The 9-Day Uganda–Tanzania Birding Safari is a scenic cross-border adventure designed for passionate birders and nature enthusiasts. Discover East Africa’s most rewarding birding hotspots — from Uganda’s wetlands and forests to Tanzania’s open savannahs and lakeshores. You’ll encounter a rich diversity of species including the rare Shoebill Stork, Great Blue Turaco, Lilac-breasted Roller, and African Fish Eagle, all set against stunning landscapes teeming with wildlife. This safari offers a perfect mix of birdwatching, game drives, and natural beauty across two of Africa’s most biodiverse countries.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe (Uganda)
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. If time allows, enjoy evening birding around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the shores of Lake Victoria, spotting African Jacanas and Black-headed Gonoleks.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Papyrus Guesthouse

Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp Birding (Shoebill Experience)
After breakfast, take a canoe excursion through Mabamba Swamp, a prime site for viewing the elusive Shoebill Stork. Other highlights include the African Pygmy Goose, Malachite Kingfisher, and Purple Swamphen. Return to Entebbe for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3 – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Drive southwest through rolling farmlands and banana plantations to Lake Mburo National Park. Stop en route at the equator for photos. In the evening, take a birding walk near the park to spot the Brown Parrot, Crested Francolin, and Red-faced Barbet.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Mihingo Lodge

Day 4 – Birding and Boat Ride on Lake Mburo
Start early for a birding drive across the acacia woodlands, looking for Nubian Woodpecker, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and Green Woodhoopoe. Later, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo where you’ll spot African Finfoot, Pied Kingfisher, and African Fish Eagle.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Day 5 – Cross into Tanzania and Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Drive to the Mutukula border and cross into Tanzania, heading toward the Serengeti. The drive offers scenic views and birding stops along the way. Arrive in Serengeti National Park in time for an evening birding and wildlife drive.
Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 6 – Full-Day Birding in Serengeti National Park
Spend the day exploring the vast Serengeti plains. Spot species like the Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse amid herds of wildebeests and zebras.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5

Day 7 – Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
Travel to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse habitats and tree-climbing lions. The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and storks, making it a birding paradise.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge / Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Day 8 – Birding and Game Drive in Lake Manyara
Spend the day birding around the lake shores and forests. Common sightings include African Spoonbill, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and Narina Trogon. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed game drive for elephants and giraffes.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7

Day 9 – Return to Arusha and Departure
After breakfast, drive to Arusha with scenic stops along the way. Enjoy a final birding session en route before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.

Highlights

• Shoebill Stork viewing in Mabamba Swamp

• Birding and game drives in Lake Mburo, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara

• Over 500 bird species across two countries

• Boat cruise and wetland birding in Uganda

• Savannah and forest species in Tanzania

• Scenic cross-border journey with abundant wildlife and landscapes