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Uganda Birding Safaris & Bird Watching Holidays
Bird watching safaris in Uganda or birding safaris in Uganda allow you to enjoy birding in Uganda – the best birding destination in Africa as well as East Africa.
Uganda birding tours offer you an opportunity to spot most of the key bird species in Africa. In Uganda, over 1,090 birds have been recorded, which is roughly 50% of birds in Africa and 11% of birds in the world.
While bird watching in Uganda, you’ll spot various birds, such as wading birds, forest, savannah, Albertine rift endemics, and Congo Guinea Biome bird species. On your Uganda birding safari tours, migratory birds are present from April to November.
In most cases, travelers who come for Uganda birding safari tours are interested in spotting the rare Shoebill, Great Blue Turaco, Green Breasted Pitta, Grauer’s Broadbill, Double-toothed Barbet, Kingfishers, and Bee-eaters. Others include Red Rumped Tinkerbird, Bar-tailed Trogons, Neumann’s warbler, Secretary bird, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Cormorants, Pink-backed pelicans, etc.
The popular birding destinations in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls Park, Kibale Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Park, Semuliki Valley National Park,etc.
You can enjoy Uganda birding trips all year round; however, don’t forget to come with a clear camera, binoculars, hiking boots, and a raincoat.
For great birding tours in Uganda, Africa, let’s plan together your Uganda birding safari!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UGANDA BIRDING SAFARI TOURS
Common Birds in Uganda, Top Bird Species in Uganda to Look for During Your Uganda Birding Tours (Examples of Wild Birds in Uganda)
Since Uganda is one of the richest African birding destinations, expect to encounter the most prominent bird species in Africa.
The top birds in Uganda to look for during your Uganda birding tour are:
- Shoebill
- Green-breasted Pitta
- Grauer’s Broadbill
- Great Blue Turaco
- African Finfoot
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
- Handsome Francolin
- Secretary Bird
- White-bellied Robin Chat
- Yellow-Eyed Black Flycatcher
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler
- White-backed Night Heron
- African Fish Eagle
- Double-toothed Barbets
Popular Birding Destinations in Uganda | Where Can I See Birds in Uganda? | Where to Watch Birds in Uganda?
Where can I watch birds in Uganda? Most of the Uganda birding tours take place in national parks, game reserves, sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites. Other key Ugandan birding destinations include forests, for instance, Budongo and Mabira Forest.
In each Uganda birding site, you’ll find local guides with great knowledge of all local birds.
Here are the top birding sites in Uganda:
A. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Though Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for mountain gorilla tracking tours, it’s a great Uganda birding site for Uganda birding safari tours.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to about 350 bird species. Among these are 90% of Albertine rift endemics and other forest bird species. 14 species are endemic birds in Bwindi.
Sought-after birds in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include:
- The Grauer’s Broadbill
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Neumann’s Warbler
- White-bellied Robin Chat
- Yellow-Eyed Black Flycatcher
- Rwenzori Turaco, and,
- Handsome Francolin, etc.
Most of the Uganda birding tours in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest take place in the Buhoma sector, Ruhija Neck, and Mubwindi Swamp, where the African Green Broadbill is spotted.
Note:
- Normally, travelers who come for Uganda birding safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also enjoy mountain gorilla tracking. Often, tourists track mountain gorillas on the last day.
- Apart from birds, other wildlife spotted while on Uganda birding tour safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest also spot primates like Vervet monkeys and Colobus monkeys, as well as the Forest African Elephant
B. Murchison Falls National Park
Among Uganda birding destinations, Murchison Falls National Park is the best place to spot the Shoebill. On your Uganda birding safari tours in Murchison Falls National Park, the shoebill and other water birds are spotted on the boat ride within the Delta area.
Apart from the shoebill, over 450 bird species have been recorded in Murchison Falls National Park.
Key birds in Murchison Falls Park are:
- Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill
- Secretary Bird
- White-backed Night Heron
- Saddle-billed Storks
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler
- White-breasted Robin chats and
- African Fish Eagles, etc.
On your Uganda birding tour in Murchison Park, expect to spot several game animals, such as African elephants, buffalos, giraffes, lions, leopards, and several antelopes.
Most of the Uganda birds in Murchison Park are spotted on game drives, nature walks, and on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls – the strongest waterfall in the world.
Several birds in the African Great Lakes region can be spotted in Murchison Park.
C. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is among the top of Uganda’s birding delights since it’s one of the key birding destinations for Uganda birding tours.
Due to the rich ecosystem of Queen Elizabeth Park, this park holds a huge bird list incomparable to any birding destination in Africa – over 600 bird species.
Popular birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park include:
- African Fish Eagle
- African Finfoot
- Flamingos
- Saddle-billed Stork
- Broad-billed Roller
- Pink-backed Pelicans
- White-backed Night Heron,
- Double-toothed Barbets, etc.
Most of the Uganda birding tour safaris in Queen Elizabeth Park take place on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Other great Uganda birding tour sites include Kyambura Gorge for forest birding, Maramagambo Forest, Katunguru Bridge, and the Mweya Peninsular Area, as well as a game drive in the Kasenyi area.
Uganda birding tour safaris in Queen Elizabeth Park allow you to spot incredible game animals in Uganda. The most common include African Elephants, Cape Buffalos, Lions, Hippos, giant Nile Crocodiles, Hyenas, Warthogs, etc.
D. Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest National Park is the best Uganda birding paradise for forest birding tours. Over 370 birds have been recorded in Kibale Park and most of them are forest bird species, for example, the Green Breasted Pitta.
Six Albertine rift endemics have been recorded in Kibale Forest, and among these are the Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Collared Apalis, Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Black-capped Apalis, and Blue-headed Sunbird.
Other notable birds in Kibale Park include:
- Great-blue Turacos
- Double-toothed Barbets
- African Finfoot
- White-bellied Robin Chat
- Western Nicators
- White-breasted Robin Chat
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler
- Red Rumped Tinkerbird, etc.
Keen birders can spot the African Wood Owl.
Often, Uganda birding watching tours in Kibale Forest Park take place in the Kanyanyu area.
Bigodi Wetland is another must-not-miss birding paradise around Kibale Park. It’s home to various birds found in the Lake Victoria biome, for instance, the Papyrus Gonolek.
E. Semilki National Park
Semilki National Park is a wonderful Uganda birding haven, holding over 441 bird species, most of which are forest bird species in Uganda. For bird lovers on Uganda birding trips, this is the only site to spot Congo Guinea Biome endemic species.
Few Albertine rift endemics have been spotted in Semuliki Park; however, they are hardly seen in this great biodiverse Uganda birding area.
Major birds in Semuliki Park to look for on your Uganda birding trips include:
- Congo Serpent Eagle
- Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher
- White-crested Hornbill
- White Headed Wood Hoopoe
- Black Dwarf Hornbill
- Papyrus Gonolek
- White-thighed Hornbill
- Afep Pigeon
- Black-casqued Hornbill
- Abyssinian Ground-Thrush
Most Uganda birding tour expeditions in Semuliki are done along the Kirumia trail. Other wildlife spotted by lucky bird watchers include Forest Duikers, beautiful primates, and even the Forest African Elephants.
F. Kidepo Valley Park National Park
Found on the border of Uganda with Southern Sudan and Kenya within northeastern Uganda, Kidepo is a bird watchers paradise worth exploring on your Uganda birding tour.
Kidepo is home to over 470 bird species, including 60 endemic species that can’t be spotted anywhere in Uganda. On your Uganda birding tour in Kidepo park, you’ll encounter several amazing game animals, such as Cape Buffalos, African Elephants, Antelopes, Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, Cheetahs, etc.
Prominent birds in Kidepo Park:
- Secretary Bird
- Abyssinian ground Hornbill
- Abyssinian Roller
- Karamoja Apalis
- White-bellied Go-away-bird
- Kori Bustard
- Northern Carmine Bee-eater
- Red and yellow Barbet
Note:
- Within Kidepo, it’s hard to spot bird species endemic in the African great region and those in Lake Victoria biome
- Bird lovers on Uganda birding tours can only spot Ostriches in Kidepo park
- On your bird Uganda safaris in Kidepo, some South Sudan species of birds can be spotted as well
G. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is adjacent to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Virunga Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This park is another wonderful Uganda bird watching paradise to spot Albertine rift endemics within the East African region.
The notable birds in Mgahinga National Park are:
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Blue-headed Sunbird
- Shelly’s Crimsonwing
- Regal Sunbird
- Handsome francolin
- Rwenzori Batis,
- White Bellied Robin Chat
- Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher
In most cases, Uganda bird watching tours in Mgahinga take place along the Sabinyo Gorge Trail, within the Bamboo Zone, and in montane forests.
It’s possible to enjoy mountain gorilla tracking and golden monkey trekking on top of your Uganda birding tour in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
H. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a wonderful Uganda birding tour destination to spot acacia-dwelling bird species in Uganda. Among these are the Eastern grey plantain eater, Bee-eaters, Cheeky Bronze-tailed Starling, Brown Parrot, etc.
According to Uganda birding guides, Lake Mburo Park is the best Uganda birding area to spot the African Finfoot.
Uganda birding trips in Lake Mburo park offer you amazing close encounters with Impalas, Zebras, Cape Buffalos, Elands, Topis, etc. There are no African Elephant or Lions in this Park.
I. Mabamba Swamp
Situated within Entebbe Town on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is the most convenient place to spot the Shoebill on your Uganda birding tour.
Most of the Lake Victoria biome birds and those species in the African great lakes region can be spotted in the Mabamba swamp – a great Ramsar site, for instance, the Papyrus Gonolek and the Papyrus Yellow Warbler.
Migratory birds in Mabamba swamp for example the Blue Swallow are present from November to April.
J. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Located within western Uganda, Rwenzori Mountains is another ideal Uganda birding tour destination to spot the Albertine rift endemics after Bwindi Forest.
Over 217 bird species have been recorded in Rwenzori Mountains National Park and out of these, 19 are Albertine rift endemics. While on your Uganda bird watching expeditions in Rwenzori Park, you’ll look out for the Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, and White Bellied Robin Chat, among others.
Normally, Uganda birding safari tours in Rwenzori Park are done in the montane forests.
More Birding Destinations in Uganda Include:
- Bigodi Wetland– usually, it’s visited on top of Uganda bird watching tours in Kibale
- Budongo Forest– it’s a great site for forest birding during Uganda birding tour expeditions
- Mabira Forest– wonderful site to spot forest birds of Uganda
- Mount Elgon National Park– bird watchers on Uganda birding tour expeditions in this park spot most birds in the montane forests
- Lutembe wetland- on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe Town
- Echuya Forest Reserve– a stunning Ramsar site with montane forests
How Are Birding Safaris in Uganda Done? | How to Do Bird Watching in Uganda?
Uganda bird watching tours are done in various ways. The method to use while on your Uganda birding tour depends on the destination you are birding from.
Below is how Uganda birding expeditions are done:
- Taking nature walks
Most Uganda birding tours are done by taking nature walks. It’s commonly used in montane forests and other rainforests like Kibale Forest, Bwindi, & Semuliki.
Expect to encounter other wildlife during nature walks.
- Undertaking game drives
On your African birding tour in Uganda, game drives are done mostly in savannah parks like Murchison park, Kidepo park, Queen, and Lake Mburo park.
During game drives, other wildlife normally spotted include African Elephant, Buffalos, and several Antelopes.
- Taking a boat cruise
This is the best way to see birds hard to spot on land, for instance, the rare Shoebill. It’s commonly done on the Kazinga channel within Queen Elizabeth park and in Murchison park along the Nile Albert delta area.
Other areas for launch trips include a boat cruise on Lake Mburo & Lake Victoria.
As you enjoy a boat ride, you’ll spot other wildlife such as African Elephant, Buffalos, Zebras, and Antelopes along the water banks.
What to Pack for a Uganda Birding Tour?
For a successful Uganda birding tour, you have to get the right pack list for bird watchers undertaking African birding journeys.
Below is the pack list for Uganda birding tours:
- A good camera for taking photos
- Binoculars to view well birds in tree canopy
- Insect repellents– keep away insects in case of any on your Uganda birding tour
- Field guide book, for example, Birds of East Africa
- Hiking boots– useful on nature walks while on your Uganda birding tour in montane forests
- A notebook & pen- help you record some crucial info
- Bottled water– will keep you hydrated on your Uganda birding tour
- A backpack– keeps well all your field items like insect repellents, notebook, and a camera
- Rain jacket– it’s of help in case of rainfall while on a Uganda birding tour in montane forests
- Sun protection gears- These include a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreens. They are so crucial while in the field on your Uganda birding tour
What to Wear During Your Uganda Birding Tour? | What to Wear for Birding Safaris in Uganda?
Tourists on Uganda birding tours should make sure to dress descent ecofriendly clothes. The dress code depends on the area you are going to have your Uganda birding expeditions from and the weather of the day.
Below is the guide on what to wear on your Uganda birding tour:
- Long sleeved shirts & trousers
This protects your body from cuts and insect bites during your Uganda birding safari expeditions. Khaki, grey, brown, and green colors are recommended.
- Sturdy hiking boots
Will keep your feet from cuts & injuries during the nature walk.
- Sunglasses
Safeguards the eyes from strong light rays, especially in semi-arid parks such as Kidepo near South Sudan.
- A sunhat
Helps to protect you from direct sunlight in the field during your Uganda birding tour.
Uganda Birding Tips | Bird Watching Tips in Uganda
For a wonderful Uganda birding tour, travelers undertaking Uganda bird watching expeditions should follow some precautions!
Here are the precautions to follow on your Uganda birding safari
- When on the birding trail, maintain maximum silence- noise scares fear
- Go for morning or evening Uganda birding trips as birds are more active
- Follow the birding trail to avoid getting lost
- Avoid stoning birds while on your Uganda birding tour holidays for better views
- While bird watching, try to look out for other wildlife
- Don’t come for a Uganda birding tour vacation without a camera & a binoculars
- Taking Uganda birding tours in large groups limits clear views. If you are many, it’s wise you split into small groups
- Go in the field with your packed lunch
- Pack light! Heavy waits inconvenience in the jungle
- Go for Uganda birding tour holidays during dry months when rainfall inconveniences are minimal
What Is the Best Bird Watching Book to Take on Your Birding Tour in Uganda?
As you come for a Uganda birding tour holiday, there are some key birding books you should have. Make sure you get at least one!
These include:
- Where to Watch Birds in Uganda
- Field Guide to Birds of East Africa
Best Time to Go Birding in Uganda- What Is the Best Time to Bird Watch in Uganda? | What is the Best Month for Bird Watching in Uganda?
What month is best for bird watching safaris in Uganda? Dry months June to early September as well as December to February offer the best Uganda birding tours.
In the dry season, birding trails are easy to hike and most Uganda safari activities such as Mountain gorilla tracking, chimp trekking game viewing are great. Expect little or no rainfall inconveniences.
Rainfall is normally received most hours of the day in March to May & October to November. Therefore, some birding trail points get muddy and slippery, however, remain passable.
November to April are ideal months for migratory birds in Uganda.
Since Uganda is an Equatorial country, Uganda birding tour safaris are possible all year round.
What Is the Best Time of Day for Bird Watching? | What Time of Day Is Best for Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda?
From our great experience in organizing Uganda birding tour holidays, we recommend bird watching in the morning hours. The evenings are also fairly good!
Birds usually get out of their nests to feed early in the morning and they just rest under tree shades during afternoon hours.
Night walks can be taken to spot nocturnal birds, for instance, White Backed Night Heron.
Why Do Bird Watching in Uganda? | Why Go for a Uganda Birding Tour?
There are numerous reasons why tourists undertake Uganda birding tour safaris rather than going to any birding destination within East Africa.
The following are the reasons why you should opt for a Uganda birding tour:
- Uganda is one of the richest African birding destination. It holds various birds including Albertine rift endemics, migratory birds, forest, savannah as well as wading birds.
- Within countries in East Africa, Uganda is the best destination to spot the Shoebill. On your Uganda birding tour, it’s best spotted in Murchison park during the Victoria Nile boat ride within the Nile Lake Albert delta area
- Uganda is the best site in East Africa to spot the Green Breasted Pitta and the African Green Broadbill
- Uganda birding tours can easily be combined with game viewing, Mountain gorillas, and chimp tracking expeditions unlike Kenya and Tanzania safaris
- In comparison with other countries in the East African region, Uganda is relatively cheap to visit
What Are the Common Birds in Uganda?
While on your Uganda birding tour, common birds in Uganda include; the Common Bulbul, Great Blue Turaco, Hamerkops, Sunbirds, Bee-eaters, Marabou Stock, African Thrush, Red-billed Firefinch, Herons, and Kingfishers, etc.
On your Uganda birding tour vacation, the above birds of Uganda can be seen even along footpaths & in towns.
Which Birds Are Only Found in Uganda? | Which Bird Is Endemic to Uganda?
The Fox’s Weaver is the Uganda’s endemic bird. This rare bird has been spotted in Lake Opeta & Lake Bisina region within northeastern Uganda. It inhabits seasonally flooded swamps!
What Is the National Bird of Uganda? | Which Bird Is the Pearl of Africa?
Uganda’s national bird is the Grey Crowned Crane famously known as the Crested Crane.
This stunning bird appears on Uganda’s national flag. During your Uganda birding tour trip, you can spot this bird in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison falls park, and in most wetland areas around Lake Victoria.
Which Is the Fastest Bird in Uganda?
The fastest bird in Uganda is the common Ostrich capable of running up to 70km2 when threatened. Bird watchers on Uganda birding tour expeditions can only spot the Ostrich in Kidepo park within northeastern Uganda on South Sudan border.
It’s normally spotted on nature walks in Kidepo Valley region after crossing Kanangorok Hot Springs.
What Is the Largest Bird in Uganda? | What Is the Name of the Biggest Bird in Uganda?
The Ostrich is Uganda’s biggest bird! An adult male Ostrich can weigh about 120-130kg. Tourists on Uganda birding tour expeditions can spot this incredible bird in Kidepo park which is near South Sudan.
What Is the Rarest Bird in Uganda?
The Shelly’s Crimsonwing is the rarest bird in Uganda. While on your Uganda birding tour safari, you can spot this rare bird in Mgahinga park as well as in Bwindi Forest.
More rare birds in Uganda include the Green Breasted Pitta, Shoebill, White Bellied Robin Chat, and the African Green Broadbill.
Are There Hummingbirds in Uganda?
Hummingbirds are only spotted within Central and South America. Therefore, you can’t spot them in Uganda or any other country in the East African region.
The Hummingbirds are the tiniest birds on Earth weighing about 2-3g. They have a long bill and bright colors, and some people confuse them with sunbirds.
Are There Parrots in Uganda? | Does Uganda Have Parrots?
Parrots can be spotted during your Uganda birding safari expeditions. You can spot parrots in Uganda during forest birding adventures in Kibale Forest and Semuliki park.
The African Grey Parrot is commonly spotted. Other parrot species to look for on your Uganda birding tour vacation include the Brown-necked Parrot & the Meyer’s Parrot.
Where Can You See Birds of Prey in Uganda?
While on your Uganda birding tour holiday, Kidepo Valley park in northeastern Uganda and South Sudan border is the best site to spot birds of prey in Uganda. Among these include; Long-crested Eagle, Palmnut Vultures, Martial Eagles, Lizard Buzzard, Secretary Bird, Tawny Eagles, etc.
Other great sites to spot birds of prey in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park & Murchison falls park.
What Is the Birding Capital of the World? | Where is the Best Place in the World to Bird Watch?
Globally, Ecuador is the best place to go bird watching! This beautiful and biodiverse country in the South American continent holds a rich bird life counting over 1,660 birds. Among these are the Hummingbirds and condors.
Where Is the Best Bird Watching in the World? | Which Continent is Best Known for Bird Watching? | Where Is the Best Birding in the World?
The continent of South America is considered the best birding destination in the entire world with various bird species.
Also, the African continent is a great paradise for bird lovers undertaking safaris in Africa. On your African birding safari, there are some countries you shouldn’t miss and among these include Uganda. This country in East Africa holds over 51 of African birds and 11% of birds on Earth.
Key birds to for on your Uganda birding tour expeditions include the Shoebill, Green Breasted Pitta, Great Blue Turaco, and the African Green Broadbill, etc.
Which Country Is Best for Birding in Africa? | Which Country in Africa Has the Best Birding?
Uganda- the Pearl of Africa is referred to as the best birding destination in Africa. On your Uganda birding tour holiday, you’ll spot several bird species that most birders are usually interested in on the African continent for example the prehistoric Shoebill.
Undeniably, Uganda is the richest country for bird watching tours in Africa! Expect to spot various bird species such as the Albertine rift endemics, Lake Victoria endemics, forest, acacia, and savannah bird species.
Top Uganda Birding Tour Companies to Book with Your Vacation
For a wonderful Uganda birding safari, you must book your bird Uganda safari holiday with the best tour operator.
Here are the best Uganda tour operators to book with your Uganda birding tours:
- Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Safari Uganda Safaris
- Uganda Birding Safaris
- A Uganda Safari
- Africa Safaris Tours
- Gorilla trekking Uganda
- Gorilla Safaris and Tours
- Travel Guide Uganda
- Guide To Uganda
Top Birding Tours in Uganda | Best Birding Safari Packages in Uganda
Most Uganda birding safari tours/Uganda birding holidays take place in areas where Uganda wildlife safari tours are done.
Among these include; Murchison falls park, Bwindi, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Thus, on your Uganda birding tour, expect also to encounter other wildlife such as Lions, African Elephant, African Buffalo, Zebras, Giraffes, and several primates such as Mountain gorillas & chimps.
All our Uganda safaris for birding tours in Uganda can be tailor made to suit your travel demands.
Below are the best Uganda birding tours:
- 9-Day Rwanda Birding and Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tour
- 14-Day Kidepo Valley Park Birding Tour- (Fox’s Weaver, and Karamoja Apalis)
- 17-Day Rwanda Uganda Birding and Wildlife Tour
- 19-Day Kenya Birding and Wildlife Photography Safari
- 20-Day Uganda Birding Tour Vacation
- 23-Day Uganda Birding Tour Safari
If you are a bird lover planning to have a birding safari in Africa, you should choose to take a Uganda birding tour holiday. Uganda is one of the richest countries in Africa with almost all the notable birds of Africa, such as the Shoebill, Grauer’s Broadbill, Double-toothed Barbets, and Shell’s Crimson wing, among others.
On your Uganda birding tour expeditions, you’ll get a chance to track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as enjoy Big Five game viewing. Expect a wonderful safari experience!
For Notable Wildlife Adventures On Your Uganda Birding Tour, Endeavor To Travel With Us