Shoebill, Chimpanzees, Mountain Gorillas & Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Experience

Discover Uganda's Most Spectacular Birding Destinations, Ancient Rainforests and Iconic Wildlife

Safari Highlights

✔ Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp

✔ Shoebill Birding at Mabamba Swamp
✔ Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking
✔ Bigodi Wetland & Albertine Rift Birding
✔ Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
✔ Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
✔ Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
✔ Exceptional Wildlife Photography Opportunities

Accommodation

Mid-range

Papyrus Guest House ,Kibale Forest Camp ,Gorilla Mist Camp ,Enganzi Game Lodge

Luxury

No.5 Boutique Hotel ,Crater Safari Lodge ,Buhoma Lodge ,Mweya Safari Lodge

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Invictus Safaris driver-guide and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, relax after your journey or enjoy a leisurely walk around the hotel gardens overlooking Lake Victoria.

Your guide will conduct a comprehensive safari briefing, introducing the exciting adventure ahead while answering any questions about Uganda's wildlife, birdlife, culture and conservation.

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Birding & Transfer to Kibale National Park

After an early breakfast, drive to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa's finest birding destinations.

Board a traditional motorised canoe and glide through peaceful papyrus channels searching for the legendary Shoebill Stork.

Other notable species frequently recorded include: Papyrus Gonolek ,Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Jacana ,White-winged Warbler, Lesser Jacana ,Malachite Kingfisher ,Purple Heron, African Marsh Harrier ,African Pygmy Goose ,Black Crake

Following lunch, begin your scenic drive west through tea plantations, crater landscapes and picturesque villages towards Kibale National Park.

Arrive in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Birding

Following breakfast, report to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for registration and briefing before entering Kibale Forest.

Track one of the habituated chimpanzee communities while observing other primates including: Red-tailed Monkeys, Black-and-white Colobus, Lhotse’s Monkey, and Grey-cheeked Mangabey

Bird enthusiasts should watch for: Green-breasted Pitta ,African Pitta ,Nahan's Francolin ,Black Bee-eater ,Blue-headed Bee-eater ,White-spotted Flufftail ,Yellow-spotted Barbet

After lunch, continue birding within Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, internationally recognised for exceptional forest-edge bird diversity.

Return to your lodge for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Depart Kibale after breakfast and travel south through Queen Elizabeth National Park before continuing towards Bwindi.

Enjoy numerous birding opportunities along the route with regular stops for photography and wildlife viewing.

The drive offers spectacular views of the Albertine Rift Valley, crater lakes, banana plantations and traditional villages.

Arrive at Bwindi during the afternoon before enjoying an optional bird walk around the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Forest Birding

Today promises one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Following an early briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, begin trekking through Bwindi's dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

Once located, spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom and interact naturally.

The forest also provides opportunities to record several Albertine Rift endemic birds including: Rwenzori Batis ,Archer's Robin-chat ,Bar-tailed Trogon ,Mountain Masked Apalis ,Black-faced Rufous Warbler ,Shelley's Crimson wing ,Regal Sunbird

Return to your lodge for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Ishasha Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Evening Safari

After breakfast, travel through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Continue your birding while watching for Secretarybirds, African Fish Eagles, Bateleurs, Grey Crowned Cranes and numerous savannah specialists.

Following lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The channel supports one of Africa's largest concentrations of hippos alongside crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and more than 600 recorded bird species within the park.

Later, enjoy an evening game drive before returning to your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Return to Entebbe

Rise before sunrise for your final game drive across the Kasenyi Plains.

Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards (with luck), Uganda kob, waterbucks and giant forest hogs while adding more species to your bird checklist.

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Entebbe.

Pause at the Uganda Equator for photographs, refreshments and souvenir shopping before arriving at Entebbe International Airport in time for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

What's Included

• Gorilla Trekking Permit
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
• Mabamba Canoe Excursion
• Bigodi Wetland Guided Walk
• Queen Elizabeth Game Drives
• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
• All Park Entrance Fees
• Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
• Professional English-speaking Driver Guide
• Specialist Birding Guide
• Accommodation for 6 Nights
• Meals as specified
• Bottled Drinking Water
• Airport Transfers
• Government Taxes

What's Excluded

• International Flights
• Uganda Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Laundry Services
• Alcoholic & Premium Beverages
• Personal Expenses
• Optional Activities
• Tips & Gratuities

Best Time to Visit

Uganda is a year-round birding destination, but the best conditions for trekking, birdwatching and wildlife photography are generally experienced during the dry seasons:

• June to September
• December to February

These months provide excellent forest trail conditions, improved wildlife visibility and rewarding birding opportunities.

Why This Experience Is Special

This safari combines Uganda's most sought-after birding locations with unforgettable encounters with chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas, complemented by classic savannah game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Carefully paced and guided by experienced naturalists, the itinerary showcases the country's extraordinary ecological diversity while delivering exceptional comfort and authentic wildlife experiences.

Community Impact Promise

Every safari booked with Invictus Safaris contributes directly to wildlife conservation, community tourism initiatives, habitat restoration projects, environmental education and sustainable livelihoods for local communities living alongside Uganda's protected areas. Together, we help preserve Uganda's remarkable biodiversity while creating meaningful travel experiences that benefit both visitors and host communities.