7 Day / 10 Day Uganda Birding Safari – The Ultimate Birdwatching Adventure
7 Day / 10 Day Uganda Birding Safari – The Ultimate Birdwatching Adventure
7 Day / 10 Day Uganda Birding Safari – The Ultimate Birdwatching Adventure
Uganda is one of the best birdwatching destinations in the world. With over 1,000 recorded bird species, this beautiful country offers a birding experience you will never forget. At Uganda Wildlife And Herping Safaris, we invite you to join us on a 7 day or 10 day Uganda birding safari that will open your eyes to the magic of Africa’s birdlife. Whether you are a serious birder or someone who simply loves nature, our safari packages are designed to give you the best birding experience in Uganda. You will explore wetlands, forests, savannahs, and mountains, all in one unforgettable journey.
Why Choose Uganda for Birding?
Uganda is home to over 1,080 bird species, which is about 50% of all bird species found in Africa. The country has many different habitats, including swamps, rainforests, savannah plains, and high mountains. This means you can see a wide variety of birds in just one trip.
Some of the most famous birds you can spot in Uganda include:
- Shoebill Stork – A large, prehistoric-looking bird found in Mabamba Swamp
- Grey Crowned Crane – Uganda’s national bird
- African Green Broadbill – One of the rarest birds, best spotted in Bwindi
- Great Blue Turaco – A colourful bird often seen in Kibale Forest
- Green-breasted Pitta – A beautiful forest bird found in Kibale and Bwindi
- Rwenzori Turaco – A high-altitude specialist found in the Rwenzori Mountains
- Papyrus Gonolek – A striking wetland bird found in papyrus swamps
7 Day Uganda Birding Safari
Our 7 day birding safari is perfect for travellers who want a rich birding experience in a short time. This safari takes you to the most important birding spots in Uganda.
Day 1: Arrival and Mabamba Wetland
You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where our driver guide will meet you. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or go straight to your accommodation. You can relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp – The Shoebill Search
After an early breakfast, you will travel to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to see the famous Shoebill Stork. You will go on a canoe excursion through the papyrus channels, searching for this amazing bird. You will also see other wetland birds such as the African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Pied Kingfisher.
Day 3: Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland
You will transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s richest forest habitats. In the afternoon, you will visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run wetland that is excellent for birding. You can spot turacos, kingfishers, hornbills, and many other forest birds.
Day 4: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After morning birding in Kibale Forest, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park has over 600 bird species, making it a premier birding destination. You will enjoy an evening game drive where you can see elephants, buffaloes, lions, and Uganda kobs.
Day 5: Kazinga Channel Birding
You will spend the morning birding along the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that attracts many waterbirds, including African Fish Eagles, herons, and kingfishers. The channel is also home to hippos and crocodiles. In the afternoon, you can relax at your lodge or go on another game drive.
Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
You will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famous for its gorillas and rich birdlife. You will enjoy an evening forest birdwatching walk and look for Albertine Rift endemics such as the Green-breasted Pitta and African Green Broadbill.
Day 7: Ruhija Birding and Departure
You will explore the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, known for its highland bird species. After a morning of birding, you will begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala, marking the end of your 7 day birding safari.
10-Day Uganda Birding Safari
Our 10 day safari gives you more time to explore Uganda’s incredible birdlife. This extended tour takes you to even more birding hotspots, including Lake Mburo and Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. You may visit the Botanical Gardens for some easy birding if time allows.
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp and Transfer to Lake Mburo
Morning canoe trip in Mabamba Swamp to search for the Shoebill. After lunch, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, where you can spot savannah and acacia woodland species.
Day 3: Lake Mburo Birding
Full day of birding in Lake Mburo National Park. Look for the African Finfoot and other waterbirds on boat trips.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi via Ruhija
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, stopping for birding along the way. You will arrive at the Ruhija sector in the afternoon.
Day 5: Ruhija Birdwatching
Full day of birding in the Ruhija sector, looking for Albertine Rift endemics and highland species.
Day 6: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding en route. You will pass through the Ishasha sector, where you can see tree-climbing lions.
Day 7: Kazinga Channel and Queen Elizabeth Birding
Morning birding along the Kazinga Channel. Afternoon game drive in the park.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Kibale Forest
Transfer to Kibale Forest, birding along the way. You will arrive at your lodge in the afternoon.
Day 9: Kibale and Bigodi Wetland Birding
Morning birding in Kibale Forest and afternoon walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Day 10: Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe, marking the end of your 10 day birding safari.
More Than Just Birds – Gorillas, Wildlife, and Culture
Our Uganda birding safaris are not only about birds. You can also add mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will also have the chance to experience Ugandan culture through community visits, coffee and banana experiences, and interactions with local people.
What Is Included in Our Safari Packages?
Our birding safaris include:
- Accommodation in comfortable lodges
- All meals, snacks, and bottled water
- 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees
- Game drives and boat cruises
- Birding excursions as per itinerary
We also offer customisable itineraries to match your style, pace, and interests – whether you want a luxury safari, mid-range adventure, or budget-friendly trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bird species can I see in 7 or 10 days?
On a 7 day safari, you can expect to see between 250 and 350 species. On a 10-day safari, you can see over 400 species.
When is the best time for birding in Uganda?
The best time for birding is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. However, birding is good all year round, and the wet seasons offer excellent opportunities to see migratory species.
Do I need to be an expert birder?
No! Our safaris are designed for birders of all levels. Our expert guides will help you identify birds and make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Can I combine birding with gorilla trekking?
Yes! Our 7 day and 10 day safaris can include gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale.
Start Planning Your Dream Uganda Safari Today
Are you ready for the birding adventure of a lifetime? Start planning your dream Uganda safari today and experience the magic of meeting mountain gorillas, exploring beautiful national parks, and discovering the incredible wildlife of Uganda.
Plan your dream Uganda safari today.
Contact us on WhatsApp at +256-731848494 or email info@ugandawildlifeandherpingsafaris.com and start your adventure with us. Let Uganda Wildlife And Herping Safaris be your guide to the Pearl of Africa’s incredible birdlife. We look forward to welcoming you to Uganda.
