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This 7-day safari is tailored for bird enthusiasts seeking to explore Uganda’s incredible avian diversity. Uganda is home to over 1,000 bird species, and this journey takes you through wetlands, forests, savannas, and riverbanks where rare and iconic birds thrive. From the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork at Mabamba Swamp, to forest specials in Kibale and Bwindi, to savanna and riverine species in Queen Elizabeth National Park, this itinerary combines expert-guided birdwatching with scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and opportunities to see primates and big game along the way.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll head straight to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar wetland famous for the Shoebill stork. From a canoe, you will explore papyrus channels, spotting water-associated birds such as African Jacanas, Malachite Kingfishers, African Pygmy Geese, and the sought-after Shoebill. Later, transfer to Kampala or Entebbe for overnight.
Travel west towards Kibale Forest, one of Uganda’s primate and birding hotspots. Along the way, enjoy roadside birding opportunities in grasslands and forest edges, looking out for species like the Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill and Great Blue Turaco. Arrive in Kibale and settle into your lodge. Evening forest-edge birding possible.
Begin with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, home to over 350 bird species and 13 primates. While tracking chimps, you may spot birds such as the Nahan’s Francolin, African Pitta (seasonal), and Green-breasted Pitta. Afternoon birding along Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers sightings of the White-spotted Flufftail, Papyrus Gonolek, and other swamp specialists.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse birding destination with over 600 species recorded. En route, keep an eye out for woodland and savanna birds. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive with birding highlights such as African Skimmers, Martial Eagles, and Grey-crowned Cranes.
Start with a morning birding drive through Kasenyi Plains, targeting raptors and open-country species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best birding experiences, where you’ll encounter Pelicans, African Spoonbills, Saddle-billed Storks, Kingfishers, and large flocks of waterbirds alongside hippos and elephants.
Travel through the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions, while birding for savanna species like the African Cuckoo-hawk and Black-bellied Bustard. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birding haven, home to Albertine Rift endemics such as the African Green Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Regal Sunbird.
Spend the morning birding along the forest trails of Bwindi with an expert guide. Look out for Albertine Rift endemics, forest warblers, and colorful sunbirds. After lunch, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, marking the end of an unforgettable birding expedition in Uganda.