10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour 2026/2027/2028

What is the 10-Day Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour?
A specialised safari itinerary combining mountain gorilla trekking and expert-led bird watching across Uganda’s top wildlife habitats. Travellers visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and diverse wetland ecosystems to observe gorillas, chimpanzees, forest birds, rare endemics, and the elusive shoebill stork. This tour blends primate encounters, scenic game drives, and immersive birding experiences, making it ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and eco-travellers seeking East Africa’s richest biodiversity.

The 10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour 2026/2027/2028 is a signature wildlife journey designed for travellers who want to combine gorilla trekking with immersive bird watching experiences across Uganda’s most biodiverse habitats. Uganda is globally recognised as Africa’s premier birding destination, boasting over 1,090 recorded species, including Albertine Rift endemics, forest specialists, wetland birds, and the legendary shoebill stork—a must-see for any serious birder.

This itinerary begins in Entebbe and explores iconic locations such as Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the mysterious rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Guests can track primates in Bwindi while enjoying lush forest trails teeming with turacos, sunbirds, and hornbills. Each day is led by local expert bird guides with deep knowledge of Uganda’s ecosystems, ensuring accurate identification and rewarding observation moments.

This tour connects seamlessly with other Uganda safari options such as your Bwindi Gorilla Safari, Uganda Birding Tours, or East Africa Wildlife Safari Packages. 

To learn more about Uganda’s conservation achievements, explore the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

This tour is recommended for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, eco-conscious travelers, and anyone looking for a rare combination of primate tracking and birding excellence.

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Price Comparison Table 

Prices vary based on gorilla permit availability and travel season (2026/2027/2028).

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10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour 2026/2027/2028

Routing : Entebbe → Mabamba Swamp → Murchison Falls → Kibale Forest → Queen Elizabeth NP → Ishasha → Bwindi Impenetrable NP → Lake Bunyonyi → Entebbe

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Sunset Bird Walk Along Lake Victoria

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional local birding guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed bird walk around Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Lake Victoria shores, looking for species such as pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, weavers, and sunbirds. Your guide will brief you on the 10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour, gorilla permit logistics, bird checklist highlights, and what to expect in each park. Overnight in Entebbe, resting for the exciting birding and primate adventures ahead.

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Day 2: Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Search – Transfer to Murchison Falls

After an early breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa’s best-known sites for the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. Glide through papyrus channels by canoe, scanning for shoebill, African jacana, swamp flycatcher, papyrus gonolek, and malachite kingfisher. Later, drive north through changing landscapes towards Murchison Falls National Park, birding and sightseeing along the way. Arrive at your lodge in time for a relaxed evening overlooking the Nile or savannah. Enjoy dinner as your guide helps you update your growing Uganda bird list and brief you on the next day’s game and bird viewing.

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Day 3: Murchison Falls – Game Drive & Nile Birding Boat Cruise

Today you experience the rich blend of Big Game and birdlife that makes Murchison famous. At sunrise, enjoy a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, Uganda kob, and buffalo, while spotting birds such as Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, red-throated bee-eater, and larks. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Nile toward the base of the falls, with excellent chances to see African fish eagle, goliath heron, African skimmer, kingfishers, hippos, and crocodiles. Optionally hike to the top of Murchison Falls for dramatic views before returning to your lodge.

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Day 4: Murchison Falls – Scenic Birding Transfer to Kibale Forest

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive south-west toward Kibale Forest National Park, passing through traditional villages, tea plantations, and rolling hills. This is a great travel day for spotting roadside and agricultural species such as black kite, augur buzzard, grey crowned crane, and long-crested eagle. Stop for lunch en route and photo opportunities in the crater-lake region. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale in the late afternoon, nestled amid lush forest or overlooking crater lakes. Enjoy a relaxed evening identifying new birds around the lodge grounds and listening to the sounds of the forest as you prepare for chimp trekking and specialist forest birding.

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Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale & Bigodi Swamp Bird Walk

This morning, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before your chimpanzee tracking excursion in Kibale Forest, often called the primate capital of East Africa. Hike through beautiful rainforest, listening for chimp calls and spotting other primates such as red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus. Forest birding here is excellent, with chances to see great blue turaco, African pitta (seasonal), greenbuls, and various sunbirds. After lunch, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed swamp known for papyrus specials, hornbills, kingfishers, and turacos. This visit supports local conservation and offers rich photographic opportunities.

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Day 6: Kibale – Crater Lakes Birding – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a short birding and scenic drive through the Rwenzori foothills and crater lakes region, watching for cinnamon-chested bee-eater, black-headed gonolek, and various raptors. Continue toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s classic savannah park with superb bird diversity. Check into your lodge, enjoy lunch, and then head out for an afternoon game and birding drive on the Kasenyi plains. Look for elephants, buffalo, lions, and antelopes alongside birds such as African wattled lapwing, crowned plover, red-capped lark, and various storks. As the sun sets, enjoy panoramic views of the Rift Valley and return to your lodge for dinner.

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Day 7: Queen Elizabeth – Game/Birding Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start with an early morning game and birding drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, focusing on open plains and woodland habitats where you might find lions, hyenas, and leopards alongside flocks of storks, bustards, and raptors. After breakfast and a short rest, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise famous for its concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds. Expect close-up views of African spoonbill, yellow-billed stork, pink-backed pelican, African skimmer, and numerous herons and egrets. This is one of the best waterbird photography spots in East Africa. Overnight again in Queen Elizabeth NP.

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Day 8: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Birding & Tree-Climbing Lions – Bwindi

After breakfast, drive south to the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, known for its tree-climbing lions and open savannah dotted with fig trees. Enjoy a game/birding drive looking for lions resting in branches, topi, buffalo, and birds such as grey kestrel, tinkerbirds, and woodland kingfishers. After a picnic lunch, continue into the highlands and lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and globally important bird area. Arrive at your forest lodge in the afternoon and enjoy birding around the grounds, with chances for many forest species and Albertine Rift endemics in the surrounding trees.

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Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Forest Edge Birding

Today is the emotional highlight of your 10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park offices for a briefing, then set off with experienced rangers for your mountain gorilla trek. Trekking time varies depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward—spending an hour in their presence—is unforgettable. Along the trail, watch for forest birds such as Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, and various greenbuls. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a well-earned rest. In the late afternoon, enjoy gentle birding along forest edges or a community visit that supports local conservation initiatives.

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Day 10: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi Birding & Relax – Transfer to Entebbe / Departure

After breakfast, drive to scenic Lake Bunyonyi, famous for its terraced hills and numerous small islands. Enjoy a short boat ride and bird walk along the lakeshores where you may spot herons, cormorants, wagtails, widows, and weavers. It’s a peaceful place to reflect on your gorilla encounter and incredible bird list. Later, commence your journey back toward Entebbe, with lunch and rest stops en route. Depending on your flight schedule, you will either be dropped off at your Entebbe hotel or at Entebbe International Airport for your onward departure, marking the end of your 10-day Uganda gorilla and bird watching adventure.

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 Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

• Meet & greet + airport transfers in Entebbe

• 9 nights’ accommodation (budget / mid-range / luxury options)

• Meals on full-board basis on safari

• 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with birding-friendly pop-up roof

• Professional English-speaking birding / safari guide

• Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)

• Park entrance fees for all mentioned parks

• Mabamba Swamp boat excursion for shoebill search

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale (if included in package level)

• Birding walks in Bigodi, crater lakes, and around lodges

• Kazinga Channel and Nile boat cruises

• Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle

• Government taxes and conservation levies

Excluded

• International flights & visa fees

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

• Optional activities, permit upgrades, or lodge upgrades

• Tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staff

• Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)

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Ready to plan your 10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour 2026/2027/2028?

Chat with our local Uganda safari experts for a custom quote based on your dates, birding interests, and budget.

•  WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308

•  Check Dates & Get Quote

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the 10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Bird Watching Tour unique?

This tour combines two of Uganda’s greatest wildlife experiences—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and professional bird watching in Africa’s richest avian habitats. Unlike traditional safaris that focus mainly on game drives, this itinerary is designed for travellers who want both primate encounters and specialist birding experiences guided by expert local ornithologists. It also includes the rare shoebill stork search, which is a bucket-list highlight for global birders.

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2. Do I need prior bird watching experience to join this tour?

No. This safari suits both beginners and experienced birders. Your professional guide provides identification support, spotting tips, and helps build your Uganda birding checklist. Uganda’s birdlife is exceptionally diverse and visible in forests, wetlands, lakeshores, and open savannahs—ideal for both casual observers and serious bird photographers.

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3. How difficult is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Gorilla trekking can be moderately strenuous, depending on the gorilla family’s movement. Treks range from 2 to 6 hours and involve hiking through dense forest, uneven terrain, and steep slopes. However, trained rangers guide you throughout, and porters are available to assist with bags and balance. Good hiking shoes and a reasonable fitness level are recommended.

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4. What kind of birds can I expect to see on this Uganda birding safari?

Uganda hosts over 1,090 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Expect sightings such as the shoebill stork, great blue turaco, African fish eagle, bee-eaters, hornbills, sunbirds, kingfishers, and papyrus specialists. In Bwindi, watch for forest species like Rwenzori batis and black-billed turaco, while Mabamba Swamp offers your best chance of seeing the elusive shoebill.

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5. What permits do I need for this tour, and are they included?

A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory for entering Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and it is included in most packages. Depending on your program, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest may also be included. Birding permits are not required, but some sanctuaries charge conservation fees. Your final travel quote will specify all covered permits and park charges.

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6. What is the best time for bird watching and gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The best time for this tour is during Uganda’s dry seasons—from June to September and December to February—when trails are more accessible and bird activity is high. However, birding can be rewarding year-round, and gorilla trekking does not depend on seasonality. Booking early is recommended to secure gorilla permits for 2026/2027/2028.

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7. Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

Children aged 15+ can participate in gorilla trekking. Younger children can join bird watching walks in some destinations under the supervision of guides. Seniors can participate comfortably as long as they have a moderate fitness level. The itinerary can be tailored with lighter walks, private vehicles, lodge upgrades, or additional rest days depending on mobility needs.

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8. What should I pack for a Uganda gorilla and birding safari?

Pack lightweight hiking clothes, waterproof boots, long-sleeved shirts, binoculars, a camera with zoom lens, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and sun protection. For gorilla trekking, gloves, gaiters, and a walking stick are recommended. Most lodges offer laundry services, so packing light is easy.

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9. Can the tour be customized for photography or specific bird species?

Yes. This safari can be tailored for professional bird photographers, twitchers seeking specific endemics, or travellers with checklist goals. Custom options include private birding guides, extended stays in Bwindi, Mabamba, or Queen Elizabeth NP, and specialized hides for low-disturbance wildlife photography.

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10. Are accommodations eco-friendly during this tour?

Yes. Most lodges used in this itinerary incorporate eco-tourism principles—solar energy, rainwater harvesting, minimal plastics, and community-supported conservation. Your participation directly benefits local communities and conservation projects protecting gorillas and endangered bird habitats.

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Previous Travellers’ Reviews – Uganda Gorilla & Birding Experience

★★★★★ “A birder’s paradise with a legendary gorilla finale!”

— Dr. Louise Chen, Singapore | Travelled June 2023

“I booked this tour specifically for the shoebill, but what I got was far beyond a tick on my checklist. Our guide could identify birds by call — even before we spotted them. The Mabamba Swamp canoe ride was magical, and watching a shoebill strike its prey was unreal. Ending the trip with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was indescribable. A perfect safari for bird lovers who crave once-in-a-lifetime moments.”

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★★★★★ “As a photographer, this is the best wildlife itinerary I’ve ever done”

— Marco Perry, United States | February 2024

“I’ve been on photographic tours in India and Costa Rica, but Uganda beats them all. From the Kazinga Channel boat ride packed with waterbirds to dramatic gorilla portraits in Bwindi, every day offered priceless shots. The guides knew where to position us for perfect lighting and clean backgrounds. I came home with my best wildlife portfolio yet. Highly recommended for photographers and nature enthusiasts.”

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★★★★☆ “The gorilla encounter left us speechless!”

— Hannah & Dieter, Germany | September 2024

“We joined as beginner bird watchers and left totally hooked. Uganda’s diversity surprised us — forests full of turacos and sunbirds, plus the excitement of tracking chimps and gorillas. The hike was tough but manageable, and the reward — an hour with a gorilla family — is something we will never forget. Lodges were beautiful, though we wish we stayed one extra night in Bwindi.”

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★★★★★ “Highly organized, expert-guided, and worth every cent”

— Raymond & Shania, South Africa | May 2025

“This tour exceeded our expectations. Every day offered a different habitat and birding opportunity. Our guide knew every species by sight and sound — we identified far more birds than we thought possible. The gorilla trekking team was professional and safety-focused, and the scenery in Uganda is breathtaking. We’ve already recommended this safari to our bird club.”

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★★★★★ “Best African holiday we’ve ever taken”

— Annabelle & Joseph, Canada | December 2025

“Uganda stole our hearts. We were expecting great birdwatching, but we didn’t realize how emotional the gorilla encounter would be. Seeing a silverback look right into our eyes changed us forever. The birding walks, especially in Bigodi Wetland, were peaceful and immersive. This tour blends relaxation, adventure, photography, and conservation beautifully. Truly a bucket-list experience!”

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Join over 500 happy travellers who have experienced our Uganda birding & gorilla safaris and rated this tour 4.9/5 on average.