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11 days Uganda birding and Gorilla Safari

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Not Rated
Duration

11 Days 10 nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Imagine waking to a symphony of birdsong, your binoculars revealing a kaleidoscope of feathered jewels. Later, you lock eyes with a majestic mountain gorilla, a silent moment that echoes through the misty forest. This is the soul of Uganda, a country that cradles some of Africa’s most profound treasures.

Welcome to an 11-day journey crafted for the heart of an explorer. We’ve woven together two of Uganda’s most magical experiences: the thrill of tracking the endangered mountain gorilla in the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the wonder of discovering over 1,000 bird species, from the prehistoric Shoebill to vibrant sunbirds. This isn’t just a safari; it’s an intimate conversation with the wild, a chance to walk through lush rainforests, cruise along serene channels, and connect with cultures that have lived in harmony with this land for generations. Let us guide you on an adventure you will carry with you long after you’ve returned home.

Highlights

  • A Moment with Giants: Experience the profound, once-in-a-lifetime thrill of coming face-to-face with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in their misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home. That magical hour of observation will stay with you forever.
  • The Quest for the Shoebill: Glide through the papyrus channels of Mabamba Wetland in a canoe, your eyes on the horizon for a sight of the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork—a true "holy grail" for birders and an unforgettable photographic moment.
  • Birding in a Primeval World: Explore three distinct and spectacular birding havens: the montane rainforest of Bwindi, the lush Bigodi Wetland, and the Congo-biome oasis of Semuliki National Park, ticking off hundreds of species from your list.

Day 1: Arrival & The Quest for the Shoebill

After touching down at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by our friendly driver-guide. Take a moment to breathe in the Ugandan air before we begin our adventure with a canoe trip through the vast Mabamba Wetland. Glide through papyrus channels on a quest for the legendary Shoebill stork—a truly prehistoric sight. Keep your eyes peeled for other wonders like the Goliath heron and the vibrant papyrus Gonolek. After this incredible start, we'll take you to your lodge to settle in, enjoy a delicious dinner, and rest up for the days ahead.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Southbound to Lake Mburo

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we journey towards Lake Mburo National Park. We'll break up the drive with a memorable stop at the Equator line in Kayabwe, where you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere! We'll continue through rolling hills, arriving at your lodge in time to relax and perhaps enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over the acacia-dotted landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: On Safari in Lake Mburo

Today, we explore Lake Mburo on foot and by vehicle—a rare treat in Uganda's national parks! An early morning game drive reveals zebras, impalas, and towering eland antelopes. After lunch, your guide will lead you on a gentle nature walk, bringing you up close to the smaller details of the bush and its savannah birdlife, from the chattering speckled mousebird to the elegant pied kingfisher.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Into the Mist of Bwindi

After breakfast, we wind our way through stunning highland scenery towards the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A fascinating stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre offers a glimpse into the history of the Ankole kingdom. As we approach Bwindi, the air grows cooler and the landscape transforms into a dense, green canopy—your home for the next three nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: A Life-Changing Gorilla Encounter

This is the day you've been waiting for. After an early breakfast and a briefing at the park headquarters, you'll set off with your guide and a small group into the ancient forest. The trek can be challenging, but the moment you come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas is pure magic. You'll spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they go about their daily lives. In the afternoon, we invite you to meet the Batwa pygmies, the original guardians of this forest, for a powerful cultural experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Birding in a Primeval Forest

Bwindi is a birder's paradise, and today is dedicated to its feathered residents. With over 350 species, including 23 endemic to the Albertine Rift, every trail holds a new discovery. Your expert guide will help you spot gems like the regal sunbird and the red-faced woodland warbler. Enjoy a packed lunch deep in the forest, surrounded by the sounds of nature, before returning to your lodge in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: To the Savannas of Queen Elizabeth

We say goodbye to Bwindi and head to the open savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey is scenic, with a stop to learn about Uganda's famous tea plantations. We'll arrive at your lodge with time to relax and enjoy the view over the vast plains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Wild Queens & The Kazinga Channel

An early morning game drive offers a chance to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and maybe even a leopard. After lunch, we trade the vehicle for a boat on the Kazinga Channel for a spectacular cruise. Get your camera ready for hippos, crocodiles, and magnificent waterbirds lining the shores.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Wetland Wonders & Journey to Kibale

A short drive takes us to Kibale National Park. After settling in, we'll explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project teeming with life. This is a fantastic spot for viewing primates and over 138 bird species, including the great blue turaco.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: The True Wild Heart of Semuliki

Today, we venture into the lowland jungle of Semuliki National Park, a true biogeographical island. This park is a birding mecca with over 435 species, including many rare finds from the Congo Basin. With your guide, you'll spend the day immersed in this unique environment, searching for treasures like the red-billed dwarf hornbill.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Fond Farewells & Journey Home

After a final breakfast, we begin our journey back to Entebbe. We'll share stories and enjoy one last lunch together as the beautiful Ugandan landscape rolls by. We'll ensure you arrive at the airport in good time for your departure flight, filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

  • All airport transfers and ground transportation in a comfortable, private 4x4 safari vehicle.
  • The services of a professional, knowledgeable, and friendly English-speaking driver-guide.
  • All accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
  • All meals as indicated (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).
  • All park entrance fees and activity fees as per the itinerary.
  • One gorilla trekking permit per person (a major value!).
  • Plenty of bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
  • International airfare and visa fees.
  • Personal travel insurance (highly recommended).
  • Tips for your guide and lodge staff (always appreciated).
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks from the bar, and laundry.
  • Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

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Tour's Location

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

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Information Contact

Email

info@africaveterans.com

Website

www.africaveterans.com

Phone

+254 721967320

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