Uganda is a birder’s paradise, home to over 1,070 recorded bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics and the legendary Shoebill stork. This 5 Days Bird Watching Safari in Uganda is carefully designed for passionate birders and nature lovers who seek both extraordinary sightings and the finest comforts in East Africa. From the lush forests of Mabira and Mabamba wetlands near Entebbe to the biodiversity-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park, this journey offers the chance to encounter a diverse range of habitats each teeming with unique birdlife. With expert ornithologist guides, private transportation, and elegant eco-lodges, this is a birding experience that blends discovery with indulgence.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp & Shoebill Encounter
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private birding guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. After a short briefing and refreshment break, you’ll head out on an afternoon excursion to Mabamba Swamp, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This vast papyrus wetland is one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive Shoebill stork, a prehistoric-looking bird and a major highlight for birders.
Exploring the swamp by motorized canoe, you’ll glide through papyrus channels in search of the Shoebill, African jacanas, malachite kingfishers, papyrus gonoleks, blue-breasted bee-eaters, and more. Return to your hotel in the evening for a gourmet dinner and restful night surrounded by lake breezes and birdsong.
Accommodation: Hotel No.5, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Forest Birding En Route
After breakfast, embark on a scenic flight or luxury 4×4 drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world but also an important birding destination. Along the journey, you’ll make birding stops in various habitats, including swampy grasslands and wooded areas where species such as the Black-and-white casqued hornbill, White-throated bee-eater, and Ross’s turaco are frequently spotted.
Arrive at your luxury lodge in time for a leisurely lunch and some relaxation. In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided forest edge bird walk or explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is home to over 200 bird species including the Great blue turaco, White-spotted flufftail, and Papyrus canary.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Birding in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland
Today begins with an early morning birding walk inside Kibale Forest, a haven for forest species and endemics. Accompanied by your expert guide, search for specialties such as the African pitta (seasonal), Green-breasted pitta, Dusky-blue flycatcher, Nahan’s francolin, Red-chested owlet, and various tinkerbirds, woodpeckers, and sunbirds. The forest’s diversity also means you may encounter monkeys, butterflies, and colorful orchids along the way.
After lunch at the lodge, you’ll spend the afternoon birding at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed reserve that is one of Uganda’s most reliable birding hotspots. Species here include the Speckled tinkerbird, Snowy-headed robin-chat, Blue-headed coucal, and Yellow-billed barbet. As the sun sets, enjoy a private dinner overlooking the wetland, accompanied by the calls of nightjars and tree frogs.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. The drive takes you through the stunning Rwenzori foothills, and you’ll stop at scenic crater lakes and forest patches for birding. Arrive at your lodge in the Mweya or Kyambura sector by midday and enjoy lunch with expansive views over the savannah or Kazinga Channel.
In the afternoon, go on a game drive with a birding focus in the Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll look for Temminck’s courser, Red-throated spurfowl, African wattled lapwing, and Crowned lapwing. You’ll also see large game such as elephants, lions, and kob. End the day with a sundowner at your lodge and an al fresco dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Birding Boat Cruise & Departure
Start your final day with an early morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a haven for waterbirds. Expect to see African skimmers, Goliath herons, African jacanas, Yellow-billed storks, Great egrets, and perhaps Pel’s fishing owl. The calm waters and rich biodiversity make this one of the best waterbird viewing experiences in East Africa.
After a leisurely brunch at the lodge, you’ll be transferred to the nearby airstrip for a scheduled flight back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, you can opt for a day room and dinner in Entebbe before your international departure, or continue with an extension to Bwindi, Murchison Falls, or Lake Mburo for more birding adventures.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 5 Days Bird Watching Safari in Uganda.
The 5 Days Bird Watching Safari in Uganda cost includes;
- Birding Experiences.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Wildlife game drive.
- Park entrance fees.
- Airport transfers.
- Tour guide allowances.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Relevant government taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; International air fare, visa fees, personal travel and medical insurance, tips to local guides, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, personal shopping bills and items not listed as included in the cost.