{"id":20291,"date":"2023-04-20T12:50:46","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T09:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tulambule.com\/?post_type=trip&p=20291"},"modified":"2025-04-28T02:09:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T23:09:21","slug":"5-days-uganda-birding-tour","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/tulambule.com\/old\/tour\/5-days-uganda-birding-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Amazing 5-Day Uganda Birding Tour: Shoebills, Green-Breasted Pitta, & Chimps"},"content":{"rendered":"

This brief\u00a05 Days Uganda Birding Tour\u00a0<\/strong>targets the\u00a0green-breasted pittas<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0shoebills<\/strong>. On this tour we will take you to Mabamba Swamp and\u00a0Kibale Forest<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to find these two of Uganda\u2019s mega-tick birds. It is an affordable\u00a0Uganda birding tour<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and can be modified to suit your interests and desires.<\/p>\n

\"Uganda
The Iconic Shoe bill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While our focus will be on these two iconic\u00a0birds of Uganda<\/strong>, you will also rack up many other wonderfully good-looking birds, such as blue swallow, great blue turaco, Grey-crowned crane, black bee-eater, papyrus Gonolek, \u00a0white-naped pigeon, afep pigeon, red-chested owlet, white-headed wood hoopoe, blue-throated roller, purple-headed starling, green-headed sunbirds, chestnut wattle-eye, white-collared oliveback, yellow-mantled weaver, bar-tailed trogon to mention a few.<\/p>\n

You will also trek for\u00a0chimpanzees in Kibale Forest\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>and possibly even bump into the mysterious potto.<\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Length:<\/strong>\u00a04 nights \/ 5 days (depending on departing flights)<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Mabamba Swamp and Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda<\/p>\n

Group Size:<\/strong>\u00a0Flexible, you tell us how many in your party<\/p>\n

Departure Dates:<\/strong>\u00a0To suit you<\/p>\n

Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Day 1:<\/strong>\u00a0Arrive In Entebbe Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens<\/p>\n

Day 2:<\/strong>\u00a0Search for the Mythical Shoebill and Transfer to Kibale Forest<\/p>\n

Day 3:<\/strong>\u00a0Birding and Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale Forest<\/p>\n

Day 4:<\/strong>\u00a0Birding in Kibale Forest, Bigodi Swamp, and afternoon departure back to Entebbe.<\/p>\n

Day 5:<\/strong>\u00a0Departure day<\/p>\n

Detailed Itinerary <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Day 1: Arrive In Entebbe Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Welcome To Uganda! \u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a Tulambule\u00a0Uganda Safaris\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>representative and transferred to nearby hotel in Entebbe city for your overnight accommodation.<\/p>\n

Entebbe<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is in central Uganda, about 40 km southwest of the capital city\u00a0Kampala<\/strong><\/a>, stunningly located on the shores of Lake Victoria (the world\u2019s largest tropical lake) on the magical Entebbe peninsula. The fresh air, relaxed pace of life and the warm tropical weather will make you feel instantly at home in the\u00a0Pearl of Africa.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The small city of Entebbe used to be the governmental seat of power before it transferred to Kampala. In fact, the word Entebbe in the local Luganda language actually means a seat. And the Ugandan president still has his official office and residence in Entebbe city.<\/p>\n

Birding Entebbe Botanical Gardens<\/strong><\/h4>\n

After settling into your hotel room, your Uganda birding tour begins with an excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This lakeside haven, brimming with vibrant blossoms, lush vegetation, and ancient trees, is also home to troops of Colobus Monkeys.<\/p>\n

Start your birding adventure by spotting Verreaux\u2019s eagle owls in tall trees near the entrance. As you move towards the lake\u2019s edge, keep an eye out for red-chested and orange-tufted sunbirds, along with the orange weaver. The shores of Lake Victoria host a variety of weavers, including northern brown-throated, Jackson\u2019s, golden-backed, and Vieillot\u2019s black weavers.<\/p>\n

By the water, marvel at species like African open-billed storks, black-headed herons, Hamerkop, giant and pied kingfishers, and swamp flycatchers. In the dense scrub, the red-chested sunbird and striking black-headed Gonolek are often spotted.<\/p>\n

In the evening, your guide will join you for dinner to review plans for the next leg of your Uganda birding tour\u2014a thrilling expedition to Mabamba Swamp to find the shoebill.<\/p>\n

Accommodation Options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Luxury:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Hotel No.5\/Lake Victoria Serena Resort\/Protea Hotel Entebbe<\/em><\/p>\n

Midrange:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Boma Hotel\/Lake Victoria Hotel\/2 Friends Beach Hotel<\/em><\/p>\n

Budget:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Airport Guest House<\/em><\/p>\n

Meal Plan:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Dinner<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 2: Search For The Shoebill And Transfer To Kibale Forest<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Birding Mabamba Swamp<\/strong><\/h4>\n

After an early breakfast in the hotel, we will check out and set off. Our first stop is the legendary\u00a0Mabamba Swamp<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on the shores of Lake Victoria.<\/p>\n

Mabamba is a highlight of any Uganda birding tour, located about an hour’s drive from Entebbe. It is one of the most reliable places to spot the shoebill, Africa\u2019s most sought-after bird. This vast wetland, spanning 16,500 hectares, is crisscrossed by channels that create an ideal habitat for countless waterbirds, including the iconic shoebill stork.<\/p>\n

Birding in Mabamba is conducted from a large canoe paddled by an experienced local guide. Navigating through the narrow swamp channels opens up opportunities to encounter various bird species such as Papyrus Gonolek, African Fish Eagle, malachite kingfisher, and winding cisticola.<\/p>\n

Other remarkable sightings may include African jacana, blue-breasted bee-eater, rufous-bellied heron, and even the rare and endangered blue swallow.<\/p>\n

The pinnacle of the Uganda birding tour experience in Mabamba is observing the enigmatic shoebill. With its massive shoe-shaped bill and piercing yellow eyes, this prehistoric-looking bird is truly fascinating and unforgettable.<\/p>\n

Transfer to Kibale<\/strong><\/h4>\n

After our morning adventure in Mabamba Swamp, we will proceed on a drive west towards Kibale Forest National Park. We will spend most of the afternoon getting there but will be able to bird along the way.<\/p>\n

We will travel through the central part of the country, passing the rural towns of Mityana, Mubende and Kyenjojo on the way. Arrive at the town of Fort Portal, situated at the base of the sweeping Ruwenzori Mountains.<\/p>\n

From Fort Portal, continue along the rolling hillside past scenic Crater Lakes to Kibale. We\u2019ll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening at the lodge near or inside Kibale Forest.<\/p>\n

Kibale Forest National Park is Uganda\u2019s premier\u00a0chimpanzee trekking<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>destination\u00a0\u2013 adjoining the northern edge of\u00a0Queen Elizabeth National Park<\/a><\/strong>. This 776km2 patch of evergreen rainforest marks a transition from typical high-altitude Afromontane to lowland forest and protects a diverse array of\u00a0Uganda wildlife,<\/strong>\u00a0including over 1,500 chimpanzees and 375 bird species.<\/p>\n

Beneath the thick canopy of the forest, the winding paths are widely recognized as some of the most picturesque on African continent, lined with a thick layer of shrubby undergrowth.<\/p>\n

The forest tracts are scattered with patches of grassland and swamp. On the fringes of the park, the\u00a0community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary\u00a0<\/strong>is a popular attraction for primate lovers and birders.<\/p>\n

Accommodation Options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Luxury:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Crater Safari Lodge\/Primate Lodge\/Kyaninga Lodge<\/em><\/p>\n

Midrange:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Kibale Forest Camp \/Chimpanzee Forest Lodge<\/em><\/p>\n

Budget:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Kibale Forest Camp\/Chimpanzee Forest Lodge<\/em><\/p>\n

Meal Plan:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 3: Birding & Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale Forest<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Search For Green-Breasted Pitta<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our start today in Kibale Forest Park will be pre-dawn essential as we have to listen for the first territorial calls of gorgeous green-breasted pitta.<\/p>\n

Breeding pittas are easier to find, as they call often, but non-breeding birds require much harder work.\u00a0 We will search the best territories and nesting areas, hoping to find one feeding on the forest floor.<\/p>\n

Please note that the BEST months to search for green-breasted pitta is February, March and early April and when breeding, mid-June, July and August.<\/p>\n

More Birding In Kibale<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Later in your Uganda birding tour, you\u2019ll venture into Kibale Forest National Park <\/a>to uncover its spectacular birding opportunities. This vibrant destination features a rich forest edge and nearby birding spots, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

Kibale\u2019s medium-altitude forests host extraordinary mixed-species flocks. You can spot unique birds like Afep pigeon, white-naped pigeon, red-chested owlet, and Narina trogon. Other notable sightings may include black bee-eater, white-headed wood hoopoe, dusky-blue flycatcher, and shrike-flycatcher.<\/p>\n

With its diverse avian population, Kibale offers endless birding delights, such as blue-throated roller, purple-headed starling, superb sunbird, green-headed sunbird, chestnut wattle-eye, and the yellow-mantled weaver, among others. This stop in Kibale is guaranteed to leave you in awe of Uganda’s birdlife treasures.<\/p>\n

Chimpanzee Tracking<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The towering Kibale Forest has the highest primate concentration and species diversity of any reserve in East Africa. Primate highlights might include sightings of red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, handsome L\u2019Hoest\u2019s monkey and the scruffy grey-cheeked mangabey.<\/p>\n

You will embark on a chimpanzee trek while in Kibale Forest, where the chances of finding our closest living relatives are excellent. You will see chimps in their natural environment and marvel at how similar they are to humans.<\/p>\n

Optional Activity:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In the early evening, you can do a night search for the potto, Africa\u2019s equivalent of the sloth. This is the best place in Africa to see potto. This unique night forest safari may also reveal 3 species of bush baby (galagos) and various small carnivores and ungulates.<\/p>\n

Accommodation Options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Luxury:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Crater Safari Lodge\/Primate Lodge\/Kyaninga Lodge<\/em><\/p>\n

Midrange:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Kibale Forest Camp \/Chimpanzee Forest Lodge<\/em><\/p>\n

Budget:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Kibale Forest Camp\/Chimpanzee Forest Lodge<\/em><\/p>\n

Meal Plan:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 4: Birding In Kibale Forest, Bigodi Swamp, And Afternoon Departure Back To Entebbe.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Today provides another chance during your Uganda birding tour<\/a> to spot the elusive green-breasted pitta if it remained unseen the previous day. Should you have already encountered it, your focus shifts to discovering other delightful species in the area.<\/p>\n

The morning includes a birding walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an award-winning community initiative. This project protects the environment while supporting local health, education, and economic growth. The boardwalk through the marsh offers sightings of species like yellow-spotted barbet, white-spotted flufftail, and western nicator.<\/p>\n

Additional highlights may include grey-winged robin-chat, superb sunbird, and brown-throated wattle-eye. After lunch, your Uganda birding tour concludes with a scenic return drive to Entebbe, birding en route.<\/p>\n

Optional Activity:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You can choose to go for a guided cultural walk in Bigodi Village \u2013 (home of two tribes). Here, you will discover the Uganda rural village accompanied by a professional English-speaking local guide.<\/p>\n

You will also visit traditional healer who happily shares his knowledge about herbs, plants and local medicines. You can also visit the homes of elderly men and women who tell interesting stories about birth, marriage, ceremonies, clans and traditional rural life.<\/p>\n

En route, you are given the chance to experience the Ugandan school system and tour Bigodi\u2019s trading centre, a hub of rural life and activity.<\/p>\n

Accommodation Options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Luxury:<\/strong>\u00a0Hotel No.5\/Lake Victoria Serena Resort\/Protea Hotel Entebbe<\/p>\n

Midrange:<\/strong>\u00a0Boma Hotel\/Lake Victoria Hotel\/2 Friends Beach Hotel<\/p>\n

Budget:\u00a0<\/strong>Airport Guest House<\/p>\n

Meal Plan:<\/strong>\u00a0Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner<\/p>\n

Note: Anyone departing on a late flight tonight (after 21h00) will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 5: Departure Day<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After your final breakfast, you will be driven to Entebbe International Airport to continue your African adventures or start heading back home. Thanks you for choosing us<\/p>\n

End Of The Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n

Note:\u00a0<\/strong>Our\u00a0Uganda safari prices<\/strong>\u00a0include all services rendered by us, and we only generate revenue if you book a safari with us. Going directly to the lodges will not save you money because we earn volume-based discounts from them and can always access the best prices \u2013 for your benefit.<\/p>\n

Safari Inclusions:<\/strong><\/h3>\n