15 Day Uganda Birding Safari with Gorillas and Chimpanzees

Discover Uganda’s remarkable birdlife on this 15-day Uganda birding safari with mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and classic African wildlife encounters. Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is one of Africa’s outstanding birdwatching destinations, with more than 1,090 recorded bird species across tropical rainforests, papyrus wetlands, open savannahs, freshwater lakes and the forested Albertine Rift. This private birding safari combines dedicated birdwatching excursions with opportunities to observe some of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife.

Your journey begins around Entebbe and continues to Budongo Forest Reserve, the Royal Mile, Busingiro and Murchison Falls National Park, where you can search for lowland forest birds, savannah species and waterbirds along the Nile. The safari then explores Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and forest birding, Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah and wetland species, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and Albertine Rift birding. The final days introduce the birdlife of Lake Mburo National Park, Mabamba Wetland and Mabira Forest, creating a varied Uganda birding itinerary for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Whether your priority is finding the elusive Shoebill, searching for forest specialists in Budongo, observing chimpanzees in Kibale or trekking to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Arcadia Safaris can tailor the experience to your interests, travel dates and preferred accommodation level. Bird sightings depend on habitat, season and local conditions, but this itinerary offers time in several of Uganda’s most rewarding birding locations.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

Birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Budongo Forest Birding Tour

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Kibale Forest National Park Birding

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Birding

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Birding in Mabamba Wetlands

Mabira Forest Reserve birding

Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Birding Around Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Arcadia Safaris guide will welcome you, assist with your luggage and brief you about your 15-day Uganda birding safari. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an introductory birding excursion around Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where mature trees, lakeside vegetation and landscaped gardens attract a variety of birds. Possible sightings include Palm-nut Vulture, Great Blue Turaco, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Pied Hornbill, Splendid Starling and several weaver species.

After the excursion, transfer to your accommodation for dinner and overnight. If you arrive early enough, your guide can arrange additional birdwatching around suitable locations in the Entebbe area. Guests arriving late will transfer directly to the hotel, with the birding activity adjusted to suit their arrival schedule.

Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Birding Entebbe and Transfer to Masindi

After breakfast, enjoy a morning birding session at Entebbe Botanical Gardens or, depending on your birding priorities and local conditions, explore another suitable wetland site such as Lutembe Bay. These habitats offer opportunities to observe waterbirds, forest-edge species, weavers, sunbirds and other birds associated with Lake Victoria’s wetlands and surrounding vegetation. Best 15 Day Uganda Birding Safari with Gorillas and Chimps

Later, travel northwest towards Masindi, passing through Uganda’s countryside, grasslands, farmland and woodland. Suitable stops along the route may produce species such as White-crested Turaco, Bronze-tailed Starling, bishops, barbets and woodpeckers. The journey also offers an introduction to rural life beyond Uganda’s main towns. Arrive in Masindi in the evening, have dinner and prepare for a full day of birding in Budongo Forest Reserve.

Destination: Masindi
Accommodation options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Full-Day Birding in Budongo Forest, the Royal Mile and Busingiro

Start early and travel to Budongo Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s important lowland rainforest birding destinations. Explore the Royal Mile, a renowned forest birding route where open views along the road and surrounding trails help birdwatchers observe species in the understorey and canopy. With your guide, search for sought-after birds such as Nahan’s Partridge, White-thighed Hornbill, Cassin’s Spinetail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, Tit Hylia and Yellow-browed Camaroptera.

Continue birding around suitable sections of Budongo and Busingiro, focusing on the forest habitats that offer the best opportunities for your priority species. Other possibilities include African Dwarf Kingfisher, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Great Blue Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Black-capped Apalis and several greenbuls. The exact birding route will depend on access, recent sightings and local conditions. Return to your accommodation in the Masindi area for dinner and overnight.

Destination: Masindi
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Birding Kaniyo Pabidi and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, explore the Kaniyo Pabidi section of Budongo Forest, where you may have an opportunity to search for forest specialists such as Puvel’s Illadopsis and other birds associated with lowland rainforest. Your guide will help identify calls and movement within the vegetation, making this an important stop for birdwatchers hoping to record species that are difficult to find in more open habitats. Budget 15 Day Uganda Birding Safari with Gorillas and Chimps

Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, where forest gives way to woodland, grassland and riverine habitats. Depending on timing and access, you may visit the Top of Murchison Falls or arrange a suitable evening birding activity. A night game drive can also be arranged; After the day’s activities, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Destination: Murchison falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Birding, Game Drives and Nile Boat Cruises in Murchison Falls

Spend the day exploring the birdlife and wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park. Depending on the confirmed schedule, enjoy a boat cruise towards the base of Murchison Falls and a separate excursion towards the Nile Delta, where the Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert. The delta’s channels and wetland habitats provide an opportunity to search for the Shoebill, one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds, as well as herons, storks, bee-eaters, kingfishers and other waterbirds.

During a game drive, explore the park’s savannah and woodland in search of species such as Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Abyssinian Roller, Heuglin’s Francolin, Black-billed Barbet and various bee-eaters and weavers. The park also supports mammals such as Rothschild’s giraffe, African elephant, buffalo and waterbuck. The exact order of the boat cruises and game drive will depend on availability and the day’s schedule, and Shoebill sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and begin the drive south towards Kibale Forest National Park. This is a long transfer day, so the main focus will be reaching the next destination comfortably, with selected birding stops where time and road conditions allow. The route passes through rural communities, farmland and changing landscapes, offering occasional opportunities to observe birds along the way.

Depending on the route and conditions, your guide may identify suitable stops around wetlands or woodland near Hoima, where papyrus-associated species and birds of open habitats may be present. Arrive near Kibale Forest later in the day and settle into your accommodation. Rest for the evening before the following day’s chimpanzee tracking and forest birding.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding in Kibale Forest National Park

Begin the day with birdwatching in Kibale Forest National Park, a major destination for forest birding and primate viewing in Uganda. Accompanied by your guide, explore suitable forest trails while listening for bird calls and searching the canopy and understorey for species such as African Grey Parrot, Black Bee-eater, White-naped Pigeon, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet and a variety of starlings and sunbirds. Birding success will depend on conditions and the time available before the chimpanzee activity. Affordable 15 Day Uganda Birding Safari with Gorillas and Chimps

Later, join an official chimpanzee tracking excursion led by park guides. Walk through the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community and observe their behaviour under the applicable wildlife authority regulations. Kibale is famous for its rich primate diversity, and the experience complements the mountain gorilla trekking planned for Bwindi. Depending on the tracking schedule, additional birding may be possible before you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Early Birding and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Rise early for a birding excursion in Kibale Forest, with an opportunity to search for the elusive Green-breasted Pitta if conditions and the local birding schedule are suitable. This forest specialist can be difficult to locate, so the excursion requires patience and an experienced guide from Arcadia Safaris. Other forest birds may be encountered as you explore suitable trails before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its varied habitats, including open savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakeshore environments. After checking in at your accommodation, enjoy an evening game drive or birding session if time permits. Search for birds associated with open scrub and grassland while watching for wildlife such as Uganda kob, buffalo and elephants. Nightjar searches may be possible in suitable locations, subject to timing and local arrangements.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 9: Full-Day Birding and Wildlife Viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend the day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s important birding destinations, with a mix of savannah, woodland and wetland habitats. During a guided game drive, search for birds such as Wahlberg’s Eagle, Brown Snake-Eagle, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Martial Eagle, Red-necked Spurfowl, African Crake and several species of weavers and warblers. Your guide will adapt the route to the habitats and species most relevant to your interests.

Alongside birdwatching, keep watch for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob and other mammals that inhabit the park. Depending on the final schedule, the day may include additional birding around suitable wetlands or the lakeshore. The park’s rich variety of habitats makes it rewarding for both experienced birders and visitors who want to combine bird photography with a classic African wildlife safari.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 10: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is well known for its concentration of hippos and its variety of waterbirds, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Look for herons, storks, African Jacanas, kingfishers and other water-associated species while watching for elephants and buffaloes along the banks.

After the boat cruise, travel towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with the route depending on your selected gorilla trekking sector and road conditions. The landscape gradually changes from savannah and lakeshore habitats to forested hills and cooler highland scenery. Arrive at your lodge, settle in and receive any practical information needed for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 11: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Birding in Buhoma

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with ranger guides in search of an habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take several hours depending on the gorillas’ location, terrain and forest conditions. Once the gorillas are located, visitors may observe them for the permitted period, following all wildlife authority regulations. A porter can be hired to help carry your daypack and make the trek more manageable. Trending 15 Day Uganda Birding Safari with Gorillas and Chimps

Depending on the duration of the trek and your energy levels, you may enjoy additional birding around the Buhoma area. The lower-elevation forest supports a different bird community from the higher Ruhija sector, with possibilities including Bar-tailed Trogon, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, African Broadbill, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Red-throated Alethe and a variety of sunbirds and forest warblers. The additional birding session is subject to the timing of your gorilla trek and local conditions.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 12: Birding En Route from Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Lake Mburo National Park, with birding stops along the route where time permits. The route may pass through the Ishasha area or other suitable sections depending on road conditions and the planned itinerary. The changing habitats provide opportunities to look for birds of forest edges, farmland, woodland and open savannah while enjoying views of southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills and rural communities.

Arrive at Lake Mburo National Park and, subject to timing, enjoy a boat excursion or a short birding activity around the lake and surrounding habitats. The park is known for species associated with acacia woodland, grassland and wetlands, and it also supports mammals such as zebra, eland, impala, buffalo and warthog. A night drive may be possible if available and arranged in advance; it should not be assumed as a standard included activity unless confirmed in your quotation.

Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 13: Morning Birding in Lake Mburo and Transfer to Jinja

Begin the day with an early morning birding excursion in Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s rewarding birding destinations, known for its savannah species, acacia-associated birds, wetlands and lakeshore habitats. With your professional birding guide, explore suitable areas of the park in search of species such as the African Finfoot, Red-faced Barbet, Brown-chested Lapwing and other resident birds. The exact sightings will depend on the season, weather and local bird activity. Luxury 15 Day Uganda Birding Safari with Gorillas and Chimps

After the morning birding session, enjoy breakfast before departing for Jinja in eastern Uganda. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, rural communities and agricultural areas, offering opportunities to observe Uganda’s countryside along the way. Upon arrival in Jinja, check in at your lodge and relax for the evening.

Destination: Jinja
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 14: Birding in Mabira Forest and Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, travel to Mabira Central Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s important birding sites and a valuable remnant of the country’s tropical rainforest. Explore selected forest trails with your birding guide, looking for forest specialists and other species that inhabit the reserve. Depending on the conditions, your birding list may include the Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Parrot, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill and a variety of forest barbets, greenbuls and sunbirds.

After your birding excursion, continue to Entebbe, travelling through central Uganda towards the shores of Lake Victoria. On arrival, check in at your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This overnight stay places you conveniently for the following morning’s Shoebill excursion and international departure arrangements.

Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 15: Shoebill Birding Excursion and Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

Rise early for a guided Shoebill birding excursion in Mabamba Bay Wetland, one of Uganda’s best-known locations for searching for the iconic Shoebill. Explore the wetland channels by local motorised canoe with an experienced guide, scanning papyrus beds and shallow-water habitats for the Shoebill and other wetland birds. Depending on conditions, you may also encounter species such as African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher and other waterbirds. Shoebill sightings are not guaranteed, but an early visit offers a valuable opportunity to search for this sought-after species.

After the excursion, return to your accommodation in Entebbe to refresh and then later embark on your transfer journey to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Your driver-guide will coordinate the schedule around your confirmed flight time, allowing sufficient time for the journey to the airport and check-in procedures. This concludes your 15-day Uganda birding safari, combining rewarding birdwatching experiences across savannah, forest and wetland habitats with opportunities to track chimpanzees and mountain gorillas.

Destination: Mabamba & Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (Unless on request)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

SAFARI COST: From $4,500 Per Person

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

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