13-Day Gorilla & Birding Safari
13-Day Gorilla & Birding Safari in Uganda A Journey into the Wild – From Jungle Giants to Winged Wonders. Uganda is a rare gem for nature lovers—offering both the thrill of mountain gorilla trekking and the joy of birdwatching in one unforgettable journey. Home to over 1,090 bird species and nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Uganda is one of the few destinations where you can track endangered great apes and tick off rare birds like the Shoebill Stork and Green-breasted Pitta—all in a single safari.
This 13-Day Gorilla & Birding Safari takes you through lush rainforests, papyrus swamps, savannahs, and crater lakes. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a wildlife enthusiast, this adventure offers a spectacular blend of close wildlife encounters, serene landscapes, and avian marvels
13-Day Gorilla & Birding Safari Highlights
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Birding in Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Stork hotspot
Forest birding in Kibale, Bwindi, and Budongo
Game viewing and birding in Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo
Special species: African Finfoot, Green-breasted Pitta, African Broadbill, Papyrus Gonolek
Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo
Community bird walks and cultural encounters
Expert birding guides and trackers throughout
13-Day Gorilla & Birding Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp Birding
Your safari begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you’re met by your professional birding guide. If time permits, head straight to Mabamba Swamp, a wetland near Lake Victoria known for its most famous resident—the Shoebill Stork. A canoe ride through papyrus channels offers views of malachite kingfishers, African jacanas, and herons.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse / Hotel No.5
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Budongo Forest – Royal Mile Birding
Depart early for Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and begin birding in the famous Royal Mile, one of the best forest birding locations in East Africa. Expect species like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Pygmy Kingfisher, and Yellow-billed Barbet.
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Birding & Nature Walks in Budongo
Spend a full day birding in Budongo’s lush forest. Target species include Nahan’s Francolin, Ituri Batis, White-thighed Hornbill, and African Dwarf Kingfisher. This area also offers chances to see monkeys, forest elephants, and colorful butterflies.
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Kibale Forest – Crater Lakes Birding
After an early breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest, Uganda’s top chimpanzee tracking destination and home to over 375 bird species. En route, explore scenic crater lakes with opportunities to spot Black-and-white Shrike-flycatchers, Ross’s Turacos, and various sunbirds.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Birding in Kibale
Track chimpanzees in the morning—an exciting trek through dense forest accompanied by expert rangers. In the afternoon, bird in the forest looking for Green-breasted Pitta, African Broadbill, and Grey-winged Robin-chat.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Birding
Explore Bigodi Wetland, a community-run eco-tourism site rich in birdlife and biodiversity. Spot Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, White-spotted Flufftail, and several weavers and waxbills. This walk also offers a glimpse into local village life.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse savannah reserve. En route, spot raptors and grassland species. In the evening, take a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains—home to lions, elephants, and many birds including Red-necked Spurfowl and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Birding & Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Start with a morning game drive and birding session. Look for African Wattled Lapwing, Yellow-throated Longclaw, and Temminck’s Courser. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where birdlife includes African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, and Water Thick-knee.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha – Tree-Climbing Lions
Head south through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions and open savannahs. En route, birders can spot Black Coucal, Compact Weaver, and White-winged Widowbird. Arrive in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by late afternoon.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is the pinnacle of your safari—gorilla trekking. After a briefing, hike into the jungle to find one of the habituated gorilla families. Spend an unforgettable hour in their company before returning to your lodge for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Birding in Ruhija – Bwindi’s Montane Forests
Drive to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, one of the richest birding areas in Africa. Key species include African Green Broadbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, Ruwenzori Batis, and Dusky Crimsonwing. Expect challenging but rewarding birding on mountain trails.
Accommodation: Trekkers Tavern Cottages / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Birding in Mubwindi Swamp
Hike to Mubwindi Swamp, a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics. Look for Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and Blue-headed Sunbird. This high-altitude birding experience is a must for serious birders.
Accommodation: Trekkers Tavern Cottages / Gorilla Mist Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Return to Entebbe – Departure
Drive back to Entebbe with stops along the way for birding in grasslands and swamps. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a farewell meal before your airport transfer. Optional: overnight in Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Final Thoughts
This 13-Day Gorilla & Birding Safari in Uganda is a truly immersive experience that brings you face-to-face with the giants of the jungle and the most elusive birds of Africa. Whether you’re here for the iconic Shoebill or the majestic silverback gorillas, this safari delivers awe, adventure, and a deep appreciation for Uganda’s rich natural heritage.