10 days · Uganda
10-Day Birding at the Source of the Nile
A ten-day birding journey through Uganda's wetlands, forests and savannahs, from the Entebbe shoreline to Murchison Falls National Park, with chances to see the shoebill and many other species.
- Length
- 10 days
- Country
- Uganda
- Experiences
- Birdwatching · Boat Cruise · Boat Ride
Along this route
The world this journey moves through
Representative photography of the landscapes and wildlife on this route — tap any photo to view it full screen.
The route
How this journey unfolds, 8 stops in 10 days
Day by day
The journey, morning by morning
Welcome to Uganda
Airport transfer to your Entebbe hotel, with optional birding at the Wildlife Education Centre.
EntebbeEntebbe to Mabamba Wetland
An early boat visit to Mabamba Wetland in search of the shoebill, Lesser Jacana and Blue Swallow.
Mabamba WetlandBirding in Mabira Forest
Explore a forest reserve home to over 315 species, including Cassin's Hawk-Eagle and Nahan's Francolin.
Mabira ForestBirding in Mabira Forest
A second day observing forest and savannah species such as hornbills, eagles and pigeons.
Mabira ForestLake Kyoga
Birdwatching at this wetland with the chance to see shoebill, kingfishers and pelicans.
Lake KyogaLake Bisina and Tisai Island
A boat ride to Tisai Island to view hornbills, Fox Weaver and shoebill in the surrounding swamps.
Lake BisinaTransfer to Murchison Falls National Park
A scenic drive to Uganda's largest wildlife reserve, arriving in the afternoon.
Murchison Falls National ParkBirding, game drive and launch cruise
Morning birding with sightings such as the Secretary Bird, followed by a boat cruise on the Nile.
Murchison Falls National ParkBudongo Forest Reserve
A visit to Budongo to look for Puvel's Illadopsis and the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.
Budongo Forest ReserveTransfer to Entebbe
A final birding session by way of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before your airport transfer.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
What the price covers
Included and not included
Included
- All ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide and an experienced birding guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives, boat cruises and activities listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs
Provisional — this list is being confirmed with the operator and may change before booking.
Good to know
Questions travellers ask about this trip
- How long is the 10-Day Birding at the Source of the Nile and where does it start and end?
- 10 days across Uganda. The itinerary begins in Entebbe and its last night is at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary; we arrange the transfers at both ends around your flights.
- How fit do I need to be for this safari?
- No particular fitness is needed. This itinerary is largely vehicle-based — game drives, boat cruises and short walks — so it suits travellers of most ages and mobility levels. Tell us about anything we should plan around and we will shape the days accordingly.
- When is the best time to take this trip?
- June to August and December to February suit it best for the birding at Entebbe. Mabamba shoebill canoe trips run year-round; calmer water and firmer tracks in the drier windows. Palearctic migrants boost lists November to April. The route runs year round — the wetter months are greener and quieter, and only the forest walking really changes with the season.
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Ready when you are
Share your dates and party and we'll shape this journey around you — a real reply from the people who'll be driving.