Gorilla and Birding Combo Tour — Bwindi and Beyond
Combine the ultimate primate experience with serious birding on our Gorilla and Birding Combo Tour. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not only Uganda's premier gorilla trekking destination — it is also one of Africa's most important birding sites, with 350+ species and 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Why Bwindi for Birds
Bwindi holds more Albertine Rift endemic species than any other single forest in Uganda. Key target birds include the African green broadbill, Grauer's swamp warbler, Shelley's crimsonwing, Kivu ground thrush, Chapin's flycatcher, Rwenzori batis and handsome francolin. The forest trails used for gorilla trekking pass through prime bird habitat, making early morning walks exceptionally productive.
How We Structure the Combo
Gorilla permit days start at 8am. We use the early morning hours (6:00 to 7:45am) for birding the forest edges and camp grounds before heading to the permit briefing. Afternoons after the gorilla trek are used for targeted birding in specific sectors. We add 1 to 2 full birding days at Bwindi to give the endemics the time they deserve.
Tour Duration and Extensions
The standard gorilla and birding combo is 7 to 10 days covering Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest. Extensions to Murchison Falls, Kidepo or Semuliki are available. Gorilla permits (USD 800 per person) are included in all combo tour prices. Contact us to build your ideal primate and birding itinerary.