4 Days Queen Elizabeth Bird Watching Safari

This 4 days Queen Elizabeth bird watching safari is designed for birders who want a short but rewarding route through one of Uganda’s richest birding landscapes. The itinerary combines roadside birding on the drive from Kampala, focused birding in the Kasenyi area, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, forest birding in Maramagambo, additional birding around Katwe, and a final birding stop in Entebbe before departure. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s top birding destinations

Safari Highlights

• Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Birding stopovers en route, including the Equator and Mbarara area
• Kasenyi game drive and bird watching
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Maramagambo Forest birding
• Katwe area bird watching
• Return drive with Entebbe-area birding

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Equator stop, Mbarara birding

At around 7 am, depart Kampala and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is not just a transfer day; it is your first birding opportunity. On the way, stop at the Equator for photographs and a short break. Continue towards Mbarara, where you will have lunch and watch for birds around open fields and roadside habitats. This area can produce early sightings of common savannah and farmland species. As you proceed towards the park, begin scanning for birds along the roadside and in the surrounding grasslands. Species to look out for include lesser striped swallow, barbets, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, grey-backed shrike, African jacana, and snake eagle. Arrive in the park in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge, and relax before dinner. Overnight Buffalo Safari Lodge

Day 2, Kasenyi game drive, bird watching, Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Wake up early before sunrise and head out to the Kasenyi plains with a packed breakfast. This is one of the best birding areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park, combining open savannah birding with chances of spotting wildlife. During the morning game drive, search for both birds and animals. This area is known for species such as black-bellied bustard, African wattled lapwing, martial eagle, and various sunbirds and weavers. Return to the lodge for a short rest and lunch. In the afternoon, go for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of the most rewarding birding spots in the park. Along the shores, watch for pied kingfisher, pelicans, spur-winged lapwing, black-winged stilt, Temminck’s courser, and other water-associated species. This activity also gives excellent views of hippos, crocodiles, and large mammals at the water’s edge. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 3, Maramagambo Forest bird watching, Katwe salt lake birding

Start early at around 6 am with a packed breakfast and drive to Maramagambo Forest for bird watching. This day adds forest birding to your itinerary, giving a different habitat from the savannah plains of the previous day. In the forest, look out for species such as grey-capped warbler, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, speckled tinkerbird, African paradise flycatcher, white-casqued hornbill, western nicator, and various apalis and greenbuls. Later in the morning, continue exploring the area for additional species in the woodland and forest edges. Return to the lodge for a late lunch. In the afternoon, head to the Katwe area for more bird watching around the salt lake and surrounding grasslands. This section offers chances for waterbirds and open-country species. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 4, Return to Entebbe, roadside birding, Entebbe bird watching

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Kampala and continue to Entebbe. This is another active birding day rather than just a transfer. Along the way, watch for roadside species and farmland birds. Arrive in Entebbe in the afternoon and continue bird watching in the Entebbe area, which offers a mix of gardens, wetlands, and lakeshore habitats. Look out for species such as African grey hornbill, spot-flanked barbet, Nubian woodpecker, fork-tailed drongo, cisticolas, and brown parrot. Depending on your flight or travel plans, you will either be dropped off at the airport or your hotel. End of the 4-day Queen Elizabeth bird watching safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Road transfers from Kampala and back to Entebbe or Kampala
• Private safari vehicle with a driver guide
• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
• Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Birding in Maramagambo Forest and Katwe area
• Entebbe-area bird watching on the final day
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities