8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Birds, and Chimpanzee Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your guide. After checking into the lodge, head to Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill tracking. Return to Tilapia Lodge at the edge of Lake Victoria for your first overnight stay amidst the sounds of singing birds.

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls NP

Drive north to Murchison Falls NP, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trekking walk in support of Uganda’s conservation efforts. Continue to Hornbill Bush Lodge, enjoying lunch en route.

Day 3: Murchison Falls NP Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and over 76 mammal species. After lunch and rest at the lodge, embark on a 3-hour boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, observing hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species along the Nile. Overnight: Hornbill Bush Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest NP – Bigodi Swamp Birding

After breakfast, travel south to the crater lakes region near Fort Portal. Stop along the Rift Valley escarpment, rural villages, and tea plantations. Check in at Kibale Forest Lodge, then head to Bigodi Swamp for birding and primate viewing. Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and nine monkey species including red colobus and red-tailed monkeys. After the trek, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight: Elephant Hub Lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Birding in Queen Elizabeth NP

Drive south through Queen Elizabeth NP, stopping for birding along the way. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Overnight: Buhoma Community Camp

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Spend a full day trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, guided by expert trackers. Enjoy close encounters with these gentle giants for an unforgettable hour. Afterward, drive to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi for scenic views and relaxation. Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

Day 8: Return to Entebbe for Departure

After breakfast, transfer back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Optionally, spend a night in Entebbe if you prefer a more relaxed departure.