5 Days Uganda Birding Safari, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi

This 5 days Uganda birding safari is designed for travellers who want a short but rewarding birdwatching itinerary across two of Uganda’s most productive birding landscapes. The route combines birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, Kazinga Channel, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, giving you a mix of savannah, wetland, shoreline, and montane forest habitats in one trip. It is a strong option for travellers who want a compact Uganda birding tour without committing to a much longer circuit. Instead of focusing on one site alone, this itinerary combines open-country birding, channel birding, and forest birding, with the added value of Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi.

Safari Highlights

• 5-day Uganda birding safari in Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
• Birding around Katwe and Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kasenyi game drive with open-country birding
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise for shoreline and water birds
• Ishasha birding with savannah and wetland habitats
• Full day birding in Bwindi, including Albertine Rift endemics
• Mubwindi Waterfall Trail birding opportunity

Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Katwe birding

In the morning at 7 am, you will depart Kampala for Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about 6 hours, arriving in the afternoon. After check-in at your lodge, go birdwatching in the Katwe area later in the day. Budget Kazinga Channel View Hotel, Mid-range Marafiki Safari Lodge or Ihamba Safari Lodge, Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 2, Kasenyi birding and game drive, Kazinga Channel boat cruise

In the morning before sunrise, wake up to the sound of birds and have a cup of coffee or tea before heading to the Kasenyi area for a game drive and birding. Spend the entire morning searching for birds. A picnic breakfast will be provided, and later you will return for lunch. After lunch, go for a 3-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The shores of the channel are rich in birdlife, including pelicans, kingfishers, and many other species. Overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 3, Birding in Ishasha, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In the morning right after breakfast, you will drive to Ishasha in search of birds. This area supports both savannah and wetland bird species, partly because of the River Ishasha. It is also one of the best places to look out for tree-climbing lions. Later in the afternoon, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If time allows, you can opt for a community walk and watch out for more birds along the way. Budget Buhoma Community Bandas, Kisoro Travellers Rest, or Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Mid-range Gorilla Mist Camp, Silverback Lodge, or Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Luxury Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge.

Day 4, Full day birding in Bwindi, Mubwindi Waterfall Trail

Today, in the morning after breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, continue through the forest in search of birds. You will walk along the Mubwindi Waterfall Trail, which is known for rewarding birders with many species. Spend the whole day birding in Bwindi and return in the evening. Bwindi has over 350 different bird species, including more than 20 Albertine Rift endemics. Overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 5, Return to Kampala via the Equator

In the morning right after breakfast, you will begin the drive back to Kampala. On the way, visit the Equator and stop in Mbarara for lunch. Later, continue to Kampala and arrive in the evening. This marks the end of your 5-day birdwatching safari in Uganda

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Private transport in a safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation for 4 nights
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Game drives and birding drives listed in the itinerary
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Birding in Ishasha and Bwindi
• Bottled drinking water during road transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Optional activities not listed as included