5 Days Bird Watching Safari: Mabamba & Murchison Falls

Track Uganda’s most iconic birds from swamp to savannah

Discover Uganda’s avian treasures on this intense 5-day birding safari. Designed for dedicated bird enthusiasts, this experience traverses the iconic Mabamba Swamp and the biodiversity-rich landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. Spot the elusive Shoebill and over 450 bird species while navigating wetlands, savannahs, and riverine forests with an expert birding guide.

Highlights

Motorized canoe birding safari in Mabamba Swamp

Shoebill, African Jacana, and Malachite Kingfisher sightings

Game drive and Nile Delta boat cruise in Murchison Falls

Top of the Falls birdwatching experience

Escarpment and forest birding for raptors and forest specialists

Guide Price

From $1,942 per person

Includes all ground transportation

Itinerary Details

DAY 1

Arrival & Mabamba Swamp Excursion

• Morning: Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to your hotel. Freshen up and prepare for your first excursion.

• Afternoon: Head to Mabamba Swamp for a canoe birding tour in search of the Shoebill and other rare species. Enjoy a packed lunch in the wetlands.

• Evening: Return to your hotel in Entebbe for dinner and rest. Overnight at 2 Friends Beach Hotel or Papyrus Guesthouse.

DAY 2

Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

• Morning: Depart after breakfast for a scenic journey to Murchison Falls. Optional birding stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

• Afternoon: Check into Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison and begin birding around the lodge area.

• Evening: Dinner and relaxation at the lodge.

DAY 3

Game Drive & Nile Delta Cruise

• Morning: Birding game drive across savannah landscapes. Look for Lapwings, Bee-eaters, and Quail-Finches among others.

• Afternoon: Boat cruise to the Nile Delta. Spot Goliath Herons, African Skimmers, and Shoebills.

• Evening: Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 4

Top of the Falls & Escarpment Birding

• Morning: Visit the Top of the Falls. Spot Rock Pratincoles and Bat Hawks.

• Afternoon: Birding around escarpments and forest edge habitats. Look for raptors and forest specialists like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.

• Evening: Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

DAY 5

Return to Entebbe with En Route Birding

• Morning: Breakfast and optional visit to Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves.

• Afternoon: Stop for lunch in Mbarara. Drive continues back to Entebbe.

• Evening: Drop-off at hotel or airport in Entebbe.

Customize This Itinerary to Fit Your Interests

CUSTOMIZE THIS TRIP

We've Got You Covered

We design high-quality, immersive experiences that prioritize both comfort and authenticity. Our pricing reflects the full value of the trip, covering most major costs upfront on a per-person basis—including accommodations, ground transfers, and guided activities. Some trips may also include domestic flights. This way, you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Includes

• Professional birding guide and 4x4 safari vehicle

• Full-board accommodation

• All meals as per itinerary

• English-speaking driver/guide

• Park entry and bird watching fees

• Game drive and Nile boat ride

• Canoe excursion at Mabamba Swamp

Excludes

• International and domestic flights

• Personal expenses and tips

• Rhino tracking at Ziwa (optional)

• Optional activities not listed

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