Uganda Birding Destinations – A Paradise for Bird Lovers.
Although Uganda is well-known for its mountain gorillas, birdwatchers find heaven there as well. Uganda is a favorite travel destination for birders all over as it offers one of the largest concentrations of over 1,070 bird species in Africa.
From the uncommon shoebill stork to vivid woodland residents and migratory species, Uganda has a varied variety of environments including marshes, savannahs, forests, and mountain ranges. Each of the top birding sites in Uganda provides distinctive experiences for those who like birds and want to discover the great avian variety of the Pearl of Africa. This blog article looks at some of them.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Especially renowned for its mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a great place for birdwatching. Comprising more than 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics not found elsewhere, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A rare bird that attracts birders to Bwindi, the African green broadbill is beautiful and secretive with its brilliant green plumage.
Often found at higher elevations in Bwindi, Rwenzori Turaco is a bird distinguished by its vivid blue, green, and red hues.
One of the rarest birds in Africa, Shelley’s Crimsonwing is a top focus for enthusiastic birders visiting Bwindi. Red and green.
Expert guides can help you find rare forest species on many birding paths Bwindi provides, including the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, Mubwindi Swamp Trail, and Bamboo Trail.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Renowned for its abundant birdlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in western Uganda and has the largest number of any park in East Africa—more than 600 species have been identified. The many ecosystems in the park—savannah, marshes, lakes, forests—create perfect homes for many different kinds of birds.
For any birding enthusiast, the shoebill stork—often sighted in the Kasenyi Plains and Kazinga Channel—is absolutely must-seen.
Particularly fascinating in papyrus swamps is the beautiful red-and- black bird known as Papyrus Gonolek.
Frequent sight in the Kazinga Channel, African Fish Eagle is regularly seen swooping down to capture fish.
Best birding in Queen Elizabeth is in the Maramagambo Forest, the Mweya Peninsula, and along the Kazinga Channel. It is a special birding experience as the picturesque boat trips along the Kazinga Channel are perfect for observing water birds and other species.
Mabamba Swamp
One of Uganda’s most well-known birding sites, Mabamba Swamp is just west of Kampala along Lake Victoria. Shoebill storks abound in this large swamp, which draws birders seeking a close-up glimpse of this prehistoric-looking species. Also a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance, Mabamba offers vital habitat for many different bird species.
Often observed standing motionless in the shallow waters of the marsh, this large, gray bird with a unique beak is known as the Shoebill Stork.
A rare visitor to Uganda’s papyrus marshes, the canary is much sought-after by birders.
blue-breasted Often spotted soaring about the marsh, bee-eaters are little, colorful birds that provide a burst of brilliance.
Mabamba guided canoe tours provide a close-up birding experience. Since the shoebills are most active in early morning, visits are best at these times.
Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s biggest national park, has a remarkable birdwatching opportunity. This park has over 450 bird species from its marshes, woods, and savannah along the Nile. This park is a beautiful and effective birding site because of the stunning falls and varied habitats all around the Nile.
Famous Birds in Murchison Falls National Park
The biggest heron in the world, goliath heron may be found by Nile banks.
Bee-eater Redthroated: Common close to the river, these vibrant and energetic bee-eaters are brilliantly coloured.
Found in the Nile’s delta, shoebill sightings are highly searched for in Murchison.
While ground-dwelling species like the Abyssinian ground hornbill may be seen in the savannah grasslands, birding is best done along the Nile where boat safaris provide intimate views of water birds.
Semuliki National Park
Unique for its lowland tropical forest habitat resembling the Congo Basin, Semuliki National Park is found in western Uganda, close to the border with Congo. Key for birders seeking unusual and more often encountered species, the park’s rich woodland hosts over 400 bird species, including several from West Africa.
Important Birds, Congo Rarely seen, serpent eagle may be observed swooping over the woodland canopy. Prized sight for passionate birdwatchers, lyre-tailed honeyguide is distinguished by its exquisite long tail and honey guide sound.
Often heard before it can be seen in the deep forest, Nkulengu Rail is renowned for its unique cries.
Particularly fulfilling birding in Semuliki is along the Kirumia Trail, where knowledgeable guides may assist you to find uncommon species buried in the forest.
Kibale National Park
With around 375 documented bird species, Kibale National Park—known for its chimpanzees—is also a top birding spot in Uganda. The diversified woodland ecosystem of the park offers great homes for many kinds of species, including some of Uganda’s most unusual and vibrant birds.
One of the toughest birds to find, the green-breasted pitta is much sought after by birders visiting Kibale.
Commonly found in Kibale, African grey parrots are renowned for their intelligence and unique sounds.
Rarely seen, African Pitta is very vibrant and a delight for birdwatchers.
Along the woodland paths—including the Bigodi marsh Sanctuary—where guests may see a range of marsh and forest birds—Kibale’s birding is best done.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Unique bird species found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is close to the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, flourish in its montane and bamboo forests. Though it’s Uganda’s smallest national park, it is especially rich in Albertine Rift endemics and has over 180 bird species.
With its vivid plumage, the Rwenzori turaco is a sought-after sight for Mgahinga tourists.
Rare and secretive, kivu ground thrush is often seen on woodland paths.
Another Albertine Rift endemic, the vividly coloured Dusky Crimsonwing may be spotted skipping around the bamboo woodlands.
Along the Mount Gahinga Trail and other woodland routes, birding in Mgahinga may be done under the direction of guides to help find these high-altitude experts.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park provides an exciting experience for birders that like a combination of trekking and viewing. Often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an exciting location for bird enthusiasts because of its unusual Afro-montane species and high altitude birds.
Notable Birds of Rwenzori Mountains
Commonly seen in the lower wooded sections is the little black-and- white bird known as Rwenzori Batis.
High-altitude dweller of the Rwenzoris, the double-collared sunbird has iridescent green and red plumage.
Found at great heights, handsome francolin is a goal species for birders exploring the Rwenzori range.
The height of the Rwenzori Mountains makes birding difficult; yet, the paths provide chances to view high-elevation species that are unusual elsewhere.
Uganda’s birding sites provide unmatched chances for all kinds of birdwatchers, just as their landscapes reflect. Uganda is really a bird lover’s heaven from the famous shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp to the rare Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Whether your preferred level of activity is casual or experienced birking, Uganda’s birding sites provide a view into some of the most unusual and energetic environments in Africa.
