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.
Birding Experience
After breakfast, bird at UWEC, which hosts over 170 wild species.
🎯 Target species: Northern Masked Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver, African Paradise Flycatcher, Black-necked Weaver, Gabar Goshawk, African Fish Eagle, African Hobby.
Proceed to the Botanical Gardens for canopy species and stroll along Lake Victoria shores. End the day at Sewage Lagoons, home to waders, herons, and ducks. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
👉 Click here to view the Full Bird List of Entebbe
Day 2: Mabamba Wetlands — Search for the Shoebill
Background
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. Canoe birding offers close encounters with wetland species and opportunities to photograph birds in their natural habitat.
Birding Experience
Canoe through papyrus channels at Namugabo Landing.
🎯 Target species: Shoebill, African Water Rail, Long-toed Lapwing, Purple Heron, African Jacana, Allen’s Gallinule, African Pygmy Goose.
Look for Sitatunga Antelope in swampy areas. On the way back to Kampala, stop at a roadside swamp to find 🎯 Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Weyns Weaver. Dinner and overnight in Kampala.
👉 Click here to view the Full Bird List of Mabamba Wetlands
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park — Birding via Nshara Gate
Background
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, providing opportunities to see both savannah and wetland birds, along with wildlife like impalas, zebras, and hippopotamuses.
Birding Experience
Drive southwest after breakfast, stopping at the Equator for photos. Enter Lake Mburo via Nshara Gate, birding en route.
🎯 Target species: Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Lilac-breasted Roller, Green Wood Hoopoe, Crested Francolin, Spot-flanked Barbet, Common Scimitarbill, Trilling Cisticola, Greater Blue-eared Starling, African Grey Hornbill, Brown Parrot.
Lunch at Rwonyo Restaurant, then afternoon game drive along Zebra Track, watching for 🎯 Coqui Francolin, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, Rufous-naped Lark. Dinner and overnight at lodge.
👉 Click here to view the Full Bird List of Lake Mburo National Park
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.
Birding Experience
Early morning nature walk through woodland and savannah.
🎯 Target species: Red-faced Barbet, Red-headed Lovebird, Black-collared Barbet, Green-capped Eremomela, Lead-colored Flycatcher.
After lunch, enjoy an evening drive along Kigambira Loop, targeting additional woodland and grassland species. Dinner and overnight.
👉 Click here to view the Full Bird List of Lake Mburo National Park
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.
Birding Experience
Morning game drive along Lakeside Track to observe 🎯 White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Lesser and Greater Swamp Warbler, Blue-headed Coucal.
Proceed to the lakeside campground to look for African Darter, African Finfoot, African Water Rail, and Spur-winged Lapwing. Mid-morning breakfast, then a boat cruise for remaining wetland species and photography of hippos and crocodiles.
After lunch in Masaka, drive back to Kampala. Safari concludes.
👉Click here to view the Full Bird List of Lake Mburo National Park
