3-Day Birding Experience in Uganda

Embark on a focused three-day birding circuit across four of central Uganda's most rewarding habitats. Begin in the mature lakeshore woodland of Entebbe Botanical Gardens, then explore the papyrus channels of Mabamba Bay by canoe, targeting the iconic Shoebill and other wetland specialities. Continue to Mpanga Forest for guided walks along the Hornbill, Baseline and Butterfly Loop Trails, before finishing in the acacia savannah, seasonal wetlands and woodland mosaic of Lake Mburo National Park.

The itinerary offers excellent coverage of forest, papyrus swamp, lakeshore, woodland and savannah bird communities. Key targets may include Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, Ross's Turaco, African Green Pigeon, hornbills, kingfishers, bee-eaters, sunbirds and forest understorey species, as well as papyrus specialists such as Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and Carruthers's Cisticola. Lake Mburo provides a productive final setting for savannah and raptor species, complemented by opportunities to observe plains game.

• Shoebill Encounter at Mabamba Swamp
• Botanical Gardens birding experience
• Mpanga Forest birdwatching adventure
• Lake Mburo Birding and Nature Walk
• Full day Birding and Game drive
• Wildlife Experience in Lake Mburo National Park

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide and transferred to your selected hotel. During the journey, your guide will brief you on the exciting safari adventure ahead.

Meal Plan: Dinner and Breakfast

Accommodation Options:

Your day begins with an early breakfast before departing for Mabamba Wetland, a 2,424 hectare papyrus-fringed marsh on the shores of Lake Victoria. Recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, Mabamba supports over 300 bird species and is one of Uganda's most reliable sites for the sought-after Shoebill.

Birding by canoe through its tranquil channels may also reveal Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, African Pygmy Goose, African Jacana, Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle, Purple Swamphen, kingfishers, and an array of herons and raptors. Return to Entebbe for lunch, followed by an afternoon birding excursion in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where diverse habitats host Great Blue Turaco, Ross's Turaco, swifts, sunbirds, Red-headed Lovebird, weavers, finches, and many more species. Later, continue to Lake Mburo National Park for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options:

The day begins with an early breakfast and pre-dawn briefing with your specialist birding guide. After lunch, return to the field in the late afternoon as temperatures ease and avian activity intensifies, working Lake Mburo's mosaic of savannah, acacia woodland, papyrus swamp, forest edge and lakeshore habitats before sunset.

Lake Mburo is a highly rewarding birding locality, with more than 300 recorded species across its varied habitats. Key targets include Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, Papyrus Gonolek, Ross's Turaco, Grey Crowned Crane and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. Birding is focused along Rubanga Forest Trail, Warukiri and Miriti Wetland Trails, the Rwonyo Jetty lakeshore trail, Zebra Track and surrounding grasslands, the salt lick, and Miriti Valley.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options:

Enjoy an early breakfast before returning to Lake Mburo National Park for a rewarding guided birding walk. This morning excursion offers another opportunity to search for resident species overlooked during the previous day's activities, while exploring the park's varied acacia woodland, wetland, and savannah habitats. Later, depart for Mpanga Forest Reserve, an important birding site supporting over 300 recorded bird species.

En route, pause at the Kayabwe Equator Crossing for lunch, photographs, souvenir browsing, and a relaxed experience at the line dividing the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Continue to Mpanga Forest for an afternoon birding excursion, targeting a diverse mix of forest-edge, woodland, and grassland specialists. Possible sightings include Yellow-throated Longclaw, Little Greenbul, White-headed Sawwing, Western Nicator, Winding Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Bronze Sunbird, Copper Sunbird, Black Cuckoo, Green-headed Sunbird, Superb Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, and Scarlet-chested Sunbird, among many others. After the birding session, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch