14 Days best Birding and gorilla trip

14 Days Best Birding and Gorilla Safari in Uganda

Overview:
This 14-day Uganda birding and gorilla trekking trip is a once-in-a-lifetime journey tailored for avid birders and primate lovers. With over 1,090 recorded bird species and the iconic mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda offers one of Africa’s richest biodiversity experiences. This itinerary traverses wetlands, tropical rainforests, savannahs, and montane ecosystems across the country to maximize your sightings of both birds and wildlife.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Botanical Gardens Birding

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your professional birding guide. Depending on arrival time, head to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for an introductory birding session. Target birds include Ross’s and Great Blue Turacos, African Grey Parrot, Malachite Kingfisher, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Green-headed Sunbird.

Overnight: The Boma Entebbe | Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Shoebill Search – Mabamba Swamp Birding

Early morning canoe ride through Mabamba Wetland to search for the elusive Shoebill Stork. Other key species: Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-headed Coucal, Lesser Jacana, and African Pygmy Goose.

Overnight: The Boma Entebbe | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Transfer to Fort Portal – Birding in Sebitoli Sector

Drive to Fort Portal through tea plantations. Afternoon birding in the Sebitoli sector of Kibale Forest. Species include Joyful Greenbul, Red-chested Cuckoo, and Masked Apalis.

Overnight: Mountains of the Moon Hotel | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Kibale Forest Birding & Optional Chimpanzee Trekking

Morning birding in Kibale Forest. Look for African Broadbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-billed Turaco, and White-tailed Ant-Thrush. Optional chimp tracking experience.

Overnight: Mountains of the Moon Hotel | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Bigodi Wetland Birding – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Birding in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for Papyrus Gonolek, Great Blue Turaco, and Black-and-white Shrike-Flycatcher. Afternoon transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Birding Safari & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Morning game drive and birding in Kasenyi Plains. Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Birds include African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, African Spoonbill, and Saddle-billed Stork.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Maramagambo Forest Birding & Lake Nyamusingire

Explore Maramagambo Forest and Lake Nyamusingire. Possible sightings: Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Snowy-capped Robin-Chat, and African Finfoot.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

Drive south through Ishasha, where you may spot tree-climbing lions. Birding en route with sightings like Martial Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, and Black-crowned Tchagra.

Overnight: Engagi Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Birding in Bwindi – Buhoma Trail

Full-day birding on the Buhoma trails in Bwindi. Look for Albertine Rift endemics including Bar-tailed Trogon, Grauer’s Warbler, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing.

Overnight: Engagi Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Early morning gorilla trek. Spend an hour observing a habituated gorilla family. Return for afternoon rest or optional birding around the lodge.

Overnight: Engagi Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Birding En Route

Drive to Lake Mburo, stopping to bird along forest and savanna edges. Species may include Lilac-breasted Roller, Grey-backed Fiscal, and Crested Francolin.

Overnight: Mihingo Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 12: Birding & Boat Safari on Lake Mburo

Morning birding in woodland and acacia habitats for Red-faced Barbet, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and Long-tailed Cisticola. Afternoon boat cruise for African Finfoot and Nightjars.

Overnight: Mihingo Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 13: Return to Entebbe with Birding Stops

Bird your way back to Entebbe via the Equator. Possible en-route sightings include Bateleur, Pin-tailed Whydah, and White-browed Coucal.

Overnight: Central Inn Entebbe | Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 14: Departure

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Trip Highlights:

• Over 500 bird species recorded during the safari

• Private birding guide and customized 4×4 vehicle

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

• Boat safaris in Mabamba, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo

• Comfortable eco-lodges and forest accommodations

Included:

• Accommodation and meals as listed

• All park fees and birding permits

• Gorilla trekking permit

• Private birding guide and transport

• Drinking water, guidebooks, and checklists

Excluded:

• International flights

• Visa fees

• Tips and personal expenses

• Optional chimpanzee trekking permit

Book your 14-day Uganda Birding & Gorilla Safari today and discover Africa’s most vibrant birding destinations!