Day 1: Arrival and Birding in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy relaxed afternoon birding around the shores of Lake Victoria, spotting waterbirds, kingfishers, herons, and migratory species while settling into Uganda comfortably.

Day 2: Shoebill Birding at Mabamba Swamp

Today focuses on wetland birding at Mabamba Swamp, home of the famous shoebill. Canoe excursions reveal papyrus specialists, jacanas, storks, and kingfishers. Return to Entebbe later, enjoying scenic views and excellent photographic birding opportunities.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Drive west to Kibale Forest, birding en route through farmlands and crater lakes. The changing habitats introduce new bird species, including raptors and woodland birds, before arriving near the forest for relaxation and preparation for intensive birding.

Day 4: Kibale Forest and Bigodi Birding

Spend the day birding in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Look for forest specialists, greenbuls, turacos, sunbirds, and papyrus birds. The community-run wetland adds cultural value alongside rewarding sightings within lush, scenic environments.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, birding along crater lakes and open savannahs. The area supports diverse habitats, offering opportunities to spot raptors, weavers, waterbirds, and savannah species as wildlife becomes increasingly visible.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth Birding and Boat Safari

Enjoy morning birding drives in the park’s plains, followed by an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Expect excellent waterbird sightings including pelicans, skimmers, kingfishers, and storks, combined with dramatic wildlife viewing along the shores.

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Drive through scenic highlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. En route birding introduces montane and forest-edge species, while the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and green, signaling arrival in one of Africa’s most biologically rich rainforests.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early briefing by rangers, trek into Bwindi’s dense forest in search of mountain gorillas. Once located, spend one magical hour observing their natural behavior, an emotional and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter unmatched anywhere in the world.

Day 9: Bwindi Forest Birding and Community Visit

Today focuses on birding within Bwindi’s forest trails, targeting Albertine Rift endemics and mixed-species flocks. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional community or Batwa cultural visit, learning about traditional forest life and conservation efforts.

Day 10: Return to Entebbe and Departure

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe with lunch stops en route. Enjoy final countryside views before arrival at Entebbe International Airport for your departure, concluding an enriching birding and gorilla safari in Uganda.