Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary / Uganda Birding Safari
Welcome to Uganda the Pearl of Africa, a birder’s paradise with over 1,000 bird species and iconic landscapes. Our specialized Uganda Birding Safari is crafted for lovers and professionals alike, allowing you to explore Uganda’s impressive bird diversity across forests, wetlands, savannas, and lake shores. From the elusive shoebill to colorful forest residents, this itinerary offers memorable opportunities to spot rare birds and enjoy Uganda’s stunning natural beauty. Let FK Car Rental Uganda guide you through the best birding destinations with comfort and expertise.
Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary Overview
Duration: 12 Days
Departure: Daily departures available year-round.
Best Time for Birding in Uganda: December to February and June to September are ideal months with fewer rains. However, Uganda offers stunning birding throughout the year.
Transportation: 4×4 cars with open-roof options for unobstructed bird watching and photography.
Itinerary Highlights
- Spot the elusive Shoebill at Mabamba Swamp
- Explore Budongo Forest Reserve for the African Grey Parrot and Rufous-sided Broadbill
- Discover the endangered African Green Broadbill in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Journey through Queen Elizabeth National Park for a mix of water and savanna birds, including flamingos.
Day-by-Day Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our experienced guide and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. This day is reserved for resting and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Entebbe
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Birding at Mabamba Swamp
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is one of the best places to see the Shoebill, along with a variety of other wetland species like the Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana, and Malachite Kingfisher.
Overnight: Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Birding Entebbe Botanical Gardens & Transfer to Mabira Forest
Start your morning at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where you will find species like the Woodland Kingfisher, Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, and Olive Sunbird. Afterward, transfer to Mabira Forest for an afternoon of forest birding.
Overnight: Mabira Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Birding Mabira Forest
Spend a full day exploring Mabira’s lush equatorial forest. Look out for the Forest Wood-hoopoe, Grey Parrot, and the elusive Nahan’s Francolin. Mabira is home to over 300 bird species, with excellent chances to spot rarities.
Overnight: Mabira Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, drive north to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, make stops for birding at key points, searching for species like the White-crested Turaco and Swamp Flycatcher. You will reach Murchison in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Murchison Falls Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Birding & Game Drive in Murchison Falls
Embark on a sunrise birding drive and enjoy sightings of the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Red-throated Bee-eater, and various raptors. The Nile River here attracts waterbirds like the Goliath Heron, and an afternoon boat cruise offers excellent views of the falls.
Overnight: Murchison Falls Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Budongo Forest
After breakfast, drive to Budongo Forest for an afternoon birding session in Uganda’s biggest mahogany forest. Seek special birds like the Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Puvel’s Illadopsis, and Ituri Batis.
Overnight: Budongo Eco Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Birding in Budongo Forest
Spend a full day birding in Budongo’s diverse forest. Here, the Grey Parrot, Black-billed Turaco, and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher are normally sighted. Budongo is also home to various primate species, adding to the thrill of your forest experience.
Overnight: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Depart for Kibale Forest, famous for its primates and diverse bird species, such as the Green-breasted Pitta and African Pitta. Arrive in time for evening birding in Kibale’s lush surroundings.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Birding in Kibale Forest
Kibale forest National Park offers a rewarding birding experience, with opportunities to spot the African Grey Parrot, Brown-chested Alethe, and Yellow-spotted Barbet. This forest is also a great spot to see chimpanzees, adding to the variety of your adventure.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park’s diverse habitats host both forest and savanna birds, such as the African Fish Eagle, White-winged Warbler, and Lesser Flamingo in Lake Katwe’s crater lakes.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Birding & Departure
On your last morning, enjoy a birding drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of a breathtaking 12 days birding safari across Uganda’s rich landscapes and diverse avian habitats.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
At FK Car Rental Uganda, we offer knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and reliable 4×4 cars tailored for bird-watching. Our team is committed to making your birding experience both rewarding and comfortable, providing a seamless safari adventure from start to finish.
To rent a car with a driver in Uganda, self-drive Uganda adventure, or book an Uganda car rental service today, contact us now at info@fkcarrentaluganda.com, faisalkim805@gmail.com, or call us now at Airtel;– (+256-707457134 ), Whatsapp;– (+256-774784213) to speak or chat with our friendly reservations team. Let’s make your birding dreams come true in Uganda.
