Safari Overview
Discover Uganda's birds from wetlands to savannah. This 5-day birding safari takes
you from Entebbe's lush lake shores to the papyrus channels of Mabamba Wetlands and
onward to the acacia woodlands and lakes of Lake Mburo National Park. Spot iconic
species like the Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek,
and Red-faced Barbet, while photographing Uganda's stunning
landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Safari Highlights
- Shoebill Stork in
Mabamba
- Entebbe Botanical
Gardens birding
- Lake Mburo boat cruise
- Nature walks & game
drives
- 313+ species in Lake
Mburo
Habitats Explored
- Lake Victoria shores
- Papyrus wetlands
- Acacia woodlands
- Savannah grasslands
- Freshwater lakes
Full Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Birding in Entebbe — UWEC, Botanical Gardens & Lake Victoria Shores
Entebbe, on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, is a hub of lakeshore, forest, and
wetland habitats. UWEC (Uganda Wildlife Education Centre) provides
both wild and semi-captive species in a scenic setting, while the Botanical
Gardens offer woodland and canopy birding options.
Target species — Entebbe
- Northern Masked Weaver
- Golden-backed Weaver
- African Paradise
Flycatcher
- Gabar Goshawk
- African Fish Eagle
- African Hobby
Overnight: Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
2
Day 2: Mabamba Wetlands — Search for the Shoebill
Mabamba Bay Wetlands, west of Entebbe, is a globally recognized
Ramsar Site and Important Bird Area (IBA). Its papyrus channels and
lagoons host over 260 bird species, including the elusive Shoebill
Stork, making it Uganda's top birding destination.
Target species — Mabamba
- Shoebill
- African Water Rail
- Long-toed Lapwing
- Purple Heron
- Allen's Gallinule
- African Pygmy Goose
Overnight: Kampala
Meal Plan: Full Board
3
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park — Birding via Nshara Gate
Lake Mburo National Park, in western Uganda, has rolling hills,
acacia woodlands, and freshwater lakes that host over 313 bird
species. Its compact savannah and woodland habitats are perfect for
walking safaris and game drives.
Target species — Lake Mburo
- Bare-faced Go-away Bird
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- Green Wood Hoopoe
- Spot-flanked Barbet
- Black-bellied Bustard
- Coqui Francolin
- Temminck's Courser
- Rufous-naped Lark
Overnight: Lake Mburo
Meal Plan: Full Board
4
Day 4: Lake Mburo — Nature Walk & Kigambira Loop Birding
Lake Mburo's savannah, woodlands, and wetlands harbor localized bird species.
Walking
trails allow photographers to capture species at close range, and the park's compact
area ensures efficient birding across habitats.
Target species — Day 4
- Red-faced Barbet
- Red-headed Lovebird
- Black-collared Barbet
- Green-capped Eremomela
- Lead-colored Flycatcher
Overnight: Lake Mburo
Meal Plan: Full Board
5
Day 5: Lakeside Birding & Boat Cruise — Return to Kampala
The lakeshores and papyrus fringes of Lake Mburo provide a rich mosaic of habitats
for wetland and aquatic birds. Early morning light is ideal for photography, while
the boat cruise offers close encounters with aquatic species and hippos.
Lakeside & Boat Cruise Targets
- White-winged Warbler
- Papyrus Gonolek
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler
- Blue-headed Coucal
- African Darter
- African Finfoot
- African Water Rail
- Spur-winged Lapwing
Transfer: Lake Mburo → Kampala via Masaka
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End Note
This 5-day birding safari blends wetlands, lakeshores, and savannah habitats,
providing unparalleled opportunities for photographers and birders. Uganda's birds,
landscapes, and light will move you, inspire you, and stay with you forever.
Photo Gallery
Explore stunning images from this birding adventure showcasing the diverse birdlife and
beautiful landscapes you'll encounter.
Wetlands to Savannah
Diverse habitats
Lake Mburo
Savanna species
Rich Birdlife
313+ species potential
Photography Tips
This safari offers diverse photography opportunities from wetland species to savanna
birds.
Bring a versatile lens range (100-400mm for birds, 24-70mm for landscapes) and extra
batteries for multiple habitats.
