10 Days Uganda Wetland Savannah and Bwindi Birding
About This 10-Day Safari
Combine wetland, woodland and montane forest birding in a ten-day circuit through southwestern Uganda. Start near Lake Victoria, continue to Lake Mburo and then explore both Ruhija and Buhoma in Bwindi. Queen Elizabeth provides savannah and Kazinga Channel habitats before the return journey. The birding schedule allows an optional gorilla trek in Buhoma, although choosing it replaces that day’s forest birding rather than adding a second full-day activity.
- Mabamba wetland boat birding
- Lake Mburo woodland and grassland habitats
- Ruhija forest and Mubwindi Swamp
- Birding through the Neck to Buhoma
- A dedicated Buhoma day or optional gorilla trek
- Queen Elizabeth and Kazinga Channel
- A final Maramagambo-area birding session where accessible
Where You Will Go
The places this safari visits, in the order you will reach them.
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest in south-western Uganda and home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
A papyrus wetland near Entebbe and the most reliable place in Uganda to see the shoebill.
Uganda’s smallest savannah park, walkable and home to zebras, giraffes, elands and buffalo.
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, with hippos, elephants and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Day By Day Itinerary
Every day is planned by our local team and can be adjusted to your pace.
Arrival and planning your birding route
Transfer from the airport to your Entebbe accommodation. Review your target list with the guide and confirm how much forest walking you would like to undertake. Time permitting, enjoy an easy session around the lodge gardens. Keep the evening relaxed before an early start for the wetlands.
Mabamba channels and onward to Lake Mburo
Join a local boat guide for a morning search through Mabamba’s papyrus channels. Shoebill is a target, alongside other birds using the wetland, and sightings require patience. Continue towards Lake Mburo after the boat outing and lunch. Arrive at your lodge for an introduction to the surrounding woodland habitat where daylight allows.
A full birding day at Lake Mburo
Explore Lake Mburo’s woodland and open grassland with your guide. Short walks or vehicle-based searches are chosen according to the agreed activity plan and park rules. Allow time to study small birds as well as the more conspicuous species. A water-based session can be quoted where desired, while the core programme remains focused on the chosen land habitats.
Highland birding towards Ruhija
Drive towards Bwindi’s Ruhija sector, making selected stops as vegetation and elevation change. These transitions offer chances to find birds not encountered around Lake Mburo. Lunch is planned around the route rather than a fixed arrival promise. Reach your lodge and prepare for the more substantial forest walk ahead.
Mubwindi Swamp birding
Take an early guided walk towards Mubwindi, searching suitable habitat along the descent. Forest calls and careful listening help locate species that may remain difficult to see. The climb back requires energy, so pace the day and carry lunch and water. A less demanding Ruhija trail can replace the swamp route if agreed beforehand.
From Ruhija through the Neck to Buhoma
Bird selected forest-edge and roadside locations on the transfer towards Buhoma. The Neck provides a useful transition between different parts of Bwindi. Spend time with productive sightings while keeping enough daylight for the remaining drive. Check into your Buhoma accommodation and review the options for tomorrow’s programme.
Buhoma birds or an optional gorilla trek
The standard programme is a guided birding day on accessible Buhoma trails. Search quietly through forest habitat and give mixed flocks time to reveal their less obvious members. Guests choosing gorilla trekking instead spend the day with the park ranger team under a separately reserved permit. The two full-day activities are alternatives, so your choice is confirmed before departure.
Ishasha transit and Queen Elizabeth
Leave Buhoma and travel towards Queen Elizabeth via the Ishasha region. Combine the transfer with selected savannah birding stops and any wildlife observations along the way. A Kazinga-area session may be possible later, depending on the journey’s progress. Overnight in the Queen Elizabeth region so the next morning’s birding can begin without a return drive from Bwindi.
Queen Elizabeth plains and waterbirds
Explore the park’s open habitats with regular stops for bird identification. Look through shrubs, trees and grassland rather than concentrating only on larger species. A scheduled Kazinga Channel boat trip is included in the agreed day plan to add shoreline and waterbirds. Return to the lodge and review the combined forest, savannah and wetland records from the circuit.
A short forest session and return
A short early birding outing around Maramagambo is planned where access and the onward schedule allow. The session should remain limited because the road journey to Entebbe is substantial. Continue after the agreed departure, taking lunch en route. Finish at your drop-off point, with an extra night recommended before an early international flight.
Where You Will Stay
Lodges are subject to availability. If a lodge is full we replace it with one of an equal standard. For gorilla trekking, the lodge is matched to the sector of your confirmed permit.
2 Friends Beach Hotel
Rwakobo Rock
Bakiga Lodge
Buhoma Haven Lodge
Elephant Hab Lodge
Practical Planning
Things worth knowing before you book.
This active circuit includes long drives and a demanding Mubwindi walk; discuss mobility and walking preferences before booking.
Spend the final two nights in the Queen Elizabeth region for easier access to the park’s birding habitats.
A gorilla trek on Day 7 requires a separate permit and replaces the scheduled birding programme that day.
Best Time To Go
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 10 Days Uganda Wetland Savannah and Bwindi Birding?
The package includes Scheduled road transfers and guiding for the agreed itinerary; accommodation for the scheduled nights; meals shown in the confirmed meal plan; entry fees and scheduled core activities confirmed in the quotation; guided birding sessions and the scheduled boat excursions specified in the confirmed programme. It does not include international flights and any travel before or after the agreed programme; visa costs and personal travel insurance; tips, laundry, personal purchases and drinks not expressly included; optional activities, upgrades and additional nights; meals outside the confirmed meal plan; optional primate trekking permits and any activity that replaces part of the standard birding programme.
Where does the 10 Days Uganda Wetland Savannah and Bwindi Birding start and end?
The journey starts with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport and finishes with your transfer back to the airport for your departure flight.
Do I need a gorilla permit?
Yes. Mountain gorilla trekking requires a permit and the number of permits is limited each day, so we recommend booking as early as you can, especially for the dry months of June to September and December to February. Giravex reserves your permit once your dates are confirmed.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa. Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between all three on one visa. We will confirm exactly what applies to your passport when you book.
When is the best time to take this safari?
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every Giravex itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace, budget and interests. Tell us what you would like to change and a trip specialist will tailor it for you.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send a quote request or message us on WhatsApp. A trip specialist will reply with availability and a detailed quote for your group size and dates.
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