10 Days Uganda Birding Safari Experience
Uganda the “Pearl of Africa” is a land where lush rainforests, shimmering wetlands, and vast savannahs converge to create one of the most rewarding birding destinations on the continent. This 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari Experience by Deks Safaris and Tours Africa invites you on an unforgettable expedition through the country’s richest avian habitats, from the papyrus-lined shores of Lake Victoria to the misty forests of Kibale and the Albertine Rift’s endemic treasures.
10 Days Uganda Birding Safari Experience Highlights
Day |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Day 1 |
Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Check-in the Hotel for Relaxation | Airport Guest House |
Day 2 |
Go Shoebill Tracking on a Canoe in Mabamba Swamp and Afternoon Birding in Botanical Birds | Airport Guest House |
Day 3 |
Morning Birding in Botanical Gardens and Road Transfer to Mabira Forest (Enroute Birding) and Evening Birding in the Forest | The Rainforest Lodge – Mabira |
Day 4 |
Full Day Birding in Mabira Forest | The Rainforest Lodge – Mabira |
Day 5 |
Morning Road Transfer to Masindi Town with Enroute Birding | Masindi Hotel |
Day 6 |
Birding in Budongo Royal Mile | Masindi Hotel |
Day 7 |
Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park with Enroute Birding and Evening Bird Walk in Bigodi Swamp | Kibale Forest Camp |
Day 8 |
Search for Green Breasted Pita in Kibale Forest and Afternoon Boat at Kazinga Channel | The Bush Lodge |
Day 9 |
Whole-Day Birding in Semuliki Forest and Overnight at Mountain of the Moon Lodge | Mountain of the Moon Lodge |
Day 10 |
Morning Road Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport with Enroute Birding and Departure | None |
Tour Quotation Based on Budget Safari
| No. of People | 1 Person | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
| Rate Per Person | US$3,924 | US$2,868 | US$2,229 | US$1,800 |
Shoebill Tracking on a Canoe
10 Days Uganda Birding Safari Experience
This immersive 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari is designed for serious birders and nature photographers who crave both depth and diversity in their encounters. Over 1,000 bird species have been recorded in Uganda, representing nearly 50% of Africa’s total bird population. Among them, the prehistoric Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) reigns as the ultimate highlight a living relic of evolutionary wonder. But Uganda’s charm lies equally in the kaleidoscope of bee-eaters, turacos, barbets, and forest endemics that fill its landscapes with song and color.
Your 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari begins in Entebbe, at the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, where your first sightings may include weavers, sunbirds, and hornbills. You’ll then glide through Mabamba Swamp on a canoe, tracing the haunting silhouette of the Shoebill among papyrus reeds. From there, the birding trail leads you through Mabira Forest’s tangled greenery, the ancient Budongo Royal Mile, and into the Kibale Forest, home of the elusive Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi) a dream species for any ornithologist.
By the time you reach Semuliki Forest, Uganda’s most biodiverse lowland rainforest, you will have walked the trails of giants both avian and arboreal. Each dawn promises a new chorus of calls, and each sunset echoes with the fluting notes of forest robins. Through this carefully curated expedition, Deks Safaris ensures not only expert bird guiding but also comfortable lodgings, cultural engagement, and logistical perfection so that your focus remains on what truly matters: the birds.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Accommodation: Airport Guest House, Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari guide from Deks Safaris and Tours Africa. A short transfer takes you to your comfortable guest house nestled amid tropical gardens your first taste of Uganda’s serenity. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely evening to relax and recover from your flight.
If you wish, take a short stroll through the lodge gardens, where the air is alive with birdcalls. Watch for the African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) swooping between the mango trees, the Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) flashing crimson in the hedges, or the Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) darting through the canopies.
As the sun sets over Lake Victoria, sip a cool drink and prepare for the birding odyssey ahead a journey that will lead you deep into the heart of Africa’s avian paradise.
Key Birds to Spot:
- African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
- Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster)
- Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus)
- Black-headed Weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus)
- Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp & Afternoon Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Accommodation: Airport Guest House, Entebbe
The day begins early as you drive to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s most renowned birding sanctuaries. Board a wooden canoe and glide silently through narrow channels fringed with papyrus, guided by local boatmen who know the shoebill’s secret haunts. The experience is serene the only sounds are lapping water and the rustle of reeds as the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) rises into view, prehistoric and majestic.
This wetland ecosystem, part of the Lake Victoria basin, also shelters an array of papyrus specialists and water-associated birds. You may encounter the Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri), Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus), African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus), and Blue-breasted Bee-eater (Merops variegatus).
Return to Entebbe for lunch and spend your afternoon at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, one of Uganda’s oldest natural enclaves, where birds mingle freely with primates among the ancient trees. As dusk falls, you may spot the Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) or hear the eerie hoot of the African Wood Owl (Strix woodfordii).
Key Birds to Spot:
- Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)
- Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri)
- Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)
- Blue-breasted Bee-eater (Merops variegatus)
- African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
- African Wood Owl (Strix woodfordii)
Shoebill Tracking on a Canoe
Day 3: Entebbe to Mabira Forest – Birding through the Green Heart of Uganda
Accommodation: The Rainforest Lodge – Mabira
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s largest and most accessible rainforests. The road journey itself offers excellent birding opportunities as you travel through lush countryside and roadside wetlands expect sightings of Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Open-billed Stork (Anastomus lamelligerus), and Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis).
Arrive at The Rainforest Lodge, a tranquil retreat hidden within Mabira’s emerald canopy. After lunch, enjoy your first bird walk through the forest trails, guided by a local bird expert. The dense undergrowth and towering mahoganies are home to over 315 recorded bird species, including several forest endemics. Look for Forest Robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax), Tit Hylia (Pholidornis rushiae) Africa’s smallest bird and the striking Yellow-throated Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus subsulphureus).
The evening brings an enchanting experience: the forest hums with cicadas as you listen for the nocturnal African Wood Owl or the calls of Tree Hyraxes echoing through the dark.
Key Birds to Spot:
- Forest Robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax)
- Tit Hylia (Pholidornis rushiae)
- Yellow-throated Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus subsulphureus)
- White-throated Greenbul (Phyllastrephus albigularis)
- Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
Day 4: Full-Day Birding in Mabira Forest – In the Realm of Green Shadows
Accommodation: The Rainforest Lodge – Mabira
Today is devoted entirely to exploring the Mabira Forest Reserve, a biodiversity jewel covering over 300 square kilometers. After breakfast, set off for a full-day birding expedition through different habitats from the forest interior to riverine edges and regenerating woodlands.
Among the highlights are Nahan’s Francolin (Ptilopachus nahani) a globally threatened species and Black-shouldered Nightjar (Caprimulgus nigripennis), often flushed from the forest floor. The forest canopy teems with hornbills and barbets, including the Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus) and Hairy-breasted Barbet (Tricholaema hirsuta). Mabira also offers great chances to observe Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi), though this elusive bird prefers deeper jungle terrain.
Your 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari guide will also interpret the ecosystem’s delicate balance pointing out medicinal trees, butterfly species, and primates such as Red-tailed Monkeys and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys that share the same habitat.
Key Birds to Spot:
- Nahan’s Francolin (Ptilopachus nahani)
- Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus)
- Hairy-breasted Barbet (Tricholaema hirsuta)
- Black-shouldered Nightjar (Caprimulgus nigripennis)
- White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra)
Day 5: Road Transfer to Masindi Town – En Route Birding Adventure
Accommodation: Masindi Hotel
After breakfast, depart Mabira Forest and 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari journey northwest toward Masindi Town, a gateway to the renowned Budongo Forest Reserve and the mighty Murchison Falls ecosystem. The drive takes you through rural Uganda tea plantations, sugar estates, and riverine crossings offering wonderful birding stops along the way.
Look out for Piapiac (Ptilostomus afer) perched near cattle, Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) standing sentinel in wetlands, and Abyssinian Roller (Coracias abyssinicus) flashing turquoise as it swoops across the road. Upon arrival in Masindi, check into your comfortable colonial-style hotel and enjoy an afternoon bird walk in nearby gardens, where you may spot Brown-throated Wattle-eye (Platysteira cyanea) or African Blue Flycatcher (Elminia longicauda).
Your 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari guide will brief you about tomorrow’s adventure on the legendary Budongo Royal Mile, considered one of the best forest birding sites in East Africa.
Key Birds to Spot:
- Abyssinian Roller (Coracias abyssinicus)
- Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
- Brown-throated Wattle-eye (Platysteira cyanea)
- African Blue Flycatcher (Elminia longicauda)
- Piapiac (Ptilostomus afer)
Uganda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking
Day 6: Birding the Budongo Royal Mile – Uganda’s Avian Jewel
Accommodation: Masindi Hotel
The Budongo Forest Reserve is Uganda’s premier site for lowland rainforest birding, and the Royal Mile so named because it was once reserved for the King of Bunyoro’s walks is among the most celebrated birding trails in East Africa. Today is a birder’s dream, beginning at dawn when the forest canopy erupts with a symphony of calls.
The trail’s wide avenue allows clear visibility into both canopy and understory, creating perfect conditions for photography and identification. This ancient forest, with its towering mahoganies and ironwoods, shelters several Albertine Rift endemics and sought-after forest specialists. Your 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari guide will help you locate Chocolate-backed Kingfisher (Halcyon badia), Ituri Batis (Batis ituriensis), and Chestnut-capped Flycatcher (Erythrocercus mccallii species that are Budongo exclusives.
The melodic fluting of the White-thighed Hornbill (Bycanistes albotibialis) and the soft trills of Yellow-browed Camaroptera (Camaroptera superciliaris) fill the morning air. Keen eyes may also catch the flash of the African Dwarf Kingfisher (Ispidina lecontei)—a tiny gem of orange and violet.
Lunch will be taken back in Masindi town, followed by an optional short drive to Busingiro Section, another productive area for forest birding. As the day ends, the last notes of the Fire-crested Alethe (Alethe diademata) echo through the shadows, signaling the close of an extraordinary day.
Key Birds to Spot:
- Chocolate-backed Kingfisher (Halcyon badia)
- Ituri Batis (Batis ituriensis)
- Chestnut-capped Flycatcher (Erythrocercus mccallii)
- White-thighed Hornbill (Bycanistes albotibialis)
- African Dwarf Kingfisher (Ispidina lecontei)
- Fire-crested Alethe (Alethe diademata)
Day 7: Masindi to Kibale Forest National Park – Through Uganda’s Scenic Heartland
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
After breakfast, set off for a road journey toward Kibale Forest National Park, a region famed not only for its rich primate diversity but also as one of the best birding destinations in Africa. The drive, though long, offers spectacular scenery rolling tea plantations, tropical forests, and crater lakes reflecting the blue skies.
You will make several birding stops en route, especially around the Hoima–Kyenjojo Road where the mosaic of farmland and forest edges provides ideal habitats for a variety of species. Keep your binoculars ready for Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster), African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus), and Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura) displaying along open grasslands.
Arrive at Kibale Forest Camp by late afternoon. After check-in and relaxation, you will embark on a gentle evening bird walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation area bordering the park. This is one of Uganda’s finest swamp birding sites and home to the Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata), White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra), and Papyrus Canary (Crithagra koliensis).
The soundscape here is magical croaking frogs, hooting owls, and the occasional grunt of a nearby red colobus monkey. Return to your lodge for dinner beneath the stars, surrounded by the low hum of the forest.
Key Birds to Spot:
- Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
- White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura pulchra)
- Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster)
- Papyrus Canary (Crithagra koliensis)
- African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus)
- Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
Day 8: Birding in Kibale Forest – Quest for the Green-breasted Pitta & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today’s early morning birding in Kibale Forest is focused on the elusive and stunning Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi a bird that tops every serious birder’s wish list in Uganda. Your 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari guide will lead you along forest trails before dawn, listening for the Pitta’s distinctive call and scanning the dim undergrowth for its emerald plumage.
Kibale is home to more than 375 bird species, many of them rare or localized. You’ll also search for African Pitta (Pitta angolensis) during seasonal migrations, Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis), and Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) soaring above the canopy. The forest teems with other wildlife too Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys provide delightful interruptions to your birding adventure.
After lunch, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lakes George and Edward and attracts immense numbers of aquatic birds and mammals. Expect close views of African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris), Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens), and African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer as well as hippos, elephants, and buffalo along the shores.
The golden sunset over the channel paints the water in warm hues a breathtaking end to a day of diverse encounters.
Key Birds to Spot:
- Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi)
- Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis)
- Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)
- African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris)
- Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens)
- African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Uganda Birding Safaris
Day 9: Full-Day Birding in Semuliki Forest – The Lowland Rainforest Experience
Accommodation: Mountains of the Moon Lodge – Fort Portal
After an early breakfast, head west toward Semuliki National Park, Uganda’s only true lowland tropical rainforest and an extension of the Congo Basin ecosystem. Its lush vegetation and humidity create habitats that host over 440 bird species, many found nowhere else in East Africa.
Semuliki is a treasure trove for serious birders seeking western and central African specialties. The forest’s Kirumia Trail and Sempaya Hot Springs area are particularly rewarding. Expect sightings of Nkulengu Rail (Himantornis haematopus), Congo Serpent Eagle (Dryotriorchis spectabilis), and Long-tailed Hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus). Other highlights include Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill (Ceratogymna atrata) and the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill (Lophoceros camurus).
As you move deeper into the forest, the calls of Piping Hornbills mingle with the drumming of woodpeckers and the distant roar of the hot springs. Semuliki also provides encounters with forest elephants, De Brazza’s monkeys, and a variety of butterflies that add vibrant color to the dense green backdrop.
Return to Fort Portal for a relaxing evening at Mountains of the Moon Lodge, where you can reflect on your day’s sightings over a hearty dinner.
Key Birds to Spot:
- Nkulengu Rail (Himantornis haematopus)
- Congo Serpent Eagle (Dryotriorchis spectabilis)
- Long-tailed Hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus)
- Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill (Ceratogymna atrata)
- Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill (Lophoceros camurus)
- Piping Hornbill (Bycanistes fistulator)
Day 10: Return to Entebbe – The Road Home
Accommodation: None (Departure Day)
Your final day begins with breakfast at leisure, followed by a scenic drive back to Entebbe, retracing your 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari through western Uganda’s rolling hills and lush farmlands. Along the way, enjoy en-route birding opportunities at forest edges and wetlands the last chance to capture the beauty of Uganda’s birdlife before departure.
Possible roadside sightings include African Open-billed Stork (Anastomus lamelligerus), White-throated Bee-eater (Merops albicollis), and Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum Uganda’s majestic national bird. You may also pass local markets and rural villages, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Uganda’s warm and welcoming people.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of an unforgettable birding odyssey through the Pearl of Africa.
As your plane ascends over Lake Victoria, you carry not only photographs and checklists but also the timeless songs of the forest echoes of an expedition defined by wonder, discovery, and the artistry of nature.
Key Birds to Spot:
- African Open-billed Stork (Anastomus lamelligerus)
- White-throated Bee-eater (Merops albicollis)
- Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
- African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp)
- Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
10 Days Uganda Birding Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions – What’s Covered
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary, on full-board basis
- All ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking birding guide/driver
- All park entrance and conservation fees
- Guided birding excursions in all mentioned locations (Mabamba, Mabira, Budongo, Kibale, Semuliki)
- All canoe, boat, and community fees
- En-route birding stops as per itinerary
- Drinking water throughout the safari
- Airport meet and greet services
- All government taxes and levies
Safari Exclusions – Not Included in Package
- International flights to and from Entebbe
- Entry visas and travel insurance
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and hotel staff
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Medical or evacuation insurance
- Souvenirs and items of personal nature
The Spirit of the Pearl
The 10 Days Uganda Birding Safari Experience by Deks Safaris and Tours Africa is more than a checklist journey it is an immersive exploration of one of the most biodiverse birding destinations on Earth. From the haunting stare of the Shoebill in Mabamba to the vibrant forests of Semuliki, every day unfolds as a revelation of color, sound, and serenity.
Each location has been chosen with purpose not only for species richness but also for comfort, sustainability, and the beauty of the landscapes themselves. Expert birding guides accompany you throughout, ensuring both precision and passion in every identification.
In the end, Uganda leaves its indelible mark not only through the hundreds of birds you’ll record, but through the warmth of its people, the rhythm of its wilderness, and the unspoken connection between bird and observer a reminder that every flutter of wings tells the story of Africa’s eternal wild heart.
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