like the White-spotted Flufftail, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, and African Pied Hornbill. Afternoon birding along the riverbanks may reveal Green-breasted Pitta, one of Uganda’s most sought-after species.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rain Forest Lodge
Day 5
Transfer to Lake Kyoga
Departing from Mabira, the journey continues to Lake Kyoga, an important birding site in Uganda’s wetland ecosystem. The area is home to a variety of herons, pelicans, kingfishers, and African Openbill Storks. A boat ride on the lake provides an opportunity to observe numerous waterbirds up close.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kasenyi Lake Retreat
Day 6
Transfer to Lake Bisina
Morning birding along the shores of Lake Kyoga precedes the transfer to Lake Bisina, another significant wetland area. This lake is known for hosting the endemic Fox’s Weaver, Uganda’s only endemic bird species. Other notable species include African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, and Papyrus Canary. The day is spent exploring the swamp and surrounding grasslands in search of more unique birdlife.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Sparrow Centre
Day 7
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Leaving the wetlands behind, the journey continues to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. The drive offers birding stops along the way, especially in the savanna and riverine habitats. Upon arrival, an evening birding session along the Nile may reveal species like the Goliath Heron, Giant Kingfisher, and Rock Pratincole.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Day 8
Birding Game Drive and Boat Safari
An early morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park provides an opportunity to spot savanna birds, including the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary Bird, and White-headed Vulture. After lunch, a boat safari along the Nile takes you closer to water-associated species like the African Fish Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, and various bee-eaters perched along the riverbanks.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Day 9
Birding in Budongo Forest Reserve
A full day is dedicated to birding in Budongo Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s best locations for forest bird species. The famous Royal Mile offers exceptional opportunities to see species such as the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Ituri Batis, and Rufous-crowned Eremomela. The dense forest also supports a variety of primates, adding another dimension to the experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Day 10
Transfer Back to Entebbe
After breakfast, the return journey to Entebbe begins, with possible birding stops along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief birdwatching session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens before heading to the airport, marking the end of your birding adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Accommodation: None (End of trip)
- Airport transfers
- Private transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation for nine nights in birding lodges
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Professional birding guide
- Canoe excursion in Mabamba Swamp
- Boat rides on Lake Kyoga and the Nile River
- Park and conservation area entrance fees
- Guided birdwatching in all locations
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as beverages, tips, and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fees
