12-Day Uganda Birding, Safari and Primates Tour – 2027
A 12-day Uganda circuit combining Shoebill and Albertine Rift birding with savanna wildlife, boat cruises and optional chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking.
About this tour
Travel from Entebbe through Mabamba, Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo on a guided Uganda journey that keeps birding central while adding wildlife safaris, boat cruises and optional primate treks.
The itinerary includes a dedicated Shoebill search, wetland and forest birding, savanna species and Albertine Rift specialties. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and optional primate activities depend on permits and the selected price option.
Birds you can spot
Bucorvus abyssinicus
target
Haliaeetus vocifer
target
Apaloderma vittatum
target
Merops gularis
target
Merops persicus
target
Corythaeola cristata
target
Pitta reichenowi
target
Laniarius mufumbiri
target
Merops bulocki
target
Balaeniceps rex
target
Tauraco leucolophus
target
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, welcome by the driver-guide and transfer to Airport Guest House for dinner and overnight.
Visit Mabamba Swamp for a focused search for Shoebill, then continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the overnight stay.
Explore Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhinos and birding, including possibilities such as White-crested Turaco and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Continue after lunch to Murchison Falls National Park and Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Take a morning safari for savanna wildlife and birds, followed by an afternoon boat cruise toward Murchison Falls. Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Continue the morning safari and birding in Murchison Falls National Park, whose varied habitats support savanna, water and forest birds. After lunch, transfer to Masindi for the overnight stay.
Drive to Kibale National Park, then take an afternoon walk at Bigodi Wetland for primates and birds such as Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek and Black Bee-eater. Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
An optional early chimpanzee trek explores Kibale forest, which supports more than 375 bird species and specialties such as Green-breasted Pitta. Continue in the afternoon to Queen Elizabeth National Park and The Bush Lodge.
Take a morning safari for wildlife and birds, then a 14:00 boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, with possibilities including African Fish Eagle and several bee-eaters. Overnight at The Bush Lodge.
Travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a lunch stop en route. Overnight at Ride 4 A Woman.
Join an optional mountain gorilla trek. Bwindi also protects Albertine Rift birds such as Bar-tailed Trogon, Kivu Ground Thrush and Chapin's Flycatcher. The afternoon includes a community walk and craft visit, with another overnight at Ride 4 A Woman.
Leave Bwindi after breakfast and travel to Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch, take a short safari for savanna wildlife, with an optional sunset cruise on Lake Mburo. Overnight at Eagle Nest Camp.
Explore Lake Mburo National Park on a guided savanna walk, then transfer toward Kampala with stops for lunch and crafts before continuing to Entebbe for an evening flight.
Locations & map
- Entebbe - Central Region Uganda
- Mabamba Swamp - Central Region Uganda
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - Central Region Uganda
- Murchison Falls National Park - Northern and Western Regions Uganda
- Masindi - Western Region Uganda
- Kibale National Park - Western Region Uganda
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary - Western Region Uganda
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Western Region Uganda
- Kazinga Channel - Western Region Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Western Region Uganda
- Lake Mburo National Park - Western Region Uganda
Availability & pricing
Included
- Tour transport and airport transfers
- Full-board accommodation, with a carbonated drink included with meals
- Park and tour activities included in the selected price option
- Taxes and bank charges
Not included
- Flights to and from Entebbe
- Visa costs
- Alcoholic drinks, laundry, tips, souvenirs and porters
- Activities not included in the selected itinerary option
Transport & stays
- Private safari vehicle with driver-guide Road transport for the confirmed route and airport transfers are included. Boat trips, park activities and primate treks follow the selected option and confirmed permits. | Meet: Entebbe International Airport | Pickup: Airport pickup and final flight timing are confirmed after inquiry.
Accommodations
- Airport Guest House (day 1) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
- Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch (day 2) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
- Pakuba Safari Lodge (days 3-4) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
- Masindi Hotel (day 5) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (day 6) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
- The Bush Lodge (days 7-8) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
- Ride 4 A Woman (days 9-10) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
- Eagle Nest Camp (day 11) Double or twin room Full-board stay according to the confirmed itinerary
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Which primate activities are included?
Choose among four price options: no primate trekking, chimpanzee trekking only, mountain gorilla trekking only, or both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Final permits and availability are confirmed in the proposal.
How is the booking confirmed?
The operator requests booking at least two months before the tour and a deposit of 30% of the confirmed total. BirdWatch will forward the inquiry for the current proposal and payment schedule.