8 Days Uganda Best Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival for Uganda Albertine Rift Endemics Birding Tour

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional birding guide and transferred to your hotel. If time allows, enjoy an introductory birding session around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where you may spot species such as the Orange Weaver, Great Blue Turaco, and Black-headed Gonolek. Dinner and overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Birding at Mabamba Swamps and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Begin your day with an early breakfast and drive to Mabamba Swamps, a renowned birding site for the elusive Shoebill. Paddle through the swamp in a canoe while looking out for other wetland specialists like the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and African Jacana. After lunch, continue to Lake Mburo National Park, where you’ll encounter savannah and woodland birds such as the African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. Dinner and overnight in Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Birding En Route

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with several birding stops along the way. Expect to see species such as the Ross’s Turaco, Grey Crowned Crane, and White-headed Barbet. Arrive at your lodge in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi in the late afternoon, where you can relax and prepare for the next day. Dinner and overnight near Buhoma.

Day 4: Birding in Buhoma – Exploring Bwindi’s Diverse Birdlife

Spend the day exploring the Buhoma trails, which are rich in birdlife. Highlights include Albertine Rift endemics such as the Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher. Other notable species include the Black Bee-eater, Brown-capped Weaver, and Red-throated Alethe. The mix of forest and edge habitats offers diverse birding opportunities. Dinner and overnight near Buhoma.

Day 5: Birding in Ruhija – Uganda’s Premier Birding Sector

Transfer to Ruhija, the premier birding sector of Bwindi. Ruhija is known for its montane forest bird species and stunning landscapes. Key birds include the Handsome Francolin, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Short-tailed Warbler. The forest trails also offer chances to spot primates such as colobus monkeys. Dinner and overnight in Ruhija.

Day 6: Birding at Mubwindi Swamp – A Haven for Albertine Rift Endemics

Spend the day exploring the Mubwindi Swamp, one of Bwindi’s most iconic birding spots. The swamp is home to several Albertine Rift endemics, including the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. The lush environment and serene atmosphere make this a standout experience for any birding enthusiast. Dinner and overnight in Ruhija.

Day 7: Birding Transfer to Entebbe

Enjoy morning birding as you leave Bwindi, focusing on species you may have missed earlier. The drive back to Entebbe offers additional birding opportunities along wetlands and farmlands, with chances to see species like the Lesser Jacana and African Openbill. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you may opt for one last birding excursion around Entebbe to finalize your bird checklist. Depart with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s rich avian biodiversity.