16-Day Uganda Wildlife & Birding Safari

Price: Midrange $7,000 / Luxury $11,500

Accomodation

Midrange Accommodations:

·       2 Friends Beach Hotel (Entebbe)

·       Rwakobo Rock (Lake Mburo)

·       Lake Chahafi Resort (Mgahinga)

·       Gorilla Mist Camp (Bwindi)

·       Enganzi Game Lodge (Queen Elizabeth NP)

·       Kibale Forest Camp (Kibale)

Luxury Accommodations:

·       Serena Lake Victoria Resort (Entebbe)

·       Mihingo Safari Lodge (Lake Mburo)

·       Mount Gahinga Lodge (Mgahinga)

·       Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (Bwindi)

·       Mweya Safari Lodge (Queen Elizabeth NP)

·       Crater Safari Lodge (Kibale)

Stay in exceptional lodges tailored to your preference—from the rustic wilderness charm of Rwakobo Rock and Gorilla Mist Camp to the refined elegance of Mount Gahinga Lodge and Mweya Safari Lodge—each offering cultural warmth and nature’s finest comforts. Traverse multiple ecosystems as expert guides lead you on exhilarating game drives, birding walks spotlighting rare Albertine Rift endemics, and captivating boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. Encounter Uganda’s iconic primates up close, witness spectacular birdlife including vibrant turacos, stunning sunbirds, and elusive forest specialists, and immerse yourself in authentic community experiences reflecting the soul of Uganda.

This safari is more than a journey—it is an intimate narrative of adventure, wonder, and connection framed by Uganda’s sublime beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. Whether midrange or luxury, it promises a harmonious blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, expert naturalist guidance, and comfortable, welcoming accommodations, crafted to create lasting memories for every traveler passionate about nature’s grandeur.

This is Uganda unveiled in all its wild, vivid, breathtaking glory—a safari to cherish forever.

Daily Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, greeted by your expert guide. Transfer to your hotel for relaxation and a comprehensive safari briefing to introduce Uganda’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Birding by Canoe
Early morning canoe ride through the labyrinthine papyrus channels of Mabamba Swamp, searching for the iconic Shoebill Stork—an elusive prehistoric bird renowned for its enormous shoe-shaped bill. Spot Papyrus Gonoleks with their vivid red eyes, elegant African Jacanas walking on lily pads, and flashes of iridescent Malachite Kingfishers. The peaceful wetland environment offers unique opportunities for close wildlife observation and photography.

Day 3: Mabamba Swamp Birding Continued
Return to Mabamba for a full day of water birding exploration and mammal sightings such as sitatungas and interests in wetland plants. Afternoon transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its savannah landscapes and excellent bird diversity, with species such as African Finfoot and Bare-faced Go-away-bird.

Day 4: Lake Mburo Game Drive and Evening Boat Cruise
Morning game drive amidst open savannahs and papyrus wetlands, targeting ground birds like Black-bellied Bustard and Lilac-breasted Roller, accompanied by zebra and impalas. Sunset boat cruise on Lake Mburo provides close views of hippos partially submerged and a variety of water birds in their natural habitat.

Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Journey to the mist-shrouded volcanic highlands of Mgahinga, home to the rare mountain gorilla and rich montane forest birdlife. Begin birding for Albertine Rift endemics such as African Green Broadbill and Dusky Crimsonwing as you settle into your lodge.

Day 6: Birding Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Echuya Forest Reserve
Full-day birding explores bamboo and montane forest habitats, seeking superb species like Archer’s Robin-chat, Mountain Yellow Warbler and Mountain Illadopsis. The temperate environment is lush and rich with endemic birds unique to East Africa’s highlands.

Day 7: Additional Birding in Echuya Forest
Morning guided walks focusing on specialized species within dense Echuya bamboo groves, with species such as Purple-breasted Sunbird and Chestnut-winged Starling. Afternoon at leisure or additional bird watching.

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Ruhija Sector Birding
Drive to mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Kokzas wide canopy offers astounding bird diversity including Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Black-capped Apalis in the remote Ruhija sector.

Day 9: Early Morning Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Pre-dawn start for the iconic mountain gorilla trek with qualified guides. Experience close encounters with gorilla families while noting rare bird species like Shelley’s Crimsonwing and Black Bee-eater in the dense rainforest.

Day 10: Birding and Cultural Walks in Buhoma Sector
Exploration of Bwindi’s western Buhoma sector for the Rwenzori Batis, Bar-tailed Trogon and Mountain Masked Apalis. Cultural tours to the Batwa community offer rich insight into indigenous lifestyles and forest conservation efforts.

Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth NP, enjoying spectacular views of the Rift Valley escarpment. Afternoon game drive targets plains birds like Secretarybird and Kori Bustard alongside large mammals.

Day 12: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Relaxing morning boat cruise along Kazinga Channel, home to thousands of hippopotamus and Nile crocodiles. Birdlife is prolific with African Fish Eagles, Grey Herons, African Spoonbills, and a myriad of waterfowl.

Day 13: Game Drives and Birding in Queen Elizabeth
Sunrise game drives reveal woodland and savannah species including Black-headed Gonolek and Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Wildlife sightings comprise of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob.

Day 14: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Wetland
Travel to Kibale Forest; afternoon Bigodi Wetland birding expedition features species such as Great Blue Turaco and White-spotted Flufftail among swamp and secondary forest habitats.

Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking and Forest Birding in Kibale
Early morning chimpanzee trekking expedition with expert trackers, followed by forest birding targeting Green-breasted Pitta, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Blue-headed Bee-eater amid ancient tropical canopy.

Day 16: Return to Entebbe and Departure
Morning drive back to Entebbe with possible birding stops en route. Depending on flight schedule, enjoy last moments resting at Entebbe or exploring the botanical gardens before departure.

This itinerary expertly balances Uganda’s diverse birding hotspots and iconic wildlife encounters with comfortable lodging and expert guiding to deliver an unforgettable adventure.