4 Days Birding Mabamba Swamp
This 4-day birding safari takes you to Mabamba Swamp and Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. Murchison Falls is ranked one of Africa’s top birding destinations, with over 450 bird species and diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, and hippos.
Expect to spot a wide range of bird species, including:
Rare Shoebill Stork
Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird)
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Black-headed Lapwing, Senegal Thick-Knee
Kingfishers (Malachite, Giant, Woodland, Pygmy, Striped)
Bee-eaters (Red-throated, Northern Carmine)
Black-headed Gonolek, Silver Bird, Forest Robin, Nahan’s Francolin
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Birding at Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Masindi
- Day 2: Birding in Budongo Forest
- Day 3: Birding in Northern Murchison Falls & Nile Boat Cruise
- Day 4: Hike to Top of Murchison Falls & Return to Kampala.
Day 01 :Birding at Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Masindi
Your English-speaking birding guide will pick you up from your hotel or residence in Kampala/Entebbe after breakfast. Transfer to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best birding spots in Africa, famous for the rare Shoebill Stork.
Bird Species to Spot at Mabamba Swamp:
Shoebill Stork
Grey Heron, Egrets, Squacco Heron
Jacanas, Ducks, Rufous-bellied Heron
Pallid Harrier, Blue Swallow
After an exciting boat cruise through the swamp, return to the dock and enjoy lunch before proceeding to Masindi via the Kampala–Luwero route. Enjoy views of grasslands, woodlands, cattle farms, and local markets along the way.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: New Court View Hotel, Pross Residence, Kabalega Resort
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 02 : Birding in Budongo Forest – Royal Mile
After breakfast, depart from Masindi and transfer to Budongo Forest, one of Uganda’s prime birding hotspots.
The Royal Mile Birding Trail offers spectacular sightings of forest and canopy birds.
Bird Species to Spot in Budongo Forest:
Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Ituri Batis, Tit Hylia
Forest Robin, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo
Uganda Woodland Warbler, Yellow-spotted Barbet
Black-capped Apalis, Blue-throated Roller
Nahan’s Francolin (endangered species)
Besides birds, you may also spot primates such as Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Blue Monkeys.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Sambiya River Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge
- Budget: Budongo Eco Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 03 : Birding in Northern Murchison Falls & Nile Boat Cruise
After breakfast, enjoy a game drive and birding experience in Northern Murchison Falls before heading for a boat cruise on the Nile.
Wildlife to Spot:
Rothschild’s Giraffes, Cape Buffaloes, Elephants, Waterbucks
Bird Species to Spot on the Boat Cruise & Game Drive:
Shoebill Stork (if lucky!)
Saddle-billed Stork, Yellow-billed Stork, African Open-billed Stork
Red-throated & Northern Carmine Bee-eater
Hauglins Francolin, Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher
After the boat cruise, enjoy lunch and embark on a short evening game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Sambiya River Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge
- Budget: Budongo Eco Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 04 : Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls & Return to Kampala
After breakfast, embark on a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, one of Uganda’s most breathtaking attractions. Witness the mighty Nile force its way through a 7-meter-wide gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall.
Enjoy the final birding opportunities before transferring back to Kampala/Entebbe with a lunch stop en route. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your incredible birding safari.
