Uganda is a paradise for lovers of wildlife, primates, and birds. With its unique blend of savannah, tropical rainforest, crater lakes, and wetlands, the country offers unforgettable encounters ranging from gorilla trekking to Big Five game viewing and world-class birding. This 12 Days Gorillas, Wildlife, and Birding Uganda Safari is carefully designed for travelers who want the best of everything; premium lodges, private transfers, and expert-guided experiences. You will track endangered mountain gorillas, spot iconic savannah wildlife, and encounter some of Uganda’s 1,000 bird species, all while enjoying personalized comfort and service.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Wanderwort Safaris representative will meet and transfer you to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel, explore the botanical gardens, or enjoy birdwatching along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Accommodation options: Hotel No.5, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
Meals: (Dinner)
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Birding – Transfer to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, embark on a birding excursion to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to spot the rare shoebill stork. You will also encounter other wetland species like papyrus gonolek and malachite kingfisher. Later, drive to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. Continue to your lodge inside the park.
Accommodation options: Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Game Drive and Birding – Boat Cruise on the Nile
Enjoy a morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile where elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo roam. This area is also excellent for birders with species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill and red-throated bee-eater. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of African fish eagles. End the day with sundowners overlooking the river.
Accommodation options: Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale National Park
After breakfast, set off on a scenic journey to Kibale National Park, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads. Arrive in the evening at your luxury forest lodge, surrounded by rich birdlife and forest sounds.
Accommodation options: Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Primate Lodge Luxury Cottages
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Birding in Kibale
Head into Kibale Forest for a guided chimpanzee tracking adventure. Along the way, look out for other primates like red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. The forest is also a birder’s haven with species such as the African grey parrot, green-breasted pitta, and crowned eagle. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided birding and nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Accommodation options: Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Primate Lodge Luxury Cottages
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park (Northern Sector)
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a birding stopover at the crater lakes area before entering the park. Settle into your lodge with sweeping views of the park and Rwenzori Mountains. The park boasts over 600 bird species, making it a top birding destination.
Accommodation options: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start with an early morning game drive in Kasenyi plains where lions, elephants, and Uganda kob are common. Bird species such as the black-bellied bustard and rufous-naped lark can also be seen. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a hotspot for birdlife including pied kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, and pink-backed pelicans.
Accommodation options: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions and Birding
Transfer to the southern Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Birding enthusiasts will also enjoy sightings of ross’s turaco, broad-billed roller, and African green pigeon. Relax at your tented lodge surrounded by wilderness.
Accommodation options: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enjojo Lodge Luxury Tents, Savannah Resort Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After a morning game and birding drive in Ishasha, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Bwindi is also one of Africa’s premier birding destinations with species like the African green broadbill and bar-tailed trogon.
Accommodation options: Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Set off after breakfast for a briefing at the park headquarters, then begin your guided trek through the dense rainforest to encounter a gorilla family. The hour spent observing them is one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters on earth. Later, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the forest.
Accommodation options: Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi Birding and Relaxation
Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic lakes in Africa, dotted with 29 islands. Spend the afternoon birdwatching along the lakeshore, spotting herons, weavers, and grey crowned cranes. You may also enjoy a canoe ride or relax at the lodge with breathtaking lake views.
Accommodation options: Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi, Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe – Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, drive back to Entebbe with a stopover at the Equator for photographs and souvenir shopping. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
- Airport Transfers.
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking Tour Guide.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Ranger Fees.
- Bottled Water in the car.
The tour cost excludes; International air fare, Visa fees, personal travel insurance, tips to local guides, souvenirs, personal shopping bills, laundry, alcoholic drinks and items not listed as included in the cost.