8-Day Uganda Birding, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking
Eight private days combine Mabamba Shoebill birding with Kibale chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth wildlife and a permit-dependent Bwindi gorilla trek.
About this tour
This eight-day private route combines wetland birding, two primate experiences and wildlife observation across western Uganda. After an arrival night in Entebbe, the field programme begins at Mabamba Bay. Birding here focuses on Shoebill and other papyrus and wetland species before the long transfer toward Kibale.
Kibale Forest provides the setting for guided chimpanzee tracking and time for additional local birding when conditions allow. The route then continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on arrival time, an initial game drive may be possible, followed the next day by a morning wildlife drive and an afternoon cruise on the Kazinga Channel. These activities cover open-country and waterside habitats as well as the park’s large mammals.
The journey enters Bwindi through the Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions are among the possible observations. A guided mountain gorilla trek is planned in Bwindi subject to permit availability and park regulations. The final road transfer returns toward Entebbe, with an Equator stop and birding pauses only if the flight schedule allows. Christopher confirms the final sequence, accommodation, permits and price in a personalized proposal.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Birds you can spot
Haliaeetus vocifer
target
Actophilornis africanus
target
Circus ranivorus
target
Apaloderma vittatum
target
Sheppardia polioptera
target
Laniarius mufumbiri
target
Balaeniceps rex
target
Ceratogymna elata
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, hotel transfer and briefing
Meet the guide at Entebbe International Airport and continue to the agreed hotel. Time is reserved for rest and a briefing on the confirmed programme.
Day 2
Mabamba wetland birding before Kibale
Travel to Mabamba Bay for wetland birding, with Shoebill as a principal possibility. Potential supporting species include Yellow-billed Duck, Swamp Flycatcher, Red-headed Lovebird, Lesser and African jacanas, Papyrus Gonolek and African Marsh Harrier. Afterwards, begin the transfer toward Kibale.
Day 3
Chimpanzee tracking and Kibale birding
Join a guided chimpanzee-tracking activity in Kibale Forest and learn about the surrounding fauna and flora. The afternoon can be used for rest or further local birding according to timing and field conditions.
Day 4
Queen Elizabeth transfer and possible wildlife drive
Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. If the transfer is completed with sufficient daylight, take an afternoon wildlife drive for savannah birds and possible lions, elephants, buffalo and other mammals.
Day 5
Morning wildlife and the Kazinga Channel
Use the morning for a wildlife drive, with lions, kob, topi and birds among the possible observations. An afternoon cruise then follows the Kazinga Channel, where animals gathering along the banks may include elephants and hippos, together with varied waterbirds.
Day 6
Ishasha route into Bwindi
Travel through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions may be seen. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the confirmed overnight arrangements.
Day 7
Guided mountain gorilla trek
Enter Bwindi on a guided mountain gorilla trek, subject to a confirmed permit and park regulations. Walking time changes with the gorillas’ movements, trail conditions and the location of the assigned group.
Day 8
Equator stop on the Entebbe return
Drive back toward Entebbe or the airport for departure. An Equator stop and additional birding pauses may be included when road conditions and the confirmed flight time allow.
Locations & map
- Entebbe - Uganda (Access, weather and field conditions are confirmed before travel.)
- Mabamba Bay - Uganda (Access, weather and field conditions are confirmed before travel.)
- Kibale National Park - Uganda (Access, weather and field conditions are confirmed before travel.)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda (Access, weather and field conditions are confirmed before travel.)
- Kazinga Channel - Uganda (Access, weather and field conditions are confirmed before travel.)
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda (Access, weather and field conditions are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Departure dates and seasonal birding conditions are confirmed after inquiry
Price: Price on request
Included
- All meals during the confirmed safari program - The meal plan is reconfirmed with the accommodation schedule.
- Airport pickup and drop-off - According to the confirmed arrival and departure details.
- Park entry fees - For parks and reserves included in the final itinerary.
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser transport with fuel - For the confirmed road itinerary.
- Professional guide services - Guide availability is reconfirmed after inquiry.
- Boat cruises in the confirmed itinerary - Subject to local operating conditions.
Not included
- International flights, visas and insurance - Guests arrange these separately.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits unless requested and confirmed - Permit availability and cost are confirmed before booking.
- Services not named in the confirmed proposal - Commercial terms are confirmed before booking.
Transport & stays
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser, with canoe or boat excur The route includes substantial road travel. Vehicle, fuel, driver-guide and route-specific boat activities are confirmed in the final proposal. | Meet: Entebbe International Airport, an Entebbe hotel or another agreed location | Pickup: Airport or hotel pickup is arranged according to confirmed travel details.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are both primate permits included automatically?
No. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits can be included when requested, but availability and cost must be confirmed for the selected dates in the personalized proposal.
Is the first Queen Elizabeth wildlife drive guaranteed?
No. The afternoon activity on arrival is conditional on transfer timing and current conditions. The following morning’s wildlife drive remains part of the route framework.
Can birding priorities and accommodation be customized?
Yes. Christopher adjusts the programme to guest interests, available time, permit availability, accommodation preference and current conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.