Uganda Birding Safari with Chimp Trekking

Uganda Birding Safari with Chimp Trekking 10 Days

Prices From £4,435pp
Year round | 9 nights

Uganda Birding Safari with Chimp Trekking 10 Days

Embark on an unforgettable birding safari through Uganda, a country that is home to over 1000 different species of birds and is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and spectacular landscapes. This carefully curated itinerary takes you from the dramatic Murchison Falls and the ancient Budongo Forest to the lush crater lakes of Fort Portal, the wetlands of Bigodi Swamp, and the towering forests of Kibale and Semuliki. Along the way, you’ll explore some of Africa’s most remarkable birding hotspots, home to rare and endemic species, including the elusive Shoebill Stork and Puvel’s Illadopses.

From game drives across the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to tranquil canoe trips through Mabamba Swamp, each day offers new opportunities for exceptional wildlife encounters and avian discoveries. Whether you’re tracking chimpanzees through the forest or cruising the Kazinga Channel among elephants and pelicans, this journey promises a rich immersion in Uganda’s extraordinary natural beauty and birdlife.

Covering an extensive range of habitats in the comfort of a private land cruiser and in the company of an expert guide, you are bound to enjoy every minute of this comprehensive and fulfilling tour.
**Please contact us for a full birding checklist

Prices shown are per person, based on 2 people sharing in low season. Big reductions are available for bookings of 3 or more guests.

Prices do not include international flights but these can be arranged as part of your package.

Highlights

  • Visit 4 of Uganda’s finest National Parks and best birding locations
  • Discover a wide range of habitats in search of Uganda's over 1000 recorded species
  • Thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience included
  • Discover a huge variety of other wildlife
  • Exciting game drives and bush walks
  • Spectacular scenery at every turn
  • Travel in comfort in the company of an expert English-speaking driver and guide
  • Good quality accommodation throughout

What's Included

  • All accommodation and meals as described in the itinerary
  • All birding trips
  • Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
  • Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport
  • Private transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle (Land Cruiser)
  • English-speaking guide/driver
  • Activities and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
  • National Park entrance fees and ranger fees
  • National Park entrance fees and ranger fees

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Entebbe - Arrival
1Day

Entebbe - Arrival

Your Uganda birding safari begins at Entebbe International Airport, close to Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Having arrived independently, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour representative and transferred to the Karibu Guest House for an overnight stay. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Accommodation: 1 night at Karibu Guest House in a Standard Room on a B&B basis

Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
2Day

Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Your safari begins with an unforgettable journey to one of Uganda’s crown jewels, Murchison Falls National Park, travelling in a 4WD safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide. Enroute, you'll stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a vital conservation site and the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam. Here, enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by natural beauty before continuing northward.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive in the lush Budongo Forest, nestled in the southern reaches of the park. This ancient tropical forest is a birding paradise and home to some of Uganda’s most iconic and elusive bird species. On a guided walk beneath the towering canopy, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the country’s rich avian diversity, offering an enchanting introduction to what lies ahead. As the day winds down, settle in at Sambiya River Lodge, your comfortable base for the next two nights, where the sounds of the forest set the tone for an immersive wilderness experience.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Sambiya River Lodge in a Standard Cottage on a Full Board basis

Budongo Forest & Birding
3Day

Budongo Forest & Birding

Spend the day immersed in the rich birdlife of Budongo Forest Reserve, a true haven for birding enthusiasts. With over 360 recorded species, this ancient forest is one of Uganda’s most biodiverse birding sites and the only place in East Africa where the rare Puvel’s Illadopses can be found.

As you explore the forest trails with an expert guide, keep your eyes peeled for a dazzling variety of species including the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Chestnut-crowned Eremomela, and the vibrant Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher. From the melodic calls of the Forest Robin to the elusive Slender-billed Greenbul, Budongo offers a full day of unforgettable sightings in a serene and richly atmospheric setting.

Murchison Falls to Fort Portal
4Day

Murchison Falls to Fort Portal

Today’s journey takes you on a scenic drive from Murchison Falls to the charming town of Fort Portal, a trip of approximately eight hours, with a lunch stop along the way. As the landscape shifts from savannah to rolling hills, you’ll pass through vibrant countryside dotted with villages, farmland, and endless stretches of greenery.

Nestled at the foothills of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon”, Fort Portal is known for its cool climate, lush surroundings, and picturesque tea plantations. Upon arrival, you’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay at the welcoming Mountains of the Moon Hotel, a peaceful retreat after a full day on the road.

Accommodation: 1 night at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in a Standard Room on a Full Board basis

Semuliki National Park & Birding
5Day

Semuliki National Park & Birding

After breakfast, your birding adventure continues with a scenic drive to Semuliki National Park, one of Uganda’s most unique and ecologically rich destinations. The journey winds through lush, green mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Semuliki River and the distant Congo basin and providing a dramatic backdrop for the day’s exploration.

In Semuliki, over 400 bird species have been recorded, including rare West African forest birds not found elsewhere in Uganda. Highlights may include sightings of four distinct hornbill species, the endemic Red-rumped Tinkerbird, and the elusive Palm Greenbul. After a rewarding morning of birding, you’ll return to Fort Portal and continue on to Kibale National Park, home to dense forests and diverse wildlife. You will then check-in to the Turaco Treetops Lodge, where you can relax and unwind surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Turaco Treetops Lodge in a Cottage on a Full Board basis

Crater Lakes Birding & Bigodi Swamp
6Day

Crater Lakes Birding & Bigodi Swamp

After breakfast this morning we will head off for an exploration of the crater lakes to enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and stunning views. At Lake Nkuruba you can take a gentle hike in search of the numerous bird species found here before returning to the lodge for lunch. After lunch we will explore a different terrain entirely as we search through the wetlands of the Bigodi Swamp to discover its more than 200 species of recorded birds including the popular Great Blue Turaco.

Alternatively, if you fancy something very different today then you can partake in an included chimp tracking excursion in Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest is home to the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa, and is renowned as being the very best place to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. After a pre-tracking briefing you will begin your hike into the forest to visit a large habituated family of chimps that consists of over 120 individuals. Along the way you are likely to spot some of the forest’s fascinating residents including other primates and bird species such as the blue breasted Kingfisher, black billed Turaco, Pied Hornbill, Chestnut winged Starlings, and your informative guide will tell you all there is to know about this beautiful forest and its unique flora and fauna.

Upon sighting the chimpanzees you will have an hour to observe them, soaking up their captivating behaviour as they climb through the trees, groom, growl, feed, and take care of their young. An unforgettable experience that will no doubt leave a lasting impression.

Kibale to Queen Elizabeth NP
7Day

Kibale to Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast at the lodge, you’ll embark on a scenic three-hour drive to your next destination, the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route winds through the breathtaking foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offering stunning vistas along the way.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a remarkable blend of landscapes, from sprawling green savannahs dotted with acacia and euphorbia trees to sunken crater lakes and vast wetlands, all framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori range. This diverse environment supports an impressive array of wildlife, including 95 mammal species such as lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, hippos, and crocodiles. It’s also Africa’s top birding destination, boasting over 600 recorded bird species.

Upon arriving at Enganzi Game Lodge, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out on your first game drive. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot an exciting mix of wildlife, from warthogs and buffaloes to waterbucks and elephants, while keeping an eye out for the park’s rich birdlife.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Enganzi Game Lodge in a Cottage on a Full Board basis

Queen Elizabeth National Park
8Day

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today we will arise early to enjoy an early morning game drive to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. This is not only an area for excellent game viewing, but also offers much to birders, with its open grassy plains supporting large flocks of White and Abdims Stork as well as the spectacular Saddle Billed Stork during the migratory season.

In the afternoon you can enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George, to see the hundreds of hippos and elephants that reside here. We are also likely to see many migratory bird species, such as the Grey headed Gulls, African skimmers, Water Dikkops and the Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans.

Back to Entebbe
9Day

Back to Entebbe

As we approach the closing stages of your fantastic Uganda birding tour we will head back east towards Kampala and Entebbe for one final adventure. The journey will take approximately 7 hours, with a stop at the equator for lunch, some souvenir shopping and some photo opportunities. Late in the afternoon you will arrive back at the Karibu Guest House for your final night in Uganda.

Accommodation: 1 night at Karibu Guest House in a Standard Room with Breakfast & Lunch included

Mabamba Swamps & Departure
10Day

Mabamba Swamps & Departure

After breakfast it will be time for your last adventure as your driver collects you to take you to Mabamba Swamp, 50 km west of Kampala. Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places to spot the rare Shoebill Stork and you can be very hopeful of a sighting or 2. As well as the distinctive Shoebill there are many other species to keep the cameras and binoculars busy including Allen’s Gallinule, Grey herons, African Water Rail, Goliath, Purple and a variety of egrets and ducks, and you can enjoy canoeing through the swamp in search of sightings of these. When your birding activity has come to end your driver will transfer you back to Entebbe International Airport for your homeward or onward flights.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Portal

Set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens and located within walking distance of Fort Portal town, this fantastic resort has become this interesting town’s signature hotel. Featuring modern facilities, beautiful and stylish décor, and delightful views of the Rwenzori Mountains, this is the ideal base from which to explore the tea plantations and crater lakes of the area.

As well as a welcoming swimming pool, this beautiful hotel features an exclusive bar stocked with only the finest wines and award-winning beers, further pool and garden bars, an atmospheric restaurant and dining area serving delicious fusion cuisine, a well-designed wellness centre and a tranquil lounge area with open fireplace. The carefully designed and luxuriously outfitted bedrooms feature excellent space, garden view balconies, en-suite shower rooms or bathrooms, and all of the modern amenities one would expect from such a high-quality resort.

Karibu Guest House, Entebbe

Tucked away on a peaceful hillside just 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, Karibu Guesthouse offers a relaxed and personal retreat in the heart of Entebbe. Set in a former presidential residence, the guesthouse blends comfort and charm with easy access to Lake Victoria, the Botanical Gardens, and other local highlights.

Karibu features seven thoughtfully designed ensuite rooms, all with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and king-size or twin beds. For families or groups, the Agama Cottage offers extra space with two bedrooms, a lounge, garden, and rooftop terrace. All guests can enjoy a natural-style pool, spa treatments, and a restaurant serving fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meals, all set within lush, bird-filled gardens.

Sambiya River Lodge, Murchison Falls

Nestled in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, Sambiya River Lodge offers a peaceful base just 15 minutes from the top of the falls. Surrounded by acacia woodland and overlooking the Sambiya River valley, the lodge provides a quiet escape with easy access to game drives, boat safaris, and forest walks.

Accommodation includes spacious cottages with thatched roofs, ensuite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and private verandas ideal for soaking in the views and sounds of the wild. Budget-friendly bandas are also available for travellers seeking simpler stays. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, dine in the open-air restaurant, and enjoy the warm, laid-back hospitality that makes Sambiya a favourite among nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Turaco Treetops Lodge, Kibale

Perched on the edge of Kibale National Park, Turaco Treetops is a fresh and welcoming forest lodge offering a semi-luxe experience in one of Uganda’s most biodiverse regions. Designed to immerse guests in nature without compromising on comfort, the lodge features sweeping views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, a serene forest setting teeming with wildlife, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're heading out on a chimpanzee trek, taking a dip in the forest-fringed pool, or sharing stories by the fire, every moment at Turaco Treetops will be unforgettable.

With 8 spacious forest cottages and 8 value-friendly standard rooms, Turaco Treetops blends modern design with natural materials to bring the outdoors in. Solar-powered and committed to sustainability, the lodge features a restaurant, bar, kids’ play areas, and cosy lounge spaces where birds and monkeys are your closest neighbours. Ideal for families, couples, and adventurers alike, Turaco Treetops offers a unique jungle retreat in the heart of western Uganda.

Enganzi Game Lodge, QENP

Set high on the Kichwamba escarpment with sweeping views across Queen Elizabeth National Park, Enganzi Game Lodge offers a tranquil escape at the edge of the wild. Just minutes from the park entrance, this scenic retreat blends rustic charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal base for game drives, crater lake visits, and wildlife encounters in Uganda’s most diverse park.

The lodge features a collection of spacious cottages designed with natural materials and thatched roofs, each with ensuite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the savannah. Guests can unwind in the open-air restaurant and bar, enjoy freshly prepared meals, or simply relax by the beautiful swimming pool and take in the panoramic views after a day of adventure. With thoughtful service, eco-friendly touches, and unbeatable scenery, Enganzi Game Lodge promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of western Uganda.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Uganda adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Outside the uk
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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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