Birding Safaris in Uganda
Birding Safaris in Uganda make it one of Africa’s top birding locations with varied habitats, diverse bird species, and a pleasant climate for birdlife, among others. Approximately 1,080 bird species have been identified, and other migratory bird species arrive worldwide throughout the year. One can observe birds in Uganda’s numerous national parks and forests, as well as while taking a boat ride along the banks of the nation’s many bodies of water. Our carefully thought-out birding excursions in Uganda are designed to give avian enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. These are the top ten locations in Uganda for birdwatching.
With over 1065 recognised species, including 24 endemic species unique to the Albertine Rift, Uganda is a top destination for birdwatchers. The distinctive shoebill stork, dwarf honeyguide, Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Neumann’s Warbler, Black Bee-eater, Handsome Spurfowl, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Chaplin’s Flycatcher, Ruhlman’s double-collared sunbird, and many more are among the many species that draw tourists to Uganda. Journeys Uganda provides reasonably priced, customised short and long birdwatching tours in Rwanda and Uganda. Additionally, we provide family-friendly, solo, and group birding tours led by qualified bird guides. To promote birdwatching, Uganda must overcome obstacles like a lack of knowledgeable management, guides, and an information centre. Those interested in birdwatching have been frustrated by influential decision-makers and the degradation of bird areas.
Bird species
Following birding safaris in Uganda, the Shoebill Stork, African Broadbill, Black Bee-eater, White-bellied Turaco, Grey Crested Crane, Grey-winged Robin-chat, African Spoonbill, Saddle-billed Stork, Great Blue Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Black-billed Turaco, Grauer’s Broadbill (African Green Broadbill), Nahan’s Francolin, Fox’s Weaver Oriole-finch, and White-headed Wood-hoopoe are just a few of the many bird species that call Uganda home. One of the most endangered species in Uganda is the Shoebill Stork, which lives in marshes and wetlands. Because of their agility and aerial nature, birders need to be patient and spend more time in the birding locations to get the most out of their birding experience. There are migratory bird species in Uganda that travel across nations in search of food, which can be erratic. There is no assurance of seeing these rare species unless guides can delve deeply to look for them.
Top birding destinations in Uganda
Mabamba Wetland
Mabamba Wetland is accessible via Mpigi or Entebbe and is situated along the coast of Lake Victoria. The elusive Shoebill Stork is the reason for this well-known location in Uganda. With the assistance of local fishermen or birdwatchers, visitors can use canoes to track the Shoebill. Numerous other bird species can be found in the wetland, including the African Open-billed Stork, Black-billed Turaco, Blue-shouldered Robin-chat, Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, and Black-headed Heron. One of the best places to go birdwatching in Uganda is Mabamba Bay Wetland, a must-visit for bird lovers. A canoe journey there allows you to see other unusual bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park
The spectacular Murchison Falls, where the River Nile cascades through a small valley and drops around 45 metres, is where it gets its name, as Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. More than 451 bird species can be seen in the park when on wildlife game drives or boat trips to the falls. Among the notable birds are the Giant Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Goliath Heron, and African Fish Eagle. The park’s main draw is birdwatching. Importantly, Budongo Forest, a popular destination for bird-watching safaris, is part of Murchison Falls National Park and is home to more than 360 different species of birds. The Yellow-footed Flycatcher, White-thighed Hornbill, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and Puvel’s illadopsis are among the numerous common birds that may be found there.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Birding Safaris in Uganda
Gorilla trekking and bird watching are two of the most well-known activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. About 350 bird species can be found in the park, including uncommon ones like the Grauer’s Broadbill and the Black-billed Turaco. Half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas are also found there. With 23 species exclusive to the Albertine Rift, birdwatching is noteworthy here. The park was named one of Africa’s top ten birdwatching destinations in 2010. Numerous kinds of birds are common in the region, including the African broadbill, Neumann’s Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Narina’s trogon, and Regal Sunbird. The expansive Bwindi is divided into four areas: Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. Here, visitors can go birdwatching, habituation, and gorilla trekking.
Mgahinga National Park
Located in the southwest of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to about 180 different species of birds. The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family can be tracked in Mgahinga, and tourists can also engage in birdwatching. Among the bird species that may be found at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the Cape Robin, White-starred Robin, Brown Woodland Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Greater Double-collared Sunbirds, and Archer’s Robin Chat.
Kibale Forest National Park- Birding Safaris in Uganda
Following the birding safaris in Uganda, the “primate capital of the world” is Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda, a great spot to observe birds. With more than 370 bird species, such as the uncommon Green-breasted Pitt, Abyssinian-ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher, and red-chested flufftail, it is one of Uganda’s best places to go birdwatching. Visitors can take part in chimpanzee tracking excursions in addition to bird watching. With species like the Crowned Eagle and the Purple-breasted Sunbird, the park’s rich bird population is supported by its dense flora. All things considered, Kibale Forest provides important habitat for both birds and primates.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
With more than 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s best places to go birdwatching, where numerous bird species can be found in the park’s varied habitat, which includes savannah grasslands, ponds, woodlands, and tropical rainforests. Birds from central Africa are drawn to it because of its proximity to neighbouring national parks in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and western Uganda. It is advised to stay in the park for at least six days to witness the variety of birds. Kasenyi, Katwe, Lake Edward, Mweya, and George are important birding locations. The breathtaking sights of birds along the shores of the Kazinga Channel are also popular spots for birdwatching. The endangered Shoebill, African Jacana, African Spoonbill, and Yellow-billed Stork are a few noteworthy bird species to watch for in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park- Birding Safaris in Uganda
One of Uganda’s top birding destinations, Lake Mburo National Park boasts an abundance of zebras and over 351 different bird species. It is the only park in Uganda where horseback safaris are permitted, and while riding, a variety of bird species can be spotted. Red-necked Spurfowl, Red-faced Barbet, Malachite Kingfisher, African Wattled Lapwing, Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Double-toothed Barbet, Papyrus-yellow Warbler, Brown Parrot, African Fish Eagle, Cheeky Bronze-tailed Starling, Crested Francolin, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Bee-eaters, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird are just a few of the numerous bird species that can be found at Lake Mburo National Park.
What is the best time for birding in Uganda?
Following the birding safaris in Uganda, the dry season (June to August and December to February) is the ideal time of year for birding safaris. Because of the shorter grass and lower water levels during this time, it is simpler to locate uncommon birds like the shoebill. However, because there is more food available during the wet season (March to May and October to November), migrating birds are more prevalent. Although you may bird all year round, the dry season is the best time to do it. Bring hiking boots, a jacket, and long sleeves in case of rain in areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest National Park.