Uganda Birding Introduction Tour
This tour was designed for birding enthusiasts seeking to explore Uganda’s unique bird species within a 3-day timeframe. Packed with regional specials, this Uganda birding tour promises an unforgettable experience. We’ve carefully chosen the destinations and works as a great starter or introduction to birding in Uganda. The itinerary spans various habitats, highlighting the diverse beauty of Uganda. Join us on this remarkable little adventure and discover first-hand why our Uganda birding tours are so highly praised.
Day 1: Mabamba Swamp
After collecting you from either Entebbe or Kampala, we’ll start to tour by driving to Mabamba Swamp for a fun morning of birding with a big target – the Shoebill.
Nestled alongside Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is a haven for birdwatchers, harbouring the elusive Shoebill and over 300 other bird species. Our leisurely boat trip through the labyrinth of channels will focus on spotting notable birds like the Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed Duck, Common Greenshank, White-winged Warbler, Swamp Flycatcher, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Malachite Kingfisher, and Carruther’s Cisticola.
After a rewarding morning, we’ll transfer to our next destination: Lake Mburo National Park.
Where you will be staying: Rwakobo Rock
Day 2 & 3: Lake Mburo National Park
We’ll have a whole day and a morning to explore the beautiful Lake Mburo National Park for some excellent birding.
Lake Mburo sprawls across 370 square kilometres in western Uganda, boasting diverse habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife and birdlife. Home to over 350 bird species, notable sightings include the White-backed Night- Heron, African Finfoot, African Darter, Northern Brown-Throated Weaver, Purple Heron, Palm-nut Vulture, Black Crake, Knobbed-billed Duck, Red-faced Barbet, Black-collared Barbet, Crested Barbet, Abyssinian Ground-hornbill, among others.
A highlight will be a boat ride on Lake Mburo, where we’ll see African Fish Eagles in their element, highlighting their hunting prowess against the stunning backdrop of the lake.
On our final day, after lunch, we’ll transfer back to Entebbe/Kampala.
Where you will be staying: Rwakobo Rock
Cost:
The above cost is based on a small group. This is not scheduled as a group tour. Please get in touch if you’d like us to arrange a private tailor made tour.
Tour pace:
Slow/medium – this tour was designed as an introduction tour, so birding is done at a leisurely pace, without over-exerting to gain a huge count, although no doubt you will garner a large count. A more of a birder trip, as opposed to a twitchers.
Tour difficulty:
Easy– some on-foot birding, but most activities achieved via safari vehicle.
Cost:
The above cost is based on a small group. This is not scheduled as a group tour. Please get in touch if you’d like us to arrange a private tailor made tour.
Best time of year to visit:
All year round.
Sustainability:
At Sustainable Birding, our goal is to ensure that every birding holiday we create contributes positively to bird conservation efforts and local communities. Our determination to promote sustainable travel led us to become founding members of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency. As part of this commitment, we have established the world’s pioneering carbon scoring and offsetting framework for tailor-made holidays. Feel free to request us to carbon score your individual trip!
Tour Leader:
Arshley is a friendly and passionate nature enthusiast, who was born and raised in Uganda’s renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, where his father served as an interpretive nature guide. Arshley’s fascination with wildlife ignited at the age of 7, inspired by the wild animals that freely roamed around his family home.
Driven by his early passion, Arshley pursued academic studies, excelling at an advanced level and earning a scholarship to the International University of East Africa. There, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Operations and Forestry, followed by a master’s in Forestry—a field he pursued with deep dedication.
Prior to joining any Safari Company, Arshley’s father, a seasoned guide, provided comprehensive training on East Africa’s birds, tree species, defensive driving skills, mammals, and tourist attractions. This extensive knowledge uniquely equipped Arshley to become a proficient and well-rounded nature safari guide.
Arshley Brian holds the status of a qualified member of the Uganda Safari Guides Association and serves as the Chairman of the Uganda Botany World, along with being the current secretary of the Uganda Bird Guides Club. His birding expertise is reflected in his attendance at various bird watching courses, boasting a personal identification level of 997 Ugandan bird species.
In 2016, Arshley actively participated in Uganda’s Big Birding Day, securing the second-best position and gaining recognition at the First African Birding Expo as Uganda’s youngest Tour Guide. Notably, Arshley’s fondness for the Green-breasted Pitta stands out as his favorite bird. His commitment to birding and comprehensive knowledge makes him a sought-after guide for those seeking immersive birding experiences in Uganda.
Bird species highlights:
- Shoebill
- Papyrus Gonolek
- Yellow-billed Duck
- Common Greenshank
- White-winged Warbler
- Swamp Flycatcher
- African Jacana
- Lesser Jacana
- Blue-breasted Bee-eater
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Carruther’s Cisticola
- White-backed Night-Heron
- African Finfoot
- African Darter
- Northern Brown-Throated Weaver
- Purple Heron
- Palm-nut Vulture
- Black Crake
- Knobbed-billed Duck
- Red-faced Barbet
- Black-collared Barbet
- Crested Barbet
- Abyssinian Ground-hornbill
- African Fish Eagle
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DepartureKampala/Entebbe
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IncludedAirport transfers.Private safari 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with a 'pop-up' roof!Accommodation as shownFull-board basis (breakfast, lunch & dinner).All national park entrance fees.Professional English-speaking bird guide/driver .Mineral water in the vehicle.Wi-fi in the vehicle.
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Not IncludedInternational flights.Optional activities unless specified as included.Excess baggage charges.Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages.Visas
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