Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Uganda, where you’ll explore diverse landscapes, encounter rare bird species, and come face to face with majestic mountain gorillas. This 18-day itinerary is meticulously crafted to immerse you in the rich biodiversity and natural wonders of this East African gem.

Tour Highlights

18 Days Uganda bird watching safari and Gorilla tour: Detailed Itinerary

 Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda! Your adventure begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Take some time to relax, unwind, and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the Botanical Gardens or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation options:

• Papyrus Gust house
• Victoria Rock Resort

Destination:  Entebbe

Day 2: Entebbe to Mabamba Swamp

Rise early and have your breakfast thereafter, embark on a journey to Mabamba Swamp, a renowned birding spot and home to the elusive Shoebill stork. Enjoy a boat ride through the swamp as you search for a variety of bird species including the iconic Shoebill. After birding, return to Entebbe for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3: Transfer form Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Today, you will journey north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided bird walk in the search for the birds. During the nature walk, you will be able see several bird species in the forest. Including: Shoebill. The shoebill is a large bird species found in the swampy areas of Ziwa, Grey-crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Pied, Kingfisher, African Grey Hornbill, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Marabou Stork among others. Afterward, continue to Murchison Falls with enroute lunch in Masindi town proceed to the park and on arrival, visit the top of the falls where you will witness the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge and dropping down with a thunderous roar resulting in to what is referred as the powerful water falls. Continue to the lodge where you will check in for dinner and overnight stay.

 Day 4: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping, have early breakfast and then embark on an early morning game drive in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species including the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and the Shoebill. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation options:

• Paraa safari lodge(luxury)
• Pakuba safari lodge (Mid-range)
• Parkside safari lodge(budget).

Destination:  Murchison Falls National Park

Day 5: Delta Boat Safari and Birding

Explore the Nile Delta on a boat safari, where the river merges into Lake Albert. This area is rich in birdlife, including the elusive Shoebill and various waterfowl. After the boat safari, you will return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon, take a guided birding walk through the delta, keeping an eye out for species such as the Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, and the White-winged Warbler among others. Later evening you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

 Day 6: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

Today, after breakfast, check out and depart for Kibale Forest National Park, a haven for primates and birds. En route, you’ll pass through the beautiful countryside of Uganda, dotted with lush greenery and local villages. You will have enroute lunch. Continue to the park and on arrival in Kibale forest, settle into your accommodation and perhaps take a nature walk around the lodge grounds, keeping an eye out for birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation options:

• Primate lodge
• Chimpanzee Forest lodge
• Isunga lodge

Destination:  Kibale Forest National Park

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

Early in the morning, have breakfast and after head to Kibale Forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience. The trek starts with the briefing at the park headquarters about the rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking. Thereafter, you will be accompanied by the ranger guide who will lead you through the dense forest in search of these fascinating primates, along with other wildlife such as red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The trek may last for about 2-4 hours depending on the location of the chimps. After you have found them, you will be allowed one hour with them as you watch them go about their daily activities. Return to the park for lunch and in the afternoon, take a guided birding walk through the forest to spot various species including the Green-breasted Pitta and African Pitta. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

 Day 8: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse parks. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Keep your binoculars handy as you may also spot various bird species along the way. In the evening, relax at your lodge and enjoy dinner overlooking the picturesque landscapes of the park.

Accommodation options:

• Mweya safari camp
• Enganzi game lodge

Destination:  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 9: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth

Today, wake up early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and an array of birdlife including the African Fish Eagle and the elusive Shoebill. After lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species up close. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

 Day 10: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills and terraced landscapes. With enroute lunch. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and take in the breathtaking views of the forest canopy. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Accommodation options:

• Broadbill camp, Trekkers Tervan Cottages, Rushaga Haven Lodge (budget)
• Ichumbi Gorillla lodge or Gorilla Mist Camp or Buhoma haven lodge(Mid-range)
• Chameleon Hill lodge or Ruhija Gorilla Safari lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla lodge or Bwindi lodge (luxury)

Destination:  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today marks the highlight of your trip – gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing by park rangers, embark on a thrilling trek through the dense jungle in search of a gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge and unwind with a well-deserved rest.

 Day 12: Birding in Bwindi

After morning breakfast, head to the park where you will explore the diverse birdlife of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on a guided birding excursion. With over 350 bird species recorded in the park, including many Albertine Rift endemics, this is a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for species such as the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and the Handsome Francolin among others. Explore several bird tracks with an opportunity to see wide array of bird species.

Day 13: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

Bid farewell to Bwindi and travel to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic beauty and rich birdlife. Upon arrival, take a relaxing boat ride on the lake, stopping at various islands along the way. Enjoy birdwatching and take in the tranquil surroundings of this idyllic destination.

Accommodation options:

• Crater Bay Cottages (budget)
• Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Bunyonyi Eco Resort (Mid-range)
• Aracadia Cottages Bunyonyi, Bird Nest Resort Bunyonyi (luxury)

Destination:  Lake Bunyonyi

 Day 14: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park

Depart Lake Bunyonyi after morning breakfast and make your way to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savanna park in Uganda. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park, where you can spot zebras, impalas, elands, and a variety of bird species including the rare African Finfoot. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation options:

• Mpogo lodge
• Mihingo lodge

Destination:  Lake Mburo National Park

Day 15: Birding and Boat Safari in Lake Mburo

Start your day with a guided birding walk through Lake Mburo National Park, exploring its diverse habitats including acacia woodlands, grassy plains, and wetlands. Look out for species such as the African Fish Eagle, Red-faced Barbet, and the majestic Grey Crowned Crane. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Mburo, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds. Later evening, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

 Day 16: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe

After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and journey back to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to explore the local markets, visit cultural sites, or simply relax and reflect on your incredible journey through Uganda.

Accommodation options:

• Protea Hotel Entebbe
• 2 friends beach hotel

Destination:  Entebbe

Day 17: Visit the Botanical Gardens

After a relaxed morning breakfast, walk through the botanical gardens along the Victoria. You will be introduced to Uganda’s super and rewarding bird watching experience. The Botanical Gardens is one of the renowned birding spots in Uganda and popular spot for leisurely nature walks to enjoy the lush greenery and observe monkeys and birds. Expect to record a good mix of water, open country and woodland species. You will have lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or take a city tour to visit some of the interesting sites in Kampala. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

 Day 18: Departure

You’re birding and gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda comes to an end. After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey home, taking with you cherished memories of incredible wildlife.

End of Tour

Includes & Excludes

Getting There

The trip will start from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and you will be dropped off at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe international airport after the trip.

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