Join Gorilla Quest Africa for an extraordinary 15 Days Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari Adventure, a journey designed for passionate birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking luxury, comfort, and discovery. Uganda is home to more than 1,000 bird species, including sought-after rarities like the shoebill stork, the African green broadbill, and the Great Blue Turaco. This safari combines dedicated birding excursions with thrilling game drives, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, and tranquil boat rides along some of Uganda’s most iconic waterways. From the wetlands of Mabamba and the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the montane forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga, each day offers unforgettable sightings and encounters.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Gorilla Quest Africa representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which host a variety of birds including the Ross’s Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, and the Eastern Plantain-eater. This is the perfect introduction to Uganda’s birdlife. Spend the evening at your hotel with views of Lake Victoria as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel No.5, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Meals: (Dinner)
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp Birding Excursion
After breakfast, head out to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria, one of the best places in the world to spot the rare and prehistoric shoebill stork. The canoe ride through papyrus channels also offers sightings of Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and African Jacana. The wetland is a paradise for waterbirds and offers fantastic photography opportunities. Return to your hotel in Entebbe in the evening to relax and enjoy a gourmet dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel No.5, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
Depart Entebbe after breakfast and drive northwards to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for birding and rhino tracking, where species like the White-crested Turaco, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and the shoebill may be spotted. Continue to your luxury lodge in Murchison, located along the Nile River. In the evening, enjoy your first game drive with opportunities to spot wildlife alongside bird species such as the African Skimmer and Red-throated Bee-eater.
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Birding and Wildlife in Murchison Falls
Begin your day with an early game drive in the northern savannah, home to Secretary Birds, Abyssinian Rollers, and raptors like the Martial Eagle. The game drive also offers sightings of giraffes, elephants, and lions. In the afternoon, take a luxury boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the mighty falls, a hotspot for birdlife including the Rock Pratincole and African Fish Eagle. The combination of birds, wildlife, and the dramatic falls makes this day truly spectacular.
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Murchison Falls to Hoima
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely birding drive out of the park, with chances to spot Denham’s Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, and Ground Hornbills. Continue south to Hoima through rural villages and rolling countryside. Upon arrival, check into your lodge for relaxation. Birding around the lodge gardens in the evening often rewards visitors with species such as the Double-toothed Barbet and African Grey Parrot.
Accommodation: Hoima Cultural Lodge, Lake Albert Safari Lodge, Kontik Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Hoima to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, drive towards Kibale National Park, Uganda’s primate capital and an important birding destination. The journey passes through beautiful tea plantations and crater lakes. On arrival, check into your forest lodge and enjoy birdwatching on the lodge grounds where species like the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill and Great Blue Turaco are common. In the evening, prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee and birding trek.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding in Kibale
Start your day with an exciting chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest, which is also home to 370 bird species. During the trek, you may see the African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, and Crowned Eagle. Observing chimps alongside Uganda’s rich birdlife makes this day particularly rewarding. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for bird species like the Papyrus Gonolek and White-winged Warbler. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Kibale to Semuliki National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Semuliki National Park, a birding paradise on the western border of Uganda. The park is famous for its Central African species that are rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa, such as the Nkulengu Rail, Congo Serpent Eagle, and Long-tailed Hawk. In the afternoon, bird along the forest edges and enjoy the hot springs, which also attract diverse birdlife.
Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge, Kirumia Guesthouse, Bumaga Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Birding in Semuliki Forest
Dedicate the entire day to birding in Semuliki Forest. This lowland rainforest is home to over 400 species, including rare gems like the Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and the Blue-billed Malimbe. The forest also provides opportunities to encounter primates such as colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. With its unique Central African ecosystem, Semuliki offers one of the most diverse birding experiences in Uganda.
Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge, Kirumia Guesthouse, Bumaga Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Semuliki to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier birding and wildlife destination with over 600 species recorded. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge overlooking the park. In the afternoon, enjoy a birding game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where species like the Grey-crowned Crane, African Wattled Lapwing, and White-headed Vulture can be spotted. Wildlife sightings include lions, elephants, and buffaloes.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today is dedicated to birding and wildlife experiences. Start with a game drive focusing on savannah and raptor species, then enjoy a luxury boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a hotspot for waterbirds such as African Skimmers, Pink-backed Pelicans, and Goliath Herons. The channel also offers close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. The diversity of habitats in Queen Elizabeth ensures a rich day of bird and wildlife sightings.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife such as the Black Coucal, Compact Weaver, and Brown-chested Lapwing. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and prime birding destination. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge with breathtaking forest views and enjoy an evening of leisure.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking and Birding in Bwindi
Today you will experience the ultimate wildlife encounter: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. After a briefing, hike into the dense rainforest to spend time with a family of mountain gorillas, a truly unforgettable experience. Bwindi is also home to over 350 bird species, including the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Handsome Francolin, which you may encounter during your trek. Return to your lodge in the evening for a celebratory dinner.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, a birding hotspot with over 350 species. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge and enjoy an afternoon birding drive where you may see species like the African Finfoot, Rufous-bellied Heron, and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. The park is also home to zebras, impalas, giraffes, and elands. End the evening with a bush dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Kigambira Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15: Departure
On your final morning, enjoy a guided birding walk in Lake Mburo National Park to spot early risers like the White-winged Tit, Green-capped Eremomela, and Brown-chested Lapwing. After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photographs and souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your 15 Days Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari Adventure with Gorilla Quest Africa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
End of the 15 Days Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari Adventure.
The 15 Days Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari Adventure cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
- Tour guide allowances.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Relevant Government taxes.
The tour cost excludes;
- Visa fees.
- International air fare.
- Souvenirs.
- Tips to local guides.
- Personal shopping bills.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Items not listed as included in the cost.