3 Days Bird watching safari Uganda
Experience the thrilling adventure of a 3-day bird-watching safari in Uganda and explore some of the most stunning bird-watching spots in the country. This immersive tour will take you on a journey through the breathtaking Mabamba Wetlands near Lake Victoria, the lush greenery of Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and the vibrant Mabira Forest Reserve along the Kampala-Jinja Highway east of the capital, Kampala.
This birding safari includes two nights of comfortable accommodation, mouth-watering meals, and convenient transportation that begins and ends in Kampala or Entebbe. Get ready to be awed by the rich birdlife and diverse ecosystem of Uganda as you uncover the hidden gems of Mabamba Swamp in Entebbe and Mabira Forest Reserve on this extensive three-day bird watching tour.
Highlights of the 3-Day Bird Watching safari Uganda
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Mabira Forest Reserve for bird watching.
Day 2: Transfer to Entebbe Botanical Gardens for Bird Watching
Day 3: Transfer to Mabamba wetland For bird watching, go back to the hotel or Entebbe International Airport.
A 3 Day Detailed Itinerary for bird watching safari in Uganda
Day 1: Travel to Mabira Forest Reserve for Bird watching from Kampala
Depart from Kampala after breakfast and head to Mabira Forest Reserve, which is close to the city centre, about 1 to 2 hours away. Along the way, stop over at Ssezibwa Falls in Mukono to spot some bird species, such as Kingfishers, and later connect to the eco-tourism centre at Mabira. Here, you’ll meet the bird guides and begin your birding adventure with the expectation of spotting interesting bird species since the forest boasts over 315 recorded bird species in the conservation, with 74 out of the 144 species of Guinea-Congo Forest Biome that occur in Uganda. The forest has well-established and interesting trails such as the Turaco trail, Red-tailed monkey trail and Buttress trails, which makes sightings of birds more clear for you to see a variety of bird species like the Purple-Throated Cuckoo-shrikes, Yellow Longbill, Grey-headed Sunbirds, Nahan’s Francolin, Jameson’s Wattleye, Tit Hylia, Black-headed Heron, Black-shouldered Kite, Forest-wood Hoopoe, Grey Parrot, Marabou Stork, Red-chested, Black, African Emerald and Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Hairy-breasted, Yellow-spotted, and Yellow-billed Barbet; Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Speckled, Yellow-throated, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird; Yellow-crested, Buff-spotted, and Brown-eared Woodpecker, Toro Olive; Plain, Little, and Honeyguide Greenbul; Sooty Boubou; Chestnut Wattle-eye Yellow-eyed Bristlebill and many more. While in the forest, you are guaranteed to see different species such as plants, trees, butterflies, and animal species, especially primates such as Black and White Colobus monkeys, Uganda Mangabey, Vervet monkeys and many others. After lunch, you may opt for another activity, such as a zip-lining experience at Griffin Falls Camp, before returning to Kampala for dinner and an overnight stay.
Destination:
Mabira Forest
Accommodation:
Speke Resort Munyonyo (Luxury)
Mestil Hotel (mid-range)
Hotel Diplomat (Budget)
Day 2: Travel to Entebbe Botanical Gardens for Bird watching at the Wildlife Life Education Centre
On the second day of our exciting trip, we will start the day with a delicious breakfast, and then head towards the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which is considered one of the best bird-watching sites in Uganda. The gardens are home to a wide variety of bird species, and you expect to spot some of the most beautiful and rare birds like Red-eyed Dove, Diederik, Klaas’s, Red-chested and African Emerald Cuckoo, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Yellow-billed Stork, Eastern Grey Plantain-Eater, Hadada Ibis, African Jacana, African Fish Eagle, Gull-billed Tern Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed Duck, Purple-banded, Superb, Green-headed, Olive, Olive-bellied, Scarlet-chested and Red-chested Sunbird, Congo-pied, Crowned and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, among others. The gardens are spread over 40 hectares and consist of many different habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and open grasslands. You can explore the gardens on foot or by a guided tour, which is highly recommended for bird-watching enthusiasts. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of the gardens while spotting the birds.
After a rewarding morning at the botanical gardens, we will head to the nearby Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, where you can learn more about the wildlife of Uganda. The centre is dedicated to educating people about the country’s diverse wildlife and conservation efforts. You’ll get to see various animals and their habitats up-close, and learn about their behaviours, diets, and other interesting facts. You will return to your hotel in the evening, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring for the night.
Destination:
Botanical Gardens Entebbe and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
Accommodation:
Speke Resort Munyonyo – (Luxury)
Mestil Hotel (mid-range)
Hotel Diplomat (Budget)
Day 3: Bird watching in Mabamba Wetland and return to the Hotel-Entebbe International Airport
On the final day of your 3-day bird-watching safari in Uganda, begin by indulging in a scrumptious breakfast that will fuel you for the day’s adventure. After that, take a drive to Mabamba Bay, where you can board a boat or canoe to enter the tranquil Mabamba Wetland. Your final bird-watching tour will take you on a journey through the wetland’s intricate ecosystem, where you can witness a diverse range of bird species in their natural habitat.
The elusive Shoebill Storks, with their distinctive bill and impressive size, are a highlight that you won’t want to miss. Keep your eyes peeled for other fascinating species such as the sought-after Shoebill Stork, Blue Swallow, Lesser Jacana, Vieillot’s weaver, Grosbeak Weaver, White-shouldered Tit, Papyrus Gonolek, Rufous-naped Lark, Sooty Chat, Lizard Buzzard, Grassland Pipit, African Swamphen, Northern-brown Throated, Slender-billed, and Black-headed weaver, White-faced Whistling Duck, Swamp Flycatcher, African Water Rail, Squacco heron, Grey-headed Gull, Blue-breasted Bee-eaters, Long-toed and Spur-winged Lapwing, Weyns’s Weaver, Madagascar bee-eater, Saddle-billed Stork, African Marsh Harrier, Cape Wagtail, among others. As the sun begins to set on a day filled with thrilling birdwatching experiences, we will make our way back to the hotel or take a scenic drive to Entebbe airport, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable 3-day birding safari adventure in Uganda. You’ll have the chance to relive the highlights of the day’s sightings, from the vibrant plumage of the African pygmy kingfisher to the majestic wingspan of the African fish eagle. As we bid farewell to the stunning landscapes and diverse bird species of Uganda, you’ll carry with you memories that will last a lifetime.
Destination:
Mabamba Wetland
Accommodation: End of Tour
The cost of the 3-day bird-watching safari in Uganda
Includes:
Bird-watching experiences
Entry fees
Bottled drinking water
Travel in a 4×4 Safari Van/Land Cruiser
English-speaking guide
Canoe or boat ride at Mabamba swamp
Any relevant government taxes
All activities mentioned above only
Excludes:
– Tipping
laundry services
– Visa fees
– Cigarettes
– Airfares and flight fees
Telephone bills
Personal Insurance
Other drinks or beverages
Optional or extra activities
Shopping bills
Items to pack for your 3-day bird-watching safari in Uganda:
large brimmed hat
– Snacks
Good camera
– Sunscreen
– Sun hat
– Safari clothes
– Pair of binoculars
– Light rain jacket
Insect repellents, drinks or beverages
-Optional or extra activities
-Shopping bills