Arali ugandaGuided Birding
Local expert bird guide helping you spot, identify, and understand each habitat and species.
12-Day Uganda Birding Safari
Guided birdwatching across Uganda’s wetlands, forests, and Albertine Rift hotspots.
What’s Included in Your Birding Days
Every day balances early-morning birding sessions, scenic stops, and comfortable overnight stays.
Wetlands & Forest Walks
Focused sessions at marshes, lake edges, and rainforest trails for maximum species variety.
Photography Support
Practical advice on camera settings, vantage points, and safe viewing for great photos.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Places to visit every day, with what you’ll be doing.
Day 1 — Arrival: Entebbe & Gardens
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, transfer to your hotel, then do an evening birding walk at Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Look for Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, and Orange Weaver. Recommended stay: Papyrus Guest House Entebbe, Boma Hotel Entebbe, or Protea Hotel Entebbe.
Day 2 — Mabamba Wetlands (Shoebill Target)
Early transfer to Mabamba swamp for a guided canoe session targeting Shoebill. Continue with water-edge birding for African Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Long-toed Lapwing, and Malachite Kingfisher, then return to Entebbe for checklist review. Recommended stay: Papyrus Guest House Entebbe or Boma Hotel Entebbe.
Day 3 — Transfer to Kibale (Forest Entrance)
Drive to Kibale/Fort Portal with birding stops in roadside wetlands and farmland. Afternoon forest-edge session and briefing on mixed-species flocks. Species often seen include Black-headed Gonolek, Speckled Mousebird, and Augur Buzzard. Recommended stay: Isunga Lodge, Turaco Treetops, or Chimpundu Lodge.
Day 4 — Kibale & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Morning Kibale forest birding for Green-breasted Pitta (seasonal), African Pitta (seasonal), and Yellow-spotted Nicator; afternoon Bigodi wetland walk for Great Blue Turaco, White-spotted Flufftail, and papyrus species. Optional night walk for owls. Recommended stay: Isunga Lodge or Turaco Treetops.
Day 5 — Crater Lakes & Birding Stopovers
Bird through crater-lake landscapes around Fort Portal, scanning for raptors such as Crowned Eagle and African Harrier-Hawk, plus sunbirds and barbets in forest edges. Afternoon session near lodge gardens and nearby trails. Recommended stay: Chimpundu Lodge or Turaco Treetops.
Day 6 — Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with stopovers for roadside birding. Afternoon game-viewing bird drive in open savannah for Saddle-billed Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and raptors; mammals often include elephant, buffalo, and Uganda kob. Recommended stay: Elephant Plains Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, or Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 7 — Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Morning Kazinga Channel boat cruise for African Skimmer, Pink-backed Pelican, Pied Kingfisher, and many herons/egrets. Afternoon guided shoreline walk and acacia birding for shrikes and bee-eaters. Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are commonly seen. Recommended stay: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 8 — Kasenyi Plains & Game-Drive Birding
Sunrise game drive in Kasenyi plains for bustards, coursers, and larks, with chances for lions and hyenas. Afternoon session targets woodland and wet patches for weavers and widowbirds; sunset raptor scanning on open plains. Recommended stay: Buffalo Safari Lodge or Elephant Plains Lodge.
Day 9 — Lake Mburo National Park
Transfer to Lake Mburo and do evening birding around acacia woodland and lake edges. Expect African Finfoot (boat sections), Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and Rufous-bellied Heron (seasonal), plus zebra, impala, and eland. Recommended stay: Rwakobo Rock, Mburo Safari Lodge, or Mihingo Lodge.
Day 10 — Transfer to Bwindi (Albertine Rift)
Morning departure to Bwindi with birding along highland roads and valley viewpoints. Afternoon forest-edge session in Buhoma/Ruhija area targeting Albertine Rift specialties. Recommended stay: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse, or Bakiga Lodge.
Day 11 — Bwindi Forest Birding Walks
Full-day guided birding in Bwindi trails for African Green Broadbill (site/season dependent), Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, and many forest warblers. Afternoon photography break and optional short second walk near lodge. Recommended stay: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, or Bakiga Lodge.
Day 12 — Departure via Entebbe
Early departure to Entebbe with en-route birding and equator stop for lunch and souvenirs. Final airport transfer for your departure flight. Optional day-use room can be arranged in Entebbe depending on flight schedule.
Pricing & Booking
Prices vary by season, group size, and lodge comfort level.
Mid-range Birding (12 Days)
Comfortable lodges, guided birding sessions, and park fees.
Best for travelers who want great birding at a balanced budget.
Luxury Birding (12 Days)
Upgraded lodges, more private vehicle time, and enhanced comfort.
Ideal for families and photographers wanting extra relaxation.
Request Availability
Send your travel dates and we’ll propose the best route for the birds you want.