14 Days Best Birding and Gorilla Safari in Uganda

Experience Uganda’s birding paradise and encounter the legendary mountain gorillas

Overview

This 14-day Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari is designed for passionate birdwatchers and primate lovers seeking the ultimate African nature experience. Uganda home to more than 1,090 bird species and the breathtaking mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers one of the richest biodiversity experiences on the continent.

This carefully curated journey takes you through wetlands, rainforests, savannah plains, crater lakes, and montane forests to maximize your sightings of rare and endemic birds while allowing you to connect deeply with Uganda’s remarkable wildlife. From the prehistoric Shoebill of Mabamba Swamp to the Albertine Rift endemics of Bwindi, every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable encounters.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Birding at Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Your birding adventure begins as you land at Entebbe International Airport, where your friendly professional birding guide welcomes you with a smile. Depending on your arrival time, you enjoy an introductory birding session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Expect colorful sightings including Ross’s Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Parrot, Malachite Kingfisher, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Green-headed Sunbird.
Overnight: The Boma Entebbe – Dinner

Day 2: Shoebill Search – Mabamba Swamp Birding

Set off early for a canoe excursion through the famous Mabamba Wetland, one of the best places in Africa to see the iconic Shoebill Stork. The swamp also hosts Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-headed Coucal, Lesser Jacana, and the elegant African Pygmy Goose.
Overnight: The Boma Entebbe – Full Board

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

After breakfast, drive to Fort Portal through rolling hills and scenic tea plantations. In the afternoon, explore the bird-rich Sebitoli sector of Kibale Forest, targeting species like Joyful Greenbul, Red-chested Cuckoo, and Masked Apalis.
Overnight: Mountains of the Moon Hotel – Full Board

Day 4: Kibale Forest Birding & Optional Chimpanzee Trekking

Enjoy a rewarding morning birding in Kibale Forest—Uganda’s primate capital and a hotspot for forest birds. Look out for African Broadbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-billed Turaco, and White-tailed Ant-Thrush. Travelers may add an optional chimpanzee trekking experience.
Overnight: Mountains of the Moon Hotel – Full Board

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

Begin your day exploring Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its mix of birds and primates. Expect sightings of Papyrus Gonolek, Black-and-white Shrike-Flycatcher, and the vibrant Great Blue Turaco. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the afternoon.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge – Full Board

Day 6: Birding Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start with a morning birding game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where savannah birds thrive alongside lions, elephants, and antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel—one of East Africa’s top birding sites. Keep your binoculars ready for African Skimmer, African Spoonbill, Saddle-billed Stork, and the majestic African Fish Eagle.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge – Full Board

Day 7: Maramagambo Forest Birding & Lake Nyamusingire

Explore the lush Maramagambo Forest and the nearby crater lakes for species like Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Snowy-capped Robin-Chat, and the elusive African Finfoot.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge – Full Board

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

Travel south through the Ishasha sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy birding stops along the way to Bwindi, with possible sightings of Martial Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, and Black-crowned Tchagra.
Overnight: Engagi Lodge – Full Board

Day 9: Birding in Bwindi – Buhoma Trail

Spend a full day birding the famed Buhoma trails in Bwindi, a sanctuary for Albertine Rift endemics. Top targets include Bar-tailed Trogon, Grauer’s Warbler, and the highly sought-after Shelley’s Crimsonwing—one of Africa’s rarest birds.
Overnight: Engagi Lodge – Full Board

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your safari. Begin your gorilla trek early and follow experienced rangers into the forest until you locate a habituated gorilla family. Enjoy a magical hour with these gentle giants a privilege and a memory that lasts a lifetime. Spend your afternoon relaxing or birding around the lodge.
Overnight: Engagi Lodge – Full Board

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo – Birding En Route

Head to Lake Mburo National Park, with multiple birding stops along forest and savannah edges. Look out for Lilac-breasted Roller, Grey-backed Fiscal, and Crested Francolin.
Overnight: Mihingo Lodge – Full Board

Day 12: Birding & Boat Safari on Lake Mburo

Discover Lake Mburo’s beautiful acacia woodlands in the morning. Species to look for include Red-faced Barbet, Long-tailed Cisticola, and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise where you may spot African Finfoot and several nightjars along the shoreline.
Overnight: Mihingo Lodge – Full Board

Day 13: Return to Entebbe with Birding Stops

Drive back to Entebbe via the Equator. Make birding stops for species such as Bateleur, Pin-tailed Whydah, and White-browed Coucal.
Overnight: Central Inn Entebbe – Full Board

Day 14: Departure

Your guide transfers you to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable birding and gorilla safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Trip Highlights

• Spot over 500 bird species across Uganda’s diverse ecosystems

• Enjoy a private birding guide and customized 4×4 safari vehicle

• Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi

• Explore wetlands and waterways on boat safaris in Mabamba, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo

• Stay in comfortable eco-lodges and forest lodges close to nature

Included

• All accommodation and meals as listed

• Park entry fees and birding permits

• Gorilla trekking permit

• Private professional birding guide

• 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel

• Drinking water, bird checklists, and guidebooks

Excluded

• International flights

• Visa fees

• Tips and personal purchases

• Optional chimpanzee trekking permit

Book your 14-Day Uganda Birding & Gorilla Safari with Freundlich Safaris Uganda today and experience the most vibrant birding destinations in Africa!