Uganda is widely recognized as one of Africa’s top birding destinations, with over 1,070 bird species recorded across its diverse ecosystems. From lush forests and montane habitats to expansive savannahs and wetlands, Uganda offers birders unmatched opportunities to spot both endemic and migratory species. The 10 Days Uganda Birding Adventure takes you through the country’s most rewarding birding hotspots, including Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Kibale National Park. Along the way, you will also encounter Uganda’s wildlife, primates, and stunning landscapes, making this tour ideal for passionate birders and nature lovers.
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation as per itinerary (lodges & hotels)
- Meals as indicated in the tour plan
- All ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking birding guide
- All birding activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all national parks and reserves (Mabamba, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Mburo)
- Boat cruises on Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo, and Mabamba Swamp
- Birding walks in forests, wetlands, and savannah areas
- Airport transfers (Arrival & Departure)
- Bottled drinking water while on safari
Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel & medical insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Alcoholic drinks & beverages not included in the itinerary
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips & gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Costs of photography permits where applicable
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel. If time permits, you will explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, an excellent introduction to Uganda’s birdlife with species like the Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Parrot, and Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill.
Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Birding
After breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar site on the shores of Lake Victoria, famous for the iconic Shoebill Stork. Birding is done by canoe, offering opportunities to spot other wetland species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Pygmy Goose, and Malachite Kingfisher. Return to Entebbe for relaxation.
Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 3: Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park
Depart for Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s richest ecosystems and home to over 350 bird species. The journey takes you through scenic countryside and crater lakes. Evening birding around the lodge may reveal the Green-breasted Pitta and other forest species.
Overnight in Kibale.
Day 4: Birding in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetlands
Spend the morning birding inside Kibale Forest, looking out for specialties such as the African Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-spotted Barbet, and White-naped Pigeon. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is known for the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, and the rare Nahan’s Francolin.
Overnight in Kibale.
Day 5: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping en route for birding along the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. The park hosts over 600 bird species, making it one of Africa’s top birding sites. Evening birding in the Mweya Peninsula may reveal the African Skimmer, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and White-winged Tern.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 6: Birding in Queen Elizabeth NP – Kazinga Channel
Start with a morning birding game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, searching for Crowned Lapwing, Martial Eagle, and Black-bellied Bustard. Later, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which is excellent for water birds such as the African Spoonbill, Saddle-billed Stork, and Gull-billed Tern.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 7: Ishasha Sector Birding – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, where birding is combined with searching for the famous tree-climbing lions. Expect to see the Ross’s Turaco, African Green Pigeon, and White-headed Barbet. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 8: Birding in Bwindi – Ruhija Sector
Spend the day birding in Bwindi’s Ruhija sector, known for rare forest species. Key highlights include the African Green Broadbill, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, and Handsome Francolin. This sector is also excellent for spotting Albertine Rift endemics such as the Purple-breasted Sunbird and Grauer’s Rush Warbler.
Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 9: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s best savannah birding site with over 350 species. An afternoon birding session may reveal the African Finfoot, Brown-chested Lapwing, Rufous-bellied Heron, and White-backed Night Heron.
Overnight in Lake Mburo NP.
Day 10: Birding in Lake Mburo – Return to Entebbe
Take an early morning birding walk in Lake Mburo NP, which offers excellent sightings of Red-faced Barbet, Long-tailed Cisticola, and Crested Francolin. Later, drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.