Join us for a 7-day birding tour in Uganda, where we will explore some of the country’s top birding locations and wildlife parks, including Mabamba Swamp, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
During this tour, you will have the opportunity to see many endemic and rare birds unique to Uganda. Additionally, you’ll marvel at some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife, all set against the backdrop of stunning scenery, including Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the world’s largest tropical lake. Some of the special regional birds we will focus on during our journey include the magnificent Shoebill stork, African broadbill, Green-breasted pitta, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, African Grey Parrot, African Fish Eagle, Black Bee-eaters, Papyrus Gonolek, Bar-tailed Trogon, Narina Trogon, Neumann’s Warbler, Chapin’s Flycatcher, and Red-faced Barbet.
Summary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe
Day 2: Morning birding in Mamba Swamp and Transfer Kibale National Park
Day 3: Kibale Forest-Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding
Day 4: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Birding And Optional Gorilla Trekking
Day 6: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe/Kampala.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Gorilla Booking Uganda will welcome you and take you on a brief city tour before reaching your hotel. Entebbe, located about 40km southwest of Kampala on Lake Victoria’s shores, offers a relaxing atmosphere.
If time allows, you can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to the stunning Orange Weaver and various bird species like the African Grey Parrot and Great Blue Turaco. Keep an eye out for Yellow-billed Kites and the striking Guereza colobus monkey in the nearby forest.
Day 2: Birding in Mamba Wetland and Transfer to Kibale
On day two of your 7-day Uganda birding tour, you’ll start with an early breakfast before checking out. Your first stop is Mabamba Swamp, a one-hour drive north. This 16,500-hectare Ramsar Wetland on Lake Victoria is home to the iconic Shoebill and numerous other water birds.
You’ll explore the swamp in a traditional canoe with a local guide, searching for species like egrets, herons, the African Fish Eagle, and the colorful Blue-breasted Bee-eater. The papyrus area is inhabited by Swamp Flycatchers, Blue-headed Coucals, and the rare Papyrus Gonolek. After birding, you’ll embark on a 5-hour journey to Kibale Forest National Park, stopping for lunch along the way.
Day 3: Kibale Forest – Chimp Tracking & Birding
Kibale Forest National Park boasts the highest primate density in Africa, home to over 1500 chimpanzees and various other species, including the Central African Red Colobus and L’Hoest’s Monkey. You’ll have an excellent chance of spotting these amazing primates on your trek.
The birdlife is rich, featuring mixed species flocks and notable sightings such as the rare White-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Owlet, Blue-throated Roller, and the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, which requires an early start and a bit of luck to find. At night, keep an eye out for bushbabies and African Wood Owls.
Day 4: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Today, you leave Kibale National Park and head south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, known for its gorilla conservation and rich biodiversity. You’ll drive through the savannah grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to over 600 bird species and unique tree-climbing lions. After this scenic drive, you’ll arrive at Bwindi, your base for the next three nights. A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Bwindi hosts about half of the world’s endangered Mountain Gorillas and offers exceptional birding opportunities, boasting 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species. This makes it a true birding haven.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Today, you may embark on an optional gorilla trekking adventure to find a habituated family of Mountain Gorillas. Spending an hour with these gentle giants is an unparalleled wildlife experience. The rest of the day will be spent birding the nearby trails, searching for special species such as the Bar-tailed Trogon, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo, Kivu Ground Thrush, and the rare Grey-chested Babbler.
Keep an eye out for the African Goshawk, Black Bee-eater, and the elusive Neumann’s Warbler, along with understorey birds like the African Broadbill and Black-faced Rufous Warbler. The mid-story and canopy will reveal Elliot’s and Tullberg’s Woodpeckers, among others. Birding in Buhoma is truly magical, and you may also spot other wildlife like Duikers, Colobus, and Blue Monkeys.
Day 6: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
On day six of your 7-day Uganda birding tour, you’ll start with an early breakfast, check out of your accommodation, and head northeast to Lake Mburo National Park. The 5-hour drive will include birdwatching and rest stops. Entering through the Sanga Gate, you’ll encounter the famous long-horned Ankole cattle. The 260 km² park, known for its wetlands and Acacia savanna, is a popular destination for birders, hosting around 350 bird species, including Plains Zebra, Impala, and African Buffalo.
Look for avian highlights like the Red-faced Barbet, African Marsh Harrier, Grey Crowned Crane, and Meyer’s Parrot. You’ll check in, enjoy a late lunch, and end your day with an afternoon game drive. After returning to your lodge, freshen up for an excellent farewell dinner, concluding your tour of the Pearl of Africa.
Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe
After breakfast, enjoy a private boat cruise on the lake, your last safari activity of the 7-day Uganda birding tour. Spot species like African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, and kingfishers, along with hippos. Then, transfer to Entebbe, stopping at the Ugandan Equator Monument in Kayabwe for memorable photos with one leg in each hemisphere.