7-Day Uganda Birding Safari

Price: Midrange $2,600 / Luxury $3,200

Accommodations:

·       Midrange: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Kibale Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, Arcadia Lodge

·       Luxury: Serena Lake Victoria Resort, Crater Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Mihingo Safari Lodge

Daily Activities:

·       Day 1: Mabamba Swamp Canoe Birding
Start at dawn with serene canoe rides winding through Mabamba Swamp’s papyrus maze, targeting sightings of the legendary Shoebill Stork along with Papyrus Gonoleks, African Jacanas, and Malachite Kingfishers. The subtle sounds of wetland birds and delicate interplay of sunlight and shadows forge a deep connection to the swamp’s vibrant ecosystem.

·       Day 2: Kibale Bigodi Wetland Birding & Chimp Trek
Travel to Kibale forest region with afternoon at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, rich in elusive forest species like the Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, and African Green Broadbill. Enjoy a guided chimpanzee trek amid the dense forest habitat where bird sounds punctuate the air, offering an interplay of primate and avian wonders.

·       Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP; Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Head to the expansive savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive to spot open plains birds like the Kori Bustard and secretary bird, complemented by sightings of elephants, buffalo, and lions. Follow with a Kazinga Channel boat cruise where one witnesses a grand spectacle of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds including African Fish Eagles and Goliath Herons.

·       Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Evening Birding
Journey to the mystical montane rainforest of Bwindi, known for spectacular birdlife. The evening birding session sets the stage with Albertine Rift endemics such as Shelley’s Crimsonwing and the shy Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, as well as mixed-species bird flocks disclosing the forest’s rich diversity.

·       Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Birding in Bwindi
Delve into an early morning gorilla trekking expedition, witnessing majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Treks also offer chance encounters with forest birds such as the Black Bee-eater, Bar-tailed Trogon, and Mountain Masked Apalis. Afternoon birding extends the exploration of Bwindi’s unique ecosystem.

·       Day 6: Birding Lake Bunyonyi; Transfer to Lake Mburo NP
Bird the volcanic Lake Bunyonyi region, home to over 200 bird species including Grey Crowned Cranes and various weaver birds nesting along the shores. The afternoon transfer to Lake Mburo National Park sets you in Uganda’s smallest savannah park, hosting species such as African finfoot, Southern Ground Hornbill, and Ross’s Turaco.

·       Day 7: Lake Mburo Game Drive & Birding; Return to Entebbe
Conclude with game driving in Lake Mburo, spotting acacia-specialist birds like the Black-collared Barbet, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and Lilac-breasted Roller, along with resident mammals. Enjoy the park’s peaceful lakes and swamps before transferring back to Entebbe.