Birding Tours in Uganda – Best Bird-Watching Tours & Holidays

Birding Safaris/Uganda Birding Tours are one of the most thought after by most travelers when visiting Uganda. Uganda birding safaris (Birding Tours in Uganda) are unmatched when it comes to sighting – Birdwatching in Uganda guarantees opportunities to spot some of the rare, endemic and migratory bird species in just a single visit. Why choose Uganda for birding safaris? Uganda is an unmatched destination for birding tour in Africa. Uganda hosts about 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s total bird species population, making it one of the best places to visit in Africa for Bird-watching tours.

The country is home to over 1,070 different bird species found in different diverse ecosystems in the country. Uganda birds can be found in the dry savannahs, forests, wetlands and also across different urban centres. Actually Uganda Birding Safaris can be done in any part of the country since you can easily spot different birds as they fly over. However, there are specific destination in Uganda with some of the amazing and rare species that you wouldn’t wish to miss out during your Uganda Birding Tours.

Birding Tours in Uganda/Uganda Birding safaris/Uganda Birdwatching tours are rewarding and can be done all year round. Plan your Uganda birding safaris with Acacia safaris limited and experience unmatched birding experience.

Uganda’s top bird species (most thought of by bird enthusiasts)

Shoebill
Green Breasted Pitta
Kingfisher
Blue Turaco
Rwenzori Turaco
African Green Broadbill
Brown-chested Lapwing
Jameson’s Antpecker
Nahan’s Francolin
Black Bee-eater
Karamoja Apalis
Puvel’s Illadopsis

Bird Checklist for Uganda for Uganda Birding Tours

Uganda is home to a diverse range of bird species. Some of the species that can be found in the country include the Handsome Francolin, Stripe-breasted Tit, Shelley’s Crimson-wing, Grauer’s Broadbill, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Dusky Crimson-wing, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Archer’s Robin-chat, Willard’s Sooty Boubou, Dwarf Honeyguide, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Black-faced Apalis, Rwenzori Apalis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Yellow-crested Helmet Shrike, African Green Broadbill, and Stuhlmann’s Sunbird.

Other bird species that have been spotted during birding safaris in Uganda include Marabou storks, Long Crested Eagles, Black Bee-Eater, African Spoonbill, Knob-billed ducks, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Chocolate-backed Kingfishers, Saddle-billed Stork, Green-Breasted Pitta, Helmeted guineafowl, Vulturine guineafowl, Standard-Winged Nightjar, Karamoja Apalis, Black Breasted Barbet, Rock pigeon, Bruce’s green-pigeon, African green-pigeon, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-backed duck, Stone Partridge, Nahan’s Francolin, and many more.

Ugandan Endemic birds – The Albertine Endemic species

The Albertine Rift region is known for its incredible variety of bird species, particularly the Albertine Rift endemics. These birds are found exclusively within this specific area of the Albertine Rift Valley. This region includes several national parks and protected areas, among them Murchison Falls National Park. Some of the notable species include the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and African Dusky Flycatcher, among others. These birds have adapted to the unique habitat and ecological conditions found within the Albertine Rift, and cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

Best Uganda birding tour destinations (birding sites) – Where to go for Birding Tours in Uganda

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a wonderful opportunity to observe a wide variety of avian species in different habitats. Although this wildlife reserve is famous for its large population of animals, it is also home to over 600 bird species, making it one of the top destinations for Uganda birding safari tours. Safaris to this park are highly rewarding due to its unique blend of ecosystems (savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakeshores), all that support a diverse array of bird species.

You are guaranteed sightings of several sought-after bird species such as the African hobby, great blue turaco, black bee-eater, martial eagle, African fish-eagle, malachite kingfisher, pink-backed pelican, saddle-billed stork, shoebill stork, and many more while on your birding safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The diverse range of habitats within the park offers refuge to a wide diversity of birds, allowing for sightings of both forest-dwelling and open-savannah species. Birding safaris to Queen Elizabeth is truly rewarding.

Best places to visit within Queen Elizabeth National Park for Birding

Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This area is home to both diverse birdlife and wildlife species in the park (One of the prime location for birding within the park). It is home to a vibrant population of water birds such as numerous waterfowl, waders, and African skimmers. To explore the diverse birdlife in this region, you can take a boat ride.

The Mweya Peninsula, Maramagambo Forest, Kasenyi Plains, Kyambura Gorge, and Ishasha sector are the other best places for birding in the park. Each area showcases different ecological niches, allowing for a diverse birding experience during your Uganda’s Birding safaris.

Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Birding Tours in Uganda

Bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an exceptional experience for bird enthusiasts. The park is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas, but it also boasts over 350 bird species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in Africa. During a birding safari here, you can expect to see some of Uganda’s 23 out of 24 endemic bird species, which include the African wood owl, short-tailed warbler, African green broadbill, and handsome francolin, among many others. In addition, you will come across numerous Afrotropical Highland biome species.

The park’s dense forest provides a diverse habitat for birds, making it a natural haven for them. The towering trees, thick vegetation, tangled vines, and moss-covered branches create an ideal environment for many bird species. Birdwatchers can discover forest specialists in the canopy and sub-canopy levels, as well as various undergrowth dwellers on the forest floor.

Several well-established birding trails lead through different forest sections, allowing birdwatchers to explore diverse niches and elevations. Some notable trails include Buhoma Waterfall Trail, Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bamboo Trail, and Ivy River Trail. Each trail offers distinct birding opportunities.

Bwindi is recognized for its rich selection of avifauna. You can spot various colorful turacos, African emerald cuckoos, Ruwenzori batis, yellow-eyed black flycatchers, African broadbills, and a variety of sunbirds and barbets.

Birding in Mabamba Wetland

Mabamba Wetland is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is situated about 40 kilometers to the southwest of the capital city, Kampala. Mabamba wetland is renowned for its diverse bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. There are over 300 bird species in Mabamba, making it one of the best birding hotspots in the country. While on your birding safaris in Mabamba Wetland, you can spot several notable species like the African jacana, blue-breasted bee-eater, Malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, African pygmy goose, and many more. The Mabamba Wetland is a Ramsar site (Important Birding Area)

Shoebill Stork

Mabamba Wetland is famous for being one of the few places in Uganda where the shoebill stork can be reliably spotted. This large, prehistoric-looking bird is one of the most sought-after species by bird watchers and is often considered a “bucket list” bird for many enthusiasts.

Birding in Semulik National Park

Semulik National Park is a great place for bird enthusiasts to explore and discover a variety of bird species in a natural and enchanting setting. With more than 400 bird species, this park is known for its diverse and abundant birdlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers worldwide. Some of the notable bird species found here include the Long-tailed Hawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, African Gray Parrot, White-crested Hornbill, African Piculet, Great Blue Turaco, and many more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher, Semulik National Park offers a rewarding experience for everyone.

The best time for birdwatching in Semulik National Park is during the dry season, which starts from June to September and December to February. It is important to note that birdwatching can be enjoyed all year round in Semulik, as the park hosts both resident and migratory bird species. However, the lush vegetation during the wetter months can make it more challenging to spot birds.

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park – Birding Tours in Uganda

Birdwatching at Murchison Falls National Park is a thrilling experience for bird enthusiasts. This national park is famous for its diverse ecosystem and remarkable birdlife that resides in the diverse habitats.

Murchison Falls National Park has over 450 recorded species. The park’s diverse landscape, which includes savannah, woodland, riverbanks, and wetlands, attracts a rich variety of birds.

Some of the notable bird species you may encounter during birding safaris include the iconic Shoebill stork, Goliath heron, African fish eagle, Secretary bird, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Marabou stork, and a vast array of colorful bee-eaters, kingfishers, and sunbirds.

Best time for birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park

The best time for birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During these months, the park is easily accessible and bird watching is easy. The dry season also coincides with the breeding season for many bird species, making it an ideal time to spot vibrant plumage and witness fascinating courtship displays.