5 Days Bird Watching Safari Mabamba And Murchison Falls
Discover Uganda’s avian treasures on this intense 5-day birding safari, exploring the globally renowned Mabamba Swamp and the biodiversity expanse of Murchison Falls National Park. Designed for serious birding enthusiasts, this itinerary promises encounters with rare and endemic species, including the elusive Shoebill, as well as Uganda’s diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands to savannahs.
Plan of a journey
Upon arrival, we'll check-in at the lodge, freshen up, and enjoy a meal. Afterwards, we'll embark on an exciting Mabamba Swamp Excursion to spot the elusive Shoebill and other bird species at the Mabamba Ramsar site-listed wetland renowned for its avian diversity.
Board a motorized canoe to navigate through papyrus channels in search of the Shoebill, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, and Black Crake.
Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch amid the swamp’s serene atmosphere, spotting various waterfowl, herons, and egrets.
Evening: Return to Entebbe and check into your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation:
2 Friends Beach Hotel, or Papyrus Guesthouse.
Morning: After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, passing through the lush landscapes of central Uganda.
Birding stops en route may include the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary(optional) for species like the Papyrus Gonolek and the White-crested Turaco.
Afternoon: Arrive in Murchison Falls, check in to your lodge, and bird watch around the park’s savannah and riverine forests.
Evening: Relax with dinner, preparing for the next day’s explorations.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge, or Fort Murchison.
Morning: Early game drive through the park’s savannah, woodlands, and Borassus palms. Spot birds like the Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Black-headed Lapwing, Silverbird, and African Quail-Finch. Keep an eye out for iconic mammals as you explore.
Afternoon: After lunch, embark on a boat cruise to the Nile Delta, a prime birding location. Look for Goliath Herons, African Skimmers, Grey-crowned Cranes, and the rare Shoebill.
Evening:
Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Morning: Visit the Top of Murchison Falls for breathtaking views and birding along the cliffs. Spot Rock Pratincoles, Bat Hawks, and Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters.
Afternoon: Explore the park’s escarpments and forests, focusing on raptors like the Martial Eagle and Palm-nut Vulture, as well as forest specialists like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.
Evening: Conclude the day with dinner and a relaxed evening at the lodge.
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Entebbe with birding stops along the way, including Budongo Forest for Greenbuls, African Grey Parrots, and the Puvel’s Illadopsis.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch en route and arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon. Transfer to the airport or your hotel for departure.
Cost Includes
- Professional birding guide and 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Full-time English-speaking Driver guide
- Park entrance fees
- Bird watching fees
- Game drive and Boat Ride
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Canoe excursion fees
Cost Exludes
- International flights and domestic flights
- Items of personal nature
- Tips and other activities not mentioned
- Drinks and beverages of alcoholic nature
- Optional activities
- Rhino tracking