4.9/5

Based on 450+ reviews

Responsible Travel | Our Grantee | Terms & Conditions | FAQs

4.9/5

Based on 45+ reviews

14 Day Uganda Birding and Wildlife safari

SAFARI OVERVIEW

Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari

14 Days 13 Night

Rates are per person (pp)
Excluding international flights (from/to your home country)

Overview

This 14 Days Uganda Birding and wildlife Safari is a magical journey into the isolated jungles of East Africa, promising you an experience of different bird species encounters like no other. This 14 Days Uganda Birding safari is a budget safari that is designed to allow every traveler interested in birding have a chance at spotting the different unique bird species Uganda has to offer.

Hightlights

Safari takes place in Uganda.
Safari starts and ends in Entebbe (Uganda)
You will visit Mabamba Swamp wetlands for spotting the famous Shoebill stork
You’ll visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Northern part for Birding
You’ll visit Kibale forest National Parkfor Birding
You’ll visit Queen Elizabeth National Parkfor Birding
You’ll visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Birding
You will have stops along the way to spot some other bird species.
Countryside road trip in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle & pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle for spotting birds
A transfer from and back to the airport (or hotel) is included
Additional accommodation before the tour departs and on the last day can be arranged for extra cost

Things To Consider

Accommodation is Inclusive
Bird in the wild rest assured that we are guided by the new normal post lock down
Small Group Safari: Max 6 People per group
Tour Can Depart any day
Tour can be customized
Solo travelers can join this tour

ITINERARY

Arrival

You’ll be picked up from the airport (or hotel)
Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged for extra cost

DAY 1: Arrival at Entebbe airport.

Upon arrival, you will be met by Encounter Africa Safari guide who will transfer you to your overnight Guest house. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take a boat excursion to Ngamba Island (optional and not included), visit the nearby Botanical gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education center for a short excursion tour and birding.

Drive time: Approximately 15 minutes

Lodge: Via via Guest house Entebe( Budget) or Admas Hotel Entebbe(Midrange) or Protea Marriot Entebbe/Hotel Number 5(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Bed and breakfast

DAY 2: Drive to Mabamba Swamp for Birding.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Mabamba swamp, which is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, traditionally one of the few and best places to spot the rare and elusive shoebill stock in central Uganda.
The bird species that we expect to encounter here include the Goliath Herons, White faced whistling Duck, White-winged Warbler, Lesser Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Winding Cisticola, Yellow-backed, Golden-backed, Vieillot’s Black, Weyns’s and Orange weaver and Red-headed Lovebird among others. The birding at mabamba swamp, we normally use a canoe to maneuver through the thin pass in the swamp until we find the mabamba shoebill stock as well identify other bird species, which makes the whole activity exciting. After we will latter drive back to the guest house while birding on the way, arriving the hotel in the evening.

Lodge: Via via Guest house Entebe( Budget) or Admas Hotel Entebbe(Midrange) or Protea Marriot Entebbe/Hotel Number 5(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and dinner.

DAY 3: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Birding along en-route.

After breakfast, you will check out of the guest house and we will drive to Lake Mburo national park while birdingen-route, with stopovers at the Equator for photographs and equator experience and en-route lunch. We will proceed and make another stopover at Kaku swamp where we sometimes encounter species like the Black kite, the White-faced and Fulvous, whistling ducks, Common and Purple Swamphen, Lesser Moorhen, Hottentot Teals, Spur-winged and Egyptian Geese, Grey-crowned Cranes and Saddle-billed Storks, Grey wood Pecker, Dusky Blue, African Dusky, African Paradise, Red-bellied Paradise, Brown-throated Wattle-Eye, Arrow-marked, Black-lored and Brown Babblers, Lesser and Scaly-throated Honeyguide among others. You will then proceed on to Lake Mburo national park for overnight.

Drive time: approximately 5-6 hours

Lodge: Rwakobo Rock(Budget) or Kigarama Wilderness lodge(Midrange) or Mihingo Lodge/Kigambira safari lodge(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park – Boat cruise

After your breakfast, with our parked lunch, we shall start our game drive/birding in Lake Mburo national park. This is one of the IBAs in Uganda, protecting more than 350 bird species, with specialties that includes; the Spot-franked, Double-toothed, Red-faced and Crested Barbets, Western-banded and Brown Snake-eagles, Trilling, Red-faced and TaboraCisticolas, Crested and Coqui Francolins, Chin-spot Baits, Broad- billed and Lilac-breasted Roller, Brown-chested Lapwing, Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Brown Parrot, Bateleur, and Emerald-spotted wood dove among others. We latter drive towards Rwonyo, and the lake side for our picnic lunch and later go for the boat cruise on lake Mburo. Here we expect species like; the White-faced and Fulvous whistling ducks, White-backed and Black-crowned Night Herons, African Fin foot, African Darter, Rufous-bellied Heron, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Greater and Lesser Swamp Warbler, Common and Purple Swamphen, Lesser Moorhen, Spur-winged and Egyptian Geese, Grey-crowned Cranes, African Water Rail and Allen’s Gallinule among others. We later drive back to our lodge while birding on the way.

Lodge: Rwakobo Rock(Budget) or Kigarama Wilderness lodge(Midrange) or Mihingo Lodge/Kigambira safari lodge(Luxury)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Northern part of the park, birding along en-route.

After breakfast at the lodge you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, you will have opportunities to stop along the way the way to spot some bird species as well as sightseeing, This journey takes you through the beautiful green rolling hills of southern Uganda with banana and tea plantations and good scenic views. Lunch will be served en route and you will arrive in Bwindi in the evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Buhoma community Rest camp/Ride for a woman (Budget) or Buhoma Havens Lodge(Midrange) or Buhoma lodge/Mahogany Springs lodge/Bwindi Lodge(Luxury).

Drive time: 6-7 hours

DAY 6: Birding in Mubwindi Swamp.

After breakfast at the Lodge we will go for birding at Mubwindi swamp, we will spend the entire day birding at this area. The 4km trail to Mubwindi Swamp is the best place for some of the most difficult to find of all rift endemics including Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill, the beautiful Regal Sunbird, and Archer’s Robin-Chat. Mubwindi Swamp is also home to Dwarf Honeyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, Ruwenzori Appalls, African Hill Babbler (sometimes treated as a separate species from Ruwenzori Hill Babbler), the rare and localized Grauer’s Scrub-Warbler. Some of the many species we have a chance of seeing here include Black Goshawk, Augur Buzzard, Crowned Hawk-Eagle, Handsome Francolin, Olive (Rameron) Pigeon, Bronze-winged Pigeon, Black-billed, Ruwenzori, and Ross’s Turacco, African, Barred Long-tailed, and African Emerald Cuckoos, Red-chested Owlet, Narina and Bar-tailed Trogons, Black and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Blue-throated Roller, White-headed Wood hoopoe, Gray-throated, Double-toothed, and Yellow-spotted Barbets, Western and Yellow-rumpedTinkerbird, Thick-billed and Dwarf Honeyguides, Rufous-necked Wryneck, Tullberg’s, Speckle-breasted, Elliot’s, and Olive Woodpeckers, African Broadbill, Rock Martin, Black Saw-wing, Gray and Pettit’s Cuckoo-Shrike, Ansorge’s, Kakamega and Cabanis’ Greenbuls, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Kivu Ground-Thrush, Olive and Mountain Thrushes, Red-throated Alethe, Chubb’s Cisticola, Banded Prinia, Ruwenzori, Black-throated, and Black-faced Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera, Grauer’s Warbler, Cinnamon and Black-faced Bracken-Warblers, Mountain Yellow Warbler, White-browed Crombec, Short-tailed Warbler, Red-faced Woodland-Warbler, White-eyed Slaty- Flycatcher, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Sooty Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, White-starred Robin, White-bellied and Archer’s Robin-Chats, Ruwenzori Batis, White-tailed, and African Blue-Flycatchers, Pale-breasted, Mountain, and Gray-chested Illadopses, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, Gray-headed, Western Violet-backed, Green, Green-headed, Blue-headed, Green-throated, Stuhlmann’s, Northern Double-collared, and Regal Sunbirds, Mackinnon’s Shrike, Ludher’s, Gray-green, Many-colored, and Lagden’s Bush-shrikes, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Slender-billed, Waller’s, Narrow-tailed, Stuhlmann’s, and Sharpe’s Starlings, Black-billed, Strange, and Brown-capped Weavers, Jameson’s and Woodhouse’s Ant-peckers, and Red-faced and Dusky Crimson-wings.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Buhoma community Rest camp/Ride for a woman(Budget) or Buhoma Havens Lodge(Midrange) or Buhoma lodge/Mahogany Springs lodge/Bwindi Lodge(Luxury).

DAY 7: Birding to Buhoma through “The Neck”

Today we will go for birding to Buhoma section through “The Neck”. The Neck (where the forest narrows) offers excellent forest birding. Key species that we will look for there include many of the Albertine Rift Endemics that we may not have seen earlier. These include Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Dwarf Honeyguide, African Green Broadbill, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing. A few other species we may encounter as well include Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Fine-banded and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Willcocks’s Honeyguide, KakamegaGreenbul, Red-tailed Greenbul, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Mountain Wagtail, Cassin’s Flycatcher, Equatorial Akalat, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Dusky Tit, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Red-headed Malimbe, Dusky Twinspot, Cape Wagtail, Brown-backed Scrub Robin, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, and Western Citril.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Buhoma community Rest camp/Ride for a woman(Budget) or Buhoma Havens Lodge(Midrange) or Buhoma lodge/Mahogany Springs lodge/Bwindi Lodge(Luxury).

DAY 8: Birding the Main Trail

Species we will search for include Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo, Bar-tailed Trogon,Dusky Tit, Kivu Ground-Thrush, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Equatorial Akalat, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Red-throated Alethe, White-bellied Crested- Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, Gray-green Bushshrike, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Black billed Weaver and Magpie Mannikin. High exposed perches in the open forest are favored by African Goshawk; the dazzling Black Bee-eater, Blue-throated Roller, Sooty Flycatcher and forest starlings including Waller’s, Stuhlmann’s and Narrow-tailed. One of Bwindi’s star avian attractions is the diminutive, pitta-like Neumann’s Warbler, a vocal yet very secretive bird! Other under-storey birds we hope to see include displaying African Broadbill; Banded Prinia and the handsome Black-faced Rufous-Warbler. The mid-storey and canopy supports Elliot’s and Tullberg’s Woodpeckers; Cabanis’, Kakamega and Ansorge’sGreenbuls; the strange Grauer’s Warbler and White-browed Crombec. The rare Jameson’s Antpecker may also been seen probing under moss on dead branches or gleaning warbler-like in the canopy. Overhead, Scarce Swifts forage over the forest. Birding at Buhoma is a truly magical experience. Other wildlife that we may be fortunate enough to find here include the huge Yellow-backed Duiker, Guereza Colobus; L’Hoest’s, Blue and Red-tailed monkeys; Chimpanzee and several species of Squirrels including Fire-footed Rope, Carruthers’ Mountain, Ruwenzori Sun and Red-legged Sun Squirrel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Buhoma community Rest camp/Ride for a woman(Budget) or Buhoma Havens Lodge(Midrange) or Buhoma lodge/Mahogany Springs lodge/Bwindi Lodge(Luxury).

DAY 9: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National park, en-route birding.

This morning you will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, be prepared for some incredible scenery along the way as well as spotting some birds. You will arrive in time for Lunch at the lodge and game drive in the plains of Kasenyi in search for savannah wildlife including spotting bird different birds like the Red Chested, Diederik, and Klaas’s Cuckoo, Short-toed, Black-chested and Brown Snake-eagles, African white-backed, among others and savannah animals that may include herds of buffaloes, antelopes, elephants and if lucky, some wild cats such as lions and leopard.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Bush Lodge(Budget) or Buffalo safari lodge (Midrange) or Elephant Plains lodge/ Kyambura Gorge lodge/Honey Bear camp(Luxury)

Drive time: 4-5 hours.

DAY 10: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Boat cruise.

The day begins early with an early morning breakfast, then with our parked lunch, we start our birding/game drive through the kasenyi plains. The park has more than 615 bird species recorded and this is said to be the highest concentration of bird life as compared to any nature reserve in the World. Here we expect sightings of bird species like; the Red Chested, Diederik, and Klaas’s Cuckoo, Short-toed, Black-chested and Brown Snake-eagles, African white-backed, Ruppel’s Griffon, Lappet-faced and Hooded Vultures, African Marsh, Eurasian Marsh, Pallid and Montagu’s Harrier, Wahlberg’s, Tawny, Long-crested and Martial Eagles, African Crake, Harlequin and Blue Quail, Common Button-quail, European Roller, Rufous-naped, White-tailed and Flappet Lark, Winding, Wing-snapping, Croaking, Trilling and Stout Cisticola,Temminck’s Courser, Vereaux’s Eagle-owl, Black-crowned Tchagra and Collared Pratincole among others. We drive towards Mweya peninsular, have our picnic lunch and then go for a boat cruise on Kazinga channel for yet another but deferent view of wildlife and birds. We then drive back to our lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Bush Lodge(Budget) or Buffalo safari lodge (Midrange) or Elephant Plains lodge/ Kyambura Gorge lodge/Honey Bear camp(Luxury)

DAY 11: Drive to Kibale forest National park, en-route birding at Maramagambo Forest.

After breakfast, with our packed lunch, we check out of the lodge and drive to Maramagambo Forest for birding/nature walk in the forest. During the walk, we expect to encounter different bird species that includes; the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Chestnut Wattle Eye, African Dusky, African Paradise, Red-bellied Paradise and Bedford’s Flycatchers, African Golden oriole, Red headed blue bill, Bat hawks, Sulphur-breasted bush shrike, Brown-eared woodpecker, Fawn breasted Waxbill, Yellow-rumped, Yellow-fronted and Speckled Tinkerbirds, African Moustached, Garden,Willow and Dark-caped Yellow Warbler among others. We also expect to encounter different primate species like the Black and white Colobus monkey. Later in the afternoon we drive to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving in the evening and check in to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House(Budget) or Turaco tree tops(Midrange) or Primate lodge/Kibale Lodge(Luxury)

DAY 12: Birding in Kibale Forest National Park /Bigodi swamp.

After an early breakfast, we start our day birding in Kibale forest. The forest protects more than 300 bird species, so we will expect to encounter specialties that includes; Green-breasted Pitta, Red-chested Owlet, Scally-breasted, Pale-breasted and Brown Illadopsis, Red-caped and Blue-shouldered Robin-chat, Fire-crested and Brown-chested Alethe, Forest Robin, Buff-spotted, Brown-eared and Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Red-winged Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, White-naped and Afep Pigeon, Red-tailed Ant-thrush, Rufous Flycatcher.

Meal plan ; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodge: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House(Budget) or Turaco tree tops(Midrange) or Primate lodge/Kibale Lodge(Luxury)

DAY 13: Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport.

Drive back to Entebbe international Airport and depending on your flight time, you may decide to have dinner and relax at the Lodge in Entebbe, marking the end of your 13 days Uganda Birding Safari.

Drive time: 5-6 hours

End of Tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for extra cost
You’ll be dropped off at the airport (or hotel)

DETAILED COST PER PERSON SHARING

COST PER PERSON SHARING

Persons	Date	Price per person
1 Person	Any date	USD.00
2 Persons	Any date	USD.00
3 Persons	Any date	USD.00
4 Persons	Any date	USD.00
5 Persons	Any date	USD.00
6 Persons	Any date	USD.00

Cost Includes

Airport transfers on first and last day,
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Services of an English speaking driver guide
Fuel for the whole trip
Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
All park entrance fees
Drinking water while in the vehicle

Cost excludes

Gorilla permit at USD800.00 per person per trek
Pre and post-tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
International airfares
Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which must be Paid and obtained online before arrival
Items of personal nature such as tips, drinks, and laundry

STANDARD: 4X4 SAFARI VAN

Our standard mode of transport is by road and we use 4×4 Safari Vans customized for game viewing and photography. Each safari van comes with a professionally trained driver guide and fuel for the whole safari. Our Safari vans have viewing hatches and each client is entitled to a window seat. Our Vans can take up to eight people. We also have 4×4 Super Customs very comfortable and stable on the road. These carry up to 5 people with their luggage. We also have 4×4 RAV 4 for a group of two people

UPGRADE: 4X4 LUXURY SAFARI LANDCRUISER

We have luxury latest Land Cruisers each driven by professionally trained driver guides and fuel. They have pop-up roofs for proper game viewing and photography. They come with a small fridge for cooling your drinking water while on safari (which is always included while IN THE VEHICLE). They have inverters for charging small gadgets such as your smartphones and cameras. They can seat five to a maximum of seven people and each client is guaranteed of a window seat.

New Normal Travel Guidelines (SOPs)

At Encounter Africa Safaris our core value is to provide you with an authentic safari experience during these new and changing times when the whole world is alert about the ongoing pandemic of the Coronavirus. Encounter Africa Safari Travel SOPS have been put in place to ensure the wellbeing, safety and health of our clients and as such guidelines and measures have been put in place as we return to the new normal post covid-19. All these are in line with advice, guidelines and procedures for a post covid-19 traveler put in place by WHO, UNWTO, UWA, AUTO, UTB and Civil Aviation.

General recommendations for personal hygiene, cough etiquette and keeping a distance of at least one meter from persons showing symptoms remain particularly important for all travelers and even those without symptoms. These include:

Perform hand hygiene frequently, particularly after contact with respiratory secretions. Hand hygiene includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub. Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred and are not easily soiled. All travelers are advised to carry with.
Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing immediately of the tissue and performing hand hygiene; the recommended type of mask is the N95.
Refrain from touching mouth, eyes and nose, in general areas of the face.
Postponing travel plans in cases of illness, and avoiding contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, hence social distance of at least one meter apart and if you are not sure of your health then postpone travel until you feel

On arrival at the airport or any entry point

Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the key tourism gates at the Airport.
Clients are required to have tested for the Virus prior to travel dates and should carry with medical documents supported by medical evidence and consistent with health best practices.
A non-contact system (digital travel) has been introduced at the Airport for clients to check in and out and at visa points, you will be attended to by someone behind a glass shield and they will also wear face masks and protectors to maintain as little contact as possible.
It’s now a must for all travel bags to be wrapped in plastic bags for travelers who are checking in at the Airport.
Mandatory hand washing / sanitizing at all entrances of the Airport for all travelers and staff.
Face masks are a must for all travelers, the recommended mask is an N95.
Tours should not exceed more than 4 in a group to maintain social distancing and walk marks in place around the airport.

In the vehicle while traveling.

Regular communication of safety protocols and responsibilities to clients, and to keep them informed and reminded to stay vigilant while enjoying.
Onboard sanitizing tissues and/or fluids to clients (travelers) and staff (driver guides and the like) will be available and we encourage you to use them.
Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces. Hence we will minimize the stops and set designated stopping areas that we prove to be safe for our health and we will encourage a takeaway food system to seating in hotels during stops. We rather encourage picnic eating along the way.
Cleaning all surfaces more frequently, using products and disinfectants that meet requirements with special attention to high-touch surfaces like vehicle door knobs, picnic boxes, hand rests, refrigerators, etc.
Redesigning all processes towards a more digital and touchless approach in all possible touch-points. Like cashless payment points as money has been found to spread the virus.
Reduce the number of objects on board. Limit luggage quantities while traveling to only what is enough for your tour.

At the lodge.

Encounter Africa Safaris is working with only those lodges that have proven to uphold the health of our clients first and practicing as per the guidelines of WHO as below;

Our partner hotels, lodges and restaurants are those that have increased the frequency of cleaning in common areas and contact surfaces and rooms. The lodges have also gone further to put hand sanitizers in both the common room and in bedrooms.
Social distancing is a must in lodges we use of at least one meter which is the standard around the world.
Upon arrival standard safety protocols will be outlined and how the lodge is practicing them to prevent spread of the virus in case a person is found to be sick.
Our partner hotels and lodges keep spare rooms for possible sick or quarantine guests that are suspected to have the virus and later inform authorities about it.
The hotels and lodges we use have implemented contactless check-in and provide guests with a hygiene welcome kit where possible (this may include gloves, masks, and sanitizers).
Where possible temperature will be taken using a contactless infra-red thermometer as a basic standard for checking the common symptom of covid-19.
The partner lodges have adopted new services such as room service or picnic takeaway to reduce convergence in the common dining area at the lodge and also you are encouraged to avoid buffets while ordering for meals as these attract many people.
Our partners lodges and hotels foster flexibility in all their operations, such as those that can amend bookings if clients are not able to make it at suggested times and those that can keep credit for the client until when they are fit to travel.

At the national parks.

All Staff and visitors shall wear the right face masks that have been prescribed by Ministry of Health (Visitors will carry their own masks an N95).
Staff of Uganda Wildlife Authority will inform the visitor of the general government approved covid operational guidelines. They will explain to the visitor the UWA safety COVID measures (DOs and DONTs) during their tour and stay within the protected areas.
The tourists shall be required to provide a certificate that shows that they are COVID negative, either provided by our Ministry of Health or the relevant authority from the country most recently visited.
Temperature screening will be done at the key tourism gates of the different National Park. Those with temperatures above 37.6 degrees Celsius shall not be allowed into the protected areas and shall be advised to seek medical help through the mechanisms set up by authorities to get to the nearest quarantine location.
Every tourist shall have wash and disinfect their hands at all entry points to the protected areas. Sanitary alcohol sanitizer dispensers as well as hand washing facilities with soap shall be installed at all entry points.
There will be regular disinfecting of common areas with heavy tourist contact before, during and after visiting hours. These include information counters, service desks, waiting areas, park offices and toilets. Toilets in particular should be cleaned at least every 2 hours
Where applicable, transparent screens will be fitted at all, park gate counters. The staff manning the gate will only allow visitors who have the prescribed face masks and who have washed/ sanitized to enter the park

Tourist vehicles and boats within the national parks

The National guidelines issued by MoH shall be enforced by tourists while in visiting the National Parks i.e
- Saloon cars – 3 persons (This does not include the guide, where one is requested and paid for)
- Buses, mini buses and omnibuses – Half capacity
- Overlanders – Half capacity
- Concessionaire delivery vehicles, pick-ups and lories – 2 persons
- Private boats and launches – Half capacity
- Tour operator game drive vehicles and UWA owned game drive vehicles – 6 persons

Social distancing should be observed within the vehicles
Tour operators and service providers will be regularly reminded to disinfect their cars regularly
UWA owned vehicles will be washed every day before use and disinfected daily through spray pumps
Every protected area shall provide a safe location where this spraying can be done, and where they tour operators can also park their cars to disinfect them
All tour operators shall be encouraged to provide their drivers with an alcohol rub/hand sanitizer for frequently or alternatively wear gloves. Caution should however be taken to remove this sanitizer whenever the car is parked
All other precautionary measures have to be enforced ie washing hands, social distancing and cautiously using masks

Key Tourism Activities

Briefing of tourists

Before engaging in any tourism activities, the tourists shall be given the usual briefing regarding the activities they are about to engage in. In addition to this, the guides shall remind the tourists about the risk / looming dangers of covid and brief them on the general preventative measures government has instituted and the measure they will be expected to abide by while in the Protected Areas, and remind them that it’s both for their safety and that of the wildlife.
These guidelines and measures shall also be printed and displayed in key visible areas within the park such as the briefing areas, the gates, the information centres, the canteens, to mention but a few.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking

The existing gorilla and chimpanzee tracking rules and guidelines (see annex) will remain in force to prevent any human to animal transmissions. These include
- 8 and 6 tourists will be allowed to track the gorillas and chimpanzees respectively
- The tourists must keep 7m away from the gorillas and chimpanzees
- Tourists who during the briefing are observed to be overly coughing shall not be allowed to track
- Tourists who during the briefing are observed to be sick shall not be allowed to track. These include tourists with signs flu, and those who report to have diarrhoea and stomach upsets, malaria etc
While the forests are dense and don’t have any specific trails for tracking, the assigned UWA guides shall try as humanly possible to ensure that there is social distancing among the tourists while the tracking takes place
The tourists shall be encouraged to carry light equipment to minimise the need for potters while they undertake the tracking. This will be communicated to potential tourists through the tour operators and other fora
Due to the reported side effects of putting on masks for long periods and in high altitudes, the number of breaks during the tracking shall be doubled to give tourists time to breathe fresh air.
During these breaks, social distancing should be observed

Game Drives

The regular park rules shall apply
The vehicle guidelines above shall also apply
Where a guide is requested, the guide shall sit at the front and shall continuously remind the tourists about the need to social distance
Masks shall be worn at all time
Where a tourists gets side effects due to putting on a mask for a long time, the tourist shall inform the guide who will find a safe and secure place to park the vehicle and allow for the tourists to get fresh air while maintaining social distance

Boat Cruises

The regular park rules shall apply
The boat and launches guidelines above shall also apply
The UWA owned boats must be cleaned and disinfected every day before any boat cruise activity
The concessionaire shall also be required to clean and disinfect their boats every day before any boat activities
The guide shall enforce social distancing while on the boat.
Masks shall be worn at all time while on the boat
Where a tourists gets side effects due to putting on a mask for a long time, the tourist shall inform the guide who will find space within the boat for this client to get some fresh air for a few minutes. This shall be away from the other tourists

Anticipated travel needs for anyone traveling post Covid-19

Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
Pack enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it within easy to reach.
Bring a cloth face covering to wear in public places. Mask N95 is recommended while traveling to Uganda.
Prepare food and water for your trip where possible and avoid eating at places providing buffets.
Limit the number of people you get in contact with while on safari.

For more information about safety and healthy responses and updates on Covid-19 in Uganda and East Africa, do not hesitate to contact Encounter Africa Safaris

Similar Uganda Birding Safaris

2 Day Uganda Birding Safari

The trip takes you to Mabamba Swamp, which is known for hosting a variety of bird species like the shoebill stork

9 Days Mountain Rwenzori Hiking

This tour takes you to Mountain Rwenzori National Park to hike up to the top of the snow capped mountains

3 Day Uganda Savannah Birding Safari

Trip will take you to Lake Mburo National Park, one of the most perfect parks with a variety if bird species

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Read the real stories and experiences shared by fellow travellers who've travelled with Encounter Africa Safaris.

GOOGLE REVIEWS (Over 40+ Reviews)

     
   Gorilla Safaris: Encounter Africa Safaris Ltd
   44 Google reviews 
 
  
        
   Gorilla Safaris: Encounter Africa Safaris Ltd
   4.744 Google reviews 
 
 
 
        Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Gooch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We had the most amazing trip with Encounter safaris. Dennis helped plan our itinerary to match some specific requests and Patrick our driver was kind, knowledgeable and fun! Our trip included visiting the Gorillas, chimpanzees and Murchison Falls - an unforgettable trip. Thank you!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We recently completed a memorable trip organized by Encounter Africa, traveling from Kigali, Rwanda to Entebbe, Uganda, and overall, the experience was overall excellent. Right from the start, everything was well-organized, and the itinerary was thoughtfully planned. The lodges selected for our stay were generally of a high standard, offering comfort, great service, and beautiful surroundings. There was one exception during the trip where a lodge didn’t meet expectations, but we were very impressed with how quickly and professionally Encounter Africa responded. They changed the accommodation immediately without fuss, showing a strong commitment to guest satisfaction. A major highlight of the trip was our guide, Richard (Instagram: @richardmrtravels). Richard was nothing short of fantasti....knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to help. Whether we had questions about the places we visited, needed assistance with logistics, or just wanted to learn more about the region, Richard was our go-to person. He’s highly recommended if you want a top-notch guide who truly cares about your experience. The gorilla and chimpanzee tracking excursions were absolutely unforgettable—well coordinated, with expert local trackers, and truly one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters. The only downside of the trip was the standard of transport provided. The vehicle’s air conditioning was not functioning properly, which made some of the longer drives uncomfortable, especially during the hotter parts of the day
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Maestri 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Patrick was our tour guide and he was nothing short of amazing. He helped to make my wife and my honeymoon unforgettable. He made us feel totally comfortable and and was a pleasure to get to talk with and learn more about Uganda. Without hesitation I recommend his service. Uganda will hold a special place in our heart, in my ways because of Patrick’s level of service and caring nature. The chimp trekking and gorilla hiking were a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t hesitate to use this company and make sure to ask for Patrick!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Juma Taremwa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Calm and organized
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ghazal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Well organized and reliable company. Everything was planned to our fullest satisfaction. I can recommend this company anytime🦍❤️
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Presser 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Incredible safari company that I will happily use again. If I could give 6 stars I would. Monica is a true standout in the office, and I appreciate her and her work so much. Obed is a wonderful guide and feel so lucky to have been paired with him.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nelson Mugisha 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Staff are friendly  and helpful

START PLANNING

TRIP ADVISOR (Over 450+ Reviews)

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 473 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Verified Cannot think of the words. Awe inspiring and empowering All I can say is wow, but I will say a lot more. From the first contact with Denis at HQ at the numerous enquires and changes along the way this group at Encounter Africa Safaris have been fantastic. Then touching base with Godwin Amanya at Kisoro to do the Gorilla experience was awesome. What a great guy and host and I will never forget his suggestion to go and visit the local village and the Batwa community. Truly inspiring❤️❤️❤️
     
   Stephen Davis 
 4 November 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified Gorilla/chimpanzee trekking We took a 14-day tour of Uganda – with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking – and are absolutely thrilled! The whole organization was perfect from start to finish. Everything went smoothly: Transfers, accommodation, meals and activities were excellently coordinated.The highlight was of course the encounters with the gorillas in Bwindi National Park and the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest – an unforgettable experience we will never forget.Our guide deserves special praise. He was not only extremely competent and experienced, but also incredibly friendly, helpful and flexible. Thanks to his warm nature we felt safe and well looked after throughout the trip. He told us a lot about nature, wildlife and life in Uganda and made the trip very special.We can fully recommend this tour – it was a perfectly organized, varied and unforgettable trip through a beautiful country with warm people.
     
   Patrick F 
 25 October 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified The trip of a lifetime. This was the adventure of a lifetime. Being able to be so close to these majestic animals in their natural habitat was breathtaking. Our trip was only two days in duration and in hindsight I would have loved to have done a two day trip. Our trek into the forest was a relatively short one and with only eight people in the group was just the perfect number.Our driver/ guide Jason was the perfect host being so knowledgeable about the gorillas and the local communities surrounding the forest. Our consultant Denis whom we communicated with from the very start of of this experience was nothing short of excellent!! The communication at all times was professional, informative and quick. At times during our hour spent with the gorilla family I had to pinch myself to remind me that this was actually for real and not some excellent wildlife documentary. Words and pictures don’t really convey the remarkable experience that this was. If you are reading this then I would encourage you to have this experience for yourself. Encounter Africa Safaris we’re 5 star from begin to end.
     
   Donald A 
 23 October 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified Solo Female Traveler in Uganda - Exceptional experience while feeling safe Being a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly cared for in both the planning and the actual vacation. Denis and the Encounter Africa Safari Team helped me decide on how to book my trip within my budget and with hotels that don't penalize you for staying alone. Beyond that, they provided last-minute changes (about a week before) to what I wanted to see. When my driver arrived, it was a VERY early transfer from a different tour group in the high Bwindi Mountains. Huge shout out to Patrick (my driver), he was very knowledgeable, and has such PASSION for what he does. Not as someone who just bogs you down with all the information in his head (which he was able to answer all my many, many, many many questions) but truly wants to know what would make your vacation the BEST one, what you care about seeing, and provides a view of Uganda through a local's eyes and why it is beautiful to them. He helped me see beyond just the incredible experiences of the Safaris, Nile, Kazinga Channel, and White Water Rafting - but also the people, locations that are off the beaten path, and what truly makes Uganda special and unique in so many ways. I hope to return soon! Thank you for making this investment in memories worth every penny, and for helping me feel safe and respected by both the company staff and every person in the hotels and those we met along the way.
     
   Culture Trekking 
 21 October 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified Fantastic tour We had the most amazing experience with Encounter Safaris. Denis understood all our requirements and planned the perfect trip for us. Patrick was the best guide (I wish we could bottle his laugh and take it back to England). He was super knowledgeable, answered all our questions and made us feel really comfortable and relaxed.I would definitely recommend Encounter safaris to friends and family and we REALLY hope to be back.
     
   Laura22015 
 11 October 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified Best trip ever Best tour of my life!!! Very organized and my transportation Godwin was amazing. I learned so much about Rwanda and Uganda before the trip even started. When we did the hike, I felt very safe due to the guides and rangers and they were all very knowledgeable. Worth every penny
     
   Jordan Spriggs 
 26 September 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified An Amazing Safari Experience in Uganda This was my very first safari in Uganda and it was truly unforgettable. Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes are simply breathtaking, and every day felt like a new adventure.A special thank you to our guide Patrick, who was absolutely outstanding – knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate. He made the whole experience smooth, safe, and incredibly enjoyable.I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Highly recommended!
     
   Tristan L 
 17 September 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified An unforgettable immersion in the heart of Ugandan nature 🌿 An unforgettable stay in Uganda! The observation of gorillas and chimpanzees will remain in my memory. The Jeep rhino tour with a private guide was amazing. Everything was perfectly organized, respectful of nature and animals. A magical experience that I recommend 100%!A thought also for our guide Patrick who was simply perfect
     
   Alexandre R 
 17 September 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified Professional, Responsive, and Reliable – Excellent Experience with Encounter Africa Safaris We had a fantastic experience with Encounter Africa Safaris in Uganda. From the very beginning, their communication was fast, clear, and professional. Monica, in particular, was incredibly responsive and helpful — she answered every question promptly and with genuine care, which gave us great peace of mind while planning our trip.We chose the two-day, one-night itinerary starting and ending in Kigali, with a border crossing into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Everything ran smoothly from pickup to drop-off at Kigali Airport.Our driver, Edgar, was outstanding — calm, friendly, and extremely skilled behind the wheel. Navigating the rough, winding gravel roads to Bwindi is no small task, but Edgar handled it with ease and confidence. We always felt safe and well taken care of, even in the most remote areas.The logistics were smooth, the planning thoughtful, and the overall experience was exactly what we hoped for — efficient, well-organized, and stress-free.If you're considering a safari or gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, I can highly recommend Encounter Africa Safaris for their professionalism, personal touch, and great team.
     
   Yalie'00 
 16 September 2025
 
 
 
 
    Verified Amazing experience I did the 3 day gorilla experience from Kigali and the whole trip was fantastic. From the initial planning with Denis who answered ALL my questions and queries. I was a little nervous about booking directly and online however the company was really professional. I was picked up in Kigali by Godwin and then taken to the Genocide museum then we had a beautiful dive through the Rwandan and Ugandan countryside. I stayed at the Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge where the staff were really friendly and with beautiful views of the forest from my bungalow. The gorilla trekking was such a great experience, we got to spent an hour with a family of about 15, I still cannot believe how close we were. On the trip back to Rwanda I had time to drop in at Bunyonyi Lake and did a 2 hour boat trip before being dropped back at Kigali Airport. I enjoyed the whole trip, Godwin took great care of me. I will return again in the future and definitely recommend. Thank you to the Encounter Africa team.
     
   lillypilli 
 12 September 2025

Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safari

14 Days 13 Night

Overview

Hightlights

Things To Consider

ITINERARY

Arrival

DAY 1: Arrival at Entebbe airport.

DAY 2: Drive to Mabamba Swamp for Birding.

DAY 3: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Birding along en-route.

DAY 4: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park – Boat cruise

DAY 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Northern part of the park, birding along en-route.

DAY 6: Birding in Mubwindi Swamp.

DAY 7: Birding to Buhoma through “The Neck”

DAY 8: Birding the Main Trail

DAY 9: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National park, en-route birding.

DAY 10: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Boat cruise.

DAY 11: Drive to Kibale forest National park, en-route birding at Maramagambo Forest.

DAY 12: Birding in Kibale Forest National Park /Bigodi swamp.

DAY 13: Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport.

End of Tour

DETAILED COST PER PERSON SHARING

COST PER PERSON SHARING

Cost Includes

Cost excludes

STANDARD: 4X4 SAFARI VAN

UPGRADE: 4X4 LUXURY SAFARI LANDCRUISER

New Normal Travel Guidelines (SOPs)

On arrival at the airport or any entry point

In the vehicle while traveling.

At the lodge.

At the national parks.

Tourist vehicles and boats within the national parks

Key Tourism Activities

Briefing of tourists

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking

Game Drives

Boat Cruises

Anticipated travel needs for anyone traveling post Covid-19

Safari Inquiries

Safari Inquiries

Our Blog Stories

Similar Uganda Birding Safaris

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

These reviews provide authentic, firsthand insights, offering a true glimpse into what you can expect from the experience

Safari Inquiries