Birding, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Safari

Birding, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Safari

Uganda is home to over 1,050 bird species , which can be found across a range of habitats from forests, swamps and agricultural lands, to lakes and savannahs. These  a superb and diverse birding safaris in Uganda feature some of the richest areas in Uganda for birds, appealing in particular to those who dream of seeing the amazing Shoebill, the exciting forest species of the ‘Albertine Rift’ and, of course, the incomparable Gorillas and Chimpanzees trekking . 


Itinerary

  • Day 1: Entebbe Airport / Entebbe

    At Entebbe, you will be welcomed by our friendly safari team and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise (own account) on Lake Victoria. Marvel at the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake and enjoy spectacular sunset views.

    Stay: 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Pool view room)

    Meals: Dinner & breakfast

  • Day 2: Entebbe / Maramba Swamps / Entebbe

    After an early morning breakfast drive to Mabamba Swamps. Upon arrival in Mabamba Swamp, you’ll meet your local guide. The canoe trip through papyrus swamp will take you to the unscathed attractiveness of the wetlands, where you will have the highest chance of seeing Shoebill and other papyrus specialist birds like Saddle-billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, and other swamp specialties. 

    Stay: 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Pool view room)

    Meals: Dinner, lunch & breakfast

  • Day 3: Entebbe / Kibale Forest National Park

    Early morning departure from Entebbe as we head west to Fort Portal. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” (Rwenzori mountains) and is famous for its many tea plantations. From this lovely town, we continue to Kibale National Park where you will enjoy an afternoon visit to the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary for a nature walk – it is one of the many wetlands to visit in Uganda. The Sanctuary features 8 primate species, numerous other interesting mammals, over 200 bird species, many reptiles, and many varieties of trees, shrubs and vines. 

    Stay: Turaco Treetops (Cottage)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park - CHIMPANZEE TREKKING

    Today the forest opens its doors for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest is known for having the greatest variety and the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey, and many others. Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will spend an unforgettable hour with them as they go about their daily life - feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young, howling and screeching, all in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch.  Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or visit one of the many wetlands in Uganda, the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, for a nature walk. The sanctuary features 8 primate species, numerous other interesting mammals, over 200 bird species, many reptiles and uncounted varieties of trees, shrubs, and vines. 

    Stay: Turaco Treetops (Cottage)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park / Semliki National Park

    Proceed to the Semliki National Park, located in the Albertine Rift Valley where we will continue birding. This is the only park in Uganda to be composed primarily of tropical lowland forests. The forest is very dense and quite flat, creating a startling contrast to the rugged Rwenzori Mountains nearby. The Semliki River attracts many animals. The park is home to 8 species of primate, 441 birds, and 300 butterfly species. Elephants, buffalo, leopards, civets, bushbabies, and flying squirrels are also found. Birds love the riverine and the grasslands on the eastern side of the park. There are various uncommon species such as the 46 Guinea-Congo biome species which are found nowhere else in East Africa while another 35 can be seen in only two to three other areas in Uganda. 

    Stay: Semliki Safari Lodge (Tent)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 6: Semliki National Park

    Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Albert to view the endangered Shoebill. It is one of the most diverse habitats in Africa with beautiful examples of Riparian forest, gallery rain forest, Borassus palm forests, and short and high grass savannas. The lake is superb. There are sand cliffs where brightly colored colonies of red-throated bee-eaters dart in and out of their burrows, there are waterfalls several kilometers up the lake which provide a great picnic spot, and several fishing villages along the way, virtually untouched by the ‘western world'. After the boat cruise, we continue to search for more birds following the Kirumira trail (the most popular trail in the park for its richness in diversity of bird species) or in the Semliki forest. Drive back to the lodge late afternoon through the Borassus palm forest and the acacia savannah reveals different species of raptors and passerines. Following dinner, we will go on a night drive on the lookout for nocturnal birds.

    Stay: Semliki Safari Lodge (Tent)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 7: Semliki National Park / Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (following the mystical Rwenzori Mountain range for most of the journey) and enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway between Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise will be one of the highlights of your safari as you sight abundant birdlife and view elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of hippos cooling off at the shores. Birders may be interested to know that the one-day record in Queen Elizabeth is 296 species out of a bird list of over 550 species - the largest of any protected area in Africa!

    Stay: Mweya Safari Lodge (Standard room). 

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park / Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    The day begins early as we start with bird watching. We head towards Bwindi, driving through the Ishasha sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. While driving through the verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. In the afternoon arrive in Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi is home to about 350 species of birds, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics of which 14 are not recorded anywhere else in Uganda.

    Stay: Haven Lodge (Standard room)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - GORILLA TREKKING

    Early morning departure from the lodge to the trailhead at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a comprehensive briefing about the aspects of gorilla behavior, details about the gorilla family you’ll be trekking with, and safety precautions, your adventure will start! Gorilla trekking can be strenuous, and a certain level of fitness is required. Trekking can take from 30 minutes to three-quarters of the day, so you need to prepare for both. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Africa, if not the world. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are a critically endangered species. At least 500 mountain gorillas inhabit the Bwindi Mountains and live at altitudes from 1160m to 2607m above sea level. Afterward, you will return to base where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge to enjoy leisure time or partake in the Batwa Experience (the cost will be for your account and is not included in your package). Known as the “Keepers of the forest” the enchanting Batwa pygmies of Bwindi are a hunter-gatherer tribe that has lived side-by-side with the wildlife of these parks for hundreds of years. The Batwa Experience is a hands-on historical and cultural encounter during which the Batwa demonstrate and describe their traditional way of life as hunter-gatherers.

    Stay: Haven Lodge (Standard room)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner& breakfast

  • Day 10: Bwindi National Park / Charter flight to Entebbe Airport

    Enjoy the morning at leisure, before your transfer to the Kihihi airstrip (about 1 hour from the lodge) for your flight to Entebbe Airport for your onward flight home.

    End of service

We also offer this as a private safari or can send you a tailor-made quotation similar to the above itinerary - one designed specifically for you, around your taste, budget, interests and more.

  • ALL transfers from Entebbe Airport with English speaking driver guide 
  • 1-nights at 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Entebbe)
  • Pool view room
  • Dinner, lunch & breakfast  
  • 2-nights at Turaco Treetops (Kibale Forest) 
  • Cottage
  • Lunch, dinner & breakfast  
  • Kibale Forest activities included:
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
  • 2-nights at Semliki Safari Lodge (Semliki NP)
  • Tent
  • Dinner, lunch & breakfast
  • Semliki NP activities included:
  • Boat Safari
  • Night Game Drive
  • 1-nights at Mweya Safari Lodge (Queen Elizabeth NP) 
  • Standard Room
  • Lunch, dinner & breakfast  
  • Queen Elizabeth activities included:
  • Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel
  • On-route game drive through the Ishasha Sector
  • 2-nights at Haven Lodge (Bwindi) 
  • Standard Room
  • Lunch, dinner & breakfast  
  • Bwindi activities included:
  • X1 Gorilla trekking permit per person in the Bwindi National Park 
  • 4x4 stretched Land Cruiser safari vehicle (maximum 6 clients per vehicle)
  • The mini fridge you can use to stock with drinks (for your account)
  • Reference Books & Maps
  • Bottled water in vehicles
  • Flight by light aircraft from Kihihi airstrip (Bwindi) to Entebbe Airport (on the last day).
  • All National Park entrance fees & ranger fees.
  • Comprehensive support from our operational office in Uganda for the duration of the safari. 
  • Travel information pack.
  • Free postage of travel documents.

  • International Flights
  • Entry visa to Uganda (SA passport requires a visa for Uganda – cost is US$50 – must obtain online before you travel)
  • Yellow Fever inoculation certificate or an exemption letter from your doctor – COMPULSORY!
  • Malaria – Uganda is a malaria area
  • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
  • Meals and drinks not specified  
  • Laundry services
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel staff – at your discretion
  • Porters carrying suitcase/s – recommend US$1 per suitcase.
  • All expenses of personal nature.
  • Optional activities.

Dates & Prices

Dates:

LOW SEASON:

March / April / May & November 2024


Rates:

SA RESIDENTS: INTERNATIONAL:
Per person Sharing: R86,500 pp $5,497 pp
Gorilla Permit x 1: R13,230 pp $700 pp
Chimpanzee Permit x 1: R3,780 pp $200 pp
TOTAL pp sharing: R103,510 pp $6,397 pp
Return flights with Air Uganda from JHB: R6,943 pp

 

  • Exchange rate used (bank selling rate): R18.90 to US$1.00
  • Request a quote from our Safari Specialists for the best, most current rates according to your preferred time of travel.
  • Prices are based on 2 guests travelling – if more guest travel discounted rates are available.
  • All rates are subject to increases beyond our control, including fuel price, government taxes and exchange rate fluctuations.



National Parks

Mabamba Swamps

This papyrus swamp is characterised by small channels of marsh-filled water and lagoons and is located close to Kampala and Entebbe. Lying on the edge of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Bay is a massive 16,500 hectares and is part of the list of Wetlands of International Importance as chosen by the Ramsar Convention. The site supports an average of close to 190,000 birds . It is part of the wetland system which hosts approximately 38% of the global population of the Blue Swallow , as well as the globally-threatened Papyrus Yellow Warbler and other birds of global conservation concern. The site supports a productive fisheries activity and is a source of fish for home consumption and commercial use, as well as of raw material for local crafts, building materials, water for domestic and livestock use, and non-wood products.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National park lies in western Uganda, southeast of the Fort Portal town. With lush tropical rainforest and fascinating diversity of animals, Kibale National Park is one of the most beautiful forests in Uganda. Due to its location between the wet rainforests of the Congo basin and the drier East African forest, Kibale supports an unusually rich array of tropical plants and animals from both areas. One of the highest concentrations of monkeys and apes in the world and the highest in Uganda is found here, including the endangered chimpanzee and the red colobus monkeys. Kibale's varied altitude supports different types of habitat, ranging from a wet tropical forest on the Fort Portal plateau to woodland and savanna on the rift valley floor. With 351 tree species being recorded in the park, some rise to over 55m and are over 200 years old. The Kibale Forest is the best place to spot chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda with a 90% chance of seeing them. The park contains the largest population of forest elephants found in Uganda, but they are rarely sighted. Kibale has the highest primate density of any area on earth, including the red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, colobus (black, white and red) and white-cheeked mangabey. Other mammals found are bushbuck, red and blue duiker, Uganda kob, Scaly-tailed flying squirrel, tree pangolin, buffalo, waterbuck and hippo as well as a large number of birds.

Semliki National Park 

Semuliki National Park is one of Africa’s most ancient and biodiverse forests. Geological processes show the age of the forest with hot springs bubbling up from the depths, demonstrating the powerful subterranean forces that shaped the rift valley millions of years ago. The park is located in the Semliki Valley on the remote, western side of Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. The easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo River basin in DR Congo forms part of this national park. The Semliki River is a miniature version of the Congo River, and the forest is also home to the many central African wildlife species. The fauna includes over 400 bird species of which 216 are forest birds, like the Sassi's olive greenbul and the forest ground thrush. The park is also home to over 53 mammals, with 11 of those being endemic species such as pygmy antelopes and two flying squirrel species. Other mammals include hippos, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and the unique water chevrotain (mouse-deer) – also known as ‘fanged deer’.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is undoubtedly Uganda’s most visited park. Located in western Uganda, the park boasts one of the highest biodiversity location ratings in the world featuring tropical forests, volcanic craters, and grassy plains. Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it the ideal habitat for the big game, ten primate species (including chimpanzees) and over 600 species of birds. Ishasha in the southern part of the park is home to the famous tree-climbing lions. One can be sure to spot many buffalo, giant forest hogs, warthogs, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, horned Uganda kob, waterbuck, leopard, topi and elephant. A relaxing boat ride on the channel is a popular attraction and a great way to see the hippos! Also, the sunset over the water is spectacular.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Virunga mountain range dominates the National Park, and the landscape is dotted with waterfalls and lakes. With high annual rainfall, the rainforest is deserving of its name – impenetrable. Bwindi Forest is most famous for being the home to half of the world’s population of endangered Mountain Gorillas. The experience of encountering such animals is said to be one of the most emotional wildlife adventures you will ever have. The biodiversity in the forest is impeccable as it provides a home for over 310 species of butterfly, 200 trees, 88 months, 120 species of mammals including 10 species of primates and 51 reptiles. The various primates that can be found in the forest in addition to the mountain gorillas include the red-tailed and blue monkey, L’Hoest’s, chimpanzee, black and white colobus, and baboons. The Bwindi Forest also has over 350 species of birds. The area is also home to the Batwa Pygmies, who are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa. These hunter-gatherers have a rich, broad culture and history that they are happy to share. 

Share by: