Finding a profusion of bird species is about knowing where to go; because in the virgin wilderness of Uganda are birds of unique color, sound, history and body size. Ask us about that bird and we take you to any of these top 10 birding spots spread across the country; safe destinations adored and loved by birds;
Semuliki National Park.
This is a true birders’ paradise, situated in western Uganda, Bwamba County on the edge of Bundibugyo district. The park covers about 194 sq. km of lowland tropical rainforest, with about 40% of Avifauna in Uganda. About 400 bird species are recorded here, about 9 hornbill species, unique ground thrush, Sassi’s olive greenbul and the lyre-tailed honey guide among others. These can be spotted in its lush forest and swamp.
Mabamba wetland.
This is a birders’ haven; with over 260 unique bird species including the sought-after shoebill stock in Uganda. The wetland is located along shorelines of the large Lake Victoria – largest freshwater lake in the continent of Africa, at the northwestern Entebbe peninsula, central part of Uganda.
Also, there are some of the rarest birds in this haven, those not found elsewhere in the world, but in the swampy areas. Birds from Europe and other parts of the world migrate to find mates, a new territory, and friends in May, September and March.
Murchison Falls National Park.
The largest and oldest national park in Uganda, situated about 305 km from the heart of Kampala city – the oldest city In Uganda. Of over 450 birds species present in the park, you will find the shoebill stock, crested cranes, Guinea fowls, lovebirds, cranes, egrets, Turacos and Egyptian geese, etc. Birding takes place along the designated trails in the north and southern region.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
In Mubwindi swamp, bamboo zone, Ruhija or Buhoma waterfall trails, birds flourish, feed and find a permanent home. Bwindi has a profusion of birds and is a top birding site in the continent of Africa.
There are over 350 bird species recorded in this jungle, 14 of which are not recorded anywhere in the world and 23 species unique to the Albertine region, namely black bee-eater, blue-headed sunbird, black-faced Rufous warbler, Black-billed Turaco, Neumann’s warbler, handsome francolin and Grauer’s broadbill.
Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi swamp.
Home to over 375 bird species in its lowland rainforest; Kibale N/Park is located in the western part of Uganda and sprawls through 766 sq.km land. The diversity in this montane and lowland forest offers great asylum to several birds, like the African and Green-breasted pitta, grey parrot, western tinker bird, and olive long-tailed cuckoo.
Queen Elizabeth National Park “medley of wonders”.
This premier park in western part of Uganda, is a rewarding birding destination. Offering asylum to over 500unique bird species, the park is approximately 400km south-western part of Kampala city. Notable birds here include; the great flamingos, papyrus canary, martial eagle, African skimmer, black-rumped buttonquail and Chapin flycatcher, etc.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
This is the tiniest, yet most gifted birding destination in Uganda with about 115 bird species unique to the tropical rain forest. An expert birder helps in identifying the different species by name, color and sound.
These are not limited to; Olive woodpecker, Rwenzori Turaco, Ibis, whydah, white-necked raven, black-kite, speckled mouse bird, paradise flycatcher, double-collared sunbird, Blue-headed coucal, Kivu ground-thrush and olive woodpecker, etc.
Mount. Rwenzori.
This is Africa’s second-highest mountain range, towering with snow at the peak. Mountain Rwenzori is a host to over 220 bird species; 17 species are only found in the Rwenzori area. The species include among others; strange weaver, handsome francolin, golden-winged sunbird, barred long-tailed Cuckoo, sunbirds, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, crimson wings flycatchers, Rwenzori Turaco and the slender-billed starling.
Lake Mburo National Park.
A 3-4 hour drive from Kampala city gets you at Lake Mburo National Park; home to Impalas, elands and Zebras. This is by far the nearest park to the city Kampala, thus enabling bird lovers to encounter different avian species within the shortest time.
About 315 bird species have been identified here namely; papyrus yellow warbler, Tabora cisticola, acacia species, Caruthers cist cola, white-winged warbler, African fin foot and Africa fish eagle among others.
Budongo forest.
Located in Masindi district, along the northern boundary of Murchison Falls National Park. You will spot variety of birds at Budongo forest with one of the largest Mahogany trees in east Africa. Budongo is one of the greatest birding destinations where someone can do birding and return to Kampala city on the same day.
There best months for birding expedition is May to September and then January to March. In most national parks, foreigners pay about 30 USD for a birding walk as well as East African foreign residents. Ugandans and east African citizens pay about 10,000 UGX. Book for your birding safari trip today and encounter variety.
