5Days Best Birding Areas Uganda Tour

Day 1: Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Birding Tour (Entebbe)

The adventure begins with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe. The center provides an excellent introduction to Uganda’s birdlife, with a variety of bird species found in its well-maintained grounds. You’ll explore diverse habitats, from grasslands to wetlands and forests, all of which support a rich array of birdlife. Expect to see species such as the African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Black-headed Heron, and Gray Crowned Crane. A guided tour will also take you to the bird rehabilitation center, where rescued birds are cared for. After a day of birding, you’ll return to Entebbe for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Lutembe Bay Birdwatching Tour

On Day 2, you will visit Lutembe Bay, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This IBA is known for its wetlands and the large variety of migratory and waterfowl species. Over 300 bird species have been documented here. An early morning birdwatching tour around the bay will offer sightings of the Pied Avocet, Yellow-billed Duck, Papyrus Gonolek, and White-winged Tern. A boat ride on the bay provides opportunities to observe more waterbirds, including African Jacana, various herons, and egrets. After a full day of birding, you can either return to Entebbe or stay in nearby accommodations.

Day 3: Mabamba Wetlands Birding Tour

Day 3 will take you to Mabamba Wetlands, one of the most important birding destinations in Uganda. The wetlands are famous for being home to the globally endangered Shoebill Stork, which you’ll likely encounter on a boat trip through the papyrus-lined channels. Other species that frequent the area include the African Marsh Harrier, Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Malachite Kingfisher. Walking along the wetland paths, you may spot Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and Lesser Jacana. After an exciting day of birding, you’ll stay overnight at a local guesthouse or lodge near Mabamba.

Day 4: Birding Uganda Safari at Mabamba Bay

On Day 4, you’ll deepen your exploration of Mabamba Bay. The boat trip offers additional opportunities to observe the elusive Shoebill Stork, as well as African Spoonbill and Lesser Jacana. A walk around the wetland’s edges gives you the chance to spot forest-edge birds like the White-headed Woodhoopoe and the Brown-throated Wattle-eye. After a fulfilling day, you’ll return to Entebbe or stay near the Mabamba wetlands area for the night.

Day 5: Mabira Forest Reserve Birding Safari

For the final day of the tour, you’ll head to Mabira Forest Reserve, a vast tropical rainforest located about an hour’s drive from Kampala. With over 300 bird species, Mabira is a prime IBA for birdwatching. The forest offers a variety of habitats, from swampy edges to dense canopies, providing excellent opportunities for bird sightings. Species you may encounter include the Great Blue Turaco, Blue-throated Roller, African Blue Flycatcher, and several hornbill species. The forest is also home to a variety of sunbirds, parrots, and other tropical birds. After a full day of birding, you’ll return to Kampala for the evening.