Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda: Explore the avian diversity in the Pearl of Africa

Uganda, also known as ‘‘the Pearl of Africa’’ is a paradise for bird lovers, boasting an impressive array of avian species, some of which cannot be seen anywhere else. Uganda is home to about 1090 registered bird species making it a superb destination for bird-watching safaris in Africa. The bird population in Uganda makes up 10% of the world’s total bird species population making it one of the best Birding Safari destinations in Africa. Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda are rewarding easy spotting of many birds by covering just a small area, in a short period of time. There are about 24 Albertine rift endemic bird species in Uganda, with the rest found in DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. The conducive climate all year round, abundant water sources, and diverse vegetation cover have played a significant role in attracting many bird species to Uganda, making it a great destination for African Birding safaris. While on these Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda, you’ll witness both the resident and migratory bird species making the pearl of Africa a must-visit destination for bird-watching safaris.

Uganda receives different migratory bird species from all over the world throughout the year thus great numbers in several birding destinations in the country. Our well customized Birding adventure in Uganda will take you to various National Parks, forested areas, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, papyrus swamps, Savannahs, agricultural lands, woodlands, rocky ridges, and Afro-pine moorland to look for different bird species. These adventures can be done on Boat safaris, particularly near the banks of several water bodies, and on nature-guided walks in the forest and wetland. You can also explore Uganda’s avian diversity on safari drives in the vast wilderness.

Species to expect on a Bird Watching safari in Uganda – Commonly spotted Bird species in Uganda

Some of the commonly spotted on birding safaris in Uganda include; Thick-knees Shoebill, Rails, gallinules, and coots, Finfoots, Cranes, Egyptian plover, Stilts and avocets, Oystercatchers, Plovers and lapwings, Painted-snipes, Jacanas, Sandpipers and allies, Buttonquails, Ostriches, Ducks, geese, and waterfowl, Guineafowl, New World quail, Pheasants, grouse, and allies, Flamingos, Grebes, Pigeons and doves, Sandgrouse, Bustards, Turacos, Cuckoos, Nightjars and allies, Swifts, Pratincoles and coursers, Gulls, terns, and skimmers, Shearwaters and petrels, Storks, Woodhoopoes and scimitarbills, Ground-hornbills, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Rollers, African barbets, Honeyguides, Woodpeckers, Falcons and caracaras, Old World parrots, African and New World parrots, African and green broadbills. Among others.

Albertine Endemic Species in Uganda – Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda

Uganda is home to 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species, that are found in the montane forests of the southwestern region, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and Echuya Forest Reserve. The Albertine Endemic bird species are unique to the Albertine Rift, a biodiversity hotspot that spans across Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Albertine Rift Endemic Bird Species Found in Uganda

Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis)

Rwenzori Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruwenzorii)

Dwarf Honeyguide (Indicator pumilio)

Rwenzori Turaco (Gallirex johnstoni)

African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri)

Archer’s Robin-Chat (Cossypha archeri)

Red-throated Alethe (Chamaetylas poliophrys)

Kivu Ground Thrush (Geokichla tanganjicae)

Rwenzori Hill Babbler (Sylvia atriceps)

Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata)

Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri)

Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus)

Chaplin’s Flycatcher (Fraseria lendu)

Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata)

Collared Apalis (Oreolais ruwenzorii)

Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus laetus)

Stripe-breasted Tit (Melaniparus fasciiventer)

Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)

Shelley’s Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza shelleyi)

Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni)

Purple-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia purpureiventris)

Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius)

Stuhlmann’s Starling (Poeoptera stuhlmanni)

Dusky Twinspot (Euschistospiza cinereovinacea)

Best Bird watching destinations in Uganda: Where to go for Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Although popular for its endangered population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a bird watching paradise. For travelers who are interested in witnessing the Albertine endemic species, Bwindi is one of the best birding sites to visit in Uganda. There are over 350 bird species registered within the park boundaries, making it a true birdwatching haven. One thing that makes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a unique birding destination is its thick impenetrable jungles that can only be explored on foot. These impenetrable jungles of Bwindi offer refuge to different bird species mostly forest species.

Some of the notable species that you can encounter during your bird watching safari in Bwindi include; the African Green Broadbill, the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and the Blue-headed Coucal among others. On Uganda Bird Watching Safaris, visit the Impenetrable jungles of Bwindi and have a chance to witness beyond birdlife.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, a popular destination for wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda. Despite being popular for its incredible wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to about 600 different bird species that can be spotted across various habitats within the park. This National Park encompasses savannas, wetlands, and forests – all that offer refuge to the wide range of birdlife. This National Park is a true birdwatching Paradise in Uganda and one of the must-visit locations on a Uganda Birding safari. On your safari tour here, you’ll encounter various species including the famous African Fish Eagles, the uncommon Papyrus Gonolek, and the striking Flamingo in the park’s wetlands.

Mabamba Wetland

The Mamba Wetland is nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, a popular birding spot, famous for its elusive Shoebill stork. Mabamba Wetlands is home to about 259 bird species that you can explore during your Uganda birding safari tour. On your Uganda birding safari, the Mabamba Wetland is one of the nearest birding locations from the country’s capital and Entebbe International Airport. The Shoebill Stork is a rare and prehistoric bird, one of the most sought after by many travelers while visiting Uganda.

Among the birdlife, you’ll encounter on your Birding adventure are waterfowl, Kingfishers, and the elusive Papyrus Gonolek among others. Birding in Mabamba Wetland is done on a boat, you’ll sail through the papyrus-lined channels of Mabamba witnessing various birdlife. Most Uganda safari packages include a visit to this iconic birding destination.

Kibale National Park

Popular for its incredible population of primates especially the chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is also a top birding site in Uganda. This National Park is located in the western part of Uganda, encompassing a vast forest cover. Although popular for its chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda, this National Park is a great birding destination, boasting an impressive population of birds with over 375 species registered in the park. Among the popular bird species that you’ll encounter are the rare Great Blue Turaco, the Red-chested Cuckoo, and the African Broadbill among others.

Semuliki National Park

The unique Semuliki National Park is located in the western part of Uganda, a renowned adventure destination in Uganda. This National Park is located within the Albertine Rift Valley, an area that is known for its endemic species. The diverse array of birdlife in the Semuliki National Park inhabits its vast savannas and forests. During your Uganda Birding safaris, you’ll encounter various species including the Congo Serpent Eagle, the Black-casqued Hornbill, and the yellow-throated Nicator among others.