Day 2: Mabamba Swamp – In Search of the Shoebill

After an early breakfast, you will head to the renowned Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive shoebill stork.

The journey involves a scenic drive followed by a canoe excursion through papyrus channels, guided by experienced local birders. As you glide quietly through the swamp, keep your eyes peeled for the prehistoric-looking shoebill, often standing motionless among the reeds.

Other species commonly sighted here include papyrus gonolek, African jacana, malachite kingfisher, blue-breasted bee-eater, swamp flycatcher, and various herons and egrets.

This is a highlight for many birders and offers excellent photography opportunities.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Entebbe

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Wetland & Savannah Birds

Today you will journey southwest to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but one of its richest birding destinations.

The drive offers scenic countryside views, with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and a brief break.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and head out for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mburo. This is an excellent opportunity to spot water-associated birds such as the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, grey crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird), and various plovers and herons.

In the evening, enjoy a game drive as you return to the lodge, combining birding with sightings of zebras, impalas, and buffaloes.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lake Mburo – Walking Safari & Community Experience

Start your day with a guided nature walk in the park, a unique experience that allows for close observation of birds and wildlife on foot. This is ideal for spotting smaller species often missed during game drives.

Lake Mburo is particularly known for species such as the red-faced barbet, African finfoot, papyrus yellow warbler, and tabora cisticola.

Later, visit a nearby community to learn about the Ankole culture and their famous long-horned cattle. The surrounding landscapes provide additional birding opportunities, especially in open grassland and farmland habitats.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Birding in the Primate Capital

After breakfast, continue your journey to Kibale National Park, a tropical rainforest renowned for both primates and forest bird species.

Arrive in time for an afternoon birding session at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area rich in biodiversity.

Here, you may spot species such as the great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler, and a variety of forest-edge birds. The wetland is also known for its primates and butterflies, making it a well-rounded nature experience.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibale Forest & Semuliki National Park – Albertine Rift Endemics

Begin your day with early morning birding in Kibale Forest, where you can explore crater lakes and forest trails in search of species like the green-breasted pitta, African pitta (seasonal), and various hornbills.

Optional: You may choose to participate in chimpanzee tracking for a unique wildlife experience.

In the afternoon, proceed to Semuliki National Park, one of Uganda’s most unique birding destinations, located within the Albertine Rift Valley.

Semuliki hosts many Central African bird species not found elsewhere in East Africa. Highlights include the white-thighed hornbill, lyre-tailed honeyguide, black-wattled hornbill, and Congo serpent eagle.

You will also visit the famous Sempaya hot springs, where boiling water emerges from the earth—an interesting geological feature adding to the experience.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Return to Kampala – Cultural Evening

After breakfast in Fort Portal, begin your return journey to Kampala.

The drive offers scenic views of tea plantations, hills, and rural landscapes, with occasional birding stops along the way.

In the evening, if time allows, enjoy a cultural performance at the Ndere Cultural Centre, where traditional music, dance, and cuisine from across Uganda are showcased.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Departure – Final Birding Experience

Depending on your flight schedule, you may return to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a final birding session.

This is a great opportunity to spot any species you may have missed earlier and to reflect on your incredible birding journey.

Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• All park entrance fees and conservation fees

• Professional English-speaking birding guide

• 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel

• Airport transfers (arrival and departure)

• Accommodation for 7 nights

• All meals as specified in the itinerary

• Mabamba swamp canoe excursion

• Boat cruise on Lake Mburo

• Guided nature walks and birding activities

• Bigodi Wetland guided walk

• Bottled drinking water throughout the safari

• En-route stops (including Equator experience)

Safari Exclusions

• International flights

• Uganda visa fees

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Optional chimpanzee tracking permit (if not pre-booked)

• Alcoholic and soft drinks

• Tips and gratuities

• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)

• Additional accommodation before or after the tour