Embark on an incredible 10-day Uganda birding safari that takes you from the wetlands of Mabamba to the rainforests of Bwindi. Spot the elusive Shoebill Stork, colorful forest species, savannah birds, and enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters. This tour combines birdwatching, gorilla trekking, and game drives — perfect for first-time birders and seasoned ornithologists alike.
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations Covered: Mabamba Wetland | Kibale Forest | Queen Elizabeth | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Safari Type: Birding & Wildlife Adventure
Best For: Birders, photographers, and nature lovers
Your guide picks you up from Kampala or Entebbe for a drive to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria’s shores. Paddle through papyrus channels in search of the rare Shoebill Stork and other water birds like African Pygmy Goose, Black Crake, and Malachite Kingfisher. Return to Entebbe for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Protea Hotel / Boma Hotel / Pineapple Guest House
Highlight: Shoebill Stork and wetland bird species.
After breakfast, travel west through lush countryside to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 355 bird species. Stop for lunch en route and arrive by evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Primate Lodge / Kibale Forest Camp
Highlight: Scenic drive through Uganda’s crater lakes region.
Spend the morning birding inside Kibale Forest — look out for the Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Grey Apalis, and Red-capped Robin Chat. After lunch, enjoy a guided bird walk through Bigodi Wetland, home to weavers, hornbills, and cuckoos.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Highlight: Green-breasted Pitta and Bigodi Wetland walk.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the scenic foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax by the Kazinga Channel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge / Bush Lodge
Highlight: Rwenzori views and park arrival.
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains — home to elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda Kobs. Later, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to spot pelicans, kingfishers, and cormorants along the riverbanks.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Highlight: Birding and wildlife along the Kazinga Channel.
After breakfast, head to the Ishasha Sector for birding and wildlife viewing. Look out for vultures, eagles, and the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge / Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Highlight: Tree-climbing lions and raptors.
Drive slowly towards Bwindi, birding along the way. The route offers chances to spot forest species and Albertine Rift endemics. Arrive in the evening for check-in and dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Mist Lodge / Haven Lodge
Highlight: Roadside birding en route to Bwindi.
Join your guide for a full-day birding experience in Bwindi, home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Expect sightings of the Rwenzori Batis, Black-billed Turaco, and Red-throated Alethe.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Highlight: Albertine Rift endemic species.
This day offers an optional gorilla trekking experience. After a morning briefing, hike through the forest to find a gorilla family and spend an hour observing them. Those not trekking can enjoy more birding around the forest edge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Highlight: Gorilla trekking and close wildlife encounters.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy birding stops along the way before drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Highlight: Scenic drive and last birding moments.
This 10-day Uganda Birding Safari offers unmatched diversity — from wetlands and savannahs to mountain forests. Spot hundreds of bird species, enjoy game drives, and meet mountain gorillas in their natural home — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.