5 Day Uganda Savannah Birding Safari

Birding at Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) and Botanical Gardens

Your 5-day Uganda Birding Safari begins with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center, formerly known as the zoo. Here, you’ll encounter over 170 species of wild birds, including 10 species of weavers such as the rare Northern Masked Weaver, Golden Backed, and many others. You’ll also see 5 species of flycatchers and various raptors like the Gabar Goshawk, African Fish Eagle, and African Hobby. Afterward, you’ll head to the Botanical Gardens for another birding session, followed by an evening visit to the sewage lagoons. You’ll return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

• Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse
• Meals: All meals included

Birding at Mabamba Wetland

After an early breakfast, you will take a boat to Namugabo near Mabamba Swamps, where the largest population of Shoebills has been recorded. Most of the birding here is done by canoe. In addition to Shoebills, you may spot species such as the African Water Rail, Long-toed Plover, Goliath Heron, and Yellow-billed Duck. You might also see the Sitatunga Antelope, which is adapted to swamp habitats. En route to Kampala, stop by another swamp to spot birds like the Papyrus Gonolek and Weyns Weaver. You’ll have a packed lunch and continue birding in the evening, returning to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

• Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse
• Meals: All meals included

Drive to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photos and birdwatching. As you enter the park through Nshara Gate, expect to see species like the Crested Francolin, Bare-faced Go-Away Bird, and Lilac-breasted Roller. You’ll have lunch at Rwonyo Restaurant before embarking on a late afternoon game drive along the Zebra Track, where you might spot birds like the Black-bellied Bustard and Flappet Lark.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock / Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
• Meals: All meals included

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

After an early breakfast, you’ll take a nature walk, encountering several species of wetland and savannah birds, as well as Impalas. After lunch, you’ll go on an evening game drive along the Kigambira loop, where you might spot the localized Red-faced Barbet, Red-headed Lovebird, and Black-collared Barbet. You’ll return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock / Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
• Meals: All meals included

Morning Game Drive and Return to Kampala/Entebbe

You’ll start the day with an early morning game drive along the Lakeside Track, focusing on aquatic habitats around Lake Mburo. Species to look out for include the White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, and the elusive Shoebill. You’ll return midmorning for breakfast before proceeding on a launch cruise to search for additional papyrus species and observe Hippos and Crocodiles. Afterward, you’ll drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping for lunch along the way.