10 Days Uganda Birding Safari, Mabamba, Bwindi and Lake Mburo
This 10 days Uganda birding safari is designed for travellers who want a broader birdwatching itinerary across some of Uganda’s strongest wetland, savannah, and forest birding areas. The route combines Mabamba Wetland, Bigodi Wetland, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, giving you access to both popular Uganda birding targets and several important forest and Albertine Rift endemic species. It is a perfect option for travellers who want a specialist Uganda birding trip without turning it into a much longer expedition. Instead of focusing on a single habitat, this safari combines shoebill habitants- papyrus wetlands, savannah birding, montane forest birding, and lake-edge birding into a well-balanced route.
Safari Highlights
- 10 days Uganda birding safari across key wetland, savannah, and forest habitats
- Shoebill and papyrus birding in Mabamba Wetland
- Bigodi Wetland birding near Kibale
- Kasenyi birding and game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Ishasha birding with a chance to see tree-climbing lions
- Gorilla trekking and forest birding in Bwindi
- Mubwindi Waterfall Trail birding for Albertine Rift species
- Lake Mburo birding in Warukiri, Miriti Valley, and park trails
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at the airport, where our company representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Budget Central Inn Entebbe/ Cycads guest house, Mid-range 2 Friends Hotel Entebbe, Luxury Protea Hotel Entebbe.
Day 2, Mabamba Wetland shoebill and papyrus birding
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Nakiwogo landing site, take a boat to Kasanje landing site, and continue to Mabamba Wetland. Once you reach the wetland, take a wooden motorised boat through the marshes in search of birds. Watch out for the shoebill stork and other wetland species such as the Papyrus Gonolek. Later, return to your hotel. Overnight at your previous lodge.
Day 3, Transfer to Fort Portal and Kibale, birding in Bigodi Wetland
At 7 am, depart your hotel and transfer to Fort Portal and Kibale. Arrive in the afternoon, have lunch, and later go birding in Bigodi Wetland. The wetland is home to about 138 bird species, and many more have also been recorded in the area. Budget Chimpanzee View Guest House, Mid-range Mountains of the Moon Hotel or Kibale Forest Camp, Luxury Kyaninga Lodge, or Ndali Lodge.
Day 4, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
In the morning after breakfast, go for a guided nature walk in the forest in search of chimpanzees. The walk also offers good opportunities to see birds along the way. On meeting the chimpanzees, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them. Later after the trek, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Budget Kazinga Channel View Guesthouse, Mid-range Marafiki Safari Lodge or Ihamba Safari Lodge, Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 5, Kasenyi birding and game drive, Kazinga Channel boat cruise
In the morning before sunrise, wake up to a cup of tea or coffee and, with your packed breakfast, go for a game drive and birding session in the Kasenyi area. Watch out for wildlife and plenty of birds in the area. Later in the afternoon, go for a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, where you will see many animals and plenty of birds along the shores. Watch out for birds such as 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, and pelicans.
Day 6, Birding in Ishasha, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In the morning right after breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector to look for birds that inhabit this area. The drive through Ishasha may also offer a chance to see tree-climbing lions before you continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Budget Buhoma Community Bandas, Mid-range Gorilla Mist Camp or Silverback Lodge, Luxury Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 7, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In the morning, right after breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing and then continue through the forest in search of gorillas. Watch out for birds along the way. On meeting the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them while taking pictures. Later, return to the starting point. Overnight at your previous lodge.
Day 8, Full day birding on the Mubwindi Waterfall Trail
In the morning right after breakfast, go for a nature walk along the Mubwindi Waterfall Trail in search of birds. This is one of the best routes for birding in Bwindi. Overnight at your previous lodge.
Day 9, Transfer to Lake Mburo, birding in Warukiri and Miriti Valley
In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours, arriving in the afternoon. Have lunch and then go birding in Warukiri and Miriti Valley. Watch out for birds such as Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, White-headed Barbet, Brown Parrot, Common Scimitarbill, White-winged Tit, and many more.
Day 10, Nature walk and birding in Lake Mburo, return to Kampala
In the morning right after breakfast, go for a nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park in search of birds. Later in the afternoon, begin the drive back to Kampala. This marks the end of your 10-day Uganda birding trip.
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private transport in a safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Mabamba Wetland boat trip
- Birding in Bigodi, Ishasha, Bwindi, and Lake Mburo
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
- Optional activities not listed as included