Uganda is blessed with over 1000 bird species that can be spotted in different areas like forests, swamps, savannah grasslands, water bodies among others. These birds live in the wild and some in local communities and can be spotted all year round. Some migratory birds come from Europe, Asia and the rest of Africa.
Uganda is one of the best countries in Africa where bird-watching takes place and birders leave without complaints. Located in East Africa, it neighbors Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to the south, east, north, west and south-west respectively.
Due to her climate, Uganda has 10 best birding spots any birder can enjoy and these are; Kibale national park with over 370 bird species – ranked to be one of the best in Uganda. Birds here are commonly spotted in the thick forest but you can also add an extra activity of chimpanzee trekking because the park is known as host to 13 primates -chimps inclusive.
Birds that are spotted include the great blue turacos, green breasted pitta, little greenbul, red chested owlet, grey throated flycatcher and much more. Kibale national park neighbors Bigodi wetland sanctuary which boasts over 135 bird species including Papyrus gonolek, Collared Apalis, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Green-breasted Pitta, Abyssinian ground thrush, Black bee-eater and Brown-chested Alethe, among others.
Murchison falls national park boasts over 450 bird species and these are mainly spotted on a game drive, boat cruise on the Victoria Nile and Albert Nile or even nature walks that are guided by an armed park ranger. Birds to be spotted here are Abyssinian ground hornbill, red threatened bee-eater, giant fish eagle, swamp flycatcher, goliath Heron among others.
Mabamba wetland in Entebbe is located at the edge of Lake Victoria, only penetrated by a local boat or canoe with the main search of a rare shoebill stork. Other birds here are the Papyrus gonolek, black-headed Heron, pied kingfisher, black kite, African Marsh harrier, swamp flycatcher, malachite kingfisher, etc.
Queen Elizabeth National Park which is the most visited national park in Uganda prides being a host to over 600 bird species that can be spotted during a game drive, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, and on a guided birding experience in different sectors of the park. Birds like African skimmer, collared pratincole martial Eagle, grey capped Warbler, black-headed gonolek, among others.
Mgahinga national park is not only known for mountains gorillas and golden monkeys, but it also boasts over 180 bird species and among others include cinnamon bracken Warbler, white stared Robin, brown woodland Warbler, Rwenzori batis, greater double collared sunbird and brown woodland. These birds are commonly spotted on a guided nature walk around the forest.
Lake Mburo national park is home to more than 350 bird species but also provides shelter to other interesting wildlife, mainly zebras and impalas. The birds here are bee-eaters, Nubian Woodpecker, African fish eagle, hamerkop, crested Francolin, brown Parrot among others. Birds take place in the swamps, salt licks, lakes and more other areas.
Other birding spots in Uganda are Bwindi, Rwenzori, Semuliki national parks and Budongo forest. Uganda is filled with birds wherever you go and as soon as you land at the airport, birding will start until the day of departure.
Our professional team is ready to plan the best luxury birding safari which comes with high-end accommodation properties with luxurious rooms, comfortable 4X4 tourist vehicles with Wi-Fi on board, enough drinking mineral water, a freezer and comfortable seats.
We advise you to come with an East African birding book just for reference, a bird radio recorder for calling birds, a Cap to protect you from direct sunlight, a pair of binoculars to view distant birds, a camera with enough batteries to take memorable photos of birds flying, resting on tree branches or even feeding on fruits.
