Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda, Birding Tours in Uganda Africa, Uganda Birding Safaris

Top Uganda Birds | Key Uganda Bird Species to Look Out on Uganda Birding Tours (Examples of Wild Birds in Uganda)

Birding Tours in Uganda

There are several birds in Uganda and most of these are spotted in Uganda birding destinations such as national parks, game reserves plus Ramsar sites.

The following are the most sought-after birds in Uganda to look for on your Uganda birding tour:

1. The Shoebill

2. Great Blue Turaco

3. Green Breasted Pitta

4. Handsome Francolin

5. African Finfoot

6. Abyssinian Ground Hornbill

7. African Green Broadbill African Fish Eagle

8. Secretary bird

9. White bellied Robin Chat

10. Yellow eyed Black Flycatcher

11. White backed Night Heron

12. Secretary Bird

13. Papyrus Yellow Warbler

14. Double-toothed Barbets

Best Birding Destinations in Uganda- Where Can I See Birds in Uganda? | Where Can I Watch Birds in Uganda?

During your Uganda bird watching tour, there are numerous wonderful Uganda birding destinations, each boasting unique birds! These range from national parks, game reserves, and montane forests as well as are Ramsar sites.

In each Uganda birding destination, you’ll find experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about local birds!

As experts in organizing Uganda birding safari trips, we have brought the best Uganda birding sites.

The following are the top bird watching places in Uganda:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Prominently known for Mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable park is also a heart for Uganda bird watching tours.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a picturesque Uganda birding destination home to over 350 bird species, including over 90% of the Albertine rift endemics.

In East Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best area to spot the African Green Broadbill as well as the Neumann’s Warbler.

Often, travelers undertaking Uganda birding trips in this Uganda birding paradise- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park don’t miss the Mountain gorilla tracking experience! Mountain gorilla trekking is a memorable experience that allows you to visit the rare Mountain gorillas in their lovely natural habitat.

The notable birds in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to look for on your Uganda birding tour include:

1. African Green Broadbill

2. Blue-Headed Sunbird

3. Crowned hornbill

4. Black Bee-eaters

5. Yellow eyed Black Flycatcher

6. Handsome Francolin

7. Neumann’s Warbler

8. Rwenzori Turaco

9. White bellied Robin Chat, and,

10. African green pigeon

Normally, most Uganda bird watching safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park take place in Buhoma sector and Ruhija Neck. If lucky, you can encounter the forest African Elephant in the Ruhija area.

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Spanning over 3,893km2 in northwestern Uganda, Murchison falls park is Uganda’s largest park named after the great Murchison Falls- the world’s strongest waterfalls.

Murchison falls park is one of the great biodiverse national parks of Uganda. It’s home to over 450 birds and 144 animal species including Lions, Leopards, African Elephant, Buffalos, Giraffes, Hippos, and several amazing Antelopes.

Bird watchers should note that Murchison Falls National Park is the best birding destination on the African continent to spot the rare Shoe bills in Africa.

Here are other key birds in Murchison falls park to look for on your Uganda birding tours:

1. The Shoebill- one of the incredible bird of Uganda

2. Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill

3. Secretary Birds

4. African Fish Eagles

5. Giant Kingfishers

6. Red-throated Bee-eaters

7. White Backed Night Heron

8. Papyrus Yellow Warbler

9. Saddle Billed Storks

10. Palm-nut Vultures

11. White Browed Robin Chat

12. African Darter, and,

13. Grey crowned crane

While on your Uganda birding tour in Murchison park, most birds are spotted on game drives in the Buligi game area. A boat cruise on Victoria Nile to the Nile Albert Delta area allows you to search the Shoebill and several other birds.

Most species in the African great lakes region can be spotted in Murchison park.

3. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park ranks top among Uganda’s birding delights. This famous park of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth park holds a huge bird list totaling over 600 birds and this is almost half of the birds in Uganda.

Most of the Uganda birding tour safaris in Queen Elizabeth park are done on a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. Other Uganda birding sites in Queen Elizabeth park include; Kyambura Gorge, Kasenyi Plains, Maramagambo Forest, and Mweya Peninsular.

Notable birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

1. The Shoebill

2. African Fish Eagle

3. Saddle-billed Stork

4. Great and Long-tailed Cormorants

5. Pink-backed Pelicans

6. Colorful Kingfishers

7. African Finfoot

8. Broad-billed Roller

9. Flamingos

10. Long-crested Eagle

11. Black-headed Gonolek

12. White Backed Night Heron

13. Martial Eagle

14. Grey-crowned cranes, and,

15. Double-toothed Barbets. etc.

On your African birding tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you have a golden chance to encounter most of the game animals in Africa. Among these include Lions, African Elephant, African Buffalo, giant Nile Crocodiles, Antelopes, etc. Tree-climbing Lions are spotted in the Ishasha sector.

Uganda birding trips in Queen Elizabeth park are done mostly on a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. However, game drives in Kasenyi Plains and nature walks in Kyambura Gorge offer the best birding experience.

4. Kibale Forest

Boasting over 370 bird species, Kibale Forest is an ideal Uganda birding site for people interested in forest Uganda birding tour vacations.

Among the birding sites in Africa, Kibale is the best site to spot the African green breasted Pitta.

Other notable birds in Kibale Forest include; the Great-blue Turacos, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, White Bellied Robin Chat, Western Nicators, Double-toothed Barbets, African Finfoot, White browed Robin Chat, etc. Keen birders can have sight of the African Wood Owl.

In Kibale Park, about 6 Albertine rift endemics have been reported and these include:

1. Purple-breasted Sunbirds

2. Dusky Crimsonwing

3. Red-faced Woodland Warbler

4. Collared Apalis

5. Black-capped Apalis and,

6. Blue-headed Sunbird, etc.

Normally, most tourists supplement Bigodi wetlands on their Uganda birding safari trips in Kibale Forest. This picturesque area holds most of the Lake Victoria biome birds, including the endangered Papyrus gonolek.

5. Semilki National Park

Semilki National Park is a birding paradise you shouldn’t miss on your Uganda birding safari tours.

Situated in western Uganda, Semuliki park holds about 441 bird species, with most of the forest birds in Uganda.

In the East African region, Semuliki park is the only destination to spot the rare Congo Guinea biome endemic species, found in the Ituri Forest of Congo. A few Albertine rift endemics have been spotted in this biodiverse Uganda birding area.

The key birds in Semuliki park to look for on your Uganda birding tour are:

1. Congo Serpent Eagle

2. Nkulengu Rail

3. Long-tailed Hawk

4. Black-casqued Hornbill

5. White-thighed Hornbill

6. Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher

7. Maxwell’s Black Weaver

8. Piping Hornbill

9. White-crested Hornbill

10. Yellow-throated Nicator

11. Black Dwarf Hornbill

12. Papyrus gonolek

13. White Headed Wood Hoopoe

14. Afep Pigeon, and,

15. Abyssinian Ground-Thrush

Most Uganda birding tour safaris in Semuliki are done along the Kirumia trail. While on your birding on this trail, expect to encounter several beautiful primates, and if so lucky, you can spot also the Forest African Elephant.

6. Kidepo Valley Park

Located in far northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Park sits on Uganda’s border with South Sudan and Kenya.

Although it’s a distant park, Kidepo is a bird watchers paradise worth exploring on your Uganda birding trips. It’s home to 476 birds including 60 endemic species that have never been recorded anywhere in Uganda.

Kidepo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks are considered as the top Uganda birding sites!

Most birds are spotted on game drives in Narus Valley and while on nature walks in Kidepo Valley. Cape Buffalos, Zebras, African Elephant, and Antelopes are common also.

Notable birds in Kidepo park include:

1. Kori Bustard

2. Northern Carmine Bee-eater

3. Secretary bird

4. Abyssinian ground Hornbill

5. Abyssinian Roller

6. Red-and-yellow Barbet

7. Karamoja Apalis and,

8. White-bellied Go-away-bird, etc.

Note:

On your Uganda birding tour, Ostriches are only spotted in Kidepo. Bird species found in the African great lakes region as well as Lake Victoria biome species are hardly spotted in Kidepo. Some South Sudan bird species can be spotted here also

7. Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a prominent Uganda birding tour site for spotting acacia-dwelling birds of Uganda. Among these includes the Eastern grey plantain eater. The African Finfoot is also common in this park.

Also, on your Uganda birding tour in Lake Mburo Park, expect to encounter several amazing Antelopes and other game animals. There are no African Elephant and Lions in this park.

8. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Bordering Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga NP, Mgahinga gorilla park is another ideal destination to spot Albertine rift endemics in the East African region.

The key birds in Mgahinga park are:

1. Rwenzori Turaco

2. Shelly’s Crimsonwing

3. Handsome francolin

4. White bellied Robin Chat

5. Blue-headed Sunbird

6. Rwenzori batis as well as,

7. Regal Sunbird, etc.

Most of the Uganda birding tour expeditions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park take place along the Sabinyo Gorge trail.

For memorable wildlife adventures in Mgahinga national park, it’s ideal you undertake Mountain gorilla tracking tours in this park. Golden monkey trekking is also possible.

9. Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba swamp is one of the famous birding destinations in Uganda found in Entebbe on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This famous Ramsar site, Mabamba swamp is a convenient place in Uganda to spot the rare Shoebill and thousands of water bird species.

In Mabamba swamp, you’ll get a chance to spot most of the Lake Victoria biome bird species and most species of the African great lakes region

If interested in Migratory birds in Mabamba, target November to April.

10. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Situated in western Uganda, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is another incredible Uganda birding tour site to spot Albertine rift endemics after Bwindi park.

This park holds 217 bird species with over 19 Albertine rift endemics including; the Rwenzori Turaco, White Bellied Robin Chat, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, etc.

Most Uganda birding safari trips in Rwenzori park take place in montane forests.

Other Key Birding Destinations in Uganda Include

1. Bigodi wetland– commonly visited on top of birding Uganda safaris in Kibale Forest

2. Budongo Forest– ideal for forest birding on your Uganda birding tour

3. Mabira Forest– so ideal if interested in forest bird species of Uganda

4. Mount Elgon National Park– On your Uganda birding tour here, most birds are spotted in montane forests

5. Lutembe wetland- around Lake Victoria

6. Nabugabo Wetland, and,

7. Echuya Forest Reserve– one of the rich and stunning montane forests of Uganda

How Are Birding Safaris in Uganda Done? | How to Do Bird Watching in Uganda?

Bird watching tours in Uganda are done in various ways however, nature walks are mostly used in several birding destinations.

Here is how Uganda birding safari trips are done:

1. Undertaking nature walks

Nature walks involve walking on foot! It’s ideal while on forest birding in parks such as Bwindi, and Kibale where game drives are impossible.

As you enjoy nature walks on your Uganda birding tour, expect to spot several amazing wildlife.

2. Game driving

This is common in savannah parks like Murchison falls park, Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. You’ll spot birds and other wildlife including Lions, African Elephant, Buffalos, Antelopes, etc.

3. Undertaking a boat cruise

Taking a boat ride allows you to spot water-dwelling birds hard to spot on land, for example, the Shoebill. The prominent launch trips for Uganda birding tour trips include the Kazinga channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, & the Nile Albert delta boat trip in Murchison park.

Other key areas for boat rides for bird watchers in Uganda include Lake Victoria and Mburo Lake.

While enjoying a boat trip on your Uganda birding tour, expect to encounter other wildlife including game animals.

What to Pack for a Uganda Birding Tour?

As you plan to undertake a Uganda birding tour, there’re some crucial items you should have for a wonderful experience. You’re reminded to travel light!

Here is the packing list for a birding trip in Uganda:

· A pair of binoculars- ideal while seeing distant birds for instance those in forest canopies during forest birding

· Camera with good storage space- for taking photos of birds

· Field guide book- for instance, the Birds of East Africa

· A notebook and pen- help you record some crucial info

· Bottled water- keeps you hydrated while in the field on your Uganda birding tour/bird Uganda safaris

· Light backpack- keeps your field items like a camera, insect repellents, and a notebook safe

· Hiking boots– ideal during nature walks on your Uganda birding tour adventure especially, in montane forests.

· Rain jacket– so vital in case rain finds you in the jungle for instance, in montane forests.

· Insect repellents– protect you from biting insects in case of any on your Uganda birding tour

· Sun protection gears- including sunhat, sunscreens & sunglasses. Protects you from the scorching tropical sunlight while in the field on your Uganda birding tour

What to Wear for Birding Safaris in Uganda? | What to Wear During Your Uganda Birding Tour?

All bird lovers intending to have Uganda birding tours should dress decently in eco-friendly attires. But, this kind of dressing depends on your Uganda birding area & weather conditions of the day.

Here are the essential clothes for your Uganda birding tour:

1. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers

Protects your body from biting bugs such as Mosquitoes especially while on forest birding expeditions. These have to be eco-friendly colors such as khaki and brown. Birds consider bright colors as danger!

2. Comfortable hiking shoes

These will keep your feet from injuries during the nature walk. Also, they remain stable along slippery points.

3. A sunhat

This safeguards you from direct sunlight while in the field on your Uganda birding tour

4. Sunglasses

Protects your eyes from direct sun rays while in the field especially in semi-arid parks like Kidepo near South Sudan.

Uganda Birding Tips | Bird Watching Tips in Uganda

During your Uganda birding tour, we have brought to you expert birding guidelines to follow for a rewarding Uganda birding safari:

1. While on the birding trail, always maintain silence, birds fear noise

2. Always do birding in the morning or evening hours, birds are so active at this time

3. Never leave your Uganda birding trail, you might get lost while in the jungle

4. It’s not wise to stone birds while on your Uganda birding tour vacation

5. When birding, always keep an eye on other wildlife for a rewarding safari experience

6. Never come on a Uganda birding tour without a camera or a binocular. They are very crucial

7. Undertaking Uganda birding tours in groups may not be ideal as it limits clear photos and amazing views. Mind about your group size while in the jungle.

8. Packed lunch and bottled water is ideal while on the birding trail

9. Ensure you move with a light backpack- only come with just birding necessities.

10. Although Uganda is an equatorial country, always target dry months to undertake your Uganda birding tour safaris. Rain inconveniences will be always minimal.

What Is the Best Bird Watching Book to Take on Your Birding Tour in Uganda?

Although there’re numerous Uganda birding tour books as well as in East Africa, as experts, we recommend you have the following books on your Uganda birding tour:

1. Field Guide to Birds of East Africa and,

2. Where to Watch Birds in Uganda

Best Time to Go Birding in Uganda- What Month Is Best for Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda? | What Is the Best Time to Bird Watch in Uganda?

What is the best month for bird watching in Uganda? Uganda birding tours can be done all year round but a dry season (June to mid-September & December to February) offers the best experience.

In this season, minimal rainfall is expected in most Uganda birding destinations. Therefore birding trails are drier (mud-free) and this makes birding expeditions more enjoyable.

Dry months are also ideal for travelers interested in visiting Mountain gorillas & chimps. Trails for Mountain gorilla tracking, as well as chimp trekking, are also drier.

During wet months- March-May and October-November, rains tend to be much most hours of the day, and birds hardly get out of their nests!

Migratory birds are present from November to April.

What Is the Best Time of Day for Bird Watching? | What Time of Day Is Best for Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda?

What time of day is best for birdwatch? As professionals in organizing bird watching trips in Uganda, we recommend Uganda birding tour expeditions in the morning hours however, the evenings are also ideal.

Birds in Uganda are always so active in the morning, coming out of their nests to feed! Therefore, always expect incredible sightings.

In the afternoon, birds normally rest due to much heat and sightings are minimal.

Nocturnal birds can be spotted on night walks.

Why Go for a Uganda Birding Tour? | Why Do Bird Watching in Uganda

Why should I go bird watching in Uganda? There are various reasons why you should do Uganda birding tour safaris instead of visiting any other birding destination in the East African region.

Here is why you should undertake a Uganda birding tour:

1. Uganda holds almost all notable bird species in Africa. These include migratory birds, forests, Albertine rift endemics, wading birds, as well as savannah birds, etc.

2. This country is the best place to spot the rare Shoebill in Africa. It’s normally spotted in Murchison Park during Victoria Nile boat in Nile Albert delta area.

3. Uganda also holds the richest African birding destination to spot Grauer’s Broadbill and the Green breasted Pitta.

4. You can supplement your Uganda birding tours with wildlife safaris, & gorilla tracking adventures unlike in Kenya or Tanzania.

5. Among birding destinations in East Africa, Uganda is a relatively cheap safari country to visit.

What Are the Common Birds in Uganda?

This country holds a viable population of birds however, the common birds in Uganda to encounter on your Uganda birding tour holiday include:

1. The Common Bulbul

2. African Thrush

3. Great Blue Turaco

4. Marabou Stock

5. Red-billed Firefinch

6. Hamerkops

7. Sunbirds

8. Bee-eaters

9. Herons and,

10. Kingfishers, etc.

While on your Uganda birding tour, the above birds can be even spotted along footpaths as well as towns.

Which Bird Is Endemic to Uganda? | Which Birds Are Only Found in Uganda?

The Fox’s Weaver is the only endemic bird among the endemic birds in Uganda.

During your Uganda birding tour, this bird can only be spotted within Lake Opeta and Lake Bisina areas within northeastern Uganda. It’s rare to spot!

This colorful endemic bird of Uganda, the Fox’s Weaver inhabits seasonally flooded wetlands.

What Is the National Bird of Uganda? | Which Bird Is the Pearl of Africa?

The Grey-crowned Crane (the Crested crane) is the national bird of Uganda. This lovely bird appears on the national flag of Uganda.

While on your Uganda birding tour, you can spot this gorgeous Uganda bird in most Uganda parks counting Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially around wetland areas.

It’s also a common species around Lake Victoria biome.

Which Is the Fastest Bird in Uganda?

An Ostrich is the fastest bird in Uganda. This incredible bird can run up to 70km2 when it’s threatened. On your Uganda birding tour, you can only spot Ostriches in Kidepo Park in northeastern Uganda on Uganda’s border with South Sudan.

What Is the Name of the Biggest Bird in Uganda? | What Is the Largest Bird in Uganda?

An Ostrich is the biggest bird in Uganda! Adult male Ostriches can weigh between 120 to 130kg. On your Uganda birding tour, these tall amazing birds (Ostriches in the wild) are only spotted in the Kidepo park area near South Sudan.

What Is the Rarest Bird in Uganda?

The rarest bird in Uganda is Shelley’s Crimsonwing. On your Uganda birding tour vacation, Mgahinga park is the best place to search for this elusive bird. Also, in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it has ever been spotted there.

Other rare birds in Uganda include the Shoebill, Green breasted Pitta, Grauer’s broadbill, White Bellied Robin Chat, etc.

Are There Hummingbirds in Uganda?

We don’t have Hummingbirds in Uganda or any other birding destination in East Africa. Hummingbirds are only natives of Central and South America.

Some people confuse Hummingbirds with sunbirds however, these two are different. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds on Earth, weighing about 2-30g, and have a long bill and bright color in males.

The droning sound created by their wings as they move is the reason why they are called Hummingbirds.

Does Uganda Have Parrots? | Are There Parrots in Uganda?

There are parrots in Uganda! Often, they are spotted while on forest birding in parks like Kibale and Semuliki. Normally, the African grey parrot is spotted.

While on your Uganda birding tour, other Parrot species to look for include Brown-necked Parrot and the Meyer’s Parrot.

Where Can You See Birds of Prey in Uganda?

Kidepo park is the best site to spot birds of prey while on your Uganda birding tour trip. Some of the notable birds of prey in Uganda include the Long-crested Eagle, Secretary bird, Palmnut Vultures, Lizard Buzzard, Martial Eagles, Bateleur, Banded Snake-Eagle, Lappet-faced Vultures, as well as Tawny Eagles.

Other key areas to spot birds of prey in Uganda include Murchison park and Queen Elizabeth park.

What Is the Birding Capital of the World? | Where is the Best Place in the World to Bird Watch? | Which Country is Best for Birding?

What country is the best for birding? Ecuador is considered the birding capital of the world! This spectacular country in the South American continent boats numerous bird species totaling over 1,660 bird species including; Condors and Hummingbirds, among others.

Where Is the Best Bird Watching in the World? | Where Is the Best Birding in the World? | Which Continent is Best Known for Bird Watching?

South America is considered one of the best birding destinations worth visiting by bird lovers.

On the other hand, the African continent is another wonderful continent for bird watchers. Among countries you shouldn’t miss on your African birding trip includes Uganda which is home to almost half of the birds in Africa. Prominent bird species in Africa include the Shoebill, Shelly’s Crimsonwing, Green-breasted Pitta, Grauer’s Broadbill, as well as the Great blue Turaco.

Which Country in Africa Has the Best Birding? | Which Country Is Best for Birding in Africa?

Most birders refer to Uganda birding tour safaris as the best in Africa. Indeed, Uganda is one of the richest country in Africa with a fascinating bird life!

It holds about 1,090 bird species which is about 50% of African birds. Bird species in Uganda comprise savannah birds, forest, Albertine rift endemics, migratory as well as Lake Victoria biome species.

Some of the most sought-after birds in Uganda include Great Blue Turaco, the elusive Shoebill, Red-throated bee-eaters, Double-toothed Barbets, and Green Breasted Pitta.

Best Uganda Birding Tour Companies to Book With Your Trip

Normally, booking your Uganda birding tour with a genuine tour operator yields a wonderful Uganda birding tour. Therefore, always look for a dependable safari company.

Expect to have a notable Uganda birding tour trip. Uganda is one of the richest country in Africa to enjoy your birding tour vacation.

The following are the best safari companies in Uganda to book with your Uganda birding tour:

1. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd

2. Wild Gorilla Safaris

3. Safari Uganda Safaris

4. Uganda Birding Safaris Tour

5. A Uganda Safari

6. Gorilla trekking Uganda

7. Gorilla Safaris And Tours

8. Africa Safaris Tours

9. Guide To Uganda

10. Travel Guide Uganda

Best Birding Tours in Uganda | Best Birding Safari Packages in Uganda

Most Uganda bird watching tours/Uganda birding safari tours are done in areas where Uganda wildlife tours take place for instance in Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth park, Kidepo park, Kibale, and Bwindi, etc.

Therefore, apart from birds, expect also to encounter other wildlife such as Lions, African Elephant, Buffalos, Antelopes, Zebras, and Giraffes. Primates like Mountain gorillas will as also fascinate you!

Below are some of the best customized Uganda birding tours for you:

23 Days Uganda Birding Tour

20 Uganda Birding Tour

19 Days Kenya Birding and Wildlife Photography Safari

17 Days Rwanda and Uganda Birding and Wildlife Tour

14 Days Kidepo Valley Park Birding Tour (Fox’s Weaver, & Karamoja Apalis)

9 Days Rwanda Birding and Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tour

In summary, Uganda is a bird watchers haven in Africa a must not miss for bird lovers undertaking African safaris!

This picturesque country, the Pearl of Africa holds most of the birds that international birders in Africa are always interested in. Among the key bird to look for on your Uganda birding tour safaris include the prehistoric Shoebill, Double-toothed Barbets, Shell’s Crimson wing, as well as Grauer’s broadbill. etc.

Most Uganda birding tours allow you to visit Mountain gorillas and other wildlife during your gorilla tracking adventures and game-viewing expeditions.

Book Now For A Memorable Uganda Birding Tour, Feel Free To Inquire!