Uganda birding safari getaways are some of the best Discovery Journeys. The country is renowned for primates, especially mountain gorillas and chimpanzees but also has a vibrant bird life. Mountain gorillas are endangered apes that live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Parks in Southwestern Uganda. These apes are unique because of their DNA similarity to humans.
Much as gorilla trekking safaris are exclusive and remarkable, Uganda Birding safari adventures are equally great. Birding is a niche of wildlife adventures that attract people interested in birds. Birding safari adventures work well in a destination with a diverse bird life like the way Uganda is.
The beauty of Uganda birding safari adventures is the exclusiveness of the whole experience. This enables one to closely study and connect with some of the most sought-after bird species. Uganda has several birding safari getaways but below are our top five recommendations.
Mabamba Birding Safari
The Mabamba wetlands are located along the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest Lake. The Lake is shared among Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania and is among the most significant water bodies in the Great Lakes region. Mabamba wetlands are home to over 300 bird species including the rare shoebill stork.
The Shoebill is a prehistoric predator bird that mainly feeds on fish and other aquatic wildlife including snakes. They are outstanding because of the size and beak. Shoebills are capable of staying motionless for hours to easily ambush their prey.
They are solitary and only pair during the mating period with each most likely feeding on the opposite side. They build their nests along the floating swamp vegetation that they easily access. Shoebills share responsibility during the incubation period and when the eggs hatch. The young ones reach maturity at three to four years when they start to fend for themselves. On Uganda birding safari getaways to Mabamba, you get to learn more about the rare bird. The wetlands are home to other notable birds including the Grey Crowned cranes and fish eagles.
Semuliki Safari Getaways
Semuliki Valley National Park is among the most exclusive Uganda safari destinations. It is located in western Uganda in Bundibugyo District stretching to the Uganda and DRC border.
The reserve has one of the highest bird diversity and densities making it an incredible Uganda birding safari getaway. Semulikis’ ecosystem is connected to the Central African Forest. With this, the reserve has several birds associated with Central Africa most of which are endemic. The Park lies on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley and has several Albertine Rift Valley endemics.
Semuliki is connected to Lake Albert which has wetlands that are home to the rare shoebill stork. There are over 460 bird species in the Park which is high of any Birding safari destination. Notable birds you can spot on a Uganda Birding safari getaway to the park include white great pelicans, the malachite kingfisher, the African open bill, and the Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Birding safari getaways are possible throughout the year but for the best experiences, it is better to Visit in March. Migratory birds are present in the region from November to April. This increases the bird diversity and Discovery Journeys.
MuBwindi Swamp Birding
The Mubwindi Swamp is located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi is a renowned sanctuary for mountain gorillas and many other wildlife species. The Park’s bird life is underrated and offers the perfect Uganda birding safari getaways.
There are over 100 bird species here alone including the black bee-eater, the black-billed Turaco, and the African green broadbill. Birding in Bwindi is exclusive and remarkable as you hike through one of the most iconic protected areas in Uganda. The swamp is accessed on foot hence providing up close moments with nature.
Birding in Mwbwindi is doable all year round but best experienced in the dry season. Those interested in migratory birds can visit from November to May. November, April, and May are wet months and rainfall can be unpredictable. Mubwindi birding best compliments the mountain gorilla trekking experience that is often highly anticipated.
Murchison Falls NP Birding
Murchison Falls National Park is home to four of the Big Five Mammals. The park is a renowned Uganda safari destination for open savanna experiences and boat cruises along the Nile River. It comprises open savannas, the wetlands along the River banks, and a tropical rainforest. This gives it the advantage of a diverse birding range in the different ecosystems.
Budongo Forest lies a few meters after the park’s main gate and is home to chimpanzees, birds, other primates, and wildlife. It is most famous for chimpanzee tracking and habituation but can also be a great Uganda birding safari spot.
Birding journeys along the Nile River to the Bottom of the falls and Nile Delta are also remarkable. The bottom of the Falls boat cruise takes 2 hours of epic adventure as you spot several birds and mammals along the banks. Notable birds here include the fish eagles, hammerkop, and herons. The boat cruise to the Nile Delta features shoebill storks and saddle-billed storks among others.
The open savannas are home yet other bird species including the Abyssinian ground hornbills. Uganda birding safari getaways in Murchison are what you need on your Uganda safari.
Ziwa Rhino Ranch Birding
The Ziwa Rhino Ranch is located in Nakasongola on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. It is the only home to Rhinos in Uganda but also several other wildlife species.
The sanctuary has a network of swamps that connect to River Kafu. This makes it among the prime and exclusive Uganda birding safari getaways. Birding journeys at the ranch are done in local canoes through the different waterways of the swamps. The shoebill stork is the most sought-after bird at the Ranch as well as several other waterbirds.
Birding is done alongside Rhino tracking and nature walks. Night nature walks are of great interest as you encounter the nocturnal wildlife. Ziwa Rhino Ranch birding and overall Discovery Journeys are exclusive offering the ultimate safari getaways. We have curated Uganda safaris including a 4-day Murchison Tour and 10-day Uganda Discovery Journeys that feature the above destinations. These can be combined with safaris to Rwanda, Kenya, and Eastern DRC.
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