Safari Overview
A photo-friendly Uganda safari balancing bird-rich wetlands, chimpanzees, classic wildlife, boat cruising and mountain gorillas.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Mabamba Wetland Birding
Start with a guided canoe search for shoebills and papyrus specialists in Mabamba before returning to the mainland and beginning the journey west.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 2 – Kibale Forest Birding & Nature Walk
Explore forest-edge habitats around Kibale with time for birds, monkeys and a gentle nature walk ahead of the chimpanzee activity.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 3 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Enter the forest with ranger guides to search for chimpanzees and enjoy the rich primate and birdlife of the Kibale ecosystem.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 4 – Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive
Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for savannah wildlife viewing with the Rwenzori Mountains often forming a dramatic distant backdrop.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 5 – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a productive setting for hippos, elephants, buffalo, waterbirds and close wildlife photography.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 6 – Transfer to Bwindi through Ishasha
Travel toward Bwindi with wildlife viewing en route through the Ishasha sector when conditions and route choices allow.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 7 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Trek with rangers in Bwindi to find a habituated gorilla family and experience one of East Africa’s most memorable primate encounters.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Day 8 – Return to Entebbe or Kampala
Drive back across the highlands and central Uganda to your final drop-off point.
Your guide will discuss the next stage of the journey, likely driving time, suitable stops and the best way to use the day. Meals and accommodation are arranged according to the safari category you choose, and the programme remains flexible where park rules and permit times allow.
Customize This Safari
This itinerary is a strong starting point rather than a fixed formula. Bush Shrike Adventures can change the accommodation level, add or remove nights, include domestic flights, adjust the arrival city, add birding time, slow the pace for photography or combine the trip with more destinations in Uganda or Rwanda.
Safari Includes
Airport transfers where required
Private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the confirmed quotation
Park entry and activities specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary
Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
Safari Excludes
International flights
Entry visas
Travel insurance
Optional activities not listed as included
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Tips, gratuities and personal expenses
Gorilla or chimpanzee permits unless specifically included in the quotation
