6 Days Uganda Birding Safari

6 Days Uganda Birding Safari is designed for travelers who want a shorter but rewarding birding experience in two of Uganda’s most productive safari parks. This itinerary combines birding in Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving you access to a mix of savannah, wetland, woodland, and water-edge habitats within a manageable travel period. Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s key birding sites for acacia and dry-country species, while Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wider range of habitats and one of the country’s richest overall bird lists. Together, these parks provide a strong combination for birders who want a compact Uganda safari with excellent scenery, varied birdlife, and realistic travel distances.

Safari Highlights

• Short Uganda birding safari suitable for limited travel schedules
• Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
• Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Opportunity to explore savannah, wetland, and channel-side habitats
• Ishasha sector birding
• Return drive to Kampala with the Equator stop
• Good option for birders seeking a focused safari in western Uganda

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park, gate birding, zebra tracking and night game drive

After breakfast, depart Kampala and drive to Lake Mburo National Park for birding. On arrival, begin birding from the park entrance around Nshara Gate, watching for species such as the greater blue-eared starling, green wood hoopoe, common scimitarbill, lilac-breasted roller, trilling cisticola, bare-faced go-away bird, wood hoopoe, spot-flanked barbet, and northern black tit. Later, have lunch and continue with a game drive along the Zebra Track while watching for more birds and general wildlife. In the evening, go for a spotlight game drive to look for nocturnal animals such as leopards and jackals. Accommodation options: Budget Eagles Nest Hotel, Mid-range Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Luxury Mihingo Lodge

Day 2, walking birding in Lake Mburo National Park, Kigambira Loop game drive

After breakfast, go for a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park in search of birds. During the walk, you may encounter both wetland and savannah species. Watch out for birds such as the red-headed lovebird, black-collared barbet, lead-colored flycatcher, and green-capped eremomela, among others. Later in the afternoon, go for a game drive along the Kigambira Loop for more birding and wildlife viewing before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3, Lakeside Track birding in Lake Mburo, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, go for a game drive along the Lakeside Track in search of birds associated with wetland and lakeside habitats. Watch out for species such as the shoebill, papyrus gonolek, lesser swamp warbler, greater swamp warbler, African water rail, spur-winged lapwing, blue-headed coucal, and African darter. Later in the afternoon, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park and continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options: Budget Simba Safari Camp, Mid-range Ihamba Safari Lodge, Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 4, Kasenyi birding game drive, Kazinga Channel boat birding

Before sunrise, enjoy tea or coffee and head out with a packed breakfast for a game drive and birding session in the Kasenyi area. Watch out for animals as well as a wide range of birds in this open savannah habitat. Later in the afternoon, go for a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, where the shores attract both wildlife and many bird species. Possible sightings include pied kingfisher, copper sunbird, scarlet-chested sunbird, widowbirds, bishops, grey-backed fiscal, black-bellied bustard, common buttonquail, red-chested sunbird, Temminck’s courser, black-winged stilt, plain-backed pipit, African wattled lapwing, spur-winged lapwing, martial eagle, black-headed gonolek, pelicans, and many more.

Day 5, birding in Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart for the Ishasha sector for a full day of birding. Watch out for birds associated with this part of Queen Elizabeth National Park while also keeping an eye out for the area’s famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. Accommodation options: Budget Ishasha Camp, Mid-range Ishasha Safari Lodge, Luxury Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 6, return to Kampala, Equator stop and en route birding

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kampala from Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit the Equator on the way and keep watch for birds during the journey. This marks the end of your 6-Day Uganda Birding Safari.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Ground transport in a safari vehicle
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Birding activities as per programme
• Driver guide services
• Bottled drinking water during road transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages