Uganda Birding Tours – Best Bird-Watching Trips & Holidays

Uganda Birding Tours are a must-include in your bucket list when planning your Uganda safari tour/Uganda Holiday. The Pearl of Africa is a top bird-watching destination in Africa with a great bird list to tick off. The country hosts about 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s total bird species population.

There are over 1,070 different bird species confirmed to be in the boundaries of Uganda with lots of endemic species that are found only in Uganda. While on Uganda Birding Tours expect to spot some of the endemics and rare birds like the Fox’s Weaver which is endemic to the Eastern region of the country specifically in the districts of Kumi and Soroti within wetland marshes. Uganda Birding safaris/Uganda Birdwatching tours are rewarding and can be done all year round.

Uganda Birding Tours will allow you to spot several bird species including forest, woodland, water, and savannah bird species. Acacia Safaris has well-customized safari itineraries that will allow you to explore Uganda’s top birding sites, with opportunities to spot more than just birdlife. Here is all you need to know about Uganda Birding Tours.

Bird Checklist for Uganda – Uganda Birding Tours

Some of the bird species in Uganda include 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, Stuhlmann’s Sunbird.

Other birds that were seen on Uganda birding safaris 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.

The Albertine Endemic species

The Albertine Rift region is known for its remarkable diversity of bird species, particularly the Albertine Rift endemics. These are a unique group of bird species that are found exclusively within this specific area of the Albertine Rift Valley. This region encompasses several national parks and protected areas, including Murchison Falls National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park, is home to several Albertine Rift endemics, making it a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Some of the notable Albertine Rift endemics that can be spotted in this park include the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and African Dusky Flycatcher, among others. These species have adapted to the specific habitat and ecological conditions found within the Albertine Rift, which makes them unique to this area.

Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park is a memorable experience due to the park’s diverse ecosystems that offer a variety of habitats for birds. This includes open savannah, riverine forests, wetlands, and the iconic Murchison Falls itself. The availability of such diverse habitats attracts a wide range of bird species, providing ample opportunities for birdwatchers to spot both endemic and migratory birds.

To maximize your birdwatching experience in Murchison Falls National Park, choose the best time to visit. The dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September, is generally considered the optimal period for birdwatching. During this time, the vegetation is less dense, making bird spotting easier. Moreover, many migratory bird species visit the park during the dry season, increasing the overall bird diversity.

Top Uganda birding tour destinations – Where to go for birding in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park provides a fantastic opportunity to observe a diverse range of bird species in various habitats. Although this safari park is famous for its large wildlife population, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to over 600 bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in Uganda. A safari here is rewarding, the park features are a unique blend of ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakeshores, which support a wide array of avian species.

The park boasts numerous sought-after bird species, including 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. The diversity of habitats within the park allows for sightings of both forest-dwelling and open-savannah species.

The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, is a prime birding location within the park. It hosts a significant population of water birds, including numerous waterfowl, waders, and African skimmers. Birdwatchers can take a boat cruise along the channel to get up-close views of these species.

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

Best Time for Birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The dry seasons of December to February and June to July are generally considered the best times for birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park. During these months, bird activity is high as the trees are in fruit, making it easier to spot and observe the different species. However, birding can still be rewarding throughout the year.

If you are planning to visit Uganda for Birding safaris, Queen Elizabeth National Park should surely be on your bucket list. The birding experience in Queen Elizabeth is rewarding, offering the chance to observe a wide range of bird species in stunning natural settings. The park’s diverse habitats, coupled with the experienced guidance of local birding guides, create the perfect environment for bird enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the rich avian diversity of Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a unique and highly rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts. Although Bwindi is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas, the Park boasts over 350 bird species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in Africa. While on a birding safari here, expect to have the opportunity to spot some of the 23 of Uganda’s 24 endemic bird species, including the handsome francolin, African green broadbill, short-tailed warbler, African wood owl, and many more. You will also encounter numerous Afrotropical Highland biome species.

The park’s impenetrable forest is a natural haven for birds, providing a complex and diverse habitat. The thick vegetation, towering trees, tangled vines, and moss-covered branches create an ideal environment for many bird species. The forest floor is home to various undergrowth dwellers, and birdwatchers can discover forest specialists in the canopy and sub-canopy levels.

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, so it’s worth exploring multiple trails to maximize sightings.

Bwindi is recognized for its rich selection of avifauna. Some of the key species that visitors can spot include; various colorful turacos, African emerald cuckoos, Ruwenzori batis, yellow-eyed black flycatchers, African broadbills, and a variety of sunbirds and barbets.

Mabamba Wetland – Uganda Birding Tours

Mabamba Wetland is a renowned birding in Uganda, specifically in the Mpigi District, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of the capital city, Kampala. It is one of the best places in the country to witness a wide variety of bird species, particularly the elusive shoebill stork. Mabamba wetland is home to over 300 bird species, making it a birding hotspot in Uganda. Besides the shoebill stork, visitors can observe other notable species such as the African jacana, blue-breasted bee-eater, Malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, African pygmy goose, and many more.

The wetland of Mabamba is characterized by marshes, swamps, open water, and papyrus beds. This diverse ecosystem supports a rich avian population, attracting both resident and migratory birds.

To explore the wetland, bird watchers take guided boat trips. These excursions allow visitors to navigate through the waterways, providing a closer and more intimate view of the avian inhabitants. The local guides are experienced and skilled at finding the shoebill stork and other bird species.

Shoebill Stork

Mabamba Wetland is famous for being one of the few places in Africa 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.

Best time for birding in Mabamba

Bird-watching in the Mabamba wetland can be done throughout the year, but certain seasons offer better chances to spot specific species. The dry season from December to February is ideal for migratory species, while the wet season from March to July is the best time to see the shoebill stork.

Getting to Mabamba

Mabamba wetland is relatively easily accessible from Kampala, making it a popular day trip option for birders. It takes approximately 1-2 hours to reach the wetland by road. If you are visiting Mabamba wetland, expect an exceptional birding experience, from encountering the magnificent shoebill stork to observing a wide array of other bird species within its beautiful wetland surroundings

Semulik National Park – Uganda Birding Tours

Birdwatching in Semulik National Park offers a unique opportunity to discover a stunning array of bird species in an enchanting natural setting. Semulik National Park is known for its diverse and abundant birdlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers worldwide.

The park is home to more than 400 bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Some of the notable bird species you can expect to find include the Long-tailed Hawk, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, African Gray Parrot, White-crested Hornbill, African Piculet, Great Blue Turaco, and many more. With such a rich variety of birds, Semulik National Park offers a rewarding experience for birdwatchers of all levels of expertise.

The best time for birding in Semulik

The best time for birdwatching in Semulik National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the weather is generally more favorable, and bird activity is high. Additionally, the lush vegetation during the wetter months can make it more challenging to spot birds.

5. Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda Birding Tours

Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park offers an exhilarating experience for bird enthusiasts. The park provides an excellent habitat for a wide variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Murchison Falls National Park boasts an impressive bird species list, with 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 there 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 typically runs from December to February and June to September. During these months, the park’s accessibility is at its best, and bird activity is high. 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.

What to pack for birding safaris in Uganda

Bird enthusiasts visiting Uganda should come prepared with binoculars, a field guidebook, comfortable walking shoes, and appropriate clothing to ensure an enjoyable and successful birdwatching experience.

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