5-Day Uganda Birding Safari

Uganda is one of Africa's premier birding destinations, boasting over 1,090 recorded bird species. This 5-day birding safari takes you through some of the country's most productive bird habitats, including Mabamba Swamp, Kibale National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect to encounter a remarkable diversity of forest, wetland, savannah, and water birds while enjoying Uganda's breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations
• Entebbe
• Mabamba Swamp
• Kibale National Park
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
Highlights
• Search for the iconic Shoebill Stork.
• Bird the famous Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
• Explore the forests of Kibale National Park.
• Bird along the Kazinga Channel.
• Enjoy game drives with excellent opportunities to spot savannah birds.
• Possibility of seeing over 250 bird species.
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Day 1: Arrival and Mabamba Swamp Birding
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your professional birding guide and transfer to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. Board a traditional canoe and explore the papyrus channels in search of the legendary Shoebill Stork. The swamp is also home to numerous wetland specialists.
Possible bird species
• Shoebill
• African Jacana
• Blue-breasted Bee-eater
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Papyrus Gonolek
• Swamp Flycatcher
• African Pygmy Goose
• Yellow-billed Duck
• Purple Heron
Accommodation: Entebbe
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
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Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale National Park
After breakfast, drive west through beautiful countryside to Kibale National Park. Stop along the way for birding opportunities in forests, farmland, and wetlands. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy an evening bird walk around the lodge.
Possible bird species
• Great Blue Turaco
• Ross's Turaco
• Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill
• White-thighed Hornbill
• African Green Pigeon
• Double-toothed Barbet
Accommodation: Kibale National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Day 3: Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Enjoy an early morning birding excursion in Kibale Forest, one of Africa's finest tropical rainforests. Later visit the famous Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, renowned for its incredible biodiversity.
Possible bird species
• Green-breasted Pitta
• Yellow-spotted Barbet
• African Emerald Cuckoo
• Yellow-billed Barbet
• Blue-headed Sunbird
• Black Bee-eater
• Brown-eared Woodpecker
• White-spotted Flufftail
• White-winged Warbler
• Papyrus Canary
Accommodation: Kibale National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Day 4: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bird through the Kasenyi Plains and later enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa's richest birding sites.
Possible bird species
• African Fish Eagle
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Pink-backed Pelican
• African Skimmer
• Great White Pelican
• Pied Kingfisher
• Giant Kingfisher
• Yellow-billed Stork
• Grey-headed Gull
• Spur-winged Lapwing
• Martial Eagle
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Day 5: Morning Birding and Return to Entebbe
Enjoy an early morning birding game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park before beginning the journey back to Entebbe. Stop for lunch en route and arrive in the evening for your departure flight or hotel drop-off.
Possible bird species
• Secretary Bird
• White-backed Vulture
• Bateleur
• Brown Snake Eagle
• Black-headed Gonolek
• African Wattled Lapwing
• Rufous-naped Lark
• Red-necked Spurfowl
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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Included
• Airport transfers
• 4 nights accommodation
• Meals as indicated
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking birding guide
• All park entrance fees
• Mabamba canoe excursion
• Bigodi Wetland entrance fees
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
Excluded
• International flights
• Uganda visa
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Laundry services
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not mentioned
Best Time for Birding
Birding is excellent throughout the year. The best months are December to February and June to August when conditions are generally drier and many migratory species are present.
Expected Bird Species
This safari offers the opportunity to record 250–350 bird species, including the iconic Shoebill and many Albertine Rift endemics, making it an excellent short birding adventure in Uganda.