Uganda is a prime location for birdwatching, featuring over 1065 bird species, including 24 that are unique to the region. Many tourists come to see special birds like the shoebill stork and Rwenzori Turaco. Caracal Explorers provides customised birdwatching safaris in Uganda and Rwanda for individuals, families, and groups, led by trained guides. However, Uganda struggles with promoting birding due to issues like a lack of experienced management and professional guides. Although challenges exist, Uganda is still the top birding spot in East Africa. With better protection and management of birding areas, it could become the leading birding destination globally. Caracal Explorers offers specialised tours for seniors and private groups.

Bird species in Uganda

Uganda has many bird species, including the Shoebill Stork, African Broadbill, Rwnzori Turaco, Black Bee-eater, Rwenzori Apalis, Neumann’s Warbler, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Regal Sunbird, Grauers Broadbill, Tabora Cisticola, Greater Painted-snipe, Papyrus Gonolek, Maskes Apalis, White-thighed Hornbill, African Finfoot, Shelly’s Crimsonwing and Grey-Crowned Crane, among others. Birders should spend ample time in birding areas and be patient to fully enjoy the experience. Some birds migrate and can be hard to find. Guides may need to search deeper to locate these unique species, as spotting them is not guaranteed.

Mabamba Wetland

Mabamba wetland is located along the shores of Lake Victoria and can be accessed from Mpigi or Entebbe. This popular site in Uganda is known for the elusive Shoebill Stork. Visitors can track the Shoebill using canoes, guided by local fishermen or birding experts. The wetland also hosts many other bird species like the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-shouldered Robin-chat, African Open-billed Stork, Black-billed Turaco and the Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, and Black-headed Heron, among others. A canoe ride in Mabamba Bay Wetland offers a chance to see other unique bird species, making it one of the top birding spots in Uganda and a must-visit for birdwatchers.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, is known as the “primate capital of the world” and is an excellent place for bird watching. It has over 370 bird species, including the red-chested flufftail, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Grey-throated Flycatcher and the rare Green-breasted Pitt, making it one of Uganda’s top birding destinations. In addition to birdwatching, visitors can enjoy chimpanzee tracking safaris. The park’s dense vegetation supports a rich bird life, featuring species like the Crowned Eagle and the Purple-breasted Sunbird. Overall, Kibale Forest is a significant habitat for both primates and birds.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda, named after the impressive Murchison Falls, where the River Nile flows through a narrow gorge and drops about 45 metres. The park is home to over 451 bird species, seen during wildlife game drives or boat rides to the falls. Notable birds include the African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, and Giant Kingfisher. Birdwatching is a key attraction in the park. Significantly, Budongo Forest, which is located within Murchison Falls National Park, boasts over 360 bird species and is highly regarded for bird-watching safaris. Common birds found there include Puvel’s illadopsis, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, and the Yellow-footed flycatcher, among many others.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for both gorilla trekking and bird watching. The park is home to about 350 bird species, including some rare species like the Black-billed Turaco and the Grauer’s Broadbill. It also houses half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Birdwatching is notable here, with 23 species unique to the Albertine Rift. In 2010, the park was listed among Africa’s top ten birding spots. Common birds in the area include the African broadbill, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Narina’s trogon, Neumann’s Warbler, and several other species. Bwindi is large and split into four sections: Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma, where visitors can enjoy gorilla trekking, habituation, and bird-watching experiences.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is a prime spot for bird watching, with over 600 bird species. Its varied habitats, such as savannahs, wetlands, and rainforests, support many bird species. The park’s location draws birds from central Africa and is near other parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Spending at least 6 days in the park is recommended for a better birdwatching experience. Key areas for birding include Kasenyi, Katwe, Lake Edward, Mweya, and the Kazinga Channel, which offers beautiful views of birds. Notable species include the Shoebill, African Jacana, Yellow-billed Stork, Martial Eagle and several types of kingfishers. The park also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing through game drives and boat cruises.

Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwest region of Uganda, is home to roughly 180 different kinds of birds. Bird viewing is another activity available to visitors in addition to tracking the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga. Cape Robin, White-starred Robin, Brown Woodland Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Greater Double-collared Sunbirds, and Archer’s Robin Chat are just a few of the bird species found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

When to do birding in Uganda

The best time for birding safaris in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. This period has lower water levels and shorter grass, making it easier to find rare birds like the shoebill. However, migratory birds are more common in the wet season, from March to May and October to November, due to the abundance of food. Birding can occur year-round, but the dry season is ideal. In places like Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, be prepared for rain by bringing hiking boots, a raincoat, and long clothing.