7-Day Uganda Birding & Wildlife Tour

Introduction

Africa’s Premier Birding Destination: 1,061 Species Await

Uganda is globally recognized as Africa’s premier birding destination. With over 1,061 recorded species, including many “mythical” sightings found only in these tropical forests, this 7-day tour is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Explore the diverse ecosystems of Entebbe, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the lush Fort Portal rainforests.

Safari Highlights

• Entebbe & Lake Victoria: Search for lakeside and forest species in the city’s suburban biological hotspots.
• Lake Mburo National Park: Spot acacia-associated birds and water species in a savannah-wetland mosaic.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Embark on game drives and a Kazinga Channel cruise to view massive concentrations of migratory birds.
• Bigodi Wetlands: Experience one of the best sites for the Great Blue Turaco and other papyrus-dwellers.
• Mpanga Forest: A dense tropical forest trek for woodland warblers and parrots.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe & Lake Victoria Environs

• Morning: Your guide will pick you up for birding in the Garuga area on the shores of Lake Victoria. Look for the Blue Monarch, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Brown Twinspots, and the Moustached Warbler.
• Afternoon: Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC). This intergenerational center hosts over 250 species of birds, including the rare Shoebill Stork, Northern Masked Weaver, and Orange Weaver.
• Evening: Return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation.
• Accommodation: Acactus Hotel.
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo via Mpanga Forest

• Morning: Drive west to Mpanga Forest (37km from Kampala). This forest is home to the African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, and Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill.
• Afternoon: Continue to Lake Nabugabo—a lagoon lake famous for water birds like Herons and the Lesser Jacana. Proceed to Lake Mburo National Park.
• Evening: Arrive at Lake Mburo for dinner.
• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge.
• Meal Plan: Full Board.

Day 3: Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Morning: A morning game drive through acacia-dominated savannah. Spot Elands, Zebras, and Acacia-associated birds. Follow this with a boat ride on Lake Mburo to see Hippos and diverse wetland species.
• Afternoon: Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving through the beautiful western countryside.
• Evening: Enjoy an evening game drive as you connect to your lodge.
• Accommodation Options: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge / Elephant Hub Safari Lodge.
• Meal Plan: Full Board.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel

• Morning: Game drive across the open grassy plains. Search for the Saddle-billed Stork, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, and Grey Kestrel.
• Afternoon: Embark on a launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This is a birding highlight where you can view African Skimmers, Great White Pelicans, and White-winged Black Terns alongside hundreds of Hippos.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner.
• Accommodation Options: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge / Elephant Hub Safari Lodge.
• Meal Plan: Full Board.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Fort Portal

• Morning: Take a final morning game drive through the park to spot any missed species or predators.
• Afternoon: Drive to Fort Portal, a beautiful town overlooking the “Mountains of the Moon” (Rwenzori). Visit the scenic Crater Lakes region.
• Evening: Check in to your accommodation for dinner.
• Accommodation Options: Rweteera Safari Park / Chimpanzee Guest House.
• Meal Plan: Full Board.

Day 6: Bigodi Wetlands & Crater Lakes Birding

• Morning: Guided walk in Bigodi Swamp. This sanctuary is famous for the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Canary, and White-winged Warblers.
• Afternoon: After lunch, continue exploring the Crater Lakes region for sightings of the White-spotted Flufftail and Blue-headed Coucal.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for your final safari dinner.
• Accommodation Options: Rweteera Safari Park / Chimpanzee Guest House.
• Meal Plan: Full Board.

Day 7: Fort Portal to Kampala via Mubende

• Morning: Depart Fort Portal for the journey back to Kampala.
• Stopover: A break at Mubende for lunch and a visit to the ancient Nakayima Tree, a site of significant cultural and historical importance.
• Evening: Arrival in Kampala late in the afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Birding Quick Facts

• Species Count: Uganda is home to over 10% of the world’s bird species.
• Top Species: Shoebill Stork, Great Blue Turaco, African Green Broadbill (in specialized areas).
• Environment: A mix of tropical rainforest, savannah, and wetland ecosystems.

Discover the “Mythical” Birds of Uganda. Contact Ranger Lead Travel Africa to book your 7-Day Birding & Wildlife adventure today.