This 9-day Uganda Birding & Nature Safari is designed for travelers who love both wildlife and the serenity of nature. It takes you through Uganda’s richest birding and ecological regions — from swamps and forests to savannahs and crater lakes. You’ll spot hundreds of bird species, track chimpanzees, enjoy game drives, and cruise along the Kazinga Channel. With expert birding guides and beautiful landscapes at every stop, this safari guarantees a remarkable blend of relaxation, adventure, and discovery.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight time, enjoy birding around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria, spotting species like the Great Blue Turaco and Palm-nut Vulture.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Papyrus Guesthouse

Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp Birding (Shoebill Experience)
After breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria — a Ramsar wetland renowned for the rare Shoebill Stork. Take a canoe excursion through papyrus channels where you might also spot Malachite Kingfishers, Purple Herons, and African Jacanas. Return to Entebbe for relaxation.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3 – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Travel west through lush countryside and tea plantations to Fort Portal, a picturesque town at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your lodge bordering Kibale Forest in time for an evening birding walk.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 4 – Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding in Bigodi Wetland
Join rangers for a chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest — a lively experience filled with birds and primates. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for species like the Black-crowned Waxbill and Papyrus Gonolek.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Day 5 – Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through crater lakes and rolling hills. Enjoy birding en route and a late afternoon game drive where you might spot African Wattled Lapwings and Martial Eagles.
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 6 – Birding and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Spend the morning birding along Kasenyi Plains for open-country species such as the Red-necked Spurfowl and African Hoopoe. In the afternoon, cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see African Skimmers, Pelicans, and plenty of hippos and crocodiles.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5

Day 7 – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Head southeast to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its rich birdlife and zebras. In the evening, take a nature walk to spot Red-faced Barbets, Crested Francolins, and other savannah species.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Mihingo Lodge

Day 8 – Morning Birding and Boat Ride on Lake Mburo
Start with an early birding drive and a relaxing boat ride on Lake Mburo, where you can spot African Finfoots, Malachite Kingfishers, and African Fish Eagles. Afternoon at leisure or optional biking adventure around the park.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7

Day 9 – Return to Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe, stopping at the equator for photos and craft shopping before your flight home.

Highlights

• Birding in Mabamba Swamp, Kibale Forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Rare sightings of the Shoebill Stork and Great Blue Turaco

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest

• Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo

• Over 400 bird species across diverse ecosystems

• Scenic crater lakes, forests, and open savannah landscapes