Wings and Lenses 7Days Birding and Photography Safari in Uganda

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Shoebill Encounter at Mabamba Swamp

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a professional bird guide from Upcountry Safaris Uganda warmly welcomes you. Without delay, your adventure kicks off with an exciting visit to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most iconic birding sites. A local canoe ride through thick papyrus channels offers the thrilling opportunity to spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork in its natural habitat — a true photographic prize. You’ll also encounter other wetland treasures like the African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, and the elusive Papyrus Gonolek. As the sun sets over Lake Victoria, golden-hour lighting sets the perfect stage for landscape shots and relaxed lakeside moments.

Retreat for the night at 2 Friends Beach Hotel, where lakefront views and bird songs soothe your senses.

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal

After an early breakfast, begin your journey westward to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. This scenic drive winds through lush countryside, swaying tea plantations, crater lakes, and traditional homesteads — offering countless opportunities for road-side birding and cultural photography. En route, you may encounter species like the African Grey Parrot and Great Blue Turaco. Arriving near Kibale in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a relaxed evening walk around the lodge’s forested surroundings, spotting species like the Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo and African Emerald Cuckoo.

Your base for the next two nights is the stylish and nature-immersed Turaco Treetops Lodge, a true birder’s haven.

Day 3: Forest Birding in Kibale & Bigodi Wetland Photography

Today offers a full immersion in Uganda’s western rainforest treasures. The morning is dedicated to birding in Kibale Forest, a biodiversity hotspot known not just for chimpanzees but also for avian specialties like the Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-spotted Barbet, and White-naped Pigeon. For photographers, the filtered light of the forest provides a magical backdrop for capturing elusive species in their element. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an award-winning community conservation area teeming with wetland birds and primates. With elevated boardwalks and open clearings, it’s an ideal location for photography.

Overnight once again at Turaco Treetops Lodge, with time to review your captures under the forest canopy.

Day 4: Transfer to Budongo Forest via the Rift Escarpment

After breakfast, depart for Budongo Forest Reserve, a prime birding site situated within the Murchison Conservation Area. The drive follows the stunning Albertine Rift escarpment, offering spectacular photographic vistas over Lake Albert and prime roadside birding. Keep your eyes open for species like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, and Piapiac.

Arrive at Budongo Eco Lodge nestled inside the forest, where the sights and sounds of nature welcome you.

Take a leisurely evening bird walk around the lodge grounds, with chances of spotting forest robins, greenbuls, and sunbirds as you prepare for tomorrow’s main birding event.

Day 5: Birding on the Royal Mile & Busingiro Trail

This day is a birder’s and photographer’s paradise as you head out to the famed Royal Mile, Uganda’s most celebrated birding trail. The wide forest path and rich canopy make it excellent for both observation and photography. Your targets include Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, and White-thighed Hornbill. The slower pace ensures ample time for spotting, framing, and photographing key species in natural light. In the afternoon, continue to the Busingiro section of the forest, where you might encounter Ituri Batis, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, and Rufous-crowned Eremomela.

Return to Budongo Eco Lodge for a second overnight.

Day 6: Murchison Falls Birding, Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Bid farewell to Budongo and enter Murchison Falls National Park via the southern gate. As you traverse the park, enjoy a morning game drive filled with wildlife and birding delights. Capture stunning images of iconic savannah species like the Secretary Bird, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Red-throated Bee-eater, and the elusive Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. In the afternoon, board a private boat for a photography-rich cruise along the Nile to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Along the way, photograph Goliath Herons, African Fish Eagles, African Skimmers, and sunbathing Nile Crocodiles — with the thunderous falls as your dramatic backdrop.

Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge, where giraffes and other game frequently graze near the rooms.

Day 7: Top of the Falls & Return to Entebbe

Start the morning with a visit to the Top of Murchison Falls, where the entire Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge before crashing 43 meters down — a spectacular site for long-exposure photography and powerful nature shots. From here, begin your scenic return journey to Entebbe, with optional stops at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for White Rhinos and wetland bird species like the African Wattled Lapwing and White-crested Helmetshrike. Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon for your international departure or optional hotel drop-off if extending your stay.