Safari overview
Spend three unhurried weeks tracking mountain gorillas, trekking chimpanzees and chasing Uganda’s most sought-after birds, from the Shoebill to the African Green Broadbill.
This private 21-day safari takes you from the wetlands of Entebbe to the misty forests of Bwindi, with specialist birding stops and classic game viewing along the way. After birding the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Mabamba Swamp, you head north to Budongo Forest and Murchison Falls for forest birding, a Nile Delta game drive and a boat cruise, then turn south to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and a walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
The journey continues west to Semliki National Park and its Congo-basin birds, then on to Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah game drives, a Kazinga Channel cruise, flamingo lakes and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. The highlight is mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, followed by high-altitude birding at Mubwindi Swamp and Echuya Forest Reserve. A relaxed finale at Lake Mburo National Park adds zebras, game drives and a boat cruise before the return to Entebbe.
Throughout, an expert guide from Iconic Africa Safaris who knows Uganda’s wildlife and birdlife accompanies you, and you can choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation to suit your style. The pace balances birding with mammal viewing, so the safari suits dedicated birders and first-time visitors alike.
Tour highlights
Experience Uganda’s primates, wetlands, forests and savannahs on one private 21-day safari.
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and a Bigodi Wetland walk
- Shoebill birding at Mabamba Swamp and in the Nile Delta
- Forest specialists at Budongo, Semliki and Echuya, plus Mubwindi Swamp
- Game drives, Nile and Kazinga Channel boat cruises and flamingo lakes
- Tree-climbing lion habitat in the Ishasha sector
- Sempaya Hot Springs and Lake Mburo’s zebras and boat cruise
- A private 4×4 and driver-guide for the full three weeks
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe and Botanical Gardens Birding
Your driver-guide meets you at Entebbe Airport or your hotel in the Entebbe area and settles you into a 4×4 Land Cruiser for the short drive to your guesthouse. After check-in, head out to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens on the shore of Lake Victoria.
More than 200 bird species have been recorded here, including the Great Blue Turaco, Pink-backed Pelican, Black-headed Gonolek, Weyns’s Weaver, several kingfishers and, with luck, the elusive Bat Hawk. The mix of forest canopy and open lakeshore makes for easy, rewarding birding. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring before resting at your guesthouse ahead of the journey.
- Short airport transfer; afternoon birding walk
- Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
- Half board
Day 2
Full-Day Birding at Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp lies a short drive from Entebbe and is one of the best places in the world to see the prehistoric-looking Shoebill. Set out early by canoe through the papyrus channels, when the bird is most likely to be standing motionless among the reeds, waiting for fish.
Beyond the Shoebill, the wetland is home to more than 300 bird species. Look out for the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, White-winged Warbler, African Jacana, Purple Swamphen, White-faced Whistling Duck, Spur-winged Goose, herons, egrets and several kingfishers. Return to your guesthouse for dinner and a second night.
- Full day of birding by canoe; early start recommended
- Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Drive to Budongo Forest, Gateway to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, begin the long but scenic drive north towards Murchison Falls National Park. The road climbs through the hills of central Uganda before opening onto wide plains closer to the park.
By late afternoon you reach Budongo Forest, one of Uganda’s most important forest reserves and your base for the next day’s specialist birding. Settle in, enjoy dinner and let the sounds of the forest ease you into the evening.
- Long day on the road with refreshment and lunch stops
- Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Full-Day Birding in Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest holds more than 360 bird species, and the Royal Mile trail runs through its richest stretch. This is the best place in Uganda to find Guinea-Congo forest specialists that occur nowhere else in East Africa.
Prized targets include the endangered Nahan’s Partridge, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, Ituri Batis and Black-eared Ground Thrush. Hornbills crash through the canopy, Narina Trogons glow in the shadows and the African Emerald Cuckoo flashes between the branches, while flycatchers, greenbuls, warblers and woodpeckers keep your binoculars busy all day.
- Full day on forest trails with a local birding guide
- Accommodation: Hornbill Bush Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Delta Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise
Rise early and set out across the Nile Delta wetlands as the sun climbs over the papyrus. The marshes reward you quickly, with Shoebills standing still in the shallows, Goliath Herons patrolling the banks, Saddle-billed Storks, African Fish Eagles, jacanas on the lily pads and kingfishers perched just above the water.
Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, Uganda kob and waterbucks also share the floodplain, and a lucky morning may even reveal a leopard.
In the afternoon, cruise along the Nile, where hippos yawn beside the boat, crocodiles bask on the mud banks and waterbirds feed all around you. Return to your lodge for dinner.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise
- Accommodation: Hornbill Bush Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Full-Day Game Drive Along the Buligi Track
Today is a long drive through open savannah and thickets, covering the Buligi track and the Victoria and Queen’s sectors of the park. Abyssinian Ground Hornbills walk through the grass, Denham’s Bustards stride across the plains and Grey Crowned Cranes, Uganda’s national bird, gather near water.
Raptors dominate the sky, with Martial Eagles, Black-winged Kites and vultures riding the thermals, while the water’s edge offers herons, African Darters, Saddle-billed Storks, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers and Red-throated Bee-eaters. Mammals sighted along the way add to a full and memorable day.
- Full-day game drive with picnic or lodge lunch
- Accommodation: Hornbill Bush Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Drive South to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and drive south towards Kibale Forest National Park. The route passes through rolling green hills, wide tea plantations and busy small towns that show everyday Ugandan life.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, with time to unpack, breathe in the forest air and relax on the veranda before tomorrow’s chimpanzee trek.
- Approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Chimpanzee Trekking and Evening Bigodi Wetland Walk
Rise early to birdsong, enjoy breakfast with Ugandan coffee and drive to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for the morning ranger briefing. Groups are kept small to protect the animals and keep the experience intimate. Inside the rainforest you will often hear the chimpanzees before you see them, feeding on fruit, grooming and moving through the treetops. The trek can last between two and five hours, and Kibale is home to one of the largest chimpanzee populations in East Africa.
In the afternoon, a local guide leads a gentle walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here, including Great Blue Turaco, Double-toothed Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Red-headed Bluebill and the rare Blue Malkoha. Red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys add to the show, and the walk also highlights the community-led conservation behind the sanctuary.
- Morning chimpanzee trek; afternoon wetland walk of 2 to 3 hours
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9
Full-Day Birding in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
A full day at Bigodi builds on yesterday’s afternoon walk. This small sanctuary of about two square kilometres packs in an impressive variety of forest-edge and swamp birds. Dedicated birders can tick off species they have chased all trip, while newcomers will enjoy the colours of the Great Blue Turaco and the cheerful calls of the Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat.
Rest in the shade through the midday heat, then return for a productive afternoon session as the forest edge comes alive again.
- Full day of guided birding on foot
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10
Transfer to Semliki and Sempaya Hot Springs
Leave Kibale and drive west towards Semliki National Park, one of Uganda’s most distinctive parks. The road winds through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains before descending towards the Congo Basin lowlands.
On arrival, visit the Sempaya Hot Springs, where boiling water shoots from the earth in steaming jets. Then rest in the evening before a full day of specialist birding.
- Half-day drive plus a short hot springs visit
- Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest House
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11
Full-Day Birding in Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park has more than 435 recorded bird species, including 46 Guinea-Congo forest species found nowhere else in East Africa, which makes it one of Uganda’s most important birding destinations.
Top targets include the secretive Nkulengu Rail, Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Black-throated Coucal and Capuchin Babbler. Five hornbill species live in the forest, from the tiny Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill to the Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill. Along the Semliki River and towards Lake Albert, early starts may bring Shoebills, Hartlaub’s Ducks and White-bellied Kingfishers.
- Full day of forest and river birding
- Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest House
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kasenyi Evening Game Drive
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the late afternoon, and head straight to the Kasenyi Plains for an evening game drive. As the light fades, elephants and buffaloes move towards water, lions rest under acacia trees and kob and impala gather in large numbers.
For birders, Martial Eagles scan from tall trees, Grey Crowned Cranes step through the grass, Black-bellied Bustards call from open ground and vultures circle in the distance, while cisticolas and larks fill the grassland edges with song.
- Afternoon drive; evening game drive
- Accommodation: Pumba Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13
Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start early with a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. Cool morning air keeps predators active, giving you a good chance of seeing lions hunting kob, along with large buffalo herds and solitary elephants. Keep your camera ready and listen to your guide for live tracking updates.
In the afternoon, board a two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward. From the upper deck you can watch dense pods of hippos, large Nile crocodiles, elephants bathing at the water’s edge, and African Skimmers, Pink-backed Pelicans and kingfishers along the banks.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise of about 2 hours
- Accommodation: Pumba Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 14
Flamingo Spotting at Lakes Katwe, Munyanyange and Bunyampaka
Today explores the alkaline lakes in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lake Munyanyange attracts flocks of Lesser Flamingos whose pink colour lights up the water. Lake Katwe, with its traditional salt extraction, draws a different mix of waterbirds, and Lake Bunyampaka adds further variety to a day rich in shoreline birding.
- Full day of shoreline birding and scenic stops
- Accommodation: Topi Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 15
Ishasha Morning Drive and Transfer to Bwindi
Drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions that rest in large fig trees and survey the plains from above. Sightings are not guaranteed. The savannah and riverine habitats here also support Martial Eagle, African Wattled Plover, Black-bellied Bustard, Ross’s Turaco and Double-toothed Barbet.
After the morning drive, continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the Buhoma sector in the afternoon. The ancient forest surrounds your lodge on every side, setting the mood for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.
- Morning game drive; afternoon transfer to Buhoma
- Accommodation: Gorilla Bluff Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 16
Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Ruhija
Rise early for a hearty breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for the briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. They explain the essential rules: keep your distance from the gorillas, speak quietly, avoid flash photography and never touch the animals. Groups of up to eight trekkers per gorilla family then enter the forest with armed rangers, who receive radio updates from trackers ahead.
Depending on where the family has moved, the trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, over steep, muddy and uneven ground. Once you find the gorillas, you spend one unforgettable hour watching silverbacks, playful infants and the whole family feeding and grooming. Collect your trekking certificate, then transfer east to the Ruhija sector.
- Allow most of the day for trekking; walking time varies
- Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 17
Full-Day Birding at Mubwindi Swamp and Transfer to Kisoro
Mubwindi Swamp, deep in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, is one of the best birding spots in Africa and the most reliable place in the world to see the African Green Broadbill, a tiny emerald gem of the high-altitude forest.
Albertine Rift endemics reward every careful step here, including Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dwarf Honeyguide and Mountain Masked Apalis in mixed flocks. After a full day on the trail, transfer to Kisoro for the night.
- Full day of forest walking; evening transfer to Kisoro
- Accommodation: Ikaze Cottages
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 18
Full-Day Birding in Echuya Forest Reserve
Echuya Forest Reserve, a compact Afro-montane forest near Kisoro, holds a concentration of Albertine Rift endemics that few places in Africa can match. Grauer’s Swamp Warbler lives in the swamps, while the colourful Rwenzori Turaco moves through the canopy.
Other key species include Strange Weaver, Red-throated Alethe, Kivu Ground Thrush, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-faced Woodland Warbler and Collared Apalis. Mixed flocks carry Doherty’s Bushshrike, Mountain Oriole, Stripe-breasted Tit and Mountain Greenbul, while Augur Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle and African Goshawk hunt overhead.
- Full day of guided forest birding
- Accommodation: Ikaze Cottages
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 19
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park and Evening Game Drive
Leave the Albertine highlands and drive east towards Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park and one of its most underrated. On arrival in the afternoon, set out on an evening game drive to meet its distinctive wildlife.
Zebras, giraffes, elands and kob roam the open grassland in large groups, while African Finfoot, African Wattled Lapwing, Bare-faced Go-away-bird and Bateleur appear regularly. The relaxed feel of Lake Mburo makes a gentle close to the intense forest birding of the previous days.
- Long transfer day; evening game drive
- Accommodation: Rwakobo Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 20
Morning Game Drive and Lake Mburo Boat Cruise
Enjoy a final morning game drive through open plains and wooded valleys, looking for impala, eland, giraffes, kob and the occasional hippo near the lake edge. Lake Mburo is also Uganda’s only wild zebra habitat, so zebras appear at every turn.
Birders can look for African Finfoot, Bateleur, African Fish Eagle, Grey Crowned Crane, Red-faced Barbet, Tabora and Carruthers’s Cisticolas, Mosque Swallow, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Saddle-billed Stork and African Skimmer.
In the afternoon, a relaxed boat cruise brings you close to hippos wallowing in the reeds, fishermen in small canoes and waterbirds feeding along the shore, a calm and fitting way to end the wildlife chapters of the journey.
- Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise
- Accommodation: Rwakobo Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 21
Return Drive to Entebbe and Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, begin the five to six hour drive back to Entebbe. As the road levels out towards Lake Victoria, you have time to reflect on three remarkable weeks of gorillas in misty forest, chimpanzee calls echoing through the rainforest and the prehistoric silhouette of the Shoebill at dawn.
Your driver-guide drops you at Entebbe Airport or your hotel in good time for your departure flight. Travel time can vary with traffic, so book a flight that leaves a comfortable margin.
- Approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive, depending on traffic
- No accommodation unless an extra night is requested
- Breakfast and lunch
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation choice. A safari specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for your gorilla, chimpanzee and birding safari adventure.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permit arrangements
- Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge selection
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FAQs for 21-Day Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Birding Safari
Planning three weeks of gorillas, chimpanzees, Shoebills and Albertine Rift birding in Uganda? These are the questions travellers ask most often, answered honestly so you can plan your trip and book with confidence.
What is included and not included in the 21-Day Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Birding Safari?
The package includes a 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel and an experienced driver-guide, accommodation and meals as listed in your itinerary, a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale, park entrance fees, the game drives and boat cruises, bottled drinking water, and government taxes. International flights, accommodation before and after the trip, the optional Batwa cultural experience, souvenirs, tips, and Bwindi porter hire are not included. Your final quotation confirms the exact inclusions for your chosen accommodation category.
How does the 21-day itinerary work, and how much driving is involved?
The safari moves in a loop from Entebbe through Mabamba Swamp, Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Semliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Kisoro, and Lake Mburo, before returning to Entebbe. Most days combine a moderate transfer with birding, a game drive, or a trek. The longest road days are the drive north to Budongo, the five to six hour transfer to Kibale, and the return to Entebbe. Several days are spent in one place, so you are not packing up every morning.
How many gorilla and chimpanzee treks are included?
The itinerary includes one mountain gorilla trek in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi on day 16 and one chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest on day 8. Each requires its own permit, and both are covered in the package. Travellers who want a second gorilla encounter or a gorilla habituation experience can ask us to extend the itinerary. Additional permits depend on availability and increase the overall cost, so we confirm everything in your quotation before you pay.
How long will I spend with the gorillas and chimpanzees?
Once the trackers locate the family, you are allowed one hour with the mountain gorillas. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale also allows time with the chimps once they are found, although the search itself can take anywhere from two to five hours. Both encounters follow park regulations designed to protect the animals and their habitat. Because the animals move freely, the total trekking duration changes from one day to another.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. Visitors must generally be at least 15 years old to track mountain gorillas in Uganda, and the minimum age for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is generally 12 years. Teenagers under 15 can still enjoy the birding, game drives, boat cruises, and chimpanzee tracking on this safari if they meet that age limit. If you are travelling as a family, tell us everyone’s ages before booking so we can check eligibility and suggest alternatives where needed.
Will I see the Shoebill and the other target birds?
This itinerary gives you several chances at the Shoebill: Mabamba Swamp on day 2, the Nile Delta on day 5, and the Semliki River and Lake Albert area on day 11. It also targets the Green Broadbill at Mubwindi, Nahan’s Partridge in Budongo, and Albertine Rift endemics in Echuya. Wild birds cannot be guaranteed, but the route is built around the best-known habitats, and your driver-guide plans each outing around the conditions and the time of day.
Do I need to bring my own binoculars and field guide?
We strongly recommend bringing your own binoculars, ideally 8×42 or 10×42, because you will use them nearly every day over three weeks. A field guide such as a Birds of East Africa edition or a birding app for offline use is also useful for logging your sightings. Your driver-guide helps with spotting and identification, but personal optics make the experience far more comfortable. Let us know if you need advice on what to bring before you travel.
What rules should I follow near gorillas and chimpanzees?
Follow your ranger’s instructions throughout both treks. Near the gorillas, keep the distance set by park authorities, speak quietly, avoid flash photography, and never touch or feed the animals. Do not eat, drink, or smoke close to the gorillas, and avoid sudden movements if one approaches. Chimpanzee tracking also requires respectful behaviour. These primates are vulnerable to human diseases, so you must follow the health and hygiene rules explained during each briefing.
What happens if I feel sick before a trek?
Tell your driver-guide and park staff if you develop a cold, flu symptoms, diarrhoea, or another potentially contagious illness before trekking. Gorillas and chimpanzees are susceptible to human diseases, so park authorities may stop visitors who are unwell from joining. Any refund or rescheduling depends on the permit conditions and Uganda Wildlife Authority policy. On a three-week trip, we recommend travel insurance that covers medical issues and trip interruptions.
Am I guaranteed to see gorillas and chimpanzees on this safari?
Both experiences offer very good opportunities to see habituated primates, but sightings cannot be guaranteed absolutely because these are wild animals. Trackers and ranger-guides locate the groups and lead visitors safely through the forest. How long and how hard the trek is depends on where the animals have moved. Our team arranges the itinerary and permits to give you the best practical chance of completing both treks while respecting wildlife welfare and park rules.
Can I add the Batwa cultural experience or a porter in Bwindi?
Yes. The Batwa cultural experience near Bwindi is optional and not included in the package price, but we can add it if you want to learn about the forest people’s traditions. Porter hire in Bwindi is also arranged separately. A porter carries your daypack and helps on steep or muddy slopes, and their work supports local families. Tell us before the trip so we can include both in your quotation.
Is there electricity, Wi-Fi, and laundry during the 21 days?
Most lodges provide electricity for charging cameras and phones, and your safari vehicle also has charging points. Power can be limited in remote areas, so bring a power bank and spare camera batteries. Wi-Fi is available at some lodges but can be slow or unreliable in forest locations. On a trip this long, ask your guide about laundry at lodges where the service is available, and pack quick-drying clothes to make it easier.
How much should I budget for tips and personal expenses?
Tips, souvenirs, drinks not listed in your meal plan, and personal expenses are not included in the package. Tipping is appreciated for your driver-guide, lodge staff, trackers, rangers, and porters, but the amount is up to you based on the service you receive. Carry some cash in small denominations, as ATMs are not available in every town on the route. Your guide can advise on sensible amounts for each situation.
Can I travel with dietary requirements or special needs?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can usually be arranged if we know in advance, although choices may be simpler at remote lodges. Tell us about allergies or health conditions before booking so we can pass them to each lodge. If you have mobility concerns, let us know early, because the trekking in Bwindi and Echuya is physically demanding. We can then discuss suitable arrangements or alternative activities.
How do I book this safari, and how far ahead should I plan?
Send us your preferred dates, number of travellers, and accommodation level, and we check gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability before preparing a detailed quotation. Once you approve the itinerary and payment terms, we proceed with the permits, lodges, and transport. Because a 21-day route involves many lodges and limited permits, we recommend contacting us four to six months ahead, especially if you plan to travel during the peak dry seasons.