3-day Jinja birding safari

Your adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, followed by a scenic drive to Sezibwa Falls, a cultural and natural gem nestled along the Kampala–Jinja Highway. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation that provides habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Here, you’ll have your first birding session, where sightings may include the Great Blue Turaco, Dark-Capped Bulbul, Tambourine Dove, Crowned Hornbill, Woodland Kingfisher, and African Harrier Hawk.

After lunch, continue to Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s largest remaining rainforests and a premier birding hotspot. As you venture along the forest trails, you’ll encounter an orchestra of forest birds — from the Palm-nut Vulture and Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike to Jameson’s Wattle-eye and Tit Hylia. Mabira is also home to the African Fish Eagle and Nahan’s Francolin, two sought-after sightings for avid birders. For those seeking extra excitement, enjoy an optional zip-lining experience over the forest canopy, offering stunning aerial views of this tropical paradise.

In the evening, continue your journey to Jinja, where you’ll check in at your lodge overlooking the Nile and relax as you enjoy dinner and the soothing sounds of the flowing river.

Destination: Jinja
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Jinja Nile Resort
Meal Plan: Dinner
Journey time: 45 minutes

Wake up to the refreshing breeze of the Nile and a hearty breakfast before setting out for a morning boat cruise to the Source of the River Nile. This slow-paced birding cruise offers an excellent opportunity to spot both aquatic and forest-edge species. Keep your binoculars ready for the White-spotted Flufftail, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Giant Kingfisher, African Grey Parrot, Western Banded Snake Eagle, and the Open-billed Stork. You may also encounter African Crake, Blue-headed Coucal, Marabou Stork, and the striking Red Bishop perched among papyrus reeds.

Spend your afternoon relaxing at your lodge or exploring Jinja town’s vibrant local markets and craft centers. Alternatively, you may opt for an evening nature walk along the Nile’s banks to spot more species such as African Pied Wagtail and Green-backed Heron as the sun sets.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Jinja Nile Resort
Accommodations option: Chimpanzee Forest guest house ( Budget ) or Primates lodge (Luxury) or Kibale Forest camp (Mid-Range)

After breakfast, set out for one last morning birding boat cruise to spot any species you may have missed earlier. The cool morning light enhances photography opportunities, capturing the vibrant plumage of riverine and wetland birds. If you’re an adventure lover, you can also take part in optional activities such as white-water rafting, quad biking, or kayaking (available at an extra cost).

Later, enjoy lunch en route as you drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, marking the end of your 3-day Jinja birding experience — a journey filled with song, color, and the rhythm of the Nile.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Nature walk is done in the Bigodi Swamp this is to enable you spot primates like Vervet & L’Hoest monkey and also observe plenty of bird species. You will return to the lodge in the evening for your dinner and overnight stay.