This 5-day birding safari covers Uganda’s premier avian hotspots, from the iconic shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp to the rare forest species of Kibale and the aquatic specialties of Lake Mburo. Designed for bird enthusiasts with limited time, the itinerary maximizes sightings through guided walks, boat cruises, and strategic transfers between key habitats.
Your birding adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport with immediate transfer to Mabamba Swamp (1 hour). Spend the morning paddling through papyrus channels searching for the prehistoric shoebill stork, along with malachite kingfishers and African jacanas. After lunch, drive to Kibale Forest (5 hours), birding en route at wetlands and tea plantations. Overnight at a forest-edge lodge.
Full day exploring Kibale's trails with your expert guide targeting green-breasted pittas, African grey parrots, and 11 hornbill species. Visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for great blue turacos and blue-headed sunbirds. Optional afternoon chimpanzee tracking (additional cost) offers opportunities to observe forest birds alongside primates.
Lake Mburo National Park is a 5-hour drive in the morning, with strategic stops at the "Neck of the Forest" for Rwenzori turaco and roadside wetlands. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the lake in search of the rare African finfoot and fish eagles. On the evening game drive, lilac-breasted rollers are common as long as you see some endemics which will provide that long-awaited checklist entry!
Early morning guided walk for ground birds including red-faced barbet and emerald-spotted wood dove. Afternoon at leisure with optional cycling safari or more birding along the lakeshore. Sunset photography of acacia-dotted landscapes with grazing zebras.
Morning bird walk around Lake Mburo before returning to Entebbe (4 hours) with roadside birding stops. Transfer to airport for afternoon/evening flights.
