Best Places for Bird Watching in Uganda

Best Places for Bird Watching in Uganda

Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 1,000 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics and various migratory species. The country’s diverse habitats—ranging from montane forests to wetlands, lakes, savannahs, and farmlands—offer birding enthusiasts unparalleled opportunities to spot rare and beautiful birds. In addition to birdwatching, a Uganda birding safari often provides a chance to see other wildlife, including primates and even the Big Five, depending on your itinerary. Here are some of the top birdwatching spots in Uganda:

Mabamba Swamp

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places in Uganda, and East Africa as a whole, to see the rare shoebill stork. Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, is home to over 260 bird species. Aside from the iconic shoebill, you can also spot birds such as the papyrus gonolek, swamp flycatcher, pygmy goose, lesser jacana, white-winged warbler, palm-nut vulture, blue swallow, and Carruther’s cisticola. The swamp’s diverse birdlife makes it a must-visit destination for any birding enthusiast.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is not only famous for gorilla trekking but also a top birdwatching destination. With over 350 bird species, including 23 endemics like the Blue-headed Sunbird and Short-tailed Warbler, it’s a hotspot for bird lovers. The park is also home to seven species listed in the IUCN Red Data Book, such as the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and Shelley’s Crimson-wing. Birding trails like the Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija and the Buhoma waterfall trail offer prime spots for spotting these rare species.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is renowned for its primates, but its birdlife is equally impressive. With over 325 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics, it’s a prime birdwatching destination. Birding in Kibale is best done at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and within the park itself. Notable species to look out for include the Brown-chested Alethe, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Black bee-eater, and African pitta. The park’s lush evergreen forests create the perfect setting for a rich birding experience.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest protected area, is home to over 450 bird species. Its varied ecosystems, which include savannah grasslands, woodlands, tropical forests, and wetlands, support a rich diversity of birds. Key species include the Grey-headed Bush-Shrike, Singing Cisticola, Cliff Chat, Crested Francolin, and Black-bellied Firefinch. A birding tour here offers not only incredible bird sightings but also the chance to see iconic wildlife such as elephants, lions, and the powerful Murchison Falls.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

With about 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is another haven for birdwatchers. The best birdwatching spot here is the Kazinga Channel, where species like the Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Shoebill, African Skimmer, and Martial Eagle can be spotted. Other birding areas include the Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi Plains, Kyambura Gorge, and the Ishasha sector, which is also known for its tree-climbing lions. In addition to birdwatching, you’ll have opportunities to see various wildlife, including hippos, chimpanzees, and the Big Four.

Semuliki National Park: A Birder’s Paradise

Semuliki National Park is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts, often referred to as a birder’s haven. With 447 bird species recorded, including 216 true forest species, it offers an incredible birdwatching experience. Some of the standout species here include Sassi’s Olive Greenbul and the White-crested Hornbill. Other notable birds you can spot in Semuliki include the African Piculet, Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, and Maxwell’s Black Weaver. You may also encounter rarities like the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, and Capuchin Babbler.

Birdwatching in Rwenzori Mountains National Park

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rwenzori Mountains National Park not only offers breathtaking landscapes but also unique birdwatching opportunities. The park is home to over 217 bird species, including 19 endemics. A few highlights include the Rwenzori Turaco and Blue-headed Sunbird. You can also spot the Archers’ Robin-Chat, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Bearded Vulture, and Golden-winged Sunbird, making it a top destination for birders in search of rare species.

Lake Mburo National Park: A Hidden Gem for Birding

Lake Mburo National Park is a diverse birdwatching destination with a variety of habitats including open savannas, woodlands, swamps, and lakes. It’s home to over 325 bird species, offering plenty of opportunities for birders. Popular spots include the swamps around Warukiri and Rwongo, where you can see species like the Red-faced Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Papyrus Canary, and the Shoebill.

Birding in Budongo Forest

Located near Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is another top birding destination in Uganda. Its prime birding areas include the Royal Mile and Kaniyo Pabidi. The forest is home to 360 bird species as well as primates such as chimpanzees. Birders can enjoy sightings of the White-thighed and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills, Western Black-headed Oriole, and Yellow-browed Camaroptera. The Royal Mile, a historic leisure spot for Uganda’s traditional kings, is the ideal place to spot unique species like the Yellow-spotted Barbet, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and Rufous-crowned Eremomela.

Best Time for Bird Watching in Uganda

Birding in Uganda is excellent year-round, but the wetter months (March, April, May, September, October, and November) are particularly favorable. During these months, birds are more active and vocal as it’s their breeding season, making them easier to spot and observe.

Why Book Your Birdwatching Safari with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures offers a unique combination of birdwatching and eco-friendly safari experiences across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Our tailored safaris include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and Big 5 safaris, blending adventure with conservation and community upliftment. We also offer memorable safaris to iconic African destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. When you book with us, you’re not only guaranteed a remarkable birdwatching experience, but also a positive contribution to wildlife conservation and local communities.

Plan Your Uganda Birdwatching Safari Today

Ready for an unforgettable birdwatching safari in Uganda? Contact Excursia Adventures today, and our dedicated team will help you craft the perfect itinerary for an amazing wildlife and birdwatching experience!