Birdwatching in Uganda

Home » Activities & Experiences » Activities in Uganda » Birdwatching in Uganda

Where Every Feather Tells a Story

Birdwatching in Uganda comprises a long list of potential sightings to date, over 1,070 recorded species, including close to half of all Africa’s bird species. From the lush tropical forests to the papyrus swamps and open savannahs, the country’s wide range of habitats makes it an ideal destination for bird lovers of all abilities. Whether you are spotting rare Albertine Rift endemics or gazing at the colourful birds from your backyard, a birding safari in Uganda will ensure that you have some of the most impressive wildlife encounters.

More information about Birdwatcing in Uganda.

Discover Rare and Endemic Bird Species only in Uganda

Uganda is the number one birding spot - home to more than 1,080 species, many of which are rare and endemic and can’t be found anywhere else. The nation’s sole true endemics, Fox’s Weaver, are common in eastern swamps, while the Albertine Rift forest endemics also include the Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Batis, and Dusky Crimsonwing. Montane environments in Bwindi and Mgahinga can be rich sites for jewels like the Red-faced Woodland Warbler and Stripe-breasted Tit, while the swamps host the elusive Shoebill Stork. Such rare sightings, coupled with Uganda’s diverse habitats, which range from high-altitude forests to fertile marshes, make it a must-visit destination for birders seeking exceptional experiences.

Where to Experience Birdwatching in Uganda

Uganda’s diversity makes it one of the best bird-watching destinations in Africa, and it is also a top country for bird enthusiasts, with different locations featuring various bird species in varying numbers. Here are a few of the best spots:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site having species of birds plus a large numbers of trees. It is most notable for Albertine Rift endemics, such as the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Handsome Francolin.

Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s biggest park brimming with 450+ bird species. The Nile Delta is one of the best places for a mysterious Shoebill Stork, as it is for Goliath Herons, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills and Red-throated Bee-eaters.

Queen Elizabeth National Park –reputed to be the home of over 600 recorded species, this park is a diverse one with a variety of Habitats. Interesting species you may spot include the African Fish Eagle, Pink-backed Pelican, African Skimmer, and Martial Eagle, especially on the Kazinga Channel.

Mabamba Bay Wetland – A Ramsar site and one of the best places anywhere to see shoebill in their papyrus swamp habitat. Canoe trips here can also yield sightings of species such as the Papyrus Gonolek and Blue-breasted Bee-eater.

Kibale Forest National Park – Primate Central, but also some great birding. Over 370 species of birds, some of which are forest-dependent, are residents; key species include the Green-breasted Pitta, Great Blue Turaco, and Black Bee-eater.

What to Expect During Birdwatching in Uganda

A normal bird-watching day in Uganda starts at dawn, when the forest and savannah are at their loudest and most active. At dawn, it is the time of the day to observe feeding and display in rare and common species. Guided by seasoned birding professionals, you’ll tiptoe through dense forest, wetland and wide-open plain, relying heavily on binoculars and field guides to identify species, study their habits and smile at all the onesie-wearing kooks who have tagged along.

Then up in the swampy north east at places like Mabamba Swamp or alongside the Kazinga Channel you go out for short boat trips there and can see Shoebill Stork, African Jacana and African Fish Eagle. These are very special moments, the silence in the water and the bird so close. In the forested parks such as Bwindi or Kibale, guided nature walks provide you the chance to listen for telling calls and to spot canopy dwellers by peering into the underbrush.

The specifics vary depending upon where you are, but a day birding can consist of a mix of game drives, canoe or mokoro trips or light walks, with plenty of time to take photos and make notes. It's a sedate walk, one that will provide birdwatchers with time to look, learn and fully appreciate what they are seeing. Whether you are a ‘newbie’ or a seasoned birder in Africa going after rare endemics, birding in Uganda offers the right blend of adventure, discovery and enjoying nature.

Best Time for Birdwatching in Uganda

Bird watching in Uganda is sweet all year long, but in the rainy season, it is hard. However, the season change after each quarter of the year will spice up any birding safari in Uganda and beyond. Best season: High season is December through February and June through August, when it’s generally dry and the trails are more passable. (And with sunny, clear skies in store all season long, no one will have an excuse for not seeing and photographing as many birds as they possibly can.)

From November to April, Uganda also hosts a plethora of migrants from Europe and North Africa. For the bird-watcher, these are something of a bonus on top of the scheduled sightings, and potentially offer a marathon of locals and long haulers in a short time span. Waterfowl are of special interest at the moment as migrants mix with our residents.

For birdwatchers, the breeding season, which usually takes place from May to June, is also an excellent time to visit. It’s this time of year when many species are displaying beautiful, colorful plumage, mating behavior, and nesting activity, offering exceptionally intimate opportunities to observe nature in progress. Whether you're a hardcore tick list enthusiast, an endemics chaser, or just a birder who wants to see those spectacleds, the birding here is incredibly good all year round.

Booking Your Ugandan Birdwatching Experience

Whether you’re looking for a specialist birding safari or wish to include birdwatching as part of a much more general wildlife holiday we can create an itinerary that suits you! Our expert guides know the best sites, times, and secret places to achieve the most from your sightings of Uganda’s most iconic and sought after birds.

From the waterways of Mabamba Swamp to the misty paths of Bwindi Forest, each itinerary is designed with both practiced birdwatchers and beginners in mind. Get in touch with us today, to begin arranging your birdwatching in Uganda trip and we’ll make it a journey where every feather is a tale yet to be told.

Top Birding Destinations in Uganda

Uganda is blessed with diverse habitats, making it one of the best birding countries in Africa. Some of the top destinations include:

Mabamba Swamp

Famous for the Shoebill Stork, this wetland near Entebbe is a must-visit for birders. Canoe rides take you deep into papyrus channels for close sightings of this rare species.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Known for gorilla trekking, Bwindi is also a haven for Albertine Rift endemics like the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Over 350 species thrive here.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

With more than 600 recorded bird species, this park offers incredible variety, from savanna dwellers to waterbirds along the Kazinga Channel.

Kibale Forest National Park

Aside from chimpanzees, Kibale is home to the elusive Green-breasted Pitta and other forest specialists.

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s largest park combines dramatic scenery with birding highlights such as the Shoebill, Goliath Heron, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.

Lake Mburo National Park

A compact park that’s ideal for spotting acacia-associated birds like the Red-faced Barbet and African Finfoot.

Top Birds To Watch on a Birding Safari in Uganda

Uganda’s combination of forests, wetlands, and savannas is home to some of the most sought-after bird species in Africa. Here are a few of the highlights that birdwatchers watch for:

Shoebill Stork: The main attraction for most people, this prehistoric bird is most often seen in Mabamba Swamp and Murchison Falls National Park.
Grey Crowned Crane: Uganda’s national bird and symbol of elegance with its crest of golden feathers. It can be found in wetlands and grasslands throughout the country.
Great-blue-turaco: A large, colorful bird with blue and yellow feathers; this bird is frequently spotted in forests, including Kibale and Bwindi.
African Green Broadbill: Rare Albertine Rift-endemic, so it is largely confined to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is a much-loved addition to every birder’s list.
Green-breasted Pitta: Renowned as one of Africa’s hardest forest birds to see, it breeds in Kibale Forest, and birders who have patience are generally rewarded.
African Finfoot: A shy water bird, often sighted in Lake Mburo National Park along quiet stretches of river.
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill: This bulky ground bird is found in savannas such as Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley.
Papyrus Gonolek: Superb species restricted to papyrus swamps with excellent chances in wetlands.
Sunbirds: This kaleidoscope of nectar-feeding birds is abundant in Uganda, with more than 30 species, making a splash of color on the Uganda birding safari checklist.