The Journey
Day 1
Arrival at Entebbe and Transfer to Lodge
Your Ugandan safari begins the moment you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where a professional English-speaking driver-guide from Enjobe Safaris will be waiting to welcome you with a personalized sign. After a brief introduction and assistance with your luggage, you’ll be escorted to your private safari vehicle for a smooth and comfortable transfer. You’ll then drive to your selected accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala, passing scenic views and getting your first feel of Uganda’s atmosphere. Upon arrival, you’ll check in, freshen up, and unwind in a calm, welcoming environment. Depending on your arrival time, meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) will be provided, giving you time to relax and recover from your journey. The rest of the evening is at leisure perfect for resting and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Mabamba Shoebill Search and Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Begin with an early morning transfer to Mabamba Swamp for one of Africa’s finest Shoebill experiences. Explore the papyrus channels by traditional canoe while searching for the prehistoric Shoebill alongside species such as Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Blue Swallow, White-winged Warbler, Lesser Jacana, and African Marsh Harrier. Return to your lodge for lunch before continuing to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for afternoon birding along the Lake Victoria shoreline. Target species include Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Orange Weaver, Eastern Plantain-eater, Malachite Kingfisher, and African Grey Parrot. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park with birding stops en route through wetlands, roadside savannah, and acacia woodland habitats. Stop briefly at the Equator for photographs before continuing west. Arrive in the afternoon and begin birding in the acacia savannah searching for species such as Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Lilac-breasted Roller, Red-necked Spurfowl, Brown Snake Eagle, Coqui Francolin, Green Woodhoopoe, and Black-bellied Bustard. Dinner and overnight inside Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 4
Full Day Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Spend the full day birding around Lake Mburo’s diverse habitats including lakeshores, papyrus swamps, open savannah, and acacia woodland. Highlights include the highly sought-after African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, White-backed Night Heron, Brown-chested Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Crested Barbet, and Black-collared Barbet. An afternoon boat birding excursion on Lake Mburo offers excellent opportunities for waterbirds and photography. Optional evening birding may produce Pennant-winged Nightjar. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 5
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Ruhija Sector)
After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and journey south-west toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s premier birding destinations and home to many Albertine Rift endemics. Arrive in the Ruhija sector in the late afternoon and begin forest-edge birding while acclimatizing to the higher elevation. Possible sightings include Rwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Handsome Francolin, and Strange Weaver. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
Day 6
Full Day Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Spend the entire day birding Bwindi’s forest trails in search of Albertine Rift endemics and montane forest specialists. Target species include African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robin-chat, Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Kivu Ground Thrush, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Rwenzori Batis. This is one of the richest birding days of the safari and may produce over one hundred species in a single day. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
Day 7
Lake Bunyonyi Birding and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin with an early morning birding boat excursion on Lake Bunyonyi, targeting papyrus and wetland species including Papyrus Gonolek, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, White-winged Warbler, African Marsh Harrier, and Grey Crowned Crane. After lunch, continue north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector and proceed to the crater lake region for evening birding around the saline lakes. Possible sightings include Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Black-winged Stilt, Great White Pelican, and African Spoonbill. Dinner and overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 8
Kazinga Channel and Maramagambo Forest Birding
Start with an early morning boat birding safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda’s finest waterbird habitats. Expect sightings of African Skimmer, Giant Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Pink-backed Pelican, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, and numerous waders. Later continue to Maramagambo Forest for guided forest birding targeting species such as Black Bee-eater, White-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Sunbird, Forest Flycatcher, Blue-headed Bee-eater, and Rwenzori Turaco. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 9
Kasenyi Plains Birding and Transfer to Kibale Forest
Enjoy early morning birding across the Kasenyi Plains where open savannah species include Secretary Bird, Temminck’s Courser, White-tailed Lark, Black-bellied Bustard, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, and Kori Bustard. After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest with birding stops along the crater lake region. Arrive in the afternoon for forest-edge birding around Kibale targeting African Emerald Cuckoo, Blue-headed Sunbird, Yellow-billed Barbet, and Nahan’s Francolin. Dinner and overnight in Kibale.
Day 10
Bigodi Wetland and Transfer to Semuliki National Park
Begin with morning birding at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a renowned community conservation area rich in wetland and forest species. Look for Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Barbet, and various hornbills and sunbirds. Continue west to Semuliki National Park, Uganda’s premier lowland rainforest birding destination and home to numerous Guinea-Congo biome species. Afternoon birding targets include Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Nicator, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, and Congo Serpent Eagle. Dinner and overnight near Semuliki.
Day 11
Semuliki Birding and Return to Entebbe
Enjoy an early morning birding session in Semuliki Forest searching for specialties such as White-crested Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Chestnut-flanked Goshawk, and Hartlaub’s Duck. After the morning session, begin the scenic return journey toward Entebbe with birding stops en route depending on timing and flight schedule. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure or optional overnight stay.
Inclusions & activities
Included
Dedicated professional birding guide
Specialist local birding guides where required
All park entrance fees
All birding excursions and boat safaris
Mabamba Shoebill canoe excursion
Lake Mburo boat safari
Kazinga Channel boat safari
Lake Bunyonyi birding canoe excursion
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Bottled drinking water during the safari
10 nights accommodation
All meals during the safari
Not included
International flights to and from Uganda.
Uganda visa fees (USD 50) – obtainable online via https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Any optional activities not outlined in the itinerary.
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, gifts, tips, and laundry services.
Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Accommodation on the final day (available upon request at an additional cost).
What you should know
Expect early morning departures around 5:00 AM for optimal bird activity.
A spotting scope and telephoto lens are highly recommended.
Best birding seasons are November - April and June - August.
Estimated species count: 400 - 500 species depending on season and weather.
Uganda’s forest trails can be muddy and steep; waterproof hiking boots are essential.
Why you'll love this trip
Shoebill encounters at Mabamba Swamp
Extensive Albertine Rift endemic coverage in Bwindi
African Finfoot at Lake Mburo
Kazinga Channel waterbird diversity
Papyrus specialists at Bigodi and Bunyonyi
Semuliki’s rare Guinea-Congo biome species
Diverse habitats across Uganda’s top birding regions
Potential to record over 500 bird species in a single trip
Trip gallery
