Birding & Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda – 21 Days Itinerary

This 21-Day Birding & Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda seamlessly blends the thrill of gorilla trekking with exceptional birding opportunities across diverse ecosystems. From Uganda’s legendary Shoebill storks in Mabamba Swamp to Rwanda’s endemic species in Nyungwe Forest, this journey showcases over 1,000 bird species alongside encounters with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and abundant wildlife. The itinerary traverses pristine rainforests, expansive savannas, alpine zones, and wetland habitats, providing photographers and nature enthusiasts with unparalleled opportunities to witness Africa’s most iconic species in their natural habitats.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp

Begin your adventure with an early morning departure to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria’s shores. Board a traditional dugout canoe for an intimate encounter with the prehistoric Shoebill stork. These massive birds, standing up to 5 feet tall, are among Africa’s most sought-after species. The papyrus-lined channels also harbor Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Swamp Warbler, and various kingfisher species. Afternoon return to Kampala or Entebbe, with evening birding around hotel grounds yielding Common Bulbul, Village Weaver, and Pied Crow.

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Depart early for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Uganda’s only wild rhinoceros population. The sanctuary’s savanna grasslands provide excellent birding with Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and various cisticola species. Continue to Murchison Falls, arriving in time for evening birding around lodge grounds. Notable species include Red-throated Bee-eater, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, and various sunbird species.

Day 3: Murchison Falls – Game Drive and Birding

Dawn game drive along the northern bank of the Nile reveals diverse wildlife and exceptional birding opportunities. Encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species while recording over 100 bird species. Key targets include Denham’s Bustard, Black-headed Lapwing, Senegal Thick-knee, and various raptors. The afternoon boat cruise to the falls’ base provides close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and spectacular waterbirds including Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, and African Fish Eagle.

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest

Travel to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s premier primate destination. The journey through changing landscapes provides roadside birding opportunities with species like Cassin’s Honeybird, Grey-headed Sunbird, and various flycatcher species. Arrive at Kibale in the afternoon for evening forest birding around lodge grounds. The forest edge yields Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, and various robin species.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Forest Birding

Early morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest offers encounters with Uganda’s largest primate population alongside exceptional birding. The forest harbors over 375 bird species including Great Blue Turaco, Green-breasted Pitta, African Grey Parrot, and various hornbill species. Afternoon guided forest walk specifically targets birding hotspots, with opportunities to record Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Yellow-spotted Nicator, and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.

Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse protected area. The scenic drive through crater lakes region provides excellent birding with species like Black Bee-eater, Collared Sunbird, and various weaver species. Arrive in Queen Elizabeth for afternoon game drive in Kasenyi Plains, encountering elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope while recording grassland species including Rufous-naped Lark, Tawny-flanked Prinia, and various cisticola species.

Day 7: Kazinga Channel and Ishasha Sector

Morning boat cruise on Kazinga Channel offers one of Africa’s greatest waterbird spectacles. The channel connects Lakes Edward and George, supporting massive populations of hippos, crocodiles, and over 100 waterbird species. Key species include African Skimmer, Lesser Flamingo, Great White Pelican, and various tern species. Afternoon drive to Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions and savanna birding opportunities.

Day 8: Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey through terraced hillsides and rural landscapes provides roadside birding with species like Baglafecht Weaver, Streaky Seedeater, and various sunbird species. Arrive at Bwindi for evening forest birding around lodge grounds, with opportunities to record African Green Broadbill, Kivu Ground Thrush, and various robin species.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The ultimate wildlife encounter begins with early morning gorilla trekking briefing at around 7:00am East African time. Bwindi’s ancient forest harbors approximately 400 mountain gorillas across multiple habituated families. The trek through dense vegetation provides encounters with these gentle giants alongside exceptional birding opportunities. Key species include Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, African Hill Babbler, and various apalis species. The forest supports over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Day 10: Bwindi Forest Birding

Dedicated birding day in Bwindi’s diverse habitats, from bamboo zones to dense forest understory. Morning guided walk targets specific Albertine Rift endemics including Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, and Strange Weaver. Afternoon birding focuses on canopy species with opportunities to record Bar-tailed Trogon, Narina Trogon, and various barbet species. Evening spotlight walk may reveal African Wood Owl and various nightjar species.

Day 11: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake surrounded by terraced hillsides. The scenic journey provides montane birding opportunities with species like Augur Buzzard, Mackinnon’s Shrike, and various cisticola species. Afternoon birding around the lake yields Red-faced Barbet, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, and various weaver species. The lake’s islands support unique bird communities including Grey Crowned Crane and various heron species.

Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Cross into Rwanda and travel to Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills provides excellent birding with species like Pied Crow, Common Fiscal, and various sunbird species. Arrive at Volcanoes for afternoon birding around lodge grounds and nearby bamboo forests, with opportunities to record Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and various apalis species.

Day 13: Golden Monkey Trekking and Birding

Morning golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park’s bamboo forests provides encounters with these endangered primates alongside exceptional birding. The bamboo zone supports unique species including Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and various apalis species. Afternoon birding in surrounding montane forests targets Albertine Rift endemics including Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Strange Weaver.

Day 14: Volcanoes to Nyungwe Forest

Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s largest remaining tract of montane rainforest. The journey through tea plantations and rural landscapes provides roadside birding with species like Baglafecht Weaver, Village Weaver, and various sunbird species. Arrive at Nyungwe for afternoon canopy walk on the suspended bridge, providing unique perspectives on forest canopy species including Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, and various hornbill species.

Day 15: Nyungwe Forest Birding

Dedicated birding day in Nyungwe’s diverse habitats, from bamboo zones to dense forest understory. Morning guided walk targets specific Albertine Rift endemics including Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Apalis, and Stripe-breasted Tit. The forest supports over 310 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Afternoon birding focuses on different forest zones with opportunities to record Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and various barbet species.

Day 16: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Morning chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest offers encounters with these intelligent primates alongside exceptional birding. The forest harbors 13 primate species including colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and various forest monkeys. Birding opportunities include White-headed Wood Hoopoe, African Broadbill, and various flycatcher species. Afternoon birding in different forest zones targets canopy species and forest edge specialists.

Day 17: Nyungwe to Kigali

Travel to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, with birding stops along the way. The journey through diverse landscapes provides opportunities to record species like Pied Crow, Common Fiscal, and various weaver species. Arrive in Kigali for afternoon city birding in parks and gardens, with opportunities to record Speckled Mousebird, Red-rumped Swallow, and various sunbird species. Evening at leisure in Kigali.

Day 18: Kigali to Akagera National Park

Depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna park recently restored with lion and rhino reintroductions. The journey eastward provides changing landscapes and birding opportunities with species like Lilac-breasted Roller, Red-billed Hornbill, and various bee-eater species. Arrive at Akagera for afternoon game drive, encountering elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species while recording grassland bird species.

Day 19: Akagera National Park Game Drives

Full day exploring Akagera’s diverse ecosystems including savanna, woodland, wetlands, and lakes. Morning game drive yields encounters with the Big Five alongside exceptional birding. Key species include Shoebill (if lucky), Papyrus Gonolek, Red-faced Barbet, and various waterbirds. Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema provides close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and spectacular waterbirds including African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and various heron species.

Day 20: Akagera to Kigali

Morning final game drive in Akagera focusing on any missed species or favorite locations. The park’s restoration success story includes healthy populations of lions, leopards, and black rhinoceros alongside over 480 bird species. Return to Kigali for afternoon at leisure, with opportunities for souvenir shopping and cultural experiences. Evening farewell dinner celebrating the incredible wildlife and birding experiences.

Day 21: Departure

Final morning birding around Kigali area if time permits, targeting any missed species or favorite locations. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for international departure, carrying memories of extraordinary encounters with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and over 600 bird species across Uganda and Rwanda’s diverse ecosystems.

Uganda & Rwanda Safari Permits Guide

Uganda Gorilla Permits

• Cost: $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 Africans outside East Africa, UGX300,000 for East Africans
• Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Duration: One hour with gorillas after finding a gorilla family
• Booking: Through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Iconic Africa Safaris

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

• Cost: $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 Foreign resident in Rwanda, $200 East African citizens
• Location: Volcanoes National Park
• Duration: One hour with gorillas after finding a gorilla family
• Booking: Through Rwanda Development Board or Iconic Africa Safaris

Uganda Chimpanzee Permits

• Standard tracking: $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, UGX180,000 for East Africans
• Habituation experience: $300 for foreign non-residents, $250 for foreign residents, UGX250,000 for East Africans
• Foreign residents: $200 for standard, $250 for habituation
• Locations: Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge
• Duration: Up to 4 hours for habituation experience

Rwanda Chimpanzee Permits

• Cost: Approximately $90
• Location: Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Duration: 2-6 hours depending on location

Uganda Golden Monkey Permits

• Cost: $90 per person
• Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Duration: One hour with golden monkeys

Rwanda Golden Monkey Permits

• Cost: $100 per person
• Location: Volcanoes National Park
• Duration: One hour with golden monkeys

Shoebill Tracking Uganda

• Cost: $40 per for guided boat excursions
• Primary location: Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe
• Alternative locations: Murchison Falls National Park
• Duration: 3 hours depending on activity