Great blue turaco perched on a tree branch.

5 Days Uganda Birding Tour

Description

Uganda is home to a variety of bird species and wildlife and is the best destination in East Africa where you can see the shoebill stork while on a safari. The shoebill stork can be sighted in different areas in Uganda including Mabamba swamp along lake Victoria close to Entebbe or Kampala, Murchison falls national park along the banks of the Nile River in the Delta area, Ishasha sector in the southern end of Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth national park, Lugogo swamp in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Mburo national park, Semliki national park close to lake Albert and also in Nabajuzi swamp in Masaka district. Due to peace, safety, security and easy accessibility of the birding locations, Uganda is considered the best destination in Africa for sighting the shoebill stork bird.

Shoebill Stock

Besides being sighted in Uganda the shoebill stork can also be viewed in Kenya, south western Ethiopia, Northern Cameroon, Botswana, Upper Congo River, Sudan, and Zambia among others.

Highlights

Day 1: Bird in Entebbe Areas (UWEC, Botanical Gardens, Lake Victoria Shores)
Day 2 : Birding in Mabamba Wetlands
Day 3:  Kampala – Lake Mburo National Park
Day 4: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Day 5: Return to Kampala

Day 1
Take breakfast then go birding to The Uganda Wildlife Education center (UWEC) formerly known as the Zoo. This has attracted over 170 species of wild birds 10 species of Weavers such as the rare Northern Masked Weaver, Golden Backed, African paradise, Baglafect  Northern Brown Throated, Grosbeak, Black Necked and many others.  5 species of flycatchers, Red bellied, Crested shrike flycatcher, Lead colored, Swamp flycatcher, and many others. Encounter Raptors such as the Gabar Goshawk, small banded snake Eagle, Shikra, African Goshawk, African Fish Eagle, African Hobby and many more species including captive animals. Proceed to Botanical gardens for another birding experience. Have lunch relax as you move forward to the evening visit to the sewage lagoons. Return for Dinner and Overnight.

 Day 2:
Have breakfast then proceed to Namugabo near Mabamba swamps with the biggest population of shoebills recorded on a single day. Most of the birding is done canoeing.  Other species to be seen may include Squacco, African water Rail, long Toed Plover, Goliath, Purple, Herons, Pygmy Goose, Yellow Billed Duck, White Faced Whistling Duck, Grey and Black Headed Heron Moorhen, Allen’s Gallinule, Black Crake, African Jacana among others. Sitatunga Antelope (swamp Antelope) and many more. En route to Kampala stop by another swamp this may reveal Papyrus Gonolek, White winged Warbler, Yellow Crowned Bishop, Weyns Weaver, and many more have a packed lunch and go ahead birding as you take an evening in Dinner and Overnight in Kampala.

 Day 3:
Take breakfast and transfer to Lake Mburo National park. The park is situated in western Uganda. Briefly stop at the equator, proceed to Lake Mburo, birding to the entrance of Nshara gate.  Expect the following Common Scimitarbill, species; Emerald Spotted Wood Dove, Bare faced Go-Away Bird, Crested Francolin, Green Wood Hoopoe, Lilac breasted Roller, Spot-Flanked Barbet Northern Black Tit, Common Scimitarbill, Trilling Cisticola, Greater Blue Eared Starling, African Grey Hornbill, Brown Parrot may be seen. Take lunch at Rwonyo Restaurant. After lunch, embark on late afternoon game drive along the Zebra Track which may expose you to species like Coqui Francolin, Black Bellied Bustard, Temmricks Courser, African Wattled Plover, Rufous napped Rufous, Chested Swallow and Flappet Lark, etc. Look out also for evasive Leopard and other nocturnal species. Back for Dinner and Overnight.

Day 4:
Have an early morning Breakfast, embark on a nature walk encountering several species of wetland and savanna species of birds, Impalas among others. Return for lunch head for evening game drive along the Kigambira loop. Species to expect are; localized Red Faced Barbet, Red Headed lovebird, Black Collared Barbet, Green capped Eremomela and Lead colored Flycatcher. Back for Dinner and overnight.

Day 5:
We move on for an early morning game drive along the Lakeside Track. This entails approach to Aquatic habitats around Lake Mburo. Species to expect may include, White Winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Lesser and Greater Swamp Warbler and also the elusive Shoebill, the Blue headed Coucal. Continue to the lakeside campground, as we look out for the African Darter, African Water Rail, African Fin foot, Spur winged plovers, and many others. Return midmorning for breakfast and proceed for a launch- cruise in search for papyrus species missed, Hippos, Crocodiles are the extras expected. Set off birding to Kampala but take a stop over in Masaka town for Lunch before you proceed to Kampala.

Includes

  • Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport
  • Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle
  • (Minibus)
  • English speaking driver/guide
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on
  • a shared twin/double room
  • Meals as described in the itinerary
  • Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
  • Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks
  • Activities and excursions mentioned in the program
  • Permit for chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
  • Detailed map of Uganda
  • AMREF Evacuation Air Ambulance insurance
  • VAT for hotels and lodges outside Kampala

Excludes

  • International flight
  • Visa (USD $50, available online before
  • arrival)
  • Gorilla permit
  • Optional activities
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned above
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips