10-Day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Price: Midrange $4,300 / Luxury $9,600

The adventure continues through Queen Elizabeth National Park, a land of sprawling savannah and shimmering channels teeming with wildlife and birds, highlighted by the Kazinga Channel boat cruise offering close views of hippos, crocodiles, and a kaleidoscope of water birds. Heading into the misty montane rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, delight in the unforgettable privilege of gorilla trekking amidst mountain gorillas while also spotting rare Albertine Rift endemic bird species such as Shelley’s Crimsonwing and Black Bee-eater.

This dynamic itinerary balances lush forest trails, peaceful canoe rides, thrilling game drives, and intimate wildlife observation with world-class lodgings, creating both an adventure and a luxurious wildlife immersion.

Accommodations:

·       Midrange: Papyrus Guesthouse, Gorilla Mist Camp, Arcadia Lodge

·       Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge

Daily Activities:

·       Day 1: Arrival and Mabamba Swamp Birding
Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to Mabamba Swamp. Paddle a quiet canoe through papyrus channels, searching for the magnificent Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonoleks, and Malachite Kingfishers. This immersive introduction offers an unforgettable glimpse of one of East Africa’s prime wetland birding sites.

·       Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest; Bigodi Wetland Birding
Travel to Kibale Forest National Park, lunch en route and settle in. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to seek elusive forest species including the Great Blue Turaco and White-spotted Flufftail.

·       Day 3: Chimpanzee Trek and Kibale Birding
Enjoy the thrill of tracking chimpanzees in their forest home. Kibale offers ample birding opportunities during and outside treks, with delightful sightings of Green-breasted Pitta, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Nahan’s Francolin.

·       Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park through picturesque landscapes. Settle into your lodge and prepare for the coming wildlife adventures.

·       Day 5: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise and Birding
The boat cruise across Kazinga Channel provides mesmerizing views of hippos clustered in the water and Nile crocodiles basking on shores. Witness an abundance of water birds such as African Fish Eagles and Goliath Herons amid scenic and peaceful surroundings.

·       Day 6: Ishasha Sector Birding
Explore the Ishasha sector known for tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife including species adapted to savannah and woodland edges.

·       Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel to Bwindi, Uganda’s ancient forest sanctuary. Evening birding sessions reveal unique Albertine Rift endemics adapting to the cool mountain environment.

·       Day 8: Birding in Bwindi Forest
Spend a day exploring Bwindi’s rich birding trails, seeking rare forest species such as Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Black Bee-eater, and Bar-tailed Trogon, while soaking in the unique mountain forest ecology.

·       Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Embark on a remarkable trek to spend time with endangered mountain gorillas. The trek is physically and emotionally rewarding, surrounded by lush vegetation and accompanied by a varied soundtrack of forest birds.

·       Day 10: Return to Entebbe
Depart Bwindi and make your way back to Entebbe, concluding your grand safari with lasting memories of Uganda’s diverse birdlife and wildlife.