7Days Queen Elizabeth Birdwatching Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda

Your birdwatching adventure begins upon arrival in Uganda. You’ll be welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by your guide and transferred to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity for a brief birding excursion around Entebbe, where species such as the Gray Crowned Crane, African Open-billed Stork, and Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill can be spotted. Afterward, you’ll settle into your lodge and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages. Along the way, keep an eye out for roadside bird species such as the Long-crested Eagle and Common Fiscal. You’ll arrive at the park in the afternoon, with time to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the rift valley before a leisurely evening birding walk near your lodge. Overnight at a safari lodge near the park.

Day 3: Birding at Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel

Start the day with birding at the Mweya Peninsula, a hotspot for waterbirds and savannah species. Highlights here include the Swamp Flycatcher, Malachite Kingfisher, and African Skimmer. Later, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a paradise for birdwatchers. The channel’s shores are lined with species such as the Great White Pelican, African Fish Eagle, and Saddle-billed Stork. Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants add to the experience. Return to your lodge for the evening.

Day 4: Birding Along the Kasenyi Plains and Crater Lakes

The Kasenyi Plains are famous for their abundant birdlife and big game. Early morning birding will reward you with sightings of grassland species such as the Black-headed Lapwing, Senegal Plover, and White-tailed Lark. You’ll then explore the crater lakes region, where forested crater rims host species like the Black Bee-eater, White-naped Pigeon, and African Emerald Cuckoo. After a full day of birding, return to your lodge to relax and review the day’s sightings.

Day 5: Birding in Ishasha and Kyambura Gorge

Today, head to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and exceptional birdlife. Look out for species like the Compact Weaver, African Wattled Lapwing, and Broad-billed Roller. In the afternoon, visit the Kyambura Gorge, a lush forest habitat that is home to birds such as the Green Hylia, Black-headed Gonolek, and African Broadbill. The gorge also offers a chance to spot primates like chimpanzees. Overnight at a lodge near Ishasha.

Day 6: Return to Entebbe with Birding En Route

After an early morning birding session, you’ll begin the journey back to Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll make several birding stops to spot additional species in transitional habitats. The drive offers opportunities to see birds like the Pin-tailed Whydah, Crowned Hornbill, and Lizard Buzzard. Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon and spend the evening at leisure in your accommodation.

Day 7: Departure

On your final day, you may have time for a short birding excursion around Entebbe before your transfer to the airport for departure. Reflect on your incredible birdwatching journey, filled with unforgettable encounters with Uganda’s diverse and vibrant avifauna.