7 Days Uganda Birding Safari

7 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Best Uganda Birding Tour

7 Days Uganda Birding Safari: Uganda is one of the world’s most remarkable birdwatching destinations, boasting over 1,080 bird species spread across its diverse habitats, from lush rainforests and vast wetlands to open savannahs and mountainous landscapes.

This 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari takes you through some of the country’s top birding spots, including Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a passionate nature lover, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of Uganda’s rich avian biodiversity.

Highlights of the 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari

  • Spot the rare and prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Swamp.
  • Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to Albertine Rift endemics like the African Green Broadbill.
  • Discover the vast wetlands and savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to over 600 bird species.
  • Enjoy forest birding in Kibale National Park, renowned for the elusive Green-breasted Pitta.
  • Witness migratory and resident species in Uganda’s top birding hotspots.

Brief Itinerary of the 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding at Mabamba Swamp

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 3: Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Birding along the Kazinga Channel

Day 5: Birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Birding in Bigodi Wetland

Day 7: Birding in Kibale National Park – Transfer to Entebbe

7 Days Uganda Birding Safari

Detailed Itinerary of the 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding at Mabamba Swamp

Your birding adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will meet your birding guide. After a short briefing, you will transfer to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Uganda to spot the Shoebill Stork.

Bird Species to Look For:

  • Shoebill Stork (Uganda’s most sought-after bird)
  • African Jacana
  • Malachite Kingfisher
  • Blue Swallow
  • Papyrus Gonolek

Birding in Mabamba is done by canoe, offering an excellent chance to see the Shoebill in its natural habitat. After an exciting morning, return to Entebbe for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse / Lake Victoria Serena Hotel Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Albertine Rift endemics. The journey will take you through rolling hills, rural landscapes, and local communities.

En Route Birding Stops:

  • Mpanga Forest (for forest species like the African Grey Parrot)
  • Echuya Forest (for Montane Oriole and Mountain Illadopsis)

Arrive at Bwindi in the evening, check in at your lodge, and prepare for an exciting day of birding the next morning.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics that are hard to find elsewhere.

Bird Species to Look For:

  • African Green Broadbill
  • Rwenzori Turaco
  • Kivu Ground Thrush
  • Grauer’s Rush Warbler
  • Handsome Francolin

Birding in Bwindi is done on forest trails, where experienced guides help locate some of the most sought-after birds.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Birding along the Kazinga Channel

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest national park, home to over 600 bird species. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a major highlight of birding in the park.

Bird Species to Look For:

  • African Skimmer
  • Great White Pelican
  • Pink-backed Pelican
  • Malachite Kingfisher
  • White-faced Whistling Duck

The Kazinga Channel boat safari provides an opportunity to see both water birds and mammals such as hippos and elephants.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector

Start the day with a morning game drive and birding session in Queen Elizabeth National Park, targeting savannah species. Later, proceed to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions and excellent birding opportunities.

Bird Species to Look For:

  • African Wattled Lapwing
  • Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
  • Martial Eagle
  • Black-rumped Buttonquail
  • Denham’s Bustard

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Birding in Bigodi Wetland

After breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise known for its forest species. Upon arrival, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run birding haven adjacent to Kibale.

Bird Species to Look For:

  • Great Blue Turaco
  • Black Bee-eater
  • Yellow-billed Barbet
  • African Pygmy Kingfisher
  • Speckled Tinkerbird

Bigodi is also famous for primates like red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge / Chimpundu Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Birding in Kibale National Park – Transfer to Entebbe

Spend the morning birding in Kibale National Park, searching for rare forest species. This is one of the few places in the world where you can spot the elusive Green-breasted Pitta.

Bird Species to Look For:

  • Green-breasted Pitta
  • Dusky Crimsonwing
  • African Pitta
  • Cassin’s Spinetail
  • White-naped Pigeon

After an exciting morning, drive back to Entebbe, marking the end of your 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari.

Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged upon request) Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

End of the 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari

This 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari offers an incredible opportunity to explore Uganda’s diverse avian species in its top birding destinations. From wetlands and savannahs to tropical forests, you will witness a breathtaking variety of birds, including Albertine Rift endemics, migratory species, and Uganda’s star attraction—the Shoebill Stork.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert birder, Uganda’s birdwatching experience is bound to leave you in awe. Book your Uganda Birding Safari today and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pearl of Africa!

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions of the 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari

Inclusions:

  1. Accommodation: 6 nights in comfortable lodges or hotels (based on your package) with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  2. Transportation: Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide throughout the safari.
  3. Park Entrance Fees: Entry to birding hotspots and national parks such as Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and others.
  4. Birding Guides: A professional birding guide to accompany you on bird-watching expeditions.
  5. Game Drives and Birding Walks: Daily guided birding walks and game drives to spot a wide range of bird species.
  6. Boat Cruises: Boat safaris on places like the Kazinga Channel for birding and wildlife viewing.
  7. Birdwatching Equipment: Use of binoculars and field guides for bird identification.
  8. Transfers: Airport pick-up and drop-off from Entebbe International Airport.
  9. All Taxes: Government taxes and service charges during the tour.
  10. Water: Bottled water during game drives and activities.

Exclusions:

  1. International Flights: Flights to and from Uganda are not included.
  2. Visas: Uganda visa fees are not covered.
  3. Personal Expenses: Items like souvenirs, laundry, and personal items.
  4. Tips: Tips for the driver-guide and hotel staff (optional but appreciated).
  5. Optional Activities: Costs for activities not included in the itinerary, such as additional boat rides or excursions.
  6. Travel Insurance: It’s recommended but not included.
  7. Meals and Drinks: Not included for meals on days when you’re traveling or outside the safari lodge.
  8. Any costs related to COVID-19: Quarantine, testing, or health-related costs.

Packing List to Consider

Clothing:

  1. Lightweight, breathable clothing: For comfort during daytime birding activities.
    • Long-sleeved shirts (to protect against sun and insects)
    • Light trousers or safari pants
    • Shorts for warmer days
    • A lightweight, long-sleeve jacket or sweater (it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings)
  2. Sturdy, comfortable shoes: Good walking shoes for bird watching and game drives (closed shoes for bush walks and safaris).
  3. Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect from the sun.
  4. Socks: Several pairs, especially if you’ll be walking through wet areas or grasslands.
  5. Rain jacket or poncho: Weather can be unpredictable, and showers are common in Uganda.
  6. Swimwear: For swimming if your lodge has a pool.

Birding Gear:

  1. Binoculars: High-quality binoculars for bird watching (8×40 or 10×42 magnification are great choices).
  2. Birding field guide: A guidebook with details of local bird species in Uganda (if available).
  3. Camera with extra memory cards and batteries: A good camera to capture birds and landscapes.
  4. Notebook and pen: For taking notes on sightings, observations, or keeping a birdwatching journal.
  5. Tripod (optional): If you plan to use a camera with a large lens for bird photography.

Personal Items:

  1. Sunscreen: High SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.
  2. Insect repellent: To keep away mosquitoes and other bugs.
  3. Personal toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any other personal hygiene items.
  4. Medication and first aid kit: Any personal medications, pain relievers, antiseptic cream, band-aids, and other basics.
  5. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: To maintain hygiene during the safari.
  6. Prescription glasses/contacts: If needed.
  7. Power bank: To keep your phone and camera charged while on the go.
  8. Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Documents:

  1. Passport and visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
  2. Travel insurance: A policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings.
  3. Flight tickets and itinerary: Keep printed copies of your flight tickets, safari itinerary, and booking confirmations.
  4. Vaccination certificate: Yellow fever vaccination (if required) and any other necessary health documents.

Other Essentials:

  1. Small daypack: For carrying essentials during daily excursions.
  2. Plastic bags or dry bags: To keep your gear dry if it’s rainy or wet conditions.
  3. Cash (UGX): For tips or personal expenses in smaller towns where cards may not be accepted.
  4. Travel pillow (optional): For comfort during long drives.
  5. Flashlight or headlamp: In case of power outages or for night walks.
  6. A lightweight folding chair: (Optional, but useful for comfort during longer birding sessions in the field).

Make sure to pack light, as you’ll be moving around in a 4×4 vehicle and need space for other essentials.