Bird Watching in Uganda : Uganda is renowned for a number of exciting wildlife activities including gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, game viewing and an inevitable experience of bird watching which can be done in multiple areas across the country. It is arguably the best bird watching safari destination on the African continent due to the variety of habitats most of which are easy to reach at any time of the year. Most times, birding requires long hours and some bit of hiking in particular areas like Bwindi, Rwenzori and Mgahinga national parks. However, to reach any of these parks with good energy reserved for the activity, rent a car with a driver and enjoy a relaxed transfer from Kampala. A well raised 4X4 vehicle could be a better option to allow you spot countless birds along the way.

Among the attractions that continue to prove that Uganda is the Pearl of Africa is the overwhelming avian diversity of over 1,000 species. One of the major reasons for the huge number of bird species in Uganda is the diversity of habitats; greenly savannahs, lowland and montane rainforests, large and small wetlands, Afro-alpine zones on mountains and semi-arid desert plains.

Uganda’s diverse bird species make up 10% of the world’s bird species with only one endemic to the country, the Fox’s weaver. Considering the East African region, there are about 150 endemic species of birds. They include 5 out of the 20 bush family species, 7 out of the 20 hornbill species, 13 bird species out of the thrush family, 5 out of 14 honey guides, 11 warblers, 8 finches, 8weavers, 8 sun birds, 10 fly catchers, 4 pigeons, 4 tinker birds, 3 sparrow hawks, 3 nightjars, 3 kingfisher and 3 cuckoos. For this reason, Uganda is a preferred birding destination for many birding enthusiasts.

A lot of Uganda’s birds were protected due to the cultural norms that have been preserved up to date such as totems for clans whereby people belonging to a specific clan must not kill, touch and eat the birds. Some birds are believed to communicate different kinds of messages.

Of the endemic species of birds in Uganda, there are many from Congolese forests and West Africa yet you may not travel to these regions because Uganda’s tourism sector is more developed and offers an opportunity to mix many adventurous activities like primate trekking, white water rafting, mountain climbing and wildlife viewing among others.

Bird watching in Uganda takes place in protected areas and in private areas and can be done on independent basis though guided birding tours are more interesting. With a bird checklist of 612 species, Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest number of bird species in Uganda and East Africa. There are however many other rich bird watching sites including Kibale, Bwindi Impenetrable, Murchison and Semuliki national parks, Budongo Forest and Bigodi swamp adjacent to Kibale forest. From Kampala, you can hire a car and access the nearest popular bird watching destinations like the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Mabira forest and Mabamba swamp famously known for the elusive shoebill stork. Other sites in Uganda that offer wonderful birding experiences are Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori mountains national park, Mgahinga national park, Kalinzu forest and Echuya forest.

A visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe is one way to learn about what the wild has to offer regarding avian life.

The most preferred and sought after bird species in Uganda are; the Purcell’s illadopsis, Nahans francolin, Karamoja Apalis,  Shoe bill stork, Black bee eater, Brown chested pullover, Red fronted anti pecker,   Rwenzori Turaco and the Green-breasted pitta among others.

Other bird species expected on bird watching tours in Uganda are Harmmerkop, Flamingos, African Fish Eagle, Grey crowned crane, Ostrich, Marabou stork, Goliath heron, Flamingos, African darter, Saddle billed stork, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Helmeted guinea fowl, African skimmer, African grey parrot, Eastern grey plantain-eater, Papyrus gonolek, African Finfoot,  Black and white casqued hornbill, Jackson’s francolin, African emerald cuckoo, Great blue turaco, Goliath heron, Pelicans, Africa Jacana, Ross’s turacco, Common Bulbul, Red-headed Bluebill and many more.

Mumwe African Skimmer safaris offers the best birding safaris with extremely knowledgeable birders. Whether you choose an excursion or days’ birding safari, there is an assurance of a great experience in any of the mentioned famous bird watching destinations. 

Best time for bird watching in Uganda

Uganda offers extraordinary bird watching experiences throughout the year. However, more birds are spotted during the wet season from March to May and August to November when birthing is at its peak due to availability of food. More bird species are spotted in the wet season when migratory birds have arrived.

Things to carry for birding in Uganda

• Binoculars
• Faint colored clothes
• Light clothes
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Camera
• Birding book
• Strong closed shoes

If you are looking forward to discovering the numerous bird species in Uganda, watching tour in Uganda, Book for your birding safari with us and have the best of the tour. Book for your safari by sending an email via info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.