This 20 Days Ultimate Primates, Birding, Game and Cultural Safari offers an extraordinary journey through the enchanting jungles of Uganda. Traverse central, southern, and northern Uganda, where you will encounter a diverse array of bird and wildlife species, including unforgettable gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Kibale Forest National Parks. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to witness all the Big 5 animals. This budget-friendly safari is crafted for every traveler eager to explore the wonders of birding and wildlife, including primates and the iconic Big Five.

DAY 1: Touchdown at Entebbe airport.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your our guide, who will whisk you away to your cozy overnight guest house. Based on when you arrive, you might opt for an exciting boat trip to Ngamba Island (optional and not included), explore the nearby Botanical Gardens, or embark on a brief adventure at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center for a tour and birdwatching.

Travel duration: About 15 minutes

Lodge: Gorilla African Guest House

Dining Arrangement: Cozy stay with morning delights

DAY 2: Embark on a journey to Mabamba Swamp for an exhilarating birding experience.

Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a drive to Mabamba swamp, nestled along the shores of Lake Victoria, renowned as one of the prime locations to catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive shoebill stork in central Uganda.
The bird species we anticipate discovering in this area are 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, as well as the Red-headed Lovebird, among others. Exploring Mabamba Swamp for birding is an exhilarating experience. We typically glide through the narrow passages in a canoe, eagerly searching for the magnificent shoebill stork and discovering various other bird species along the way, adding to the thrill of the adventure. Later, we will embark on a drive back to the guest house, enjoying birdwatching along the way, and will arrive at the hotel in the evening.

Lodge: Gorilla African Guest House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, On-the-Go Lunch, and Dinner.

DAY 3: Embark on a journey to Lake Mburo National Park, with birdwatching adventures along the way.

After breakfast, you will check out of the guest house, and we will embark on a drive to Lake Mburo National Park, enjoying birdwatching along the way, with stops at the Equator for photographs and a unique equator experience, as well as a delightful lunch en route. We will continue our journey with an exciting stop at Kaku swamp, where we often come across fascinating species such as 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. Additionally, we may spot the Grey woodpecker, Dusky Blue, African Dusky, African Paradise, Red-bellied Paradise, Brown-throated Wattle-Eye, Arrow-marked, Black-lored, and Brown Babblers, as well as Lesser and Scaly-throated Honeyguide, among many others. Your journey will take you to Lake Mburo National Park for an overnight stay.

Travel duration: around 5-6 hours

Lodge: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Dining Plan: Morning Feast, Midday Meal, and Evening Banquet

DAY 4: Exploring the avian wonders of Lake Mburo National Park and embarking on a thrilling boat cruise across Lake Mburo.

After enjoying your breakfast and with our packed lunch in tow, we will embark on an exciting game drive and birdwatching adventure in Lake Mburo National Park. This site in Uganda is a haven for over 350 bird species, showcasing remarkable specialties such as the Spot-franked, Double-toothed, Red-faced, and Crested Barbets. You can also find the Western-banded and Brown Snake-eagles, Trilling, Red-faced, and Tabora Cisticolas, along with Crested and Coqui Francolins. The Chin-spot Batis, Broad-billed and Lilac-breasted Rollers, Brown-chested Lapwing, Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Brown Parrot, Bateleur, and Emerald-spotted Wood Dove are just a few of the incredible avian wonders that call this place home. We then journey towards Rwonyo, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeside before embarking on a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Here we anticipate encountering a variety of species such as the White-faced and Fulvous whistling ducks, White-backed and Black-crowned Night Herons, African Finfoot, 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 embark on a drive back to our lodge, taking in the sights of birds along the journey.

Lodge: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Daily Menu: Morning, Midday, and Evening Meals

DAY 5: Journey to the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with birdwatching adventures along the way.

After breakfast at the lodge, you will embark on a drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Along the way, there will be chances to pause and observe various bird species, as well as take in the sights. This journey meanders through the stunning green rolling hills of southern Uganda, adorned with banana and tea plantations, offering breathtaking scenic views. As you journey onward, a delightful lunch awaits you, and by evening, you will find yourself in the enchanting Bwindi.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, a place brimming with excitement and exploration.

Journey duration: 6-7 hours

DAY 6: Embark on an exhilarating gorilla tracking adventure and journey to the Ruhija sector for an overnight stay.

Following your delightful early morning breakfast, your guide will whisk you away to the Ruhija Park headquarters for an exciting briefing before you join fellow adventurers for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Your journey will begin, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on where the mountain gorillas are found that day. After locating them, you will enjoy about an hour of observation and photography before heading back to the park headquarters for your certificate. Then, you will drive to the Ruhija sector for an overnight stay at Broad Bill Forest Camp or Bakiga Lodge.

Primary Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
Stay at Broad Bill Forest Camp or Bakiga Lodge
Dining: Every Meal Provided

Refreshments: Hydrating with Water

DAY 7: Exploring the wonders of Mubwindi Swamp through birdwatching.

After breakfast at the Lodge, we will embark on an exciting day of birding at Mubwindi swamp, immersing ourselves in the wonders of this vibrant area. The 4km trail to Mubwindi Swamp offers an exhilarating opportunity to encounter some of the rarest rift endemics, such as Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill, the stunning Regal Sunbird, and Archer’s Robin-Chat. Mubwindi Swamp hosts an array of fascinating wildlife, including the Dwarf Honeyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, Ruwenzori Apalis, and the African Hill Babbler, which is occasionally classified as a distinct species from the Ruwenzori Hill Babbler. Additionally, it is home to 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 Woodhoopoe, 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 Petit’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, On-the-Go Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Broadbill Tented Forest Camp or Bakiga Lodge, both offering an exhilarating experience.

DAY 8: Exploring the avian wonders on the journey to Buhoma via “The Neck”

Today we will embark on an exciting birding journey to the Buhoma section via “The Neck”. The Neck, a captivating spot where the forest converges, presents fantastic opportunities for birdwatching amidst the trees. We will seek out key species in that area, including numerous Albertine Rift Endemics that may have eluded us before. Among these remarkable species are the 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, and Dusky Crimsonwing. We might also come across a variety of fascinating species, such as Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Fine-banded and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Willcocks’s Honeyguide, Kakamega Greenbul, 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, a place brimming with excitement and exploration.

DAY 9: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with exciting birdwatching along the way.

This morning, you will set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, where breathtaking landscapes await you, along with the chance to catch sight of some fascinating birds. You will reach the lodge just in time for lunch before embarking on an exciting game drive across the plains of Kasenyi. Here, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of savannah wildlife, including an array of birds such as the Red Chested, Diederik, and Klaas’s Cuckoo, as well as Short-toed, Black-chested, and Brown Snake-eagles, and the African white-backed. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, and if fortune smiles upon you, some elusive wild cats like lions and leopards.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Elephant Hab\Buffalo Resort.

Journey duration: 4-5 hours.

DAY 10: Exploring the avian wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park – Scenic boat cruise.

The day kicks off at dawn with a hearty breakfast, and then, with our packed lunch in tow, we embark on an exhilarating birding and game drive across the kasenyi plains. The park boasts over 615 recorded bird species, making it a remarkable hotspot for avian life, unmatched by any other nature reserve globally. Here we anticipate thrilling encounters with a variety of bird species, including 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 journey to Mweya peninsular, enjoy a delightful picnic lunch, and then embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel, experiencing a fresh perspective of wildlife and birds. As the sun sets, we embark on our journey back to the lodge, where a delightful dinner awaits us before we settle in for the night.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Elephant Hab\Buffalo Retreat.

DAY 11: Journey to Kibale Forest National Park, with a stop for birdwatching at Maramagambo Forest.

After breakfast, we grab our packed lunch and check out of the lodge, setting off on an exciting drive to Maramagambo Forest for a thrilling birding and nature walk through the woods. During the walk, we anticipate a thrilling experience as we come across a variety of bird species, including the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Chestnut Wattle Eye, African Dusky, African Paradise, Red-bellied Paradise, and Bedford’s Flycatchers. We may also spot the African Golden Oriole, Red-headed Blue Bill, Bat Hawks, Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, and an array of Tinkerbirds such as the Yellow-rumped, Yellow-fronted, and Speckled varieties, along with the African Moustached, Garden, Willow, and Dark-caped Yellow Warblers, among others. We also anticipate meeting various primate species, such as the striking Black and white Colobus monkey. As the afternoon unfolds, we embark on a drive to Kibale Forest National Park, reaching our destination by evening. We settle into the lodge, ready for dinner and a night of rest.

Daily nourishment: Morning feast, Midday meal, and Evening banquet.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.

DAY 15: Exploring the wonders of Kibale Forest National Park / Bigodi swamp.

After an early breakfast, we embark on our day birding in Kibale forest. The forest is home to over 300 bird species, promising an exciting array of encounters. We can look forward to spotting unique birds such as the Green-breasted Pitta, Red-chested Owlet, Scally-breasted, Pale-breasted, and Brown Illadopsis, along with the Red-caped and Blue-shouldered Robin-chat. Other fascinating species include the Fire-crested and Brown-chested Alethe, Forest Robin, Buff-spotted, Brown-eared, and Yellow-crested Woodpecker, as well as the Red-winged Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, White-naped and Afep Pigeon, Red-tailed Ant-thrush, Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush, and a variety of Greenbuls like the Yellow-whiskered, Cabanis’s, Yellow-throated, Red-tailed, and Little Greenbul. We may also encounter the Red-tailed Bristlebill and the Yellow-spotted, Hairy-breasted, and Yellow-billed Barbet, among many others. We return to the lodge for lunch and later embark on an exciting nature walk and birding adventure at Bigodi swamp. This is situated approximately 4 kilometers from the visitors’ center of Kibale National Park. Here we anticipate encountering species such as the Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Great-blue Turaco, White-naped Pigeon, White-tail Ant-Thrush, White-spotted Flufftail, Slender-billed, Cameroon Sombre, Joyful, and Toro Olive Greenbul, among others. We return to the Lodge in the evening for dinner and to spend the night.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Chimpanzee Forest Retreat.

DAY 13: Exploring the avian wonders from Kibale Forest on the journey to Murchison Falls National Park.

After breakfast, with our packed lunch in hand, we embark on an exciting journey towards Murchison Falls National Park, passing through picturesque tea plantations and taking in the sights of Fort Portal and the charming homesteads of Kagadi and Hoima. We will pause at various locations for birdwatching as we journey along, reaching the park in the evening for an overnight stay.

Dining itinerary: Morning meal, Midday feast, and Evening banquet.

Lodge: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Kabalega Wilderness Camp

Travel duration: 6-7 hours

DAY 14: Exploring the avian wonders en route to the Delta, Murchison Falls N.P.

After an early morning breakfast, with our packed lunch, we will cross the Nile by the ferry to the northern sector of the park and start our game drive/ birding towards the Delta, in search for the specialties that include; Swallow-tailed, Madagascar, Northern Carmine, Blue-breasted and Red-throated Bee-eaters, Sooty and White-fronted black Chat, Crested and Heuglin’s Francolin, Silverbird, Rufous Sparrow, White-browed and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Vitelline Masked, and Speckle-fronted Weaver, Red-winged Pytilia, Zitting, Black-backed, Croaking, Siffling, Whistling, Rattling and Foxy Cisticola, Double-toothed, White-headed and Black-billed Barbets, Northern, Black-winged and Black Bishop, Nubian, Cadinal and Grey Woodpecker, Black-bellied and Denham’s Bustard, Black-billed and Blue-spotted Wood-dove, Tambourine and Namaqua Dove, Yellow-billed Oxpecker and African Golden Oriole, Long-toed lapwing, Goliath Heron, Water thick-knee, Abyssinian Ground-hornbill, and the rare Shoebill among others. As the sun sets, we return to our camp/lodge for a delightful dinner and a night under the stars.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Kabalega Wilderness Lodge

DAY 15: Exploring the Nile Delta & Reaching the Summit of Murchison Falls N.P.

After breakfast, we shall embark on an exhilarating boat trip, venturing into the Delta where we will encounter a vibrant array of birdlife. Among the highlights are the striking Papyrus Gonolek, the melodious White-winged Warbler, the charming White-rumped Canary, and the dazzling Carmine Bee-eater. We will also spot the majestic Sacred Ibis, the agile Pied Kingfisher, and the vivid Red-throated Bee-eater. Keep an eye out for the impressive Saddle-billed Stork, the swift Red-necked Falcon, and the graceful Osprey. The journey will reveal the enchanting Bruce’s Green Pigeon, the delicate Vinaceous Dove, and the remarkable Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. We may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Shoebill, the elegant Fulvous Whistling Duck, the striking White-Crested Turaco, the shimmering Silver Bird, the industrious Grosbeak Weaver, and the magnificent Goliath and Purple Herons, among many others. We anticipate meeting a diverse array of mammals such as Elephants, Buffaloes, Hartbeasts, Giraffes, Cobs, Oribis, Hyenas, Lions, and Leopards, among others. We return to the camp for lunch, and later in the afternoon, we embark on a thrilling boat cruise upstream to the base of Murchison Falls. We return to the lodge in the evening for a delightful dinner and a cozy overnight stay.

DAY 16: Exploring the avian wonders on the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park.

After breakfast, you will embark on a drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, nestled in the northeastern part of Uganda. Check in at your accommodation, unwind, and get ready for an exciting afternoon game drive. You will have the opportunity to encounter a variety of bird species, including the Kori bustard, Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, ostrich, carmine, yellow-billed and Jackson’s hornbills, along with some ostriches. Kidepo National Park has been recognized as the premier Savannah National Park in Africa, home to more than 400 bird species and the unique opportunity to spot cheetahs. Kidepo Valley National Park is home to numerous prides of lions that are easily seen, along with large populations of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and many other fascinating wildlife.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Kidepo Savannah Lodge, a place brimming with excitement and exploration.

DAY 17: Exciting morning and afternoon game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Today, you will immerse yourself in the thrill of game drives across the expansive savannah plains of Kidepo Valley National Park, both in the morning and afternoon. This park is home to an incredible array of animal species, surpassing any other parks in Uganda. Among the eighty species documented in 1971, twenty-eight were unique to this park, not found anywhere else in Uganda. The carnivore species unique to Kidepo include the Hunting Dog, Bat-eared Fox, Cheetah, Striped Hyena, Caracal, and the Aardwolf. The lesser-known ungulates include the greater and lesser kudu, roan antelope, Chandler’s mountain reedbuck, beisa oryx, klipspringer, and Bright’s gazelle, all of which have faced significant declines due to poaching in recent years. Among the other remarkable large mammals are: elephants, oribi, Burchell’s zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, bush pigs, bohor reed buck, warthogs, Rothschild giraffes, defassa water bucks, cape buffaloes, elands, bush duskiers, and bush bucks. Within the park, five primate species thrive, with the Kavirondo bush baby being the most unique and special to the area. The wild is alive with the presence of lions, side-striped jackals, leopards, black-backed jackals, various small cats, and spotted hyenas.

Dining Plan: Morning Feast, Midday Meal, and Evening Banquet

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge

DAY 18: Embark on a journey to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, with birdwatching along the way.

After breakfast, you will embark on a drive to Pian Upe wildlife reserve in Eastern Uganda, often referred to as Birder’s paradise, where you can discover over 300 bird species. Check in at your accommodation, unwind, and get ready for an exciting afternoon game drive. You will have the opportunity to encounter a variety of bird species, including the Kori bustard, Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, ostrich, carmine, yellow-billed and Jackson’s hornbills, along with some ostriches.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: UWA Bandas

DAY 19: Embark on a thrilling morning game drive before heading to Sipi Falls for an overnight stay, with exciting birding opportunities along the way.

Today after breakfast, you will embark on a drive to Sipi Falls for an overnight stay and an exhilarating hike to the stunning falls.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Lodge: Sipi River Retreat

DAY 20: Journey back to Entebbe International airport, with exciting birdwatching along the way.

Embark on a journey back to Entebbe International Airport. Once you arrive in Entebbe, you might choose to enjoy dinner and unwind at the Lodge, depending on your flight departure time, signaling the conclusion of your 20 Days Ultimate Primates, birding, game, and cultural Safari.

Journey duration: 7 hours