5 Days Uganda Savannah Birding Safari

Canoe Birding, Savannah Birding & Beautiful Scenery

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Embark on a 5-day birding safari through Uganda’s savannahs, wetlands and lakeshores. You’ll explore urban bird sanctuaries, famous shoebill wetlands, rolling savannah in Lake Mburo, and quiet nature walks. Ideal for avid bird watchers wanting both rare species and scenic variety with moderate travel and early-morning starts.

Tour Highlights

Birding in Entebbe at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center & Botanical Gardens
Canoe birding in Mabamba Wetlands in search of the rare Shoebill Stork
Scenic stops along the Equator for photography & roadside birding
Savannah and wetland birding in Lake Mburo National Park on foot, by boat, and game drives
Early morning game drives & lakeside walks to catch species active at dawn

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Day 1: Birding in Entebbe & Botanical Gardens

Start early with a morning visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center to see a diversity of birds including weavers, flycatchers, masqued birds, and raptors. Then explore the Botanical Gardens and shoreline of Lake Victoria. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Mabamba Wetlands & Swamp Canoe Trip

After breakfast, travel to Mabamba Wetlands. Board a canoe to quietly approach papyrus fringes and open water lanes in search of the elusive Shoebill, plus herons, jacanas, ducks and water rails. Return in evening to Kampala or Entebbe.

Day 3: Enroute Birding & Transfer to Lake Mburo

Depart Entebbe after breakfast, stopping at the Equator Crossing for photos and roadside birding en route. Continue toward Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon arrival, then head out for a game drive or lakeshore walk.

Day 4: Lake Mburo Birding & Nature Walks

Rise early for a nature walk and birding around wetlands and woodland edges. Afternoon game drive along the Zebra Track or Kigambira Loop to find savannah and woodland bird species — sunbirds, barbets, parrots and more.

Day 5: Morning Drive & Return to Entebbe

Early morning game drive or lakeside walk to catch birds in low light (a good time for warblers, papyrus species, kingfishers). After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe / Kampala, stopping again for photo opportunities and final birding before departure.

Safari Locations

Entebbe / Kampala (urban gardens & wildlife education centre)
Mabamba Wetlands (swamp, papyrus, waterbirds)
Lake Victoria Shores & Botanical Gardens
Lake Mburo National Park (savannah, woodland, wetland edges)
Equator Crossing

Transport
Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, guided by an English-speaking professional driver.

Trekking Notes

Gorilla & chimpanzee permits included (UWA-issued).
Treks last 2–6 hours, depending on primate location.
Fitness level: moderate, with some uphill forest trekking.

Best Time to Visit
Dry seasons (June–September & December–February) are best for trekking, but safaris run year-round.

What to Pack
Hiking boots, rain jacket, long trousers, insect repellent, gloves, and a reusable water bottle.

Safari Package Includes

Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
Gorilla trekking & chimpanzee tracking permits
Budget lodges with full board (meals included)
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
Park entrance fees & ranger services

Excludes

International flights, visas, and travel insurance
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips and personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)