10 Days: Uganda Birding Safari
Africa Awaits
“Wings of the Pearl – Uganda's Ultimate Birding Expedition” boasting over 1,090 recorded bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics and the iconic Shoebill Stork
Focus: Birdwatching & nature photography
Level: Intermediate to professional birders
Destinations: Mabamba Swamp, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi, Lake Mburo
Best time to go: December–March and June–September (dry seasons)
Birding Highlights
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Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp
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Over 24 Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi
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Green-breasted Pitta in Kibale Forest
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Migratory species in Queen Elizabeth NP
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Rare birds like African Finfoot, Papyrus Gonolek, and Great Blue Turaco
Pick-up from Entebbe International Airport
Optional birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens (Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill)
Birding briefing with guide
Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Dinner
Early morning boat/canoe birding on Mabamba Wetlands
Target species: Shoebill, Lesser Jacana, Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-breasted Bee-eater
Afternoon transfer to Kibale Forest
Overnight: Lodge near Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full-day forest birding: Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Narina Trogon, Purple-breasted Sunbird
Chimp tracking optional (adds wildlife experience)
Evening birding around the lodge
Overnight: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On route birding in forest edges and grasslands
Afternoon birding near the Kazinga Channel: African Skimmer, Grey-headed Kingfisher
Overnight: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning birding/game drive in Kasenyi plains: Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Black-bellied Bustard
Afternoon boat safari: Pied Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Water Thick-knee
Overnight: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bird en route in Ishasha Sector: White-headed Barbet, Ross’s Turaco
Evening forest edge birding in Bwindi
Overnight: Lodge near Buhoma
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Top targets: African Green Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, Ruwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Black Bee-eater
One of the top birding spots in Africa!
Overnight: Same lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning birding in Ruhija sector (Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler)
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Evening canoe birding: Red-chested Sunbird, Malachite Kingfisher
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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On route birding: Long-crested Eagle, Lizard Buzzard
Afternoon birding/game drive: African Wattled Lapwing, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, White-winged Widowbird
Overnight: Lodge in or near Lake Mburo NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking bird safari with ranger: Crested Francolin, Blue-naped Mousebird
Stop at the Equator for photos and shopping
Drop-off at Entebbe or airport
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Package Inclusions:
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Professional birding guide (ornithologist-level available)
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All park entry fees and permits
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Accommodation (mid-range or luxury)
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All meals as listed
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Private 4x4 safari vehicle with roof pop-up
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Boat safaris and canoe rides
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Bottled water during drives
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Bird checklist and spotting scope (on request)
Optional Add-ons:
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Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi (extra permit required)
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Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
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Extended birding in Semuliki or Budongo Forest for rare lowland species
Key Species to Watch For:
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Shoebill Stork
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Green-breasted Pitta
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African Green Broadbill
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Great Blue Turaco
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African Finfoot
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Papyrus Gonolek
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Yellow-billed Oxpecker
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Shelley’s Crimsonwing
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African Skimmer
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Many Sunbirds, Weavers, Bee-eaters, and Raptors