Overview
14-Day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Trekking Safari. This 14-day safari combines the best of Uganda’s birding and also wildlife experiences, which include gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You’ll explore diverse habitats, ranging from wetlands and savannahs to forests and lakeshores. Thus ensuring a rich and rewarding birding adventure. Highlights include visits to Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and then Bwindi, home to the magnificent mountain gorillas.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative and then be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a chance to explore the botanical gardens or also take a relaxing walk along the shores of Lake Victoria.
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, embark on a birding excursion to Mabamba Swamp, famous for the elusive Shoebill stork and a variety of wetland species. Then enjoy lunch in Entebbe before beginning your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes you through diverse landscapes and also local communities thus providing excellent birding opportunities along the way.
- Driving Plan: Entebbe to Murchison Falls (~5-6 hours)
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Birding & Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Start the day early with a sunrise game drive across the savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. Look out for birds such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, and various raptors. Then return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the falls, where you can spot water birds and enjoy the scenic views of the powerful Murchison Falls.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its diverse primate species and excellent birding opportunities. The drive takes you through the picturesque Albertine Rift Valley landscape, with birding stops at various points of interest. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and a relaxing evening.
- Driving Plan: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest (~6-7 hours)
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Birding in Kibale Forest
Today, embark on an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest. Early morning is the best time to encounter these primates and also to observe forest birds such as the Green-breasted Pitta and the African Emerald Cuckoo. After lunch, take a guided birding walk through the forest trails to spot more species.
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse park. En route, enjoy birding opportunities along the way and a scenic drive through the Rwenzori foothills. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge before heading out for an evening game drive to spot wildlife and nocturnal birds.
- Driving Plan: Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth (~3 hours)
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Birding & Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the day with an early morning birding session in the park, known for its incredible bird diversity including the African Skimmer, Martial Eagle, and African Finfoot. After breakfast, embark on a game drive through the Kasenyi plains and Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions are often sighted. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, moreover a home to one of the highest concentrations of water birds in Africa.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to almost half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas. Moreso, the drive takes you through the stunning scenery of the ‘Switzerland of Africa’, with birding stops along the way. Arrive at Bwindi in the evening and settle into your lodge.
- Driving Plan: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi (~5-6 hours)
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
This morning, prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. After a briefing from your guide, trek through the dense jungle in search of a gorilla family. Spend an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an experience that often includes encounters with forest birds such as the Short-tailed Warbler and the African Green Broadbill.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After yesterday’s gorilla trekking adventure, spend today exploring Bwindi Forest on a birding walk. The forest is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look out for species such as the handsome Francolin, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, and many more.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Depart Bwindi Forest and head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah park in Uganda. The drive takes you through rolling hills and terraced landscapes, with birding opportunities en route. Arrive in time for an evening game drive to spot wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and also birds like the African Finfoot.
- Driving Plan: Bwindi to Lake Mburo (~5 hours)
- Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Birding & Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Start the day with a birding walk around Lake Mburo to spot water birds like the African Fish Eagle and the rare Shoebill. After breakfast, enjoy a game drive through the park, also known for its biodiversity including the Rothschild’s giraffe and topi. In the afternoon, relax at the lodge or take an optional boat ride on Lake Mburo.
- Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Transfer to Entebbe
Today marks the last leg of your journey back to Entebbe. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Ankole region, with birding stops along the way. Upon arrival in Entebbe, spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local markets for souvenirs.
- Driving Plan: Lake Mburo to Entebbe (~4-5 hours)
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda birding and gorilla trekking safari.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Inclusions
- Boat cruises as specified in the itinerary
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Additional meals.
