Uganda is an iconic birding tour destination. It boasts over 1,000 bird species evenly distributed in the diverse ecosystems. These include endemics that do not occur in any other birding tour destinations. A Uganda birding tour promises an encounter with such rare birds and several other most sought-after species.
There are several Uganda birding tour destinations one can explore on a Uganda safari. Our highlights and recommendations include the following;
Mabamba Wetland
The Mabamba wetland tops the list of exclusive Uganda birding tour destinations. It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the World’s second-largest freshwater body. Mabamba wetlands are home to over 200 birds. They are most famous for the pre-historic shoebill stork, an elusive bird that lives in swampy areas.
Mabamba’s dense papyrus and calm waters provide the perfect haven for the shoebill and other birds. Birding journeys here are done on motorized canoes navigating through the waterways on an epic adventure.
A Uganda birding tour to Mabamba offers chances to see the Grey Crowned Cranes, Kingfishers, Herons, and several other water birds.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an ancient tropical rainforest located in SouthWestern Uganda. It lies along the Albertine Rift Valley and is home to Great Apes namely mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The forested park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
Bwindi is a birders paradise making it a top Uganda birding tour destination. The forested park is a hotspot for forest birds and Albertine Rift Valley endemics. It has well-developed birding trails leading to the heart of the forest.
A Uganda safari to Bwindi allows you to explore primates, birds, and other wildlife species in the vast ecosystem.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is secluded on the Rift Valley floor in the Bundibugyo District in Western Uganda. The park has a lowland forest extension of the Congo Basin and offers unique Uganda birding tour experiences.
Uganda safari adventures to Semuliki offer opportunities to explore wildlife species restricted to the Central African ecosystem. The park’s exclusive location makes it perfect to birding getaways and other Uganda tour experiences.
The white-crested hornbill, red-billed dwarf hornbill, spot-breasted ibis, and long-tailed hawk are notable birds you can spot on a Semuliki birding tour.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 500 bird species. The park has diverse ecosystems from open savannas, rivers, lakes, swamps, and forested areas. All these offer unique birding opportunities making the park an outstanding Uganda birding tour destination.
The Kazinga channel which connects Lake George and Lake Edward is a prime birding location. It has the highest hippo concentration and is also a perfect spot to see crocodiles, elephants and several bird species.
On a Uganda Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park you will enjoy guided birding tours maximizing your chances of bird viewing.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is another outstanding Uganda birding tour destination. The park stretches from Mid to north western Uganda and is home to Four Big Five Mammals. Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the Nile River on its journey up north.
The parks savanna ecosystem, River, forests and swamps are home to several wildlife species including birds. A Uganda tour to Murchison Features a boat cruise along the Nile River to the Bottom of the Murchison Falls or Nile Delta. This offers a chance to see several birds like the Goliath Heron, King Fishers, Herons, and the Shoebill Stork.
Birding in the savannas is done on game drives and guided nature walks. The Abysnian ground hornbill and black-headed lapwing are notable birds you can spot there. Our 4-day Murchison Falls Tour features birding along the Nile and the open savanna ecosystems.
Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest is a renowned habitat for chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. It is located in Western Uganda and among the prominent Uganda tour destinations.
The forested park is home to over 350 bird species. These live in the forested ecosystem and the wetlands within the parks proximity. Kibale Forest is explored on foot making it an ideal adventure and discovery journeys destination.
A Uganda safari to Kibale promises a combination of primates and birding tour experiences making it the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is another important Uganda birding tour destination. It lies along the western Uganda tourism circuit that offers birding, primates, and epic savanna wildlife experiences.
Lake Mburo is home to over 300 bird species and offers unique open savanna and wetland birding adventures. The African Finfoot, saddle billed stork, and papyrus gonolek are notable birds you can see on a Uganda birding tour to the park.
Lake Mburo offers the best guided nature walks, horse riding and cycling adventures. These allow for close encounters with the birds and other wildlife species in the park. Our 10-day Uganda safari and 7-day Uganda Rwanda safari feature this and other unique safari tours.
We recommend proper planning and visiting during the right season for a successful Uganda birding tour. Having binoculars is of an added advantange for better viewing. Book your guided Uganda safaris with us for expert knowledge.