6-Day Uganda Birding Safari Experience
This 6-Day Uganda Birding Safari Experience takes you to three top bird-watching spots in Uganda. One highlight is Mabamba Swamp, located near Entebbe and Kampala, known for its diverse bird species. It’s particularly famous for the Shoebill Stork, a rare bird. In 2006, Mabamba Swamp was designated as a Ramsar Site for its special wetland importance and unique birds like the Papyrus Yellow Warbler and Blue Swallow, as well as the Sitatunga antelope. The Ramsar Convention aims to protect wetlands and their valuable ecosystems.
Mabamba Swamp is now an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Uganda, attracting various bird species and offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. Its close proximity to Entebbe International Airport makes it a great starting point for a Uganda safari. Kibale Forest National Park is home to 375 bird species and is ideal for birdwatching while chimpanzee trekking and in Bigodi Swamp, which is known for its diverse bird and primate species. Murchison Falls National Park, the largest in Uganda, features a powerful waterfall along the Nile and provides chances to see the big five game. Activities include chimpanzee trekking, game viewing, boat cruises, and nature walks.
6-Day Uganda Birding Safari Experience Highlights
- Day 1: Mabamba Wetland and transfer to Masindi
- Day 2: Royal Mile Walk – transfer to the top of the Murchison Falls
- Day 3: Morning birding experience – afternoon boat cruise
- Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (6-7 hours’ drive) – Bigodi swamp birding and primates walk experience
- Day 5: Morning birdwatching and afternoon Chimpanzee trekking experience
- Day 6: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe – Departure (6-7 hours’ drive)
Detailed safari itinerary
Day 1: Mabamba Wetland and transfer to Masindi
On the first day of your 6-Day Uganda Birding Safari, you will meet your safari guide early in Entebbe and travel to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria. You will take a canoe trip through the swamp with a local expert, where you can see many birds, including the rare Shoebill stork, Allen’s and Purple Gallinule, Grey herons, and others. You may also spot the Sitatunga antelope. After the swamp tour, you will have lunch and then drive 5-6 hours to Masindi, where you will have dinner and spend the night at your booked hotel.
Day 2: Royal Mile Walk – transfer to the top of the Murchison Falls
On the second day of your 6-Day Uganda Birding Safari, start your day early with breakfast and head to the Royal Mile Walk in Budongo forest. Here, you can see various birds like the forest kingfisher and blue-breasted kingfisher. After enjoying an en-route lunch, visit the top of Murchison Falls while watching more birds. Take photos of the falls for about an hour, then relax, have dinner, and stay overnight at your chosen lodge.
Day 3: Morning birding experience – afternoon boat cruise
Wake up early for a birding experience in the park, focusing on spotting various kingfisher birds. You can also see and take pictures of animals like African elephants and giraffes, depending on their availability. After returning for lunch at the lodge, join a boat cruise at 2 pm at the bottom of the falls. This cruise will help you spot water birds and animals, including crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and buffalo. Look for birds such as the Giant kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, and Malachite kingfisher. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Bigodi swamp birding and primates walk experience
On the 4th day of your 6-Day Uganda Birding safari, after breakfast, check out of the lodge and travel to Kibale Forest National Park. This journey takes 6-7 hours with a lunch stop along the way. Once you arrive, visit Bigodi Swamp for a nature walk to see various birds, including different kingfishers and other species like Papyrus Gonolek and Hornbills. You may also spot forest primates like Colobus and Vervet monkeys. Retire and check in at your booked Lodge.
Day 5: Morning birdwatching and afternoon Chimpanzee trekking experience
On the 5th day of your 6-Day Uganda Birding Safari Experience, wake up early and have breakfast. Then, head to Kibale Forest for more bird watching. The park is home to over 375 bird species, including the Green-breasted Pitta, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Crowned Eagle, Abyssinian Ground-thrush, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Black Bee-eater, and many more. Enjoy this unique birding experience in a beautiful setting. Return to the lodge for lunch and prepare for your afternoon chimpanzee trekking experience. Bring your trekking gear and water, and meet with other trekkers for a briefing from park officials about what to expect. In groups of 12, along with ranger guides and researchers, start the trek, which may take 2-5 hours. You will spend 1 hour with the chimpanzees once found. Relax at the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and travel back to Kampala or Entebbe based on your flight schedule. Enjoy lunch along the way and get dropped off at your chosen location or Entebbe airport for your flight home. End of the trip.
