This 10-Day Thrilling Shoebill Watching & Budget Safari is a perfectly crafted journey that blends rare birding encounters, primate trekking, classic savannah safaris, and breathtaking landscapes. The adventure begins with an unforgettable shoebill watching experience in Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to spot this prehistoric bird in its natural habitat. From here, the journey unfolds through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and scenic destinations.
You will travel north to Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge, complemented by game drives and a boat safari teeming with wildlife. The safari continues to the lush forests of Kibale National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience, offering close encounters with our closest relatives.
From Kibale, the adventure moves to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise, followed by game drives in the park’s scenic savannah plains. The journey then leads to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, where a life-changing gorilla trekking experience awaits, along with cultural interactions with the Batwa community.
After the forest adventure, the safari slows down at the serene Lake Bunyonyi, offering relaxation, scenic views, and optional activities on one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. The final leg of the journey takes you to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its rolling landscapes, zebras, and antelopes, providing a gentle and scenic conclusion to this remarkable safari.
This 10-day itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a perfect balance of rare wildlife encounters, primate trekking, classic game drives, cultural experiences, and scenic relaxation, making it one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Pearl of Africa.
Cost per person:
Starting from: USD $3950 (Budget Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing
| 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People | |
| Jan-April | $4650 | $3950 | $3750 | $3650 | $3550 | $3450 |
| May-August | $4850 | $4150 | $3950 | $3850 | $3750 | $3650 |
| Sept-Dec | $4750 | $4050 | $3850 | $3750 | $3650 | $3550 |
Cost Per Child (Discount)
| Age | 0-2 years old | 3-6 years old | 7-10 years old | 11-13 years old | 14+ years old |
| Discount Rate | 100% | 65% | 50% | 15% | 0% |
Trip Info
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Budget Lodges
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English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
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Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
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1-100 people
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January - December
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Entebbe International Airport
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Entebbe International Airport
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1
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85
Why This Tour?
10-Day Thrilling Shoebill Watching & Budget Safari
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Uganda’s wilderness! Our 10-Day Thrilling Shoebill Watching & Budget Safari takes you on a journey to witness the majestic Shoebill stork, one of the world’s most sought-after bird species. Explore the country’s diverse wildlife and landscapes, from the lush forests to the vast wetlands, and experience the ultimate thrill of birding in Africa.
Ugandan Tours
You will visit Mabamba Wetland, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo National Park.
You will start with a visit to Mabamba Wetland to watch shoebills. Mabamba Swamp is Uganda’s most famous and reliable destination for shoebill watching, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, about an hour’s drive and short boat ride from Kampala or Entebbe.
The tour continues stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking, offering the rare chance to see white rhinos on foot in their natural habitat. The journey continues to Murchison Falls National Park, where you experience the dramatic Top of the Falls, rewarding game drives across the savannah, and abundant wildlife along the Nile.
From Murchison, the safari heads to Kibale National Park for an immersive primate experience, including a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure in the tropical forest. The journey then proceeds to Queen Elizabeth National Park, featuring classic game drives and a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, followed by wildlife viewing in the famous Ishasha Sector, home to the tree-climbing lions.
The adventure continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you enjoy a life-changing mountain gorilla trekking experience and a cultural encounter with the Batwa community. After the forest experience, the itinerary slows down at the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, offering time to relax and enjoy the surrounding highland beauty.
The safari concludes in Lake Mburo National Park with a final game drive through rolling savannah landscapes dotted with zebras, antelopes, and other plains wildlife, providing a perfect ending to this diverse and memorable Uganda adventure.
By the time you go home after the 10-Day Thrilling Shoebill Watching & Budget Safari, you’ll have experienced the ultimate Shoebill watching experience in Uganda. From spotting the majestic Shoebill stork to exploring the country’s diverse wildlife and landscapes, this journey will leave you with lifelong memories and a newfound appreciation for Africa’s incredible birdlife. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting to explore the world of birding, Uganda will exceed your expectations and leave you wanting more.
Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking
- Chimpanzee Trekking
- Rhino Tracking
- Batwa Cultural Interactions
- Game Drives
- Boat Cruises
- Bird Watching
- Zip Lining
- Shoebill Watching
- Zip Lining
- Ninja Warrior Challenge
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Walking Safari
- Horseback Riding
- Biking
- Birding



















