10 Day Uganda Birding Safari with Wildlife Game Drives

This 10-day Uganda birding safari combines exceptional birdwatching opportunities, wildlife game drives and scenic journeys through some of the country’s most diverse natural habitats. Begin in Mabamba Bay Wetland, a renowned destination for searching for the iconic Shoebill, before exploring Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile River, open savannah, riverbanks and woodland support a remarkable variety of birdlife and wildlife. Continue to Kibale Forest National Park to search for forest specialists, including the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, and visit Semuliki National Park, whose lowland tropical rainforest shelters several Central African bird species rarely encountered elsewhere in East Africa.

Your Uganda birding tour continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where savannah, wetlands, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Travel through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Uganda’s most important destinations for Albertine Rift endemic birds. With a private 4×4 safari vehicle, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, experienced local birding guides where required, and accommodation choices across luxury, mid-range and budget categories, this itinerary offers an engaging introduction to Uganda’s bird diversity and wildlife.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

Birding in Mabamba Wetlands

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Kibale Forest National Park Birding Tour

Birding in Semuliki National Park

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Boat Trip while Birding at Kazinga Channel

Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions and Birding

Birding the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Shoebill Birding in Mabamba Wetland and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, you will be picked briefed by your senior guide-driver from Arcadia Safaris and travel to Mabamba Bay Wetland on the northern shores of Lake Victoria for your first birding excursion in Uganda. Explore the papyrus channels by motorised canoe with a knowledgeable local guide, searching for the iconic Shoebill, one of Africa’s most sought-after bird species. The wetland also supports a variety of waterbirds and papyrus specialists, which may include African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Purple Heron, African Marsh Harrier and White-faced Whistling Duck. Your guide will help you identify the species encountered while explaining the importance of this wetland ecosystem. Best 10 Day Uganda Birding Safari

After birding in Mabamba, begin the journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park and an outstanding destination for birdwatching and wildlife safaris. The drive crosses changing landscapes, rural communities and agricultural areas before reaching the park region later in the day, depending on the time spent birding and road conditions. Check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner and prepare for the following day’s birding and wildlife activities.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Birding Murchison Falls National Park by Boat and Wildlife Game Drive

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading out for a birding excursion along the River Nile. Depending on the confirmed schedule, take a boat trip towards the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert and creates productive habitats for waterbirds. Search for species such as the Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, African Jacana, Saddle-billed Stork, African Openbill, Pink-backed Pelican and other wetland birds. The riverbanks and papyrus habitats also attract numerous resident and migratory species, making this an important part of your Uganda birding safari.

Later, explore the northern savannah plains on a guided birding game drive in your private 4×4 safari vehicle. Search for Secretary Bird, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Red-throated Bee-eater, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, kingfishers, rollers, raptors and other species associated with open grassland and woodland. The game drive also offers opportunities to look for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, lions and other wildlife that inhabit Murchison Falls National Park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, with the day’s activities adjusted according to the boat schedule and birding conditions.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Birding the Butiaba Escarpment and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and travel south towards Kibale Forest National Park, stopping at suitable locations along the Butiaba Escarpment for birdwatching. This area offers a contrast to the riverine and savannah habitats of Murchison Falls, with opportunities to search for birds associated with dry woodland, rocky slopes, scrub and open grassland. Depending on local conditions, your birding list may include species such as Flappet Lark, Foxy Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Green-backed Eremomela, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver and other regional specialties. Your guide will select suitable stops according to the day’s schedule and recent sightings.

Continue towards Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s best-known tropical forest destinations. The forest supports a remarkable diversity of birds and is also famous for its primates, including chimpanzees. Although this itinerary focuses on birdwatching and wildlife game drives, you may discuss adding a chimpanzee-tracking permit if you would like to include this optional activity. Arrive at your accommodation, settle in and prepare for an early start to explore Kibale’s forest trails the following morning. Budget 10 Day Uganda Birding Safari

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Kibale Forest Birding for the Green-breasted Pitta

Rise early and head into Kibale Forest with your packed lunch to make the most of the morning’s birding opportunities. The main target is the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, a sought-after forest species that often requires patience, careful listening and an experienced local guide. Search suitable forest areas while listening for calls and watching for movement in the undergrowth. Although sightings are never guaranteed, an early start and guidance from knowledgeable local birding guides can improve your chances of encountering this remarkable bird. Family 10 Day Uganda Birding Safari

Continue exploring the forest for other species, which may include Great Blue Turaco, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Yellow-throated Nicator, Red-headed Malimbe, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, African Pitta, Masked Apalis, Nahan’s Francolin and a variety of greenbuls, sunbirds and other forest birds. Kibale’s dense vegetation creates an exciting birding environment, where careful observation can reveal species that are easy to overlook. After the excursion, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner, ready for the following day’s exploration of Semuliki National Park.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Birding Semuliki National Park for Central African Forest Species

After breakfast, travel to Semuliki National Park, located in the Semuliki Valley near Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park protects lowland tropical rainforest associated with the wider Ituri Forest ecosystem and provides some of the country’s most distinctive birding opportunities. Explore suitable forest trails with an experienced Arcadia Safaris local guide, searching for Central African species that reach the eastern limits of their ranges in this part of Uganda. Depending on the season and local conditions, target species may include White-bellied Kingfisher, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Black-winged Oriole, Icterine Greenbul, Blue-billed Malimbe and several forest hornbills.

Spend the day exploring Semuliki’s rainforest habitats and nearby birding locations, with attention to mixed-species flocks, forest edges and areas where bird activity is strongest. The park is also known for the Sempaya hot springs, commonly referred to as the male and female hot springs, which you may visit if time and the day’s birding schedule allow. After the excursion, check in at your accommodation and enjoy dinner. Semuliki’s lowland forest birdlife provides a memorable contrast to the savannah and wetland species encountered earlier in the safari.

Destination: Semuliki National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Birding En Route to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, depart the Semuliki area and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, continuing your Uganda birding safari through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda. Depending on the selected route and road conditions, enjoy birding stops along suitable forest edges, wetlands, farmland and open-country habitats. The journey offers opportunities to observe additional species and photograph the countryside, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains possible when the weather permits. Your guide will choose appropriate stops while keeping the transfer schedule in mind.

As you approach Queen Elizabeth National Park, the landscape changes to include crater lakes, open grassland, woodland and wetlands that support a wide range of birdlife. The park is one of Uganda’s important birding destinations, with habitats that attract waterbirds, raptors, savannah species and seasonal migrants. Arrive at your lodge later in the day, depending on the number of stops and road conditions. After check-in, enjoy dinner and rest before the next day’s birding around the Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Birding the Mweya Peninsula and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start the day with birding around the Mweya Peninsula and selected areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The mix of open grassland, scrub, woodland and lakeshore habitats creates opportunities to search for a broad range of species, including African Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Kingfisher, African Jacana, White-winged Tern, African Skimmer, African Openbill, Grey-capped Warbler and other waterbirds and savannah species. The surrounding plains may also provide opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and other wildlife during your birding drive.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel’s shores attract large numbers of waterbirds, and the boat offers close views of birds feeding, resting and moving along the water’s edge. Look for African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, cormorants, herons, egrets, kingfishers and other waterbirds, while watching for hippos and other wildlife along the banks. After the boat excursion, continue to the Ishasha sector, allowing time for the transfer and lodge check-in.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Birding and Wildlife Game Drive in Ishasha, then Transfer to Bwindi

Enjoy an early breakfast before exploring the Ishasha sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions and supports a variety of birds associated with savannah, woodland and riverine habitats. During the morning game drive, search for lions resting in large fig trees where conditions permit, alongside elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob and other wildlife. Birding opportunities may include raptors, bee-eaters, rollers, hornbills and species associated with open grassland and scattered trees. Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements and prevailing conditions, so your guide will focus on the most promising areas on the day. Private 10 Day Uganda Birding Safari

After the morning excursion, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelling through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda. Enjoy birding and photography stops where time and road conditions allow, noting the gradual change from savannah habitats to forested hills and agricultural landscapes. Bwindi is a globally important birding destination, particularly for species associated with the Albertine Rift. Arrive in the Buhoma sector later in the day, check in at your lodge and prepare for a full day of forest birding.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Buhoma Sector
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 9: Birding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Buhoma Sector

After an early breakfast, enter the forest with an experienced local birding guide to explore selected trails in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This ancient montane forest is one of Uganda’s most rewarding birding destinations, especially for travellers interested in Albertine Rift endemics. Follow your guide through suitable habitats while listening for calls, scanning the canopy and checking the forest undergrowth for elusive species. Depending on recent sightings and conditions, target birds may include African Green Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, Handsome Francolin, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Rush Warbler and other forest specialists.

Continue birding throughout the day, looking for additional species such as Strange Weaver, Montane Oriole, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Wood Owl, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater and a variety of greenbuls, sunbirds and forest flycatchers. Bwindi’s steep terrain and dense vegetation can make birding physically demanding, so your guide will select trails suited to the group’s interests, fitness and available time. Return to your lodge after the excursion to relax and review your bird list. If you wish to add a mountain gorilla trek, this requires an additional day or a revised itinerary, together with a separate gorilla permit.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Buhoma Sector
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 10: Transfer from Bwindi to Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, begin the journey from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to Entebbe. Travel through the landscapes of southwestern Uganda, with opportunities for a short stop at the Equator crossing, where you can take photographs and visit local craft shops if the schedule allows. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a lunch stop along the route before continuing towards Entebbe International Airport. Your driver-guide will coordinate the journey around the confirmed flight schedule and advise whether an additional overnight stay is necessary.

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 10-day Uganda birding safari with wildlife game drives. During the trip, you will have explored wetlands, savannah, tropical rainforest, crater-lake landscapes and montane forest while searching for some of Uganda’s most interesting bird species. We hope the combination of guided birdwatching, wildlife encounters and scenic drives has made your Uganda safari a rewarding experience. For early international departures, we strongly recommend adding an overnight stay in Entebbe or adjusting the itinerary to allow a comfortable transfer.

Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (Unless on request)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

SAFARI COST: From $2,400 Per Person

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!