Our Wonderful Uganda birding tours/birding safaris in Uganda/ take you for unforgettable birding in Uganda on private tailor-made African bird watching tours in Uganda – the Pearl of Africa, known for the best birding in Africa.
Uganda is the richest African birding destination and one of the best birding destinations in the world, with its range of phenomenal bird species.
Bird lovers can enjoy a birding tour as they observe birds in their natural habitats within this equatorial country.
Birding tours in Uganda are unspoken for as they are outstanding as they take you to preferred birding sites in Uganda. This country boasts over 1,050 birds and this number makes it 11% of the world’s birds.
All these bird species are contained within Uganda and this makes it one of the highest concentrations of birds per square kilometer in Africa.
African birding journeys take you for Uganda birding tours which reward you with easy spotting of many birds by covering just a small area or birding for a short period.
Uganda has many kinds of Uganda bird species for bird watching including endemic birds (local birds), and vulnerable, and endangered birds. And, not forgetting, Uganda is also home to 24 of the Albertine rift endemics with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park having the highest number living with the amazing Mountain Gorilla.
Since Uganda is situated within the African great lakes region, it is very easier to find many water-related birds.
Other birds are migratory birds that come into Uganda every year especially from November to April.
Amongst these, there are the most sought-after birds to watch out including the big 5 birds of Uganda which are the Shoebill, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Long Crested Eagle, Great Blue Turaco, and Grey Crowned Cranes.
Uganda birding tours in East Africa will give you the best memorable experience of a wonderful birding trip. They will take you to the major birding sites of Uganda where you can see some of the rare birds like the Green Breasted Pitta and the African Green Broadbill.
The top birding sites include montane forests, national parks of Uganda, game reserves, lakes and rivers, and wetland areas.
Uganda is indeed a birding paradise for those on a Uganda birding tour/ Uganda birding safari and there are a good number of birds to observe than anywhere else in East Africa in top birding destinations.
However, there are sought-after birds that are not common everywhere and are unique and should be on everyone’s bird checklist.
Most of these birds are endangered and vulnerable and you cannot see them elsewhere in East Africa. Although Uganda has a huge bird list, below are the most sought-after birds to look out for during your Uganda birding tour.
| · Shoebill · Green Breasted Pitta · Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill · Long Crested Eagle · Great Blue Turaco · Grey Crowned Cranes · African Green Broadbill · Secretary Bird · Pel’s Fishing Owl · Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher | · African Finfoot · Abyssinian Ground Hornbill · Hooded Vulture · Cassin’s Hawk-eagle · Jameson’s Antpecker · Nahan’s Francolin · Karamoja Apalis · Puvel’s Illadopsis · African Wood Owl · White Headed Wood Hoopoe |
Uganda counts over 34 Important Bird Areas (IBA)/ birding destinations in Uganda many of which have been well-developed to cater for Uganda’s best birding trips. Also, many birding communities in Uganda every identifying new bird-rich sites across the country.
All the top bird watching sites in Uganda East Africa have well-trained local guides that know these areas very well and can identify all bird species in the areas. They also know the true habitats of the birds as they take you throughout the areas on the well-developed trails.
Most of the top birding destinations in Uganda are parks and game reserves, forests, and others are Ramsar sites protected especially as important areas for Uganda birding safari.
Below are the top bird watching sites in Uganda to go for a Uganda birding tour.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s birding delights as it is a top birding destination for a Uganda birding safari. This park has over 600 Uganda bird species within its ecology and most of the birds in this park are not rare in other places.
Many birds in this park harbor in the Kyambura gorge, Maramagambo Forest, Kasenyi plains, Mweya peninsular, and other areas.
The best way to enjoy Uganda birding in this park is through game drives, boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, and nature walks.
Some of the notable birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park include; Swamp Flycatcher, Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, African Finfoot, Black-headed Gonolek, Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, etc.
Others include the White Backed Night Heron, White-winged Terns, Grey-capped Warbler, Collared Pratincole, Martial Eagle, African Fish Eagle, and Slender-tailed Nightjars.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has no Albertine Rift endemics even though it is located near the Rift Valley.
On your Uganda birding safari in this park, bird watchers can as well see other wildlife like the African Buffalo, the African Elephant, Lions, etc.
Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest park in Uganda and it is named after the amazing Murchison Falls. It is located in the northwest of Uganda, and it is a birding destination with over 556 bird species.
This park is one of the best places for sighting the Shoebill on a Uganda birding safari along the Nile Albert Delta and other water-associated birds along the Victoria Nile. The best way to spot birds in this park is by engaging on a Murchison Falls boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, nature walks, and game drives.
A Uganda birding tour in Murchison Falls can be combined with wildlife watching safaris to give you full excitement. This way you get to see other wildlife life like the African Elephant, Lions, Buffaloes, Hyenas, Giraffes, etc.
Some of the birds to spot on a birding tour in this park include; the Shoebill, African Finfoot, Goliath Heron, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher, White Browed Robin Chat, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, Eastern Grey Plantain Eater, Northern Red Bishop, White Backed Night Heron, African Fish Eagle, Giant Kingfishers, etc.
Semilki National Park is situated within the Albertine Rift Valley in Western Uganda. It is a birding destination with over 441 bird species with its riverine, forest, and grassland avian habitats.
Also, this park is home to the rare Guinea-Congo biome species as it is an extension of the great Ituri forest of Congo. It has a few Albertine Rift endemic species which are uncommon in other birding areas.
Some of the birds to spot during your Uganda birding tours include; the Congo Serpent-eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Yellow-throated Nicator, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, etc.
If keen enough, you can as well spot the Forest African Elephant.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park is famously known for having the highest number of Mountain Gorillas and being the best place for Mountain Gorilla tracking.
However, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is another great birding destination for a Uganda birding tour because of its superb birds that count up to 350 species.
It is made of montane forests that host 23 of the 24 Albertine rift endemics making it one of the best birding destinations.
Some of the notable birds to enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park during your Uganda birding tour include the Black-billed Turaco, African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, African Thrush, Handsome Francolin, etc.
You can also see other primates during your Uganda birding safari/ forest birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park like the Mountain Gorilla, Vervet Monkeys, etc. If lucky, you can also see the African Elephant.
Kibale Forest Park is another birding tour destination for a Uganda birding safari for bird lovers. It is indeed a prime birding spot in Uganda with 375 bird species including 6 Albertine Rift endemic species.
The habitats within this park for birds range from the wet and dry tropical rainforest and it is good for forest birding. The most sought-after bird here is the Green Breasted Pitta.
Bird watchers on a Uganda birding tour can also see the Red-chested Owlet, Purple-breasted Sunbird, White Bellied Robin Chat, Crowned Eagle, Little Greenbul, Black Bee-eater, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, etc. If lucky, you can also see the African Elephant.
Kidepo Park is situated far in the Northeast of Uganda on the border of South Sudan and Kenya.
It is another area good for bird watching/ birding tour as it makes Uganda the richest country with birdlife because of its unique birds. Kidepo and Queen Elizabeth National Park are considered the top birding destinations in Uganda.
This park has an outstanding bird list of more than 470 species as 60 of these have not been recorded anywhere else in Uganda. It is a natural landmark of migratory bird species in movement either breeding or incubating zones.
Kidepo Park is the best area in Uganda for spotting the Common Ostrich. Other notable birds to spot here are Karamoja Apalis, Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, White Browed Robin Chat, Chestnut Weaver, Fox Kestrel, etc.
You can also see the African Elephant, Buffaloes, Kobs, etc. during a birding tour.
Migratory birds are present in Kidepo from November to April as some of them come from South Sudan, Europe, and other Countries and continents.
Mabamba Bay Wetland is a Ramsar site situated on Lake Victoria just after the edges of Entebbe. It is a very important birding area for a Uganda birding tour as it has over 300 species.
The Mabamba swamp area is the best area for sighting the Shoebill and other water-related Uganda birds. The bird life in this area is just amazing!
The best way to get access to the Mabamba swamp is by canoe rides on Lake Victoria and you get to see several birds.
Some other birds to see at Mabamba swamp include; the Shoebill Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Pied Kingfisher, White Backed Night Heron, Papyrus Gonolek, Black-headed Heron, African Open-billed Stork, African Finfoot, Black Kite, African Marsh Harrier, etc.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the far southwest on the border of Uganda with Rwanda and DR Congo and it also borders the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda good for forest birding tour.
It is also known for having Mountain Gorillas like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is also a good destination for Mountain Gorilla tracking safaris though it is home to over 180 Uganda bird species including the amazing Albertine Rift endemics.
It inhabits the birds within the montane forests of the 3 extinct volcanoes offering forest bird watching along the Gorge trail, Bamboo trail, and the Community Trail.
Keen birders on a Uganda birding tour in Mgahinga National Park can look out for the Cape Robin, White Bellied Robin Chat, Brown Woodland Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, etc.
You can watch these birds while you are on your way to meet the Mountain Gorillas during Gorilla tracking experiences.
Budongo Forest is located just at the edges of the Albertine Rift Valley with 2 main sectors for a birding tour. These are Kaniyo-Pabidi (Murchison Falls National Park) and the Royal Mile (Busingiro) situated in the south of the forest.
This natural tropical rainforest is home to 360 bird species. 60 of these birds are taken to be West or Central African birds. 2 birds in the forest are not spotted anywhere else in the East African region and these are the Yellow-footed Flycatcher and Puvel’s Illadopsis.
Ideally, Budongo Forest is good for forest birding tour as it has many forest birds though it has no Albertine Rift endemics.
Other birds to look out for include; White Bellied Robin Chat, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Cassin’s Spine Tail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, etc.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in western Uganda near Queen Elizabeth National Park and it boosts to about 217 species with 19 Albertine Rift endemics making it a good destination for Uganda birding tour.
Many birds inhabit the vegetation cover along the slopes and this ranges from the high-elevation forest and open montane grasslands.
Some of the notable birds to look out for include; Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, White Bellied Robin Chat, Long-eared Owl, Archers’ Robin-chat, Lag den’s Bush Shrike, etc.
Lake Mburo National Park is among the best birding destinations for a Uganda birding tour, especially near lake swamps at Warukiri and Rwonyo. Other habitats within this park include dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, and dense savannah.
Birding trips are very possible here as this park has over 351 species.
Some of the birds to spot on Uganda birding tours here include; Nubian Woodpecker, White Backed Night Heron, Trilling Cisticola, Bee-eaters, Cheeky Bronze-tailed Starling, Crested Francolin, African Finfoot, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, etc.
There is other wildlife in this park like Impalas, Uganda Kobs, Topis, and many other antelope species though it lacks the African Elephant.
Other best birding tour sites in Uganda include;
| · Mount Elgon National Park · Echuya Forest Reserve · Mabira Forest · Sango Bay Area · Lutoboka Point | · Nabugabo Wetland on Lake Wetland · Lutembe Bay · Lake Victoria · Lake Bisina · Lake Nakuwa |
A Uganda birding tour in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale, Mount Elgon National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks is best in the morning and evening. This is when the birds are most active as they are spotted leaving their nests in the morning and coming back in the evenings.
Afternoons are not ideal for bird watching as most birds are inactive making it hard to spot them. This is because afternoons tend to be hot and birds will be in hiding.
Birds come out of their nests in the morning to feed, though birds of prey soar during midday and nocturnal birds wake up at nighttime and it is also idea for Uganda birding tour.
Uganda birding trips/Uganda birding tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and more are best all year as anyone can observe the birds in their natural habitats.
However, the more ideal time for Uganda birding safari is during the dry months of the year as all the trails are dry and accessible.
These months are from December to February and from June to August. During these months, less or no rainfall is received making it easy to reach the birding tour sites in Uganda.
Anyone interested in bird watching of migratory birds, they are in Uganda from November to April. However, if your intent is for resident or Albertine Rift endemics bird species, then Uganda birding tour expeditions are good all year.
The wet months are good also for a Uganda birding tour as sightings are quick since the food for birds is abundant. These months are from March to May and from September to November.
However, the slippery and muddy trails may lead to delays in accessing the birding destinations of Uganda.
Birding trips Uganda are done in very many ways though the best way is through nature walks. This involves walking on your foot in search of birds in the various areas within a specified bird watching site.
The other common way is through safari game drives in the various Savannah national parks of Uganda. It gives you clear opportunities of spotting most of the woodland and savannah birds.
These kinds of birds are usually ground-dwelling species that are sighted on top of trees or tree logs.
Finally, the other way is through boat cruises/launch trips as this way you get to watch birds on the water shores and others in marshes.
The best birding tour launch trips are the ones to the Nile Albert Delta which are the best way of seeing the Shoebill and other animals like the African Elephant.
The other bird watching boat cruises are those along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Victoria.
When going for Uganda birding tours, there is specific clothing you need to be wearing so that you are decent and ready for the safari. However, this kind of clothing depends on the weather conditions of that specific day.
Below are some of the essential wear you can put on for a Uganda birding tour;
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers; are good to wear as it protects you from bugs and other insects. However, avoid bright colors as birds relate them with danger, khaki and brown are highly recommended.
Also, these clothes can keep you warm in case it is cold on that day.
Comfortable hiking shoes; will keep your feet well-protected from piercings and will keep you stable on slippery trails. They should be light and ankle covering so that you get injuries.
A hat or cap; to protect your head from the strong direct sunlight that may cause you headaches.
Sunglasses; block all the sun rays coming directly to your eyes and give you a clear sight. Like when in Kidepo near South Sudan.
A Uganda birding tour is the best way to observe birds but for you to enjoy these tours, there are items you need to carry with you or pack. Also, keep in mind to always move the light so that you enjoy the experience.
Here are some of the essential items you need for a Uganda birding tour;
A pair of Binoculars; these are key for everyone coming on a Uganda birding tour as they will bring far sightings near you. The binoculars should at least be 7x and beyond.
A field guide (bird guidebook); gives comprehensive information about the birds of a given area. Like Birds of East Africa is a good bird guidebook.
A notebook and pen; will help to write or record notes of your observations.
Camera; it is for capturing good pictures of birds and memories.
Water bottle; it is for carrying water that will keep you hydrated during your Uganda birding tour.
A backpack or a waist bag; is for keeping other important items of yours like a notebook and pen, insect repellents, etc.
Insect repellent; since birding tour is done in forests and other dense areas, there might be bugs, but the insect repellents will keep them away.
Sunscreen; will protect your skin from getting damaged from direct sunlight.
Poncho or rain jacket; the weather in Uganda is unpredictable and a poncho will keep you dry in case it rains during your Uganda birding experiences.
There are many reasons why one should go on a Uganda birding tour. One would be asking themselves why they have to go on a Uganda birding tour.
Well below are some of the reasons why do birding in Uganda and not in other countries of East Africa.
There are several precautions you need to follow while on your Uganda birding tours. These bird watching tips in Uganda are expert tips to guide you through the entire birding safari in Uganda East Africa.
Below are some of the precautions to know;
The Fox’s Weaver (Ploceus spekeoides) is the only endemic bird in Uganda as you cannot see it else in the East African region on your bird Uganda safaris. This amazing bird is listed as Near Threatened globally by the (IUCN).
It inhabits papyrus-fringed lakes with nearby wooded grassland or seasonally flooded wetlands. The Fox’s Weaver is common in Eastern Uganda, especially around Lake Opeta and Lake Bisina.
However, although the Fox’s Weaver is only endemic to Uganda, the chances of seeing this bird are low. Searching for it is challenging but once you find it, it’s really rewarding.
The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) is the national bird of Uganda and it was chosen as the national emblem because of its beauty and elegance.
This bird is amazing as it has mostly a blue-gray crane with a black-and-white face and a crown of golden-yellow plumes. Immatures are rustier than adults.
On the court of arms of Uganda, it is displayed standing with one leg up raised forward and this implies that Uganda is moving forward. This bird is found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls Park, etc.
There are no Hummingbirds in Uganda as they are only native to the Americas and most species are found in Central and South America.
Hummingbirds are however similar to the Sunbirds that are common in Uganda though Hummingbirds have an exceptional metabolic capacity, communication, and long-distance migration in some species.
They are also known as Hummingbirds because of the humming sound created by their beating wings, which flap at high frequencies audible to other birds and humans.
Quito is the birding tour capital of the world, this city is in Ecuador. This city has species of all sizes and colors and it is one of the most megadiverse cities on the planet when it comes to birds.
Quito has a variety of ecosystems making it possible to observe a diversity of birds from Condors to Hummingbirds. Ecuador has over 1,660 species making it the greatest density of types of birds in the world.
The city of Quito is home to over 542 species, including 64 that are endemic to the region, which include the Black-breasted Puffleg, the Brown Wood Rail, and the Banded Ground-Cuckoo.
One would ask themselves where the best place in the world is to bird watch.
The best bird watching in the world is in Uganda as this country is popular with keen birders as a place of seeing winged beasts. It has dozens of nature reserves with hundreds of bird species inhabiting them.
This has made it quick and easy to look out for the amazing birdlife in the green country. Uganda has several bird species including 24 Albertine rift endemics.
Africa has several countries which are good destinations for birding tour though Uganda is the richest African birding destination for bird watchers. This is because Uganda has over 1,090 Uganda bird species and this number makes it 11% of the world’s birds.
It has endemic bird species, migratory birds, and the rare Albertine Rift endemics (24 species). This is so amazing! Uganda is the richest country with the most incredible bird the Shoebill worldwide and it is best spotted here within the wetland and marsh areas.
Also, Uganda has the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer in Africa. It is fond of having the Green Breasted Pitta which is a rare bird to find and also has the big 5 birds.
This country also has over 34 Important Bird Areas (IBA) where bird watchers can spot the amazing Uganda birds which includes Bwindi with the highest number of Albertine Rift endemics, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Park, Murchison, etc.
The African continent is known for bird watching as it has more species than any other continent worldwide and it is named the bird continent.
It has birds that are brightly colored, abundant, and they are easy to see.
This continent is home to a total of 2,477 species of birds which is almost one-third of all species in the world. Uganda boasts 1,050 Uganda bird species, which is 10% of the global total and many water birds on Lake Victoria and Albertine Rift endemics.
The second and third countries for bird watching with outstanding avifauna are also in the African continent and these are Tanzania (over 1000 species) and Kenya (over 1000 species).
These safari companies in Uganda will organize for you the best Uganda birding safari. All the safari tour companies in Uganda are genuine and will provide you with remarkable Uganda birding tours.
Below are the best safari tour companies to help you organize and arrange the best Uganda birding tour.
2. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
These top Uganda birding safari packages feature the best birding sites of Uganda that will expose bird watchers to amazing birds. All the birding tours are customized for all types of travelers.
All the Uganda birding tours are led by well-trained and professional bird guides who well know all the bird species in Uganda and the birding spots.
Below are the best customized Uganda birding tours;
9 Days Rwanda Birding and Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tour
19 Days Kenya Birding and Wildlife Photography Safari
17 Days Rwanda and Uganda Birding and Wildlife Tour
14 Days Kidepo Valley National Park Birding Trip (Fox’s Weaver, and Karamoja Apalis)
20 Day Uganda Birding Nature Tour Birding Tour
23 Days Uganda Birding Tour (The Remarkable West)
In conclusion, A Uganda birding tour is the best way of observing birds in their natural habitats.
They are best in specified birding tour sites of Uganda, and they take you to these areas and watch some of the rare birds including the world’s most sought-after bird the Shoebill and also the Green Breasted Pitta.
A Uganda birding tour will give you the best memorable experiences of the amazing birdlife and they can be combined with Uganda safari tours like Gorilla tracking to give you outstanding adventures, especially wildlife adventures.
For A Prime Uganda Birding Tour, Please Inquire
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