13-Day Uganda Birding and Primate Safari: Kibale, Bwindi and Mgahinga
Combine Kibale and Bigodi birding with the Kazinga Channel, three Bwindi birding days and primate tracking in a 13-day journey through western Uganda.
About this tour
This route gives substantial time to the forest birds of western Uganda while including chimpanzee, mountain gorilla and golden monkey tracking. Kibale is the first major stop after arrival in Entebbe. The circuit then crosses Queen Elizabeth National Park before spending several days in Bwindi and finishing among Mgahinga’s highland habitats.
The early birding pairs Kibale forest with the wetland and riverine vegetation at Bigodi. Queen Elizabeth adds open-country birds and a Kazinga Channel cruise, creating a change from the enclosed forest setting. Transfers also allow roadside birding, including the journey through Ishasha toward Bwindi.
Bwindi is more than a gorilla stop on this itinerary. Separate outings cover the Mubwindi trail, the Buhoma forest section and a main-trail birding day. These visits offer repeated opportunities to look for montane species, with Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Apalis and Bar-tailed Trogon among the possible highlights.
At Mgahinga, the programme combines highland scenery with golden monkey tracking before returning to Entebbe. Accommodation, food, guided birding, park entry and the listed primate activities are included in the published programme. Trekking duration varies with animal movements; no sighting is guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe and meet the guide for the safari. Rest at accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala according to your flight time.
Day 2
Kibale forest journey
Drive toward Kibale for the first forest-birding and primate stage. Its mix of forest and grassland offers possible encounters with forest kingfishers, pittas and tinkerbirds.
Day 3
Chimpanzee excursion and Bigodi
A visitors' centre briefing precedes chimpanzee tracking, which may take more than two hours. Afternoon birding can explore the roadside forest and Bigodi wetland when weather permits.
Day 4
To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Follow the Fort Portal–Kasese highway south. An evening drive may be possible if arrival leaves enough time to explore the park's open habitats.
Day 5
Birds on land and water
Search the park on a morning game and birding drive before lunch at the lodge. A later Kazinga Channel cruise offers close views of waterside habitat and possible kingfishers, herons and pelicans.
Day 6
Ishasha to Bwindi
Travel through Ishasha with birding breaks on the way to Bwindi. Watch for raptors and roadside species before resting ahead of the forest activities.
Day 7
Mountain gorilla tracking
Begin with a briefing, then enter the forest to search for mountain gorillas. Their movements determine the route and time required, which may exceed two hours.
Day 8
Mubwindi trail birding
Walk the approximately four-kilometre Mubwindi trail. Regal Sunbird, Stripe-breasted Tit and Rwenzori Apalis are among the birds that may be encountered.
Day 9
Buhoma forest search
Explore the forest around the Buhoma section for birds missed on earlier outings. The emphasis remains on Bwindi's forest and Albertine Rift specialties.
Day 10
Bwindi main-trail outing
Dedicate the day to a further forest trail. Possible birds include Bar-tailed Trogon, Dusky Tit and Equatorial Akalat.
Day 11
Mgahinga highlands
Transfer to Mgahinga, where montane and bamboo vegetation replaces the earlier forest setting. A walk toward a viewpoint may be possible after an early arrival.
Day 12
Golden monkey tracking
Join the briefing before searching for golden monkeys. Keep watching for birds during the excursion, with Rwenzori Turaco among the possibilities.
Day 13
Departure from Entebbe
Travel back to Entebbe International Airport. This transfer concludes the thirteen-day circuit.
Locations & map
- Entebbe - Uganda
- Kibale National Park - Uganda
- Bigodi Wetland - Uganda
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda
- Kazinga Channel - Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park - Uganda
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Included
- Land Cruiser transport and fuel
- Accommodation and food
- Driver-guide and birding activities
- Park entry, nature walks and the boat excursion
- Listed chimpanzee, gorilla and golden monkey tracking
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.