8-Day Uganda Birding: Lake Mburo, Kazinga Channel and Kibale
Explore Lake Mburo by boat, watch waterbirds on the Kazinga Channel and combine Kibale forest birding with chimpanzee tracking on an eight-day Uganda circuit.
About this tour
Waterbirds and forest species shape this eight-day journey through three western Ugandan parks. Starting from Entebbe, the route reaches Lake Mburo before turning toward Queen Elizabeth National Park and finishing in the forests around Kibale. Roadside birding, game drives and time on the water bring different habitats into a relatively compact circuit.
At Lake Mburo, dry thornbush gives way to papyrus and open water. An evening drive introduces the savannah birds, while the following boat trip offers opportunities for African Finfoot, kingfishers and herons along the shore. Mammals may appear during the drives between the lodge and boat departure point.
The Kazinga Channel provides a second water-based perspective after a morning of birding and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route then changes character at Kibale, where forest trails and the Bigodi wetland area complement a chimpanzee-tracking excursion. Afternoon birding depends on weather and the time available.
Entebbe airport transfers, guided activities, accommodation, meals and the listed park transport form part of the programme. The return day may include a Lake Mburo birding stop if timing allows. Individual species and wildlife encounters are possibilities rather than guaranteed sightings.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
Meet your guide after landing in Uganda. Your arrival time determines the overnight stop in Entebbe or Kampala.
Day 2
Lake Mburo savannah birding
Travel via the Masaka–Mbarara road, stopping at the Equator before reaching Lake Mburo. An evening drive searches the thornbush and grassland for birds such as hornbills, weavers and kingfishers.
Day 3
Lake Mburo by boat
A drive through the park leads to the boat departure point. Search the water's edge for African Finfoot, herons and kingfishers, then return toward the lodge with wildlife stops on the way.
Day 4
Birding toward Queen Elizabeth
Continue through Mbarara, Bushenyi and Kasese, watching for birds during the journey. A stop near the Kyamuhunga tea plantations may be possible before settling into the next park.
Day 5
Game drive and Kazinga Channel
Spend the morning combining birdwatching with a game drive, returning for lunch. The afternoon cruise concentrates on the channel's waterbirds, with hippos and other shoreline wildlife also possible.
Day 6
Into the Kibale forests
Leave the savannah circuit for Kibale's forest and grassland mosaic. The park introduces a different bird community, including possible pittas, tinkerbirds and forest kingfishers.
Day 7
Chimpanzees and afternoon birds
Attend the park briefing before setting out to track chimpanzees; the excursion may last more than two hours. Later birding follows the main road or Bigodi wetland, with conditions determining the opportunities.
Day 8
Return to Entebbe
Head back toward the international airport. If the day's timing permits, a stop at Lake Mburo can provide another chance to search for Red-faced Barbet.
Locations & map
- Entebbe - Uganda
- Lake Mburo National Park - Uganda
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda
- Kazinga Channel - Uganda
- Kibale National Park - Uganda
- Bigodi Wetland - Uganda
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Included
- Lodge or safari-tent accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Road transfers by 4x4 with a driver-guide
- Listed game drives, boat excursions and birding outings
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
- Park entry and activity permits
- Drinking water on drives and activities
- Entebbe airport transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Visa and travel insurance
- Personal spending and gratuities
- Extra activities and services outside the agreed itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks unless provided by the lodge
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.