Signature Safari

10 Day Uganda Birdwatching Trail

This 10 day birdwatching expedition takes you across eastern and northern Uganda, exploring some of the country’s most rewarding birding destinations. From the elusive shoebill in Mabamba Swamp to the rich rainforest species of Mabira Forest and Budongo Forest Reserve, the itinerary offers a diverse range of habitats and birdlife. The journey also includes the wetlands of Lake Kyoga and Lake Bisina, as well as a birding safari in Murchison Falls National Park. This tour is ideal for passionate birdwatchers and nature lovers looking to experience Uganda’s remarkable avian diversity.

Mabamba, Murchison Falls Uganda

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About this tour

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional birdwatching excursion at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. The gardens host several interesting bird species including the African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, and Palm-nut Vulture. Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Birdwatching in Mabamba Swamp

An early morning departure takes you to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s best locations to spot the rare and prehistoric-looking Shoebill. You will explore the swamp by canoe, gliding through papyrus channels while observing waterbirds such as the African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Blue-breasted Bee-eater. The afternoon offers more birding opportunities along the swamp edges before returning to your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Birdwatching in Mabira Forest

After breakfast, drive to Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s most important birding forests. Spend the day searching for species such as the Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, African Dwarf Kingfisher, and Forest Woodhoopoe. While walking along the forest trails, you may also encounter primates, butterflies, and other forest wildlife.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Extended Birding in Mabira Forest

A second day in Mabira Forest allows deeper exploration of the forest trails. Birdwatchers may spot additional forest species including the White-spotted Flufftail, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, and African Pied Hornbill. Afternoon birding along nearby riverbanks may also reveal the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kyoga

Leaving Mabira, the journey continues to Lake Kyoga, an important wetland ecosystem rich in birdlife. The lake hosts a variety of waterbirds including herons, pelicans, kingfishers, and African Openbill Storks. A relaxing boat ride on the lake allows close observation of these species in their natural habitat.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Birdwatching at Lake Bisina

Morning birding along the shores of Lake Kyoga is followed by a transfer to Lake Bisina, another significant wetland area. This lake is famous for hosting the endemic Fox's Weaver, Uganda’s only endemic bird species. Other birds often seen here include African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, and Papyrus Canary. The day is spent exploring the swamp and surrounding grasslands.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Transfer to Murchson Falls National Park
Depart the wetlands and head to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. Along the way, several birding stops will be made in savanna and riverine habitats. Upon arrival, enjoy evening birdwatching along the Nile where species such as Goliath Heron, Giant Kingfisher, and Rock Pratincole may be seen.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Birding Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari

An early morning game drive offers opportunities to see savanna bird species including Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary Bird, and White-headed Vulture. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Victoria Nile, where waterbirds such as the African Fish Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, and several bee-eater species can be observed along the riverbanks.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Birdwatching in Budongo Forest Reserve

Today is dedicated to birding in Budongo Forest Reserve, particularly along the famous Royal Mile, one of East Africa’s best birdwatching trails. Here you may see species like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Ituri Batis, and Rufous-crowned Eremomela. The forest is also home to several primate species.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a final birdwatching session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens before transfer to the airport for departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Inclusions