7-Day Birdwatching Tour in Uganda with Peter Wairasho
A seven-day Uganda route links Mabamba’s papyrus channels with Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, combining wetland, rainforest, savanna and boat-based birding.
About this tour
Travel from Entebbe to Mabamba Bay for a guided canoe excursion through papyrus channels in search of Shoebill and other wetland birds, then continue through Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park. Two Kibale sessions focus on forest species and allow possible primate encounters.
The middle of the route moves to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, an evening game drive and a full day across the park’s savanna, wetland and forest-edge habitats. Birding is combined with possibilities such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions, buffalo and antelopes.
The final forest destination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where afternoon and morning walks look for a different set of specialists before the return to Entebbe via an Equator stop. Transfers, route transport, an English-speaking guide-driver, six nights of accommodation, itinerary meals and park fees are listed as included. Flights, visa and insurance costs, drinks, gratuities, personal expenses, optional activities and extra accommodation are excluded. Current dates and price are confirmed after inquiry, and no bird, primate or other wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Mabamba canoe birding and transfer to Kampala
Leave Entebbe early for Mabamba Bay, a Ramsar-listed wetland on Lake Victoria. A guided canoe excursion follows the papyrus channels in search of Shoebill and other wetland birds. After birding, continue to Kampala for check-in, time to relax and the overnight stay.
Day 2
Kampala to Kibale and an afternoon forest walk
Drive west from Kampala through the countryside to Kibale Forest National Park. An afternoon forest walk introduces the area’s birdlife, with Green-breasted Pitta and African Grey Parrot among the named possibilities. Dinner and overnight are near Kibale.
Day 3
Full-day birding in Kibale Forest
Use a full day for guided birding walks in Kibale Forest, which Uganda Wildlife Authority records as supporting more than 350 bird species. African Pitta is one named possibility, together with Narina Trogon and Yellow-billed Barbet. Chimpanzees and colobus monkeys may also be encountered before dinner and the overnight stay.
Day 4
Kazinga Channel cruise and Queen Elizabeth game drive
Transfer from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for abundant birdlife and possible hippo and crocodile sightings. An evening game drive then looks for wildlife including elephants, lions and buffalo before dinner and the overnight stay.
Day 5
Queen Elizabeth habitats and wildlife
Spend the day birding across Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savanna, wetlands and forested areas. Papyrus Gonolek, African Finfoot and Martial Eagle are among the species named for this part of the programme. Hippos, antelopes and crocodiles are additional wildlife possibilities. Return for dinner and the overnight stay in the park.
Day 6
Transfer to Bwindi and afternoon forest birding
Drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and begin exploring the rainforest on an afternoon birding walk. African Green Broadbill is a documented Bwindi species. The programme also names Bar-tailed Trogon, with Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher as another forest possibility. Dinner and the overnight stay follow near the park.
Day 7
Bwindi morning walk and return to Entebbe
Take a final morning birding walk in Bwindi, with African Emerald Cuckoo and Handsome Francolin among the named possibilities. Begin the return journey to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator for photographs, and reach the airport area in the late afternoon for departure.
Locations & map
- Entebbe - Uganda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Full Day in Kibale Forest National Park Spend day exploring Kibale Forest on guided walks - Uganda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Kibale → Queen Elizabeth National Park After breakfast, to Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Full Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park Spend day birdwatching across park’s diverse… - Uganda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Bwindi → Entebbe ( ) After breakfast, enjoy a morning walk in Bwindi, spotting species… - Uganda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round, with the most suitable dates for the route and target birds confirmed after inquiry
Price: Price on request
Included
- Airport transfers and all ground transportation - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Professional English-speaking birding guide/driver - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Accommodation (6 nights) in Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch & dinner) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Park entrance fees for all listed parks - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
Not included
- International and domestic flights - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Visa fees and travel insurance - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Drinks, tips, and personal expenses - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Optional activities not mentioned above - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Additional accommodation before/after the tour in Entebbe - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Transport & stays
- Private safari vehicle and route-specific walking, Transport and field activities follow the confirmed itinerary. Vehicle type and any boat transfers are reconfirmed for the selected dates. | Meet: Airport or an agreed accommodation in Entebbe | Pickup: Airport or accommodation pickup is arranged where included in the final proposal.
Accommodations
- Route accommodation (days 1-7) Confirmed for the selected dates
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How is Mabamba Bay explored?
Mabamba is explored on a guided canoe excursion through its papyrus channels, with Shoebill as the principal named target.
Where does the programme look for African Green Broadbill?
African Green Broadbill is associated with the Bwindi forest section of this itinerary. Uganda Wildlife Authority identifies the species among Bwindi’s Albertine Rift endemics.
Does the route include wildlife activities as well as birding?
Yes. The programme includes possible primate encounters in Kibale, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise and an evening game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.