10-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Birdwatching

The itinerary Summarised for you

Undertake a thrilling 10-day Uganda safari that combines the awe-inspiring gorilla trekking experience with exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Journey through lush rainforests, scenic wetlands, and diverse national parks as you encounter Uganda’s rich wildlife, including the elusive mountain gorillas and over 1,000 bird species. This adventure offers nature lovers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of Africa’s most pristine and biodiverse landscapes.

Day 1: Explore Mabamba Swamp – A Birding Adventure to Spot the Shoebill
Day 2: Journey to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 3: Birding in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Day 6: Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha
Day 7: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 10: Return to Kampala For Departure Flight – Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary: 10-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Birdwatching

Day 1: Explore Mabamba Swamp – A Birding Adventure to Spot the Shoebill

Kick off your safari with a visit to Mabamba Swamp, a birding paradise located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to this renowned wetland. Here, you’ll embark on a thrilling canoe ride, expertly paddled through the lush marshes as you search for the elusive Shoebill Stork. Witnessing this prehistoric-looking bird in its natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mabamba is home to a plethora of other fascinating bird species, including the Papyrus Gonolek, African Pygmy, Black Crake, Black Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Pied Wagtail, African Firefinch, and the majestic African Fish Eagle, among many others. After a day immersed in nature, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch before returning to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury (Protea Hotel | Serena Hotel) Mid-range (Boma Hotel | Cassia Lodge)

Day 2: Journey to Kibale Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and bird-rich ecosystems. The journey through the countryside offers a glimpse into the heart of rural Uganda, and you’ll likely arrive at your accommodation by evening.

Once checked in, take some time to relax or explore the surroundings. The area around your hotel is teeming with birdlife, with over 355 species recorded in the park. Unwind with a delicious dinner and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury (Primate Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge) Mid-range (Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Guest House)

Day 3: Birding in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before venturing into Kibale Forest for a birding walk. This dense forest is a birdwatcher’s haven, where you might spot the Crested Guinea Fowl, African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Grey Apalis, White-naped Pigeon, and Red-capped Robin-Chat, among others.

After lunch back at the hotel, head out for an evening birding walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The wetland is home to a variety of species, including the Papyrus Gonolek, Waxbills, Weavers, Hornbills, Cuckoos, and Kingfishers. As the day ends, return to your hotel for dinner and rest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury (Primate Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge) Mid-range (Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Guest House)

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following breakfast, prepare for your transfer to the iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes about 4 hours, offering beautiful landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, soaking in the serene surroundings.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury (Mweya Safari Lodge) Mid-range (Enganzi Game Lodge)

Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

After breakfast, set out for an exhilarating game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where you’ll encounter Uganda’s incredible wildlife. Keep an eye out for Kobs, Elephants, Buffaloes, Warthogs, and Topis among others.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. This waterway is a hotspot for wildlife, with numerous animals coming to drink and cool off. The channel is also rich in birdlife and aquatic species, including Hippos and Crocodiles. Enjoy the spectacular views before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury (Mweya Safari Lodge) Mid-range (Enganzi Game Lodge)

Day 6: Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

Begin your day with a game drive in the Ishasha sector, a unique region of Queen Elizabeth National Park known for its tree-climbing lions. Afterwards, check-in at your hotel in Ishasha and enjoy lunch.

In the evening, take another game drive to spot these majestic lions resting in the fig trees and observe the rich birdlife, including Vultures, Eagles, and Cisticolas. End the day with a tranquil sunset before returning to your hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: (Ishasha Jungle Lodge | Ishasha Wilderness Camp)

Day 7: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This journey offers excellent birding opportunities along the way, with numerous sightings to keep your binoculars busy.

Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its mountain gorillas and is also a haven for birdwatchers. Arrive in the evening, check into your hotel, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:

Day 8: Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Rise early for birdwatching in Bwindi, one of Africa’s premier birding destinations. The park is home to 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemic species, making it a must-visit for birding enthusiasts.

Spot the Rwenzori Batis, Oriole Finch, Black-billed Turaco, Red-throated Alethe, White-bellied Robin-Chat, and many more as you explore the forest’s numerous trails. You can choose to have a packed lunch to maximize your birding time before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family to track based on your fitness level and then set off into the dense jungle.

The trek can last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the Mountain gorillas. Once you find them, you’ll have a magical hour to observe and photograph these gentle giants. After the trek, return to your hotel to relax and celebrate your achievement.

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:

Day 10: Return to Kampala For Departure Flight – Entebbe

On the final day of your safari, enjoy breakfast before beginning the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. The journey is long but offers plenty of opportunities to reflect on your incredible experiences. Arrive in the evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or residence.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 10-Day Gorilla trekking and birdwatching

This itinerary is designed to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience of Uganda’s rich wildlife and birdlife, combining adventure with relaxation in some of the country’s most stunning natural environments.

OutBirding – Uganda: Shoebills to Gorillas and Beyond (Full episode)