The shoebill at dawn in Mabamba Swamp, then chimpanzees, forest birds and the Green-breasted Pitta in Kibale.
A short route for two of Uganda’s best encounters: the shoebill in the papyrus of Mabamba and wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, with the forest birds of Bigodi Wetland in between.
Days are paced around dawn. If the Green-breasted Pitta is your target, your guide will have you in the forest before first light.
Uganda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Pace and fitness
Balanced, fitness: moderate.
Start at sunrise in a small canoe among the papyrus of Mabamba Swamp, looking for the shoebill. African jacana, swamp flycatcher and papyrus gonolek are likely along the way. Drive west through tea estates to Kibale for the night.
Overnight
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Track a habituated chimpanzee community in the morning, with red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey possible on the way. In the afternoon, take the boardwalk through the community-run Bigodi Wetland for forest-fringe birds, including great blue turaco.
Overnight
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Spend the day on the inner forest trails. For birders, the focus is the Green-breasted Pitta, which displays briefly at first light, best from June to August and December to February. If you prefer, swap for a chimpanzee habituation experience or a primate walk.
Overnight
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Walk around the Kasenda crater lakes near Fort Portal for broad views, then drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon for an evening flight.
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$2,880 | US$2,440 | US$2,294 | US$2,294 | US$2,294 | US$2,294 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$2,530 | US$2,140 | US$2,012 | US$2,012 | US$2,012 | US$2,012 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. The price includes a chimpanzee tracking permit. Sightings of any single species cannot be guaranteed, but the route is built to give you the best chances.
Best time for this trip Jun to Aug, Dec to Feb
Pack neutral colours, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring your own binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) if you are a keen birder; a spare is carried in the vehicle. Soft bags are easier to load than hard suitcases.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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