9 Days Chimpanzee and Birding Safari

The 9-Day Chimpanzee and Birding Safari let you get up close and meet the primates of Uganda – Chimpanzees in the dense tropical forests of Kibale and embark on bird-watching sessions in Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Semuliki National Parks.

Tour Highlights 9 Days Chimpanzee and Birding Safari

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest 
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary 
• Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth NP 
• Bird Watching Expeditions in Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge
• Cultural Interaction – Coffee Processing

Tour Itinerary 9 Days Chimpanzee and Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

You will be welcomed by a Company Representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the Boma (B&B).

Day 2: Transfer – Kibale National Park

After breakfast, head west to Fort Portal, with lunch en route. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for its many tea plantations.

From this lovely town, we will continue southwest of Uganda for Kibale National Park, taking in the scenic views of the western arm of the Great Rift Valley during your travel. Accommodation and Meals at Turaco TreeTops

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and nature walk at Bigodi

Embark on a thrilling adventure into the heart of the tropical rainforest after a 7:30 am briefing. Led by experienced guides, enjoy a guided primate walk, hoping to spot wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and more.

The trek lasts 3-4 hours, with a maximum of 6 people per group led by a knowledgeable ranger. Spend an hour observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

After lunch, explore the Bigodi Swamp Walk, known for its diverse birdlife and primates, including over 200 bird species like the Great Blue Turaco.

Accommodation and Meals at Turaco TreeTops.

Day 4: Kibale – Semuliki National Park

Head to Semuliki Park and begin your day amidst the enchanting lowland rainforest. Your journey will lead you towards the hot springs region, nestled within a lush patch of forest where a diverse array of bird species thrive.

Look out for bird species such as the White-crested Hornbill, White-spotted Flufftails, Black-casqued Hornbills, African Green Pigeons, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, and the elegant White-napped Pigeon, among others.

Within this protected area, a staggering 441 bird species have been documented, showcasing a rich tapestry of avian life, including numerous West African forest species and an impressive nine hornbill species.

Explore deeper into the forest’s depths, and be on the lookout for endemic treasures like the Red Rumped Tinkerbird and Palm Greenbul. Additionally, keep an eye out for captivating species like the Yellow-throated Cuckoo and the vibrant Yellow-footed Flycatcher.

After an exhilarating day of birdwatching, retire to the comfort of the Mountains of the Moon Hotel.

Day 5: Kirumia River Trail – Birding  

Explore the Kirumia River, renowned for its avian diversity, along a 13 km walking trail. Look out for various bird species such as the White-bellied Kingfisher, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Congo Serpent Eagle, Grey-throated Rail, Nkulengu Rail, Long-tailed Hawk, Spot-breasted Ibis.

Other Bird Species include Yellow-throated Nicator, Northern Red-chested Owlet, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird, Zenker’s Honeyguide, White-throated Blue Swallow, Bate’s Nightjar, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, and Orange-tufted Sunbird.

Afterward, proceed to Fort Portal and onwards to the lush forests of Kibale National Park. Enjoy accommodation and meals at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel.

Day 6: To Queen Elizabeth Park – Boat cruise Kazinga Channel

Enjoy an early morning breakfast and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with famous wildlife like hippos, buffaloes, elephants, kobs, and several bird species. 

After lunch,  have a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will be one of the highlights of your safari. 

After the boat cruise, head out for a coffee tour experience learning about the processing of coffee, and later a cultural dance session. Accommodation and Meals at the Bush Lodge 

Day 7: Maramagambo Forest & Kyambura Gorge

After breakfast, we start early for a birding session in Maramagambo Forest. We will have birding from the lodge towards the Maramagambo forest. Look out for the Whinchat, Common Redstart, White-fronted Black Chat, Sooty Chat, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Yellow-throated Greenbul, the Black, White-breasted, and Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrikes.

Other bird species include the Black and Penduline Tits, Nubian Woodpecker, White-tailed and Red-tailed Ant-thrushes, Brown Illadopsis,  Shining-blue Kingfisher, Brown-eared Woodpeckers, Least Honeyguide, Grey Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, and many others.

After lunch, head to Kyambura Gorge, at the largest point, the gorge stretches about 1km and it’s about 100 meters deep.

The Kyambura Gorge is a host to a range of bird species both forest and avian. Some of the birds to expect here are; Chapin’s flycatcher, white-tailed lark, corncrake, pink-backed pelican, Martial Eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-rumped Buttonquail, verreaux’s eagle owl, black bee-eater, papyrus gonolek, African broadbill, papyrus canary, African Finfoot, blue-headed bee-eater,  African skimmer, lesser and greater flamingoes,  white-winged warbler and white-winged warbler.

Accommodation and Meals at the Bush Lodge 

Day 8:  Queen Elizabeth National Park – Entebbe

After breakfast, head back to Entebbe with lunch en route and stop over at the Equator arriving back in the evening. Accommodation and Meals at the Boma.

Day 9:   Departure

Today you will head to the airport for your onward flight back home.

Included in the 9 days Chimpanzee and Birding Safari

• Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD with gasoline/fuel,
• Mineral water in the vehicle
• Services of an English speaking Driver/guide,
• Accommodation as shown at the lodges mentioned in the itinerary,
• Meals as shown (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner),
• All Park Entrance Fees,
• Nature walks and Birding Expeditions
• Chimpanzee Tracking permits

Excluded in the 9 days Chimpanzee and Birding Safari

• International Airfares; Excess baggage charges;
• Ugandan Entry Visa Fees
• International travel Vaccinations and Inoculations;
• Items of personal nature such as Room service,
• Beverages, Communications charges (telephone, fax, internet), Laundry, etc.;
• Postage fees, Porterage fees, Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff
• Optional activities unless specified as included,
• Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.