Safari Overview
Explore Uganda's finest birding sites just outside the city. Glide
silently through Mabamba Swamp in search of the elusive Shoebill,
trek the lush trails of Mabira Rainforest, and uncover hidden
forest gems at Kasenge Forest. Whether you're a birder or a
photographer, this compact safari lets you experience rare species, urban-edge
wetlands, and serene forest habitats without leaving the Kampala area.
Safari Highlights
- Shoebill canoe trips in
Mabamba
- Forest walks in Mabira
Rainforest
- Great Blue Turaco &
Fire-crested Alethe
- Kasenge forest birding
- Urban-accessible birding
hotspots
Perfect For
- Short-stay travelers
- Bird photographers
- Weekend birders
- Nature enthusiasts
- Add-on to city stays
Full Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Mabamba Wetlands & Mabira Rainforest
Mabamba Swamp is a papyrus-dominated wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria, famous
for
the elusive Shoebill. Canoe trips provide quiet access to observe
waterbirds and marsh species. In the afternoon, transfer to Mabira Rainforest, a
large
lowland forest supporting a variety of forest-edge and woodland birds.
Target Birds — Mabamba
- Shoebill
- Papyrus Gonolek
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Long-toed Lapwing
- White-backed Duck
- Blue-breasted Bee-eater
- African Jacana
Distance: Kampala → Mabamba (~35 km), Mabamba → Mabira (~45 km)
Overnight: Rain Forest Lodge (Mabira)
Meal Plan: Full Board
2
Day 2: Full-Day Birding in Mabira Rainforest
Mabira is a large lowland rainforest with a mix of trails, clearings, and swamp
edges.
It supports a rich variety of forest and woodland species,
including
turacos, sunbirds, kingfishers, and flycatchers. Morning and afternoon walks provide
excellent opportunities to spot both canopy and understory birds.
Target Birds — Mabira
- Nahan's Francolin
- Cassin's Hawk-Eagle
- African Dwarf
Kingfisher
- Great Blue Turaco
- Sabine's Spinetail
- Cassin's Spinetail
- Fire-crested Alethe
- Red-capped Robin-Chat
- Forest Robin
- African Crowned Eagle
Overnight: Rain Forest Lodge (Mabira)
Meal Plan: Full Board
3
Day 3: Morning Birding at Kasenge & Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Kasenge Forest Reserve is a smaller forest patch near Kampala, excellent for
forest edge and forest bird species. Morning birding offers a
chance
to record these species before returning to the city.
Target Birds — Kasenge
- Great Blue Turaco
- Green Hylia
- Woodland Kingfisher
- Giant Kingfisher
- African Grey Parrot
- Black-and-white Casqued
Hornbill
- Bronze Sunbird
- Superb Sunbird
- Slender-billed Greenbul
Distance: Kasenge (~55 km), Return to Kampala/Entebbe (~45 km)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End Note
This 3-Day Kampala Birding Specials Safari offers a compact, high-value birding
experience, combining wetland, forest, and woodland habitats around Kampala. Expect
to
see rare species like the Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, and African Jacana, along with
a
wide variety of forest and woodland birds.
Photo Gallery
Explore stunning images from this birding adventure showcasing the diverse birdlife and
beautiful landscapes you'll encounter.
Kampala Birding
Urban-accessible hotspots
Mabira Rainforest
Forest specialists
Mabamba Wetlands
Shoebill habitat
Kasenge Forest
Forest edge species
Forest Birding
Diverse habitats
Photography Tips
This compact tour offers excellent photography opportunities in wetlands and
forests.
Bring both telephoto (400-600mm) and wide-angle (16-35mm) lenses to capture the
variety
of species and habitats.
