Birder's Paradise

Birding Safaris

With over 1,080 recorded species -- more than half of Africa's birds -- Uganda is the continent's ultimate birding destination. Track the legendary shoebill and hundreds more across swamps, savannas, and forests.

5-7 Days Multiple Locations, Uganda Max 6 per vehicle

Why This Safari?

Uganda sits at the crossroads of East African savanna, West African rainforest, and the Albertine Rift -- a convergence that packs over 1,080 bird species into a country the size of Great Britain. From the prehistoric shoebill of Mabamba Swamp to Albertine Rift endemics found nowhere else on Earth, this itinerary is designed by birders, for birders.

The Shoebill

A dedicated canoe search through Mabamba Swamp for Africa's most iconic and elusive bird.

300-400 Species

Most guests record hundreds of species, guided by expert ornithologists with spotting scopes.

Every Habitat

Papyrus swamps, acacia savanna, crater lakes, and tropical forest -- each with its own specials.

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

Arrival & Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Search

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and head straight to the Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. Glide through papyrus channels by canoe in search of the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork -- Uganda's most sought-after bird -- along with malachite kingfishers, papyrus gonoleks, and African jacanas.

Mabamba Swamp canoe excursionShoebill stork searchLakeside lodge check-in

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Drive west with birding stops along the Equator and papyrus swamps. Lake Mburo's acacia woodland and wetlands host over 350 species, including the African finfoot, crested francolin, and the striking grey crowned crane -- Uganda's national bird. An evening boat ride offers superb waterbird photography.

Grey crowned cranesAcacia woodland birdingEvening boat ride

Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel

Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Africa's richest birding destinations with over 600 recorded species. Cruise the Kazinga Channel where yellow-billed storks, African skimmers, pied kingfishers, and great white pelicans line the shores in extraordinary numbers.

600+ species parkKazinga Channel cruiseWaterbird spectacle

Kasenyi Plains & Crater Lakes

Spend the morning birding the Kasenyi Plains for grassland specials -- red-throated spurfowl, black-bellied bustard, and grey-backed fiscal -- alongside lions and elephants. In the afternoon, explore the explosion crater lakes for flamingos and raptors soaring on the thermals.

Grassland specialsFlamingo crater lakesRaptor watching

Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Head north to Kibale Forest, home to the elusive green-breasted pitta. Walk the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary boardwalks for the great blue turaco, hammerkop colonies, and up to eight primate species. Evening at leisure with sundowner birding around the lodge.

Green-breasted pitta searchGreat blue turacoBigodi wetland walk

Forest Birding & Return to Entebbe

A final dawn chorus walk in the forest canopy before beginning the scenic drive back to Entebbe. Stop at key birding sites en route to top up your trip list -- most guests record 300 to 400 species on this itinerary. Evening departure or overnight in Entebbe.

Dawn chorus walkFinal trip-list additionsAirport transfer