6 Days Shoebill & Lake Mburo Birding Safari
Join our 6 Days Shoebill & Lake Mburo Birding Safari and discover Uganda’s incredible birdlife.
6 Days Shoebill & Lake Mburo Birding Safari
Safari Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 6-Day Birding Safari through some of Uganda’s most rewarding birding destinations. This carefully crafted adventure combines the thrilling search for the elusive Shoebill Stork in the Mabamba Wetlands with exceptional birdwatching and wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park.
From canoe birding through papyrus swamps to game drives across acacia woodlands and boat cruises on Lake Mburo, this safari offers incredible opportunities to observe Uganda’s rich birdlife and diverse ecosystems. Expect to encounter over 300 bird species, including papyrus endemics, waterbirds, raptors, woodland specialists, and the highly sought-after African Finfoot.
Safari Highlights
- Search for the elusive Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Wetlands
- Canoe birding experience through papyrus channels
- Birdwatching in Lake Mburo National Park
- Boat safari on Lake Mburo
- Game drives combined with birding excursions
- Opportunity to spot the African Finfoot
- Equator crossing experience
- Wildlife viewing including Zebras, Impalas, Buffaloes, Warthogs, and more
6 Days Shoebill & Lake Mburo Birding Safari
Prices
- USD 5,846 per person
Safari Cost Includes
- Airport transfers
- Professional safari guide
- Fishing permits where applicable
- Fishing boat hire
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- Meals as indicated
- Bottled drinking water
- Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Visit to Murchison Falls National Park
Safari Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Uganda Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Personal fishing equipment (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
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Detailed Itinerary
Discover Uganda’s Wetlands, Woodlands, and Birding Hotspots
This 6-Day birding adventure takes you from the shores of Lake Victoria to the papyrus wetlands of Mabamba and the savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park. Designed for passionate birders and nature enthusiasts alike, the safari offers exceptional opportunities to observe some of East Africa’s most iconic bird species while enjoying Uganda’s breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your MJ Safaris Uganda birding guide and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy introductory birding at the renowned Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to numerous forest and lakeshore bird species.
Possible Species Include:
- Great Blue Turaco
- Ross’s Turaco
- African Grey Parrot
- Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill
- Palm-nut Vulture
- African Fish Eagle
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel / Entebbe Travellers Inn
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Shoebill Search in Mabamba Wetlands
After an early breakfast, proceed to Mabamba Wetland, one of Africa’s most famous birding destinations and arguably the best place in Uganda to search for the iconic Shoebill Stork.
Board a traditional canoe and navigate through papyrus channels while observing numerous wetland species.
Target Species Include:
- Shoebill Stork
- Papyrus Gonolek
- White-faced Whistling Duck
- African Jacana
- Goliath Heron
- Purple Heron
- Pygmy Goose
- Allen’s Gallinule
- Black Crake
- Yellow-billed Duck
The wetlands also provide opportunities to encounter the rare Sitatunga Antelope hidden within the papyrus swamps.
Return to Entebbe in the evening.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel / Entebbe Travellers Inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Birding Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s most accessible and rewarding birding destinations.
En route, stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and an educational demonstration before continuing through picturesque countryside.
Birding opportunities during the drive may include sightings of:
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler
- White-winged Warbler
- Black-headed Gonolek
- African Marsh Harrier
Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive combining birdwatching with wildlife viewing.
Possible Mammals Include:
- Zebra
- Impala
- Buffalo
- Warthog
- Eland
- Topi
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge / Arcadia Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse habitats of Lake Mburo National Park, including acacia woodlands, open grasslands, wetlands, and lakeshores.
Begin with an early morning birding game drive followed by a boat excursion on Lake Mburo in search of aquatic and shoreline species.
Target Species Include:
- African Finfoot
- Red-faced Barbet
- Coqui Francolin
- Blue-spotted Wood Dove
- Brown Parrot
- Bare-faced Go-away Bird
- African Grey Hornbill
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- Shining-blue Kingfisher
- Black-bellied Bustard
- Temminck’s Courser
- Yellow-throated Longclaw
- African Fish Eagle
The park is also home to over 350 bird species, making it one of Uganda’s finest birding destinations.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge / Arcadia Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Birding Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning birding excursion and game drive within Lake Mburo National Park.
This provides an opportunity to search for species that may have been missed during previous outings while enjoying additional wildlife sightings.
After lunch in Masaka, continue birding along the route back to Entebbe.
Possible Species Along the Way Include:
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Long-crested Eagle
- Black Kite
- Speckled Mousebird
- Village Weaver
Arrive in Entebbe in the evening.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel / Entebbe Travellers Inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Departure – End of Safari
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before being transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Depending on your departure schedule, additional birding opportunities around Entebbe may be arranged.
Your safari concludes with wonderful memories of Uganda’s spectacular birdlife and natural beauty.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
