8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Birding Safari
A Uganda safari through Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi for gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife and birding across several habitats.
About this tour
A Uganda safari through Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi for gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife and birding across several habitats.
Every journey is customized around the guest’s birding interests, available time, preferred accommodation and optional activities. The itinerary provides a route framework that can be adjusted for each trip. A personalized price is based on tour length, accommodation choice and selected activities.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Uganda.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the Luweero triangle, with a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Have lunch in Masindi before continuing to Murchison Falls. Visit the top of the falls for a breathtaking view of the Nile. Dinner and overnight at your selected lodge (Paraa Safari Lodge/Sambiya River Camp/Red Chili Hotel).
Wake up early for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls NP. View a variety of wildlife such as lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Transfer to Kibale National Park. En-route, visit the Nakayima Tree in Mubende and the Amabere Ganyina Mwiru caves in Fort Portal. Dinner and overnight at Mountain of the Moon Hotel, Ndali Lodge, or Primates Lodge.
In the morning, head to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, where you will also encounter other primates such as colobus and vervet monkeys. Afterward, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching and animal sightings. Return to Fort Portal for dinner and overnight.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with an en-route game drive. Arrive in time for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, known for its large hippo population and diverse bird species. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Camp, or Samba Safari Lodge.
After an early breakfast, enjoy a game drive in Ishasha Sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. Then, proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight at Gorillas Guest Hotel, Lake Kitandara, or Buhoma Community Bandas.
This is the highlight of the trip: gorilla tracking! After a briefing, trek through the forest to encounter the majestic gorillas. Depending on their movement, the trek may take 2-6 hours. Spend one hour with the gorillas before descending to your lodge for lunch. In the evening, enjoy a community walk to the Batwa people. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala. Stop at the Equator for photos and explore local craft markets before continuing your journey. Arrive in Kampala in the afternoon, with transfers to your hotel or the airport for your departure.
Locations & map
- Kampala - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Kibale National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda (Conditions vary with elevation, habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; dates and itinerary are customized to the guest’s interests, available time and travel preferences
Price: Price on request
Included
- All meals - Included in the customized package.
- Airport pickup and drop-off - Arrival and departure transfers are included.
- Park entry fees - Entry fees for parks in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser transport with fuel - Ground transport and fuel are included.
- Professional guide services - Professional guiding is included throughout the confirmed program.
- Boat cruises - Boat cruises named in the confirmed itinerary are included.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits when requested - These permits are included when selected by the guest and named in the personalized proposal.
Not included
- International flights and visas - Travellers arrange international flights and entry requirements.
- Travel and medical insurance - Travellers arrange suitable cover for the selected activities.
- Personal expenses, tips and unselected options - Any activity, permit or service not named in the personalized proposal is excluded.
Transport & stays
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel, plus boat cruises wher Ground transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with fuel is included. Boat cruises are included where they form part of the customized itinerary. | Meet: Kampala airport, hotel or another agreed starting point | Pickup: Airport pickup and drop-off are included; the exact meeting details follow the guest’s flight and accommodation arrangements.
Accommodations
- Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge (days 1-2) Suggested mid-range options
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Isunga Lodge (days 3-4) Suggested mid-range options
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge (day 5) Suggested mid-range options
- Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Eco Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge or Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse (days 6-7) Suggested mid-range options