wildlife7 Days

Uganda Birding Safari

Over 1,000 species await in the Pearl of Africa

Duration

7 Days

Group Size

1-6 People

Starting From

$2,650pp

Book This Safari

Tour Overview

Uganda is a birder's paradise—home to over 1,060 recorded species packed into a country the size of the United Kingdom. This expert-led 7-day safari targets the most sought-after species across four distinct habitats: the papyrus swamps of Lake Victoria for the Shoebill, the montane forests of Bwindi for Albertine Rift endemics, the savannah woodlands of Queen Elizabeth for raptors and waterbirds, and the tropical lowland forest of Kibale for forest specialists. Accompanied by one of Uganda's top birding guides—armed with a telescope, sound equipment, and an encyclopedic knowledge of calls—you will build a trip list that would take months to achieve elsewhere in Africa. Whether you're a seasoned lister or a passionate beginner, this is the ultimate Ugandan birding experience.

Tour Highlights

Target the iconic Shoebill in the Mabamba Bay papyrus swamps

Search for Albertine Rift endemics including the African Green Broadbill

Over 600 species possible on a single trip

Expert ornithologist guide with telescope and sound playback equipment

Birding across four distinct ecological zones

Visit Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Bwindi, and Mabamba Swamp

Small group size for optimal field experience

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe Arrival & Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Search

Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to the shores of Lake Victoria. After lunch, take a canoe into the vast Mabamba Bay papyrus swamp—the most reliable site in Africa for the prehistoric-looking Shoebill. Glide silently through channels scanning for this elusive bird, while also spotting papyrus gonoleks, blue-breasted bee-eaters, and malachite kingfishers. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Entebbe Botanical Gardens & Transfer to Kibale

Start with an early morning birding walk in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens on the banks of Lake Victoria. Key targets include Ross's turaco, grey parrot, and African fin-foot. After breakfast, drive west to Kibale Forest, birding at strategic stops along the way. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy some lodge-garden birding before sunset.

Day 3: Kibale Forest Birding Walk

Spend the full day birding the trails and roads of Kibale Forest National Park. The tropical forest canopy is alive with green-breasted pittas, African pittas (seasonal), yellow-spotted barbets, and a host of greenbuls and flycatchers. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive African pitta in the undergrowth. An afternoon walk targets night birds at dusk including African wood owl and Pennant-winged nightjar.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding the Crater Lakes region en route. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise—an outstanding birding venue with pink-backed pelicans, African skimmers, giant kingfishers, martial eagles, and huge concentrations of waterbirds. Over 600 bird species have been recorded in this park alone.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Birding & Transfer to Bwindi

An early morning drive along the channel track targets species such as black-rumped buttonquail, Temminck's courser, and various cisticolas. After lunch, drive south through the Ishasha sector scanning for woodland and savannah species before climbing into the misty Kigezi Highlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the evening.

Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Albertine Rift Endemics

Bwindi is a haven for Albertine Rift endemics—species found nowhere else on Earth. Spend the full day walking the Buhoma and Ruhija trails. Priority targets include the African Green Broadbill, Shelley's crimsonwing, Grauer's rush warbler, handsome francolin, and Ruwenzori turaco. The dense undergrowth and steep terrain demand patience, but the rewards are extraordinary.

Day 7: Final Birding & Return to Entebbe

A dawn birding session in the forest edge offers last chances for any missed species. After breakfast, begin the return drive to Entebbe with birding stops in the papyrus swamps and acacia woodland along the way. Arrive in Entebbe by evening with a trip list likely exceeding 400 species. Transfer to your airport hotel or directly to Entebbe International Airport.