16-Day Wildlife & Birding Tour of Uganda
16 DaysOverview
Discover Uganda’s incredible biodiversity on this immersive 16-day safari, combining world-class birdwatching, unforgettable primate encounters, spectacular wildlife viewing, and authentic cultural experiences. Search for the legendary shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp, explore the mighty Murchison Falls National Park, trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, discover the hidden wilderness of Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, cruise the Kazinga Channel, encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and conclude your journey with a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Destination: Uganda
Safari Type: Birding • Gorilla Trekking • Chimpanzee Trekking • Wildlife • Nature • Photography
Accommodation: Mid-range & Luxury
Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your private guide will transfer you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Entebbe on a complimentary bicycle, stroll through the beautiful Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or enjoy an introductory birdwatching session around the shores of Lake Victoria.
Activities
- Airport transfer
- Optional Entebbe city tour
- Botanical Gardens visit
- Introductory birdwatching
Accommodation
The Boma Hotel
Meals
Meals at own expense
After breakfast, drive to the famous Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa's premier birding destinations and the best place in Uganda to search for the elusive Shoebill Stork.
Spend the afternoon exploring the lodge's nature trails while spotting monkeys and numerous bird species before enjoying a spectacular sunset over the wetlands.
Activities
- Scenic drive to Mabamba
- Nature walk
- Birdwatching
Accommodation
Nkima Forest Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring the Mabamba Wetlands by traditional canoe.
Glide silently through papyrus channels in search of the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork while also spotting numerous wetland species including:
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Blue-breasted Bee-eater
- African Jacana
- Papyrus Gonolek
- Swamp Flycatcher
Activities
- Canoe birding excursion
- Shoebill tracking
- Wetland photography
Accommodation
Nkima Forest Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel north to Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area.
Optional stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park.
Spend the evening relaxing along the banks of the River Nile.
Activities
- Scenic drive
- Optional Rhino Tracking
- Arrival at Murchison Falls
Accommodation
Murchison River Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a full day exploring the park.
Begin with an exciting morning game drive across the northern savannah before taking a boat cruise to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls.
Later, continue with another boat cruise to the Nile Delta, regarded as one of Uganda's finest birdwatching locations.
Wildlife may include:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Rothschild's Giraffes
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Buffaloes
Activities
- Morning game drive
- Boat cruise to the Falls
- Nile Delta birding cruise
Accommodation
Murchison River Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging dramatically below.
Spend the remainder of the day searching for more wildlife and birdlife before enjoying a final evening game drive.
Activities
- Top of the Falls hike
- Wildlife viewing
- Evening game drive
Accommodation
Murchison River Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey south through Uganda's beautiful countryside toward Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa.
Relax at your forest lodge upon arrival.
Accommodation
Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees.
Besides chimpanzees, Kibale is home to over 13 primate species including:
- Red-tailed monkeys
- Black-and-white Colobus
- Grey-cheeked Mangabeys
- L'Hoest's Monkeys
Activities
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Forest birding
- Nature walk
Accommodation
Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel west to the little-visited Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
Located beneath the Rwenzori Mountains and bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, this reserve offers a unique blend of Central African and East African wildlife.
Accommodation
Semliki Safari Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the day exploring this remarkable reserve.
Activities include:
- Morning game drive
- Guided walking safari
- Birdwatching
- Sunset overlooking Lake Albert
Optional boat activities are available.
Accommodation
Semliki Safari Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its enormous concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and water birds.
Activities
- Scenic drive
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Accommodation
Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive through the famous Ishasha Sector, renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions.
Visit a local community before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Activities
- Tree-climbing lion search
- Community visit
Accommodation
Engagi Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's adventure is the highlight of the safari.
Following a morning briefing, trek through the dense rainforest searching for endangered mountain gorillas.
Once located, spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat.
The trek also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Activities
- Gorilla trekking
- Forest birding
Accommodation
Engagi Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Choose between another unforgettable gorilla trek (additional permit required) or spend the day exploring local communities surrounding Bwindi.
Visit schools, traditional homesteads, women's craft groups, and conservation projects while learning about life around the forest.
Activities
- Optional second gorilla trek
- Community tour
- Cultural experiences
Accommodation
Engagi Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest savannah park and one of the country's best places for walking safaris.
Upon arrival, relax at your lodge overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
Optional activities include:
- Nature walks
- Mountain biking
- Evening game drive
Accommodation
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your final day with a guided walking safari, offering close encounters with zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and numerous bird species.
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs and souvenir shopping before continuing to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Activities
- Walking safari
- Uganda Equator visit
- Airport transfer
Meals
Breakfast
End of Safari
Airport drop-off included.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All transportation and transfers as per the itinerary
- Accommodation for 15 nights in selected mid-range and luxury lodges
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking water during the safari
- All national park and wildlife reserve entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit (one permit per person)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Mabamba Swamp Shoebill birding boat excursion
- Murchison Falls boat cruises (Falls cruise and Nile Delta cruise)
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Game drives in Murchison Falls, Toro-Semliki, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks
- Guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
- Top of Murchison Falls visit
- Ishasha Sector wildlife viewing
- Community visit near Bwindi
- Birdwatching activities as specified in the itinerary
- Ranger guide fees where applicable
- Government taxes and park fees
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional second gorilla trekking permit
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit (optional)
- Optional boat activities on Lake Albert
- Optional mountain biking and additional activities at Lake Mburo
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, telephone calls, and other items
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and porters
- Accommodation before or after the safari unless arranged separately
- Any activities not mentioned under Safari Includes
- Any other services of a personal nature