7-Day Uganda Birding Safari

Introduction

A Journey Through Gallery Forests, Rewarding Swamps, and Iconic Parks

Uganda is a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts. This 7-day adventure takes you through gallery forests of river red gum, vast savannahs, and lush wetlands that provide life to over 500 bird species. From the elusive Shoebill Stork in the Mabamba Swamp to the diverse aquatic life of the Kazinga Channel, this safari offers the most rewarding birding experiences in Africa.

Safari Highlights

• Mabamba Swamp: A famous breeding ground for the rare and prehistoric Shoebill Stork.
• Entebbe Peninsula: Birding at the Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Education Centre.
• Lake Mburo National Park: Home to the African Finfoot and woodland specialists.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: A birding powerhouse with over 600 recorded species.
• Kazinga Channel: A spectacular boat cruise featuring skimmers, spoonbills, and fish eagles.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or pickup from your hotel, you will meet your professional guide and be introduced to your fully furnished safari vehicle. We will provide a briefing on your 7-day bird-watching adventure before transferring you to your accommodation to rest and prepare.

Day 2: Birding the Entebbe Peninsula

Entebbe’s strategic position on Lake Victoria attracts numerous species. We visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and the Botanical Gardens.

• Key Species: Olive-bellied, Green-throated, and Collared Sunbirds; Yellow-backed and Golden-backed Weavers; Lizard Buzzard, Grey Woodpecker, and the Great Blue Turaco.
• The “Lucky” Sight: Keep an eye out for the Bat Hawk at dusk.

Day 3: Mabamba Swamp to Lake Mburo

Early morning, we head to the Mabamba Swamp, a world-famous wetland for the Shoebill Stork. We then transfer to Lake Mburo National Park with a stop at the Kaaku birding area.

• Key Species: Shoebill Stork, Purple and Common Squacco Heron, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Malachite Kingfisher, and Rufous-bellied Heron.
• Overnight: Arcadia Cottages or Rwonyo Rest Camp.

Day 4: Lake Mburo National Park

Explore the spruce-sentenced woodlands and acacia-dotted savannahs.

• Morning: Game drive to find the Brown-chested Plover (migratory from June to December), Red-faced Barbet, and Crested Francolin.
• Afternoon: A boat cruise on the lake to search for the elusive African Finfoot and other water-loving species.

Day 5: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel through Mbarara City to the legendary Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Afternoon: Embark on a boat ride at the 32-kilometer long natural Kazinga Channel.
• Key Species: African Skimmer, Fish Eagles, and African Spoonbill.
• Wildlife: Expect to see large numbers of hippos and Nile crocodiles along the banks.

Day 6: Savannah Birding in Queen Elizabeth NP

Spend a full day exploring the vast grasslands and diverse ecosystems of Uganda’s most popular park.

• Savannah Species: Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Martial Eagle, Harlequin Quail, and Rupell’s Griffon Vulture.
• Wildlife Note: Aside from birds, the park is home to 95 mammal species, including elephants, lions, and leopards.

Day 7: Retreat to Entebbe/Kampala

Our final morning features a scenic drive back from the lush western landscapes. Enjoy birding through various zones during the return journey. We will transfer you to the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your 7-day Ugandan birding experience.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Essential Birding Quick Facts

• Species Count: Queen Elizabeth alone hosts over 500 species, representing a huge portion of Uganda’s total.
• Target Birds: Shoebill Stork, African Finfoot, Great Blue Turaco.
• Terrain: A mix of wetlands, gallery forests, and savannah.

Experience the best of Uganda’s birdlife. Contact Ranger Lead Travel Africa today to customize your 7-day birding adventure.