10-Day Uganda Wetland Birding & Wildlife Safari
Explore Uganda’s incredible biodiversity on this 10-day birding and wildlife adventure, with a strong focus on wetlands and aquatic ecosystems. From navigating narrow swamp channels in search of the elusive Shoebill, to birding in iconic locations like the Royal Mile, Bigodi Wetland, and Mubwindi Swamp, this safari is tailor-made for passionate birders and nature lovers. You’ll also track rhinos, chimpanzees, and possibly gorillas, adding a thrilling wildlife element to your journey.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you'll be met by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some relaxed birding in the gardens or along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Take a local canoe through the Mabamba Swamp, a prime location for the Shoebill stork, along with countless wetland species like African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Purple Swamphen. Return to Entebbe for a relaxed afternoon or optional birding nearby.
Drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot. Bird species in this area include White-crested Turaco, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, and Palm-nut Vulture. Continue to Masindi for overnight.
Spend a full day birding in Budongo Forest, especially the Royal Mile, one of Uganda’s most famous birding destinations. Look for the African Dwarf Kingfisher, Nahan’s Partridge, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and Ituri Batis.
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, with a visit to the dramatic Top of the Falls. Enjoy an evening game drive in the savannah plains to spot giraffes, lions, elephants, and birds like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Secretary Bird.
Begin the day with a birding game drive and later take a boat cruise along the Nile, a hotspot for water birds such as Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, and African Fish Eagle. Continue birding around the delta where the Shoebill may also appear.
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest, home to over 375 bird species and 13 primate species. Enjoy birding en route through varied landscapes, and arrive in time to settle into your lodge.
In the morning, track chimpanzees in Kibale’s lush rainforest. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birder’s paradise with species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, Great Blue Turaco, and African Pitta (seasonal).
Drive south through the scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park with a possible stop at the Kazinga Channel for birding. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, arriving in the Ruhija or Buhoma sector for overnight.
Conclude your birding journey with a guided hike to Mubwindi Swamp, a high-altitude wetland and one of Uganda’s top birding hotspots. Look for the Grauer’s Broadbill, African Green Broadbill, and Rwenzori Turaco. After lunch, transfer to Kisoro Airstrip or drive to Entebbe for evening or next-day departure.
