Uganda is a birders’ paradise and a dream destination for bird enthusiasts. The country has over 1,000 bird species, including several endemic species. With such diversity, Uganda birding journeys offer one of the best avian experiences in Africa.
Uganda offers unique birding opportunities in its diverse ecosystems. From the open savannas of Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Park to the lush forests of Bwindi, every Uganda safari destination has something for birders.
Whether you are a seasoned or avid birder, Uganda birding tours are customized to immerse you in a birding safari unlike any other. Below are the top destinations and highlights of Uganda birding journeys.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda. It is home to the largest remaining mountain gorilla population and is equally an incredible birding tour destination.
It is home to more than 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine endemics. The African Green Broadbill, black-billed turaco, black bee-eater, and Grauer’s Rush Warbler are notable birds to see on a birding safari in Bwindi.
Uganda birding journeys to Bwindi can be customized to include mountain gorilla trekking and guided forest walks. This combination of primate trekking and birding safari adventures makes Bwindi a bucket-list Uganda tour destination.
Mabamba Birding Journeys
Mabamba is a large wetland along Lake Victoria in Entebbe. Its marshy vegetation is home to several birds, including the prehistoric shoebill stork. Mabamba is home to over 200 bird species, with about 79 native and naturalized species.
Birding tours to the wetlands are done on motorized canoes following narrow waterways. This offers an exclusive adventure and great opportunities to observe the shoebill and other birds up close.
Other notable birds to see on a Mabamba birding journey include the Grey-crowned crane, Malachite Kingfishers, and African Jacanas. Uganda birding tour adventures start at Mabamba. A birding safari excursion to the wetland is highly recommended.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is among the most popular Uganda safari destinations. It is home to four of the big five mammals and a rich bird diversity. The park boasts over 600 bird species, the highest bird diversity record of any national park in East Africa.
On your Uganda birding safari in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, you explore the open savannas and Kazinga Channel. You are likely to spot the African skimmer, Martial Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, and Papyrus Gonolek.
Pairing birding tours with boat cruises and game drives offers an all-inclusive experience and the ultimate Uganda birding tours.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is secluded on the Rift Valley floor near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. The park has an eastern extension of the Central African forest with bird species that do not occur in East Africa.
It is home to over 400 bird species with several Albertine Rift Valley endemics. On bespoke Uganda birding journeys, you get to tick rare bird species like the Black-wattled Hornbill and the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide off your checklist.
Semuliki has a diverse ecosystem of open savannas, forests, and riverine vegetation. Exploring these ecosystems makes birding safari tours in the park more remarkable.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park has a rich birdlife of over 450 bird species. These live in several habitats in the park. Birding tours in Murchison offer a blend of forests, open savannas, and riverine ecosystems.
Notable savanna bird sightings include the Abysinian Ground Hornbill, Hadada Ibis, and the Goliath Heron. While on a boat cruise to the Nile Delta, you get to the shoebill stork, saddle-billed stork, Fish eagles, and the pied kingfisher.
Uganda birding tours to Murchison are paired with game drives and boat cruises, combining classic Uganda safari experiences with extraordinary birding.
Why Choose Uganda Birding Journeys?
You are assured of exploring diverse habitats while on Uganda birding tours. The country’s high bird diversity offers great opportunities for ticking the most sought-after birds off your bucket list and for new species discovery.
Expert guides lead our Uganda birding safaris. They can identify birds from calls and know the best locations to spot the species.
Birding in Uganda is doable all year round, with the added advantage of a migratory season between November and April.
Uganda birding tours are an add-on to other journeys of discovery, including gorilla trekking, cultural tours, and the classic Uganda safari game viewing.
Planning Your Uganda Birding Tour
Planning your Uganda birding safari involves choosing your preferred destinations, tour duration, and when to visit. A 7-day Uganda birding journey is short but extensive to feature the top birding destinations.
Our 13-day Uganda birding safari is more rewarding and customized for epic birding experiences. These and many more are customized for FITs and small groups, promising more personal and exclusive experiences.
Uganda birding journeys are unforgettable encounters with the World’s finest bird species. From meeting the prehistoric shoebill stork at Mabamba to the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, every birding journey unveils something new.
With proper planning, your Uganda birding safari will become your best African Adventure. Join our expert-led Uganda birding tours today and walk the paths of the rare and exclusive birds and other safari specials for the best of your Uganda safari. Tanzania and other East African destinations also offer incredible birding opportunities.
