Your journey, at a glance.
This 12 day Uganda Birding Safari is designed for serious birders seeking maximum diversity across the country’s richest ecosystems, including wetlands, lowland forests, montane forests, and savannah. The journey features the iconic Shoebill in Mabamba, the Congo biome species of Semuliki National Park, and the Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi, offering an opportunity to record over 400 bird species. Combined with scenic landscapes and occasional wildlife encounters, this safari delivers a deep and rewarding birding experience across Uganda’s most important habitats.
Days that become memories.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Lodge
Your birding safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport where you are warmly welcomed by your professional driver guide from Enshama Safaris and assisted with your luggage before being transferred to your lodge in Entebbe or Kampala, giving you time to settle in after your journey while enjoying your first introduction to Uganda’s birdlife within the lodge gardens where species such as weavers, sunbirds, hornbills, and pied crows are commonly seen as you relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Experience
After an early breakfast you transfer to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria where you board a traditional canoe and glide through narrow papyrus channels in search of the Shoebill, one of Africa’s most sought after bird species, while your local guide helps identify other wetland birds such as Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, and various herons before returning to Entebbe for lunch and spending the afternoon at leisure or enjoying optional birding around the lakeshore and nearby gardens.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
You depart early for Kibale National Park driving through Uganda’s scenic countryside dotted with villages, wetlands, and tea plantations, making several birding stops along the way where you may encounter species such as Grey crowned crane, Black headed heron, and roadside raptors before arriving in the afternoon and enjoying a relaxed birding session around the lodge where forest edge species and colorful sunbirds are often active.
Day 4: Birding in Kibale Forest
Spend the day birding in Kibale Forest as you walk through well established trails with an experienced guide searching for highly sought after forest species such as Green breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Black bee eater, and a variety of turacos, barbets, and flycatchers while also encountering primates and enjoying the rich biodiversity that makes this forest one of Uganda’s top birding destinations.
Day 5: Transfer to Semuliki National Park
After breakfast you travel to Semuliki National Park descending into the Albertine Rift Valley with scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains along the way, stopping for birding in different habitats before entering the lowland forest environment where Congo biome species begin to appear, followed by an evening birding session near your lodge as the forest comes alive with calls.
Day 6: Birding in Semuliki Forest
Spend a full day exploring Semuliki National Park moving slowly through forest trails and riverine areas in search of Central African species such as Nkulengu Rail, Yellow throated Cuckoo, White crested Hornbill, and various greenbuls, relying on calls, patience, and guide expertise to track these elusive birds in one of Uganda’s most unique habitats.
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Semuliki and drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park enjoying scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and stopping at crater lakes and open savannah areas for birding opportunities where species such as flamingos, storks, and eagles may be spotted before arriving in the park for an evening game drive.
Day 8: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Begin with an early morning game drive across the savannah plains searching for both wildlife and bird species including ground hornbills, raptors, and lapwings before returning for lunch and heading out for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel where dense concentrations of water birds such as pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, and herons can be observed at close range alongside hippos and crocodiles.
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel south through the Ishasha sector known for its tree climbing lions while enjoying birding along the route where both savannah and forest transition species can be spotted before ascending into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and arriving in the afternoon with time for light birding around the lodge.
Day 10: Birding In Bwindi Forest
Spend the day birding in Bwindi focusing on Albertine Rift endemics and forest specialists as you explore different trails with your guide searching for species such as African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and various sunbirds while navigating the dense forest that offers one of the richest birding experiences in Africa.
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast you drive to Lake Mburo National Park with several birding stops as the landscape gradually changes into open savannah and acacia woodland where species such as Red faced Barbet, Lilac breasted Roller, and various finches can be seen before arriving in the afternoon and enjoying an evening birding session around the lodge.
Day 12: Morning Birding and Return to Entebbe
Enjoy a final morning birding session or guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park where additional savannah species may be spotted before beginning your journey back to Entebbe with a stop at the equator for photos and a break, arriving later in the day for your departure flight marking the end of your birding safari.
Thoughtfully taken care of.
What’s included
- Airport pick up and drop off at Entebbe International Airport
- All park entrance fees and conservation fees
- Professional English speaking birding guide from Enshama Safaris
- Accommodation for 11 nights in selected lodges
- Meals as per itinerary full board during the safari
- All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel
- Boat trips including Mabamba canoe experience and Kazinga Channel cruise
- Guided birding walks and forest excursions
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
What’s not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, and drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and soft beverages unless specified
Before you go.
- Carry high quality binoculars as birding success depends greatly on visibility
- Bring a camera with a good zoom lens for capturing distant species
- Wear neutral colored clothing suitable for both forest and savannah environments
- Pack a light rain jacket as some regions may experience occasional showers
- Be prepared for early morning starts as this is the best time for bird activity
- A field guide or birding app can enhance your overall experience
Your itinerary can be tailored. Our team will confirm current permit availability, accommodation and final pricing when planning your trip.
