Book a trip
Name
Name
First
Last
Destination
Chose your tour package
What activities would you love to do?
Accommodation
Select your Budget
How did you hear about us?

Bird watching in Uganda

Bird Watching in Uganda, Birding in Uganda

Birding safaris are among the most thrilling and challenging experiences in Uganda as they will need you to do a lot of walks and hiking adventures. Therefore, a traveler needs to prepare for their Uganda birding adventures these experiences.  

Uganda has over 1100 bird species of which 10% are part of the world’s bird species. There are also 24 Albertine Rift Endemics in the country and one bird, the Fox’s Weaver which is endemic to Uganda.  Thus, the “Pearl of Africa” is a haven for Ugandan birders as you explore the different species including the endemic and migratory bird species.

Birding in Uganda will take you to the natural habitats of the birds, for example, the swamps, extensive savannahs, wetlands, woodlands, afro-pine moorland, agricultural lands, rocky ridges, and lush green forests.

Some of the most sought and notable birds in Uganda are the Shoebill, Hammerkop, Crested Crane, Long Crested Eagle, African Green Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, and Hadada Ibis, to mention but a few.

Let us look at the most important destinations for Uganda’s bird-watching adventures.

TOP BIRD WATCHING SPOTS IN UGANDA 

The rich tapestry of ecosystems found in the protected areas hosts an array of Uganda birds. Here are some of the most renowned bird-watching destinations in Uganda.

1. Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a remarkable birding hotspot with over 600 bird species. The park has a large biodiversity which makes it home to the savannah, wetland, woodland, forest, and water bird species.

Some sectors to watch birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park are the Maramagambo Forest, Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Sector, Kazinga Channel, Kanyambura Gorge, Lake George, and Lake Edward areas.

Common bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park include the Shoebill, African Jacana, Pelicans, Egrets, Eagles, Grey Crowned Crane, and Hammerkop, among others.

2. Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a unique World Heritage Site is famous for protecting the endangered Mountain Gorillas. However, the park’s unique biodiversity also allows it to boast over 350 species of birds, including about 23 out of the 24 Albertine Rift Endemics of Uganda.

Some of these species of birds include Shelley’s Crimson, the African Green Broadbill, the Giant Kingfisher, the Handsome Francoline, the Crowned Hornbill, etc.

3. Birding in Murchison Falls National Park 

Murchison Falls National Park has a mixed feature of wetlands, grasslands, savannahs, forests, and woodlands. The Nile River bursts with a collection of over 556 different bird species for example the African Fish Eagle, Shoebill, Kingfishers, and Crested Crane, among others.

Other birds to spot at Murchison Falls National Park include the Veracious Dove, Osprey, African Darter, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, to mention but a few.

4. Bird Watching in Semuliki National Park 

Semuliki National Park is dubbed “The Birder’s Haven” because of the large bird endemism of the Congo Biome species and Albertine Rift Endemics.

This forest park boasts over 441 recorded bird species 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 35 Guinea Congo Biome species.

Expect to watch the Yellow Billed Barbet, Long-Tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Kingfishers, etc.

5. Birding in Kibale National Park 

Explore the various forest bird species in Uganda through the rich Kibale National Park. Kibale will bring you closer to species such as the Great Blue Turaco, and the Black and White Casqued Hornbill, among others.

Kibale Forest protects 350 bird species for remarkable bird-watching experiences for travelers.

6. Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park 

Explore the unique savannahs of northeastern Uganda and find incredible bird species at the beautiful Kidepo Valley National Park.

Explore remarkable species like the Ostrich, Dart Chanting Goshawk, Red and Yellow Barbet, Kori Bustard, Pygmy Falcon, Golden Pipit, Fox Kestrel, and Abyssinian Roller, among others.

These are among the over 470 recorded bird species in the park.

7. Bird Watching in Lake Mburo National Park 

Lake Mburo National Park is among the smallest parks in Uganda with an extensive savannah landscape that protects savannah bird species. Also, it has many lakes where travelers can experience the sight of water birds.

Discover over 350 bird species in the park including the Southern Ground Hornbill, Barefaced go away bird, Mosque Swallow, Shoebill, Hairy Breasted Barbet, African Finfoot, and the Carruthers Cisticola, among others.

Other Destinations to Go for an Incredible Birding Experience in Uganda 

There are various other destinations to go to for your safari experiences and adventures in the country

I. Mabamba Swamp

ii. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

iii. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

iv. Entebbe Botanical Gardens

v. Mount Elgon National Park

vi. Pian Upe Game Reserve

vii. Kalinzu Forest Reserve

viii. Mabira Forest

ix. Agricultural lands

x. Nyamuriro swamp

xi. Katonga Game Reserve

xii. Echuya Forest

When is the Best Time for Bird Watching in Uganda -h2

Bird watching in Uganda is great all year round in Uganda. The wet season usually is the time to welcome migratory bird species and watch a variety of water bird species. The dry season, on the other hand, brings amazing experiences of various savannah bird species to explore during your birding experiences in Uganda.

Conclusion

Experience the heart-warming birding experiences in Uganda that will allow you to come closer to the avian diversity of the country as you explore the savannahs, water bodies, forests, and woodlands, among others.