Uganda Birding Safaris

Uganda Birding Safaris

Uganda birding safaris offer a unique experience for bird lovers. With over 1,000 bird species across different destinations, this is a must visit birding spot. Bird watching in Uganda provides opportunities to spot rare and endemic species. Our expert-guided Uganda birding tours take you to the best birding destinations. The top birding locations in Uganda include Bwindi Forest and the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

uganda birding safaris

Birding Safari Holidays in Uganda

Uganda is an incredibly beautiful country and is one of Africa’s richest areas for birds. There are magnificent ancient forests, mist shrouded mountains, papyrus-fringed swamps and lakes, as well as wide-open plains. It is home to the truly bizarre Shoebill and we plan our itineraries to maximize our chances of locating this special bird. This bird-rich country of Uganda holds many special and much sought-after species, and we normally concentrate on finding as many of the fabled Albertine Rift endemics as possible. A good reason alone to make this a must visit destination.

To top this however we create a chance for once in a lifetime experience of seeing wild Mountain Gorillas. In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest we will search for Gorillas and have an excellent chance of finding these outstanding animals in what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Uganda-Birding Safari

Birding Safari Holidays in Uganda

Embarking on a birding safari in Uganda offers a remarkable fusion of photography and nature, providing a unique opportunity to capture the rich diversity and vibrant colors of East Africa’s avian life

Uganda Birding Tour Gallery

Uganda boasts various birdwatching destinations. We offer different safaris where you can watch the birdlife. The following are the top birding locations in Uganda:

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

  • Key Species: African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, Grauer’s rush warbler.

  • Why Visit: It is a home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

  • Best Time: March to May & September to November.

Serengeti National Park

  • Key Species: Shoebill stork, giant kingfisher, Abyssinian ground hornbill.

  • Why Visit: The Nile Delta and Budongo Forest offer wetland and savannah birds.

  • Best Time: December to February (dry season for easy birding).

Murchison Falls National Park

  • Key Species: Martial eagle, papyrus gonolek, flamingos at the Lake Munyanyange.

  • Why Visit: It combines the savannah birds with the rare shoebill in Ishasha.

  • Best Time: June to August and December and January.

Kibale Forest National Park

  • Key Species: Great blue turaco, black bee-eater, purple-breasted sunbird.

  • Why Visit: Primate-rich forest with over 375 bird species.

  • Best Time: Year-round (best in dry seasons).

Semuliki National Park

  • Key Species: Nkulengu rail, lyre-tailed honeyguide, Congo serpent eagle.

  • Why Visit: You can find the Central African species rare elsewhere in East Africa.

  • Best Time: December to March.

Mabamba Swamp

  • Key Species: Shoebill stork, malachite kingfisher.

  • Why Visit: It provides an easy day trip from Kampala for wetland birds.

  • Best Time: June to August when the water levels are low.

Best time for Uganda Birding Safaris and tours

The best time for bird watching in Uganda is generally during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. During this time, you can easily spot the birds.

  • Reduced Rainfall: The dry season makes travel and birding more comfortable, with fewer interruptions from rain.
  • Abundant Food: The drier conditions lead to more concentrated food sources, attracting many birds.
  • June to September: This period is good for birding. Some of Uganda’s best birds, like the Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill, can be easily spotted.
  • November to April: Migratory birds can be found in the parks during this period.

Top Birds Species in Uganda

Uganda is home to an impressive variety of bird species. Some of the most sought-after birds include:

Albertine Rift Endemics

  • African green broadbill
  • Shelley’s crimsonwing
  • Rwenzori turaco
  • Handsome francolin
  • Red-throated alethe

Rare & Iconic Birds

  • Shoebill stork
  • Nkulengu rail
  • Congo serpent eagle
  • Green-breasted pitta
  • Fox’s weaver (Uganda’s only endemic bird)

Water & Savannah Birds

  • Great blue turaco
  • Saddle-billed stork
  • African fish eagle
  • Grey crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird)
  • Abyssinian ground hornbill

Uganda Birding Tour Gallery

Uganda is home to a diverse avifauna, with approximately 1,070 bird species recorded. This includes a number of unique and endemic species, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts.

Uganda Birding Safari

Uganda dest birds safari

Uganda Birding Safari

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Uganda Birding Safari

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Uganda Birding Safari

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Uganda Birding Safari

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uganda birding safaris

Bwindi National Park in Uganda The Impenetrable Forest Safari in Uganda

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