7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari: An Unforgettable Birding Tour

7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari: If birdwatching thrills your soul, Uganda offers an unforgettable 7-day birding adventure through its lush forests, wetlands, and savannahs.

Known as Africa’s birding paradise, birding in Uganda boasts over 1,080 Uganda bird species, making it a top destination for avid birders worldwide.

From the elusive Shoebill stork to the vibrant African Green Broadbill and the majestic Great Blue Turaco, this equatorial gem is a haven for avian diversity.

At Gorilla Nests Safaris, we specialize in crafting the best Uganda birdwatching safaris, ensuring you experience the thrill of spotting rare and endemic birds in their natural habitats.

As a trusted, Ugandan-owned tour operator, Gorilla Nests Safaris offers expert-led Gorilla Nests Safaris birding tours that combine comfort, authenticity, and eco-conscious travel.

Join us on our 7 days birding Uganda itinerary and discover why Uganda is unmatched for birding tours in Uganda.

Overview of the 7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari

Our 7 Days Uganda birding safari itinerary is designed for passionate birdwatchers seeking an immersive Uganda birding tour package.

This small-group adventure covers the best places for birding in Uganda, including Mabamba Swamp for the iconic Shoebill bird Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park for riverine and savannah species, Kibale Forest for forest endemics, and birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park for crater lakes and open plains.

You’ll travel in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles, stay in full-board lodges and camps, and be guided by experienced ornithologists who know every call and flutter.

This Uganda safari packages option blends birding with light wildlife viewing, offering a balanced pace with early morning starts for prime sightings.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned birder, Gorilla Nests Safaris ensures a personalized experience in Uganda’s diverse ecosystems.

Tour Highlights of the 7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari

• Spot the prehistoric Shoebill bird Uganda in Mabamba Swamp’s papyrus reeds.
• Cruise the Nile Delta in birding tours in Murchison Falls for waterbirds like African Skimmers and Rock Pratincoles.
• Search for the rare African Green Broadbill in Kibale’s ancient rainforest.
• Witness savannah raptors, including Martial Eagles, during game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Encounter over 300 bird species across wetlands, forests, and grasslands.
• Enjoy boat safaris, nature walks, and cultural insights with local communities.
• Comfortable eco-lodges with stunning views and delicious Ugandan cuisine.

Brief Itinerary of the 7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe; birding at Botanical Gardens and Mabamba Swamp.
• Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls with en-route birding.
• Day 3: Full-day exploration in Murchison Falls NP.
• Day 4: Drive to Kibale Forest.
• Day 5: Birding in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland.
• Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP with afternoon birding.
• Day 7: Morning session in Queen Elizabeth; return to Entebbe/Kampala.

This 7 days birding Uganda itinerary maximizes sightings while minimizing travel fatigue, making it ideal for Uganda birdwatching safaris.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary of the 7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens & Mabamba Swamp

Your birding in Uganda journey begins upon landing at Entebbe International Airport. After a warm welcome from your Gorilla Nests Safaris guide, head to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for an introductory session.

Here, spot common residents like the Grey Parrot, Ross’s Turaco, and Weyns’s Weaver amid lakeside vegetation. In the afternoon, transfer to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria—a UNESCO Ramsar site famed for the Shoebill bird Uganda.

Paddle through papyrus channels in a motorized canoe, scanning for this bizarre, stork-like giant, along with African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Overnight at a lakeside lodge. (Birds: 50+ species possible.)

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls – En Route Birding

Depart early for the 5-6 hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the best places for birding in Uganda. Stop along the way in rural farmlands and escarpments for roadside specials like Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Red-throated Bee-eater, and Black-headed Gonolek.

Arrive at the park, named for its dramatic falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge. Afternoon relaxation or optional short walk. Overnight in a riverside camp. (En-route highlights: Savanna and woodland birds.)

Day 3: Birding in Murchison Falls National Park – Along River Nile & Delta

Dive into birding tours in Murchison Falls with a morning game drive in the northern sector. Target open grasslands for Denham’s Bustard, Heuglin’s Spurfowl, and Piapiac.

Then, embark on a boat cruise to the Delta, where the Nile meets Lake Albert. Look for African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, and Saddle-billed Stork skimming the waters.

Hike to the falls’ top for views and birds like Bat Hawk. Afternoon delta extension for waders and pelicans. Overnight same camp. (Birds: 100+ species, including Nile specials.)

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Known for the Green-breasted Pitta and Chimpanzees

A scenic 6-hour drive south to Kibale National Park, the primate capital with rich forest birding. En route, pause in tea plantations for Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater and African Emerald Cuckoo.

Kibale’s montane rainforest harbors 375 Uganda bird species, including the elusive Green-breasted Pitta. Optional evening chimp habituation if time allows. Overnight in a forest-edge lodge. (Transition day with forest previews.)

Day 5: Birding in Kibale & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Full-day immersion in Kibale’s trails. Guided walks target endemics like African Green Broadbill, Joyful Greenbul, and Black Bee-eater in the canopy. Afternoon at Bigodi Wetland, a community project, for swamp dwellers: Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, and Blue-headed Coucal. This combines birdwatching in Uganda with eco-tourism. Overnight same lodge. (Forest focus: 80+ species.)

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Search for Martial Eagle, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and African Fish Eagle

Head to birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park (4-5 hours), Uganda’s most biodiverse park. En route, scan for raptors like Martial Eagle soaring over escarpments.

Afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains for African Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and Temminck’s Courser. Explore crater lakes for waterbirds. Overnight in a savannah lodge overlooking Kazinga Channel. (Savanna shift: Raptors and open-country birds.)

Day 7: Morning Birding and Transfer Back to Kampala or Entebbe

Final morning boat cruise on Kazinga Channel for hippos, elephants, and birds like African Spoonbill and Pink-backed Pelican. Or opt for a drive targeting Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl.

After lunch, transfer (6-7 hours) to Entebbe/Kampala, with possible stops for any missed species. Depart or extend with Gorilla Nests Safaris. (Wrap-up: 50+ species.)

Top Birds You May See

Uganda’s avian riches shine on this safari. Key sightings include:

• Shoebill: Prehistoric giant in Mabamba (ALT: Shoebill stork in Uganda swamp).
• African Finfoot: Elusive swimmer in riverine areas (ALT: African Finfoot bird Uganda).
• Papyrus Gonolek: Vibrant wetland specialist (ALT: Papyrus Gonolek in Bigodi).
• Great Blue Turaco: Colorful forest icon (ALT: Great Blue Turaco Kibale).
• African Green Broadbill: Rare broadbill in Kibale (ALT: African Green Broadbill Uganda).
• Black Bee-eater: Jewel-like in forests (ALT: Black Bee-eater birding).
• African Fish Eagle: Iconic raptor over waters (ALT: African Fish Eagle Queen Elizabeth).
• Green Crombec: Tiny forest dweller (ALT: Green Crombec in Uganda).

These Uganda bird species make every day rewarding.

Why Book With Gorilla Nests Safaris

Gorilla Nests Safaris stands out for Gorilla Nests Safaris birding tours with certified guides holding decades of experience in birding in Uganda.

We offer custom Uganda safari packages, small groups (max 6), and sustainable practices like carbon-offset travel.

As a local company, we support communities and ensure authentic encounters. Book your 7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari with Gorilla Nests Safaris — where nature meets expertise.

Best Time for Birding in Uganda

The best time for birdwatching in Uganda is November to April, when Palearctic migrants arrive, swelling numbers to over 1,000 species. Dry seasons (June-September, December-February) offer easier access. Uganda’s equatorial climate supports year-round Uganda birdwatching safaris across habitats.

Safari Inclusions and Exclusions of the 7 Days Birding in Uganda Safari

Inclusions:

• Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle.
• Full-board accommodation.
• Experienced birding guide.
• Park entry fees.
• Boat cruises (where applicable).

Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Tips, drinks, and personal expenses.

What to Pack for Birding in Uganda

Prepare with these birdwatching essentials Uganda:

• Binoculars (8×42 recommended).
• Field guide book (e.g., Birds of East Africa).
• Camera and zoom lens.
• Lightweight, neutral clothing.
• Hiking boots.
• Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Conservation Note

Responsible birding in Uganda via Gorilla Nests Safaris aids conservation. Fees support Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) anti-poaching and habitat restoration. We partner with locals on projects like Bigodi, ensuring tourism benefits biodiversity and communities.

Conclusion 

Experience the sounds and colors of Uganda’s avian world with Gorilla Nests Safaris. Our 7 Days Birding Uganda Safari is crafted for passionate bird lovers who want to explore nature at its finest.

Book your adventure today. Let our expert guides lead you to Africa’s most beautiful wings.

FAQ

What birds can I see in Uganda?

Uganda hosts over 1,080 species, including the Shoebill, African Green Broadbill, and Great Blue Turaco, with endemics in forests and migrants in wetlands.

How much does a birding safari cost in Uganda?

Costs vary by group size and season; contact Gorilla Nests Safaris for tailored quotes on our Uganda safari packages.

Is birding in Uganda safe?

Yes, with professional guides and secure parks. Uganda is stable for tourism, and we prioritize safety in all Uganda birdwatching safaris.