Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” on this 18-day birding and wildlife adventure. With over 1,000 bird species, lush rainforests, expansive wetlands, and the chance to encounter endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, this safari is a dream for nature lovers. Explore wetlands, tropical forests, savannahs, and high-altitude swamps while enjoying guided walks, boat cruises, game drives, and cultural experiences.
Whether you are a dedicated birder or an all-round nature enthusiast, this safari delivers a unique combination of birding, wildlife, and conservation experiences across Uganda’s top parks and sanctuaries.
Overview
Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” on this 18-day birding and wildlife adventure. With over 1,000 bird species, lush rainforests, expansive wetlands, and the chance to encounter endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, this safari is a dream for nature lovers. Explore wetlands, tropical forests, savannahs, and high-altitude swamps while enjoying guided walks, boat cruises, game drives, and cultural experiences.
Highlights
- Face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi – a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter
- Spot the elusive Shoebill in Uganda’s wetlands – a dream for birders worldwide
- Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha – a rare photographic opportunity on the savannah
Explore the ‘Pearl of Africa’ on this 18-day birding and wildlife safari, combining Uganda’s top wildlife and birding hotspots. Trek through Bwindi’s misty forests to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees in Kibale, and search for Shoebill storks in serene wetlands. Discover rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and diverse savannah birds on game drives. Cruise the Nile and Kazinga Channel, enjoy high-altitude swamp birding, and immerse yourself in local culture and conservation initiatives, all while staying in comfortable lodges surrounded by nature.
Met on arrival and transferred to ViaVia Guest House, Entebbe. Your guide will accompany you throughout the safari.
Meals: Depending on arrival
Morning excursion by local fishing boat in the wetlands in search of the elusive Shoebill and other waterbirds. Afternoon at leisure or optional birding around the lodge.
Guided nature walk to track rhinos at close range. Explore the Sanctuary’s birding trails before continuing to Masindi.
Spend the day birding the rich Albertine Rift Endemic habitat and tracking forest wildlife.
Witness the dramatic Murchison Falls and enjoy an afternoon game drive for savannah wildlife and bird species.
Relaxed morning birding followed by a 2-hour Nile cruise, observing hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds.
Travel through beautiful countryside en route to Kibale, enjoying scenic stops for birding.
Explore this “birder’s haven” for Albertine Rift endemics and unique forest bird species.
Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, observing these social primates in their natural habitat. Afternoon birding and wildlife walk at Bigodi Community Wetland Sanctuary.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day of guided walks, tracking rare forest birds, primates, and forest-edge species. Capture photographs and learn about local conservation efforts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Take a boat cruise along channels and lakes, spotting waterbirds, hippos, and crocodiles, while enjoying breathtaking scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning game drive in open savannah and wetlands. Transfer to the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions, then continue to Bwindi’s Buhoma sector for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day on guided birding walks along the Buhoma Trails, discovering endemic Albertine Rift bird species and forest wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spend an hour observing gorilla families in their natural habitat. Transfer through the scenic Bwindi Neck to Ruhija.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
High-altitude swamp and forest birding in Mubwindi Swamp, searching for rare endemics and enjoying the unique ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Lake Mburo, enjoy the afternoon game drive across the savannah, spotting wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and bird species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning boat cruise on the lake for waterbirds and wildlife viewing. Afternoon game drive for savannah birds, mammals, and photography opportunities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Entebbe with a stop at Entebbe Botanical Gardens for final birding and wildlife observation before your evening departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cost Incudes
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Accommodation throughout the safari as per itinerary
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with experienced driver/guide
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Birding and nature walks with expert guides
- Boat cruises: Nile River, Kazinga Channel, and delta waterways
- Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha, Lake Mburo, and other national parks
- All park entrance and conservation fees
- Bottled drinking water during excursions
- Services of an English-speaking safari guide throughout the trip
Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from Uganda
- Visa fees for Uganda
- Travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks, snacks)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff, or drivers
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
ganda has over 1,000 bird species, from wetlands and savannahs to high-altitude forests. This safari combines prime birding hotspots, including Mubwindi Swamp, Budongo Forest, and Semuliki National Park, with opportunities to see iconic wildlife like gorillas, chimpanzees, and rhinos.
Birding and wildlife walks vary from easy walks along lodge gardens and wetlands to moderate forest treks for gorillas, chimpanzees, or high-altitude swamp birds. Guides pace walks to suit the group, making it accessible to avid birders of most fitness levels.
Expect a wide range of Albertine Rift endemics, waterbirds like the Shoebill, savannah birds, and forest species, along with mammals including gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, elephants, and tree-climbing lions. Early mornings and boat cruises are particularly productive for birdwatching.
Absolutely. While some activities like gorilla tracking have age restrictions (usually 15+), most birding walks and boat trips are gentle. First-time visitors will enjoy expert-guided birding and wildlife viewing, along with cultural experiences and community conservation visits.
Bring lightweight clothing in neutral colors, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera. Warm layers are recommended for early morning swamp birding and high-altitude forest walks. A field guide for birds is optional but helpful.
