Ultimate Uganda Birding Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife in 17 Days
Uganda stands as Africa’s best-kept secret for travelers passionate about birds, primates, and wild landscapes. On this immersive 17-day safari, you’ll traverse its lush forests, wetlands, soaring savannahs, and mist-shrouded mountains. Each region reveals a new highlight: spotting the rare Shoebill Stork, trekking to see gorillas, tracking chimpanzees, and driving through teeming national parks. Along the way, you will cross from the shores of Lake Victoria to the deep jungles of Bwindi and gaze upon over 1,000 bird species. This itinerary showcases the finest Ugandan nature experiences, ensuring every day brings birdsong, wildlife encounters, and dazzling scenery.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding by Lake Victoria
Your journey begins as you land in Entebbe. A guide greets you at the airport and offers a briefing before you transfer to your lodge for check-in. That afternoon, step into Uganda’s birding world at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Here, vibrant Great Blue Turacos, chatty African Grey Parrots, and the striking Orange Weaver enliven the foliage. Unwind on the shores of Lake Victoria and bask in your first Ugandan sunset.
Accommodation:
- Budget: ViaVia Guesthouse Entebbe
- Mid-Range: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort
Day 2: Birding Mabamba Swamp – Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, set out by boat into the tranquil Mabamba Swamp wetlands. Glide quietly as you search for the legendary Shoebill Stork, a must-see for avid birders. You are likely to see Malachite Kingfishers, African Jacanas skittering on lily pads, and the secretive Papyrus Gonolek. When your birding concludes, travel north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Apart from viewing Uganda’s only wild rhinos, keep your binoculars ready for White-crested Helmetshrikes, Bruce’s Green Pigeons, and the loud Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill. Afterward, settle into your lodge nearby.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Amuka Safari Lodge (budget rooms)
- Mid-Range: Amuka Safari Lodge (standard rooms)
- Luxury: Ziwa Safari Lodge (if group/private arrangements)
Day 3: Rhino Tracking and Birding – Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Begin your day on foot by tracking rhinos across the sanctuary’s bushland. Admire these gentle giants up close as they feed. Continue birding within the reserve before departing for Murchison Falls National Park. Pause along the way for birdwatching, with sightings like Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, imposing Martial Eagles, and the unique Secretary Bird a possibility. Arrive at a lodge adjacent to the great Nile River.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
- Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge
Day 4: Northern Murchison Game Drive and Birding
Awake early to explore the northern savannah. Keep your senses alert for lions, herds of Buffaloes, troupes of elephants and the stately Rothschild’s Giraffes. The grasslands offer sightings of Northern Carmine Bee-eaters and Black-bellied Bustards. Later, cruise up the Nile toward the roaring base of Murchison Falls. This boat journey brings you close to African Fish Eagles, gigantic Goliath Herons, and Rock Pratincoles perched beside swirling rapids. Relax at your riverside lodge.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
- Mid-Range: Murchison River Lodge
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 5: Top of Murchison Falls – Transfer to Budongo Forest
After breakfast, stand atop Murchison Falls and marvel as the forceful Nile plunges between cliff walls. Journey next to Budongo Forest Reserve, a realm known for chimpanzees and a remarkable variety of forest birds. Spend the afternoon birding along the famed Royal Mile, searching for the elusive Ituri Batis, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and rare Nahan’s Francolin. Later, retire to a forest-edge lodge.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Budongo Eco Lodge (dorms)
- Mid-Range: Budongo Eco Lodge (private cabins)
- Luxury: Masindi Hotel (historic style)
Day 6: Bird the Royal Mile – Transfer to Hoima
Rise early to maximize birding along the Royal Mile, one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching spots. Expect to see Yellow-footed Flycatchers, Jameson’s Wattle-eyes, and the stunning African Dwarf Kingfisher. Eventually, drive to the relaxed town of Hoima for an overnight break.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Hoima Cultural Lodge
- Mid-Range: Hotel Kontiki
- Luxury: Hoima Buffalo Hotel
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Travel south through Uganda’s picture-perfect highlands, dotted with tea plantations and smallholdings. Enjoy birding breaks along the route. On arrival at Kibale Forest, check into your woodland lodge. Later, bird around the lodge and forest edge, focusing on Greenbuls, dazzling Black Bee-eaters, and Grey-throated Barbets.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Guest House (budget rooms)
- Mid-Range: Kibale Forest Camp
- Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Birding
Head into Kibale’s dense forest, following calls and rustles to the chimpanzee troops. Watch as they feed, groom, and traverse the canopy. In the afternoon, switch habitats to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famed for White-winged Warblers, vibrant Great Blue Turacos, and the stately Grey-crowned Crane. Complete your evening in comfort at your lodge.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Guest House
- Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops Lodge
- Luxury: Ndali Lodge
Day 9: Transfer to Semuliki National Park – Evening Birding
After breakfast, head west toward Semuliki National Park, bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Upon arrival, bird the riverine woods and geothermal sites near Sempaya Hot Springs. Seek out the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, and the brilliant Blue-billed Malimbe as daylight fades.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Kirumia Guest House
- Mid-Range: Semuliki Safari Lodge (tented)
- Luxury: Semuliki Safari Lodge (cottage)
Day 10: Birding the Lowland Forests of Semuliki
Dedicate a full day to birding in Semuliki’s primeval forest. Walk trails near Kirumia and Sempaya, where you might encounter a host of central African species: White-crested Hornbill, mighty Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, and the animated Rufous-sided Broadbill. A packed lunch allows you to explore deep into the forest before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation:
- See Day 9
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Crater Lake Birding
Drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, taking in panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon entering the park, bird the savannahs and crater lakes, searching for African Skimmers, clouds of Lesser Flamingos, and predatory Grey Kestrels. Settle near the Mweya Peninsula.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp
- Mid-Range: Bush Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 12: Game Drive and Boat Safari along the Kazinga Channel
Begin with a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, mingling wildlife spotting—lions, Uganda kobs, elephants—with bird sightings such as Bateleurs, Temminck’s Coursers, and Red-throated Spurfowl. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise down the Kazinga Channel. This stretch teems with hippos and birds: African Spoonbills, rhythmic Pied Kingfishers, and tall Yellow-billed Storks.
Accommodation:
- See Day 11
Day 13: Explore Maramagambo Forest – Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha
This morning, enter the shady Maramagambo Forest. Watch for Narina Trogons, Black Bee-eaters, and musical Blue-shouldered Robin Chats. Then set out toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, pausing in Ishasha for possible tree-climbing lions and birding for African Green Pigeons and Ross’s Turacos. Settle into a lodge in Bwindi’s southern reaches.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge
- Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 14: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Afternoon Optional Birding
Today brings the trip’s pinnacle: gorilla trekking. After safety briefings, hike through Bwindi’s tangled forest. Upon finding your gorilla group, spend an hour in their presence, observing their behavior at close quarters. If energy allows, bird near your lodge that afternoon—African Green Broadbill, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and the elusive Shelley’s Crimsonwing are highlights.
Accommodation:
- See Day 13
Day 15: Birding Ruhija Sector of Bwindi
Shift to Bwindi’s Ruhija sector, home to a unique set of Albertine Rift endemics. All day, bird the winding trails, hoping for Archer’s Robin-Chat, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and the glittering Regal Sunbird.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Bakiga Lodge
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Mist Camp
- Luxury: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Day 16: Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation and Waterbirding
After breakfast, journey to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by terraced green hills and dotted with 20+ islands. Take a boat ride and scan the shoreline for the African Harrier Hawk, Bronze Sunbird, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater. Unwind at your lakeside lodge, soaking in the serenity.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat
- Mid-Range: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Luxury: Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi
Day 17: Return to Entebbe – Equator Stop & Departure
Begin your final day with a drive back to Entebbe, stopping in Mbarara for lunch and at the iconic Equator for photos. If time allows, add last-minute birding in Mpanga Forest. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening, ready for your international flight home.
Accommodation:
- No Accommodation
- If staying overnight: same options as Day 1
