Uganda is a birder's paradise — with over 1,000 recorded bird species, it hosts more birds per square kilometer than almost any other country in Africa. This 7-day bird watching safari takes you through diverse habitats from papyrus swamps and tropical rainforests to savannah plains and volcanic highlands, targeting Albertine Rift endemics and iconic species like the prehistoric Shoebill stork.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to your hotel and, time permitting, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for introductory birding. Species to look for include Orange Weaver, Ross's Turaco, and African Open-bill Stork.
Accommodation: Entebbe
Early morning canoe ride on Mabamba Bay Wetland on Lake Victoria — one of the best places in the world to see the elusive Shoebill stork. Also spot Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and Malachite Kingfisher. Afternoon drive to Lake Mburo National Park.
Accommodation: Lake Mburo
Full day birding in Lake Mburo National Park — Uganda's smallest savannah park with over 332 recorded species. Target the African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, Coqui Francolin, and Bare-faced Go-away Bird. Optional boat cruise on Lake Mburo for waterbirds and hippos.
Accommodation: Lake Mburo
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the scenic Ishasha sector (famous for tree-climbing lions). Afternoon birding along the Kazinga Channel — over 600 bird species have been recorded in this park. Look for African Skimmer, Martial Eagle, and Saddle-billed Stork.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning game drive and birding in the Kasenyi plains and Mweya Peninsula. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise — one of Africa's greatest wildlife and birding experiences with huge concentrations of hippos, elephants, and waterbirds along the banks.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. En route, birding stops in the Albertine Rift forests. Afternoon forest birding near Bwindi — target Albertine Rift endemics including the African Green Broadbill, Short-tailed Warbler, and Grauer's Rush Warbler.
Accommodation: Bwindi area
Early morning birding on the Buhoma community trail or Mubwindi Swamp trail (3-hour descent to one of Africa's best birding spots). After lunch, drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight. End of safari.