12 Days Birding Gorilla Safari Tourrin Uganda: Birds, Primates, and Untamed Wilderness. Uganda, dubbed the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the richest birding destinations on the continent, boasting over 1,070 bird species—including Albertine Rift endemics and some of Africa’s rarest and most sought-after birds. Combine this with the awe-inspiring experience of tracking mountain gorillas, and you have a safari tour that blends ornithological discovery with unforgettable primate encounters.
This 12-day birding and gorilla safari takes you across Uganda’s top birding hotspots—from wetlands and savannahs to montane rainforests—while offering a full immersion in the country’s diverse ecosystems and stunning wildlife
12 Days Birding Gorilla Safari Tour Highlighting
Birdwatching in Uganda’s top hotspots: Mabamba Swamp, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, and Lake Mburo
Search for the Shoebill, Africa’s most iconic and elusive bird
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Game drives with excellent chances to spot raptors and savannah species
Over 300 bird species expected during the tour
Expert local birding guide and comfortable mid-range lodges
12 Days Birding Gorilla Safari Tour Highlighting Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding at Mabamba Swamp
Your safari begins in Entebbe, where you’re picked up and transferred to your lodge. Later in the day, you head to Mabamba Swamp, a wetland on Lake Victoria and one of the best places in Africa to see the Shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird and a must-see for any birder. You’ll also spot birds like the African Pygmy Goose, Malachite Kingfisher, White-winged Warbler, and Papyrus Gonolek.
Overnight: Entebbe
Day 2: Drive to Kibale Forest – Birding En Route
After breakfast, drive westward to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through lush countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes. Enjoy birding stops en route, where you may see species like Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, African Harrier-Hawk, and Great Blue Turaco.
Overnight: Kibale area
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Birding in Bigodi Wetland
In the morning, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. This forest is also home to 350 bird species, and during the trek, you’ll likely spot Green Breasted pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Blue-headed Sunbird, African Broadbill, and more. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run reserve known for its birdlife and primates. Look for White-spotted Flufftail, Black-crowned Waxbill, and Speckled Tinkerbird.
Overnight: Kibale area
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Crater Lakes Birding
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding through the crater lake region. Expect sightings of Lappet-faced Vulture, Grey Kestrel, Brown Snake-Eagle, and Green-backed Woodpecker. In the evening, enjoy optional birding around the lodge.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Birding Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Embark on a morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains, where you can see Rufous-naped Lark, Red-necked Spurfowl, Martial Eagle, and game like lions, elephants, and kob. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting birds like African Skimmer, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, and flocks of pelicans.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Birding Through Ishasha – Drive to Bwindi
Head south through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions and excellent birding. You may encounter Broad-billed Roller, White-headed Barbet, and African Green Pigeon. Arrive in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s richest montane forests.
Overnight: Buhoma (Northern Bwindi)
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Today is the highlight for many travelers: gorilla trekking. After a briefing, set off into the forest with experienced trackers to locate a habituated gorilla family. Once found, spend a powerful hour observing their behavior in the wild—a deeply moving and rare encounter. In the afternoon, enjoy relaxed birding around the lodge.
Birds to watch for: Dusky Crimsonwing, Olive-breasted Greenbul, African Paradise Flycatcher
Overnight: Buhoma
Day 8: Birding the Buhoma Trail – Transfer to Ruhija
Spend the morning birding the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, where species like White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Black-billed Turaco, and Slender-billed Starling can be found. Later, transfer to Ruhija, the higher-altitude sector of Bwindi and the best site for Albertine Rift endemics.
Overnight: Ruhija
Day 9: Mubwindi Swamp Trail – Albertine Rift Endemics
This is the most productive birding day of the trip. Trek the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Uganda’s top birding hotspot for Albertine endemics. Target species include Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Strange Weaver, and Handsome Francolin. The birding here is rewarding but requires good fitness due to steep trails.
Overnight: Ruhija
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Birding En Route
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, the best place in Uganda to see dry-country species and grazers like zebra, eland, and impala. Enjoy an evening nature walk or birding along the lakeshore, where you’ll look for African Finfoot, Green Wood-hoopoe, Crested Francolin, and Brown Parrot.
Overnight: Lake Mburo
Day 11: Birding Safari and Nature Walk
Start with a game drive or guided birding walk in the park’s savannah and woodland habitats. Species to expect include Lilac-breasted Roller, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Rufous-chested Swallow, and Brubru. Optional boat ride for wetland species like African Darter, White-backed Night Heron, and Papyrus Gonolek.
Overnight: Lake Mburo
Day 12: Return to Entebbe – Departure
After a final morning bird walk or a relaxed breakfast, drive back to Entebbe, making stops for birding and photography along the way. Depending on your flight time, you may be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your departure.
Why Choose This Safari?
Combines two world-class experiences: birdwatching and gorilla trekking
Visits diverse ecosystems: wetlands, rainforests, savannah, and highlands
Led by a knowledgeable birding guide
Budget to mid-range accommodations with excellent access to habitats
Opportunity to see over 300 bird species plus chimpanzees, gorillas, and savannah game