Birdwatching

What it is

Uganda has more than 1,000 recorded bird species in a country about the size of the United Kingdom. The bird most visitors hope for is the shoebill, a tall grey stork with a huge bill. Forest parks add colourful birds found only in the Albertine Rift, the mountain region along Uganda’s western border.

Where in Uganda

Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe, where small canoes take you into the papyrus to look for the shoebill. Also the Nile delta in Murchison Falls, Bigodi Wetland next to Kibale, Ruhija in Bwindi, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

What to expect

Anything from a 2-hour walk to a full birding day, or a whole trip built around birds. Mabamba is a half-day trip from Entebbe, so it fits well on your first or last day. Groups are small and private.

Activity level

Level 2, Easy. Slow walking on trails or sitting in a canoe. Forest trails can be muddy.

Good to know

• Migrant birds visit from about November to April.
• Bring binoculars, a bird guidebook or app, insect repellent, a hat and a rain jacket.
• Wear the life jacket in canoes.
• Keep a quiet distance from nesting birds.

Price: Price on request.