Uganda is one of the great bird watching jungles ideal for many nature and bird lovers. The country prides in hosting over 1035 colorful bird species recorded in her motherland, these are surviving in about 33 birding sites. With our professional birding guides, delight in a bespoken birding adventure in the Pearl of Africa that will give you epic experience of a lifetime. Regardless of whether you choose an excursion or days’ birding safari, we assure you of a great experience in any of the mentioned famous bird watching safari destinations below.
Where to go birding in Uganda
Bird watching in Uganda takes place in protected areas and in private areas and can be done on independent basis though guided birding tours are more interesting. With a bird checklist of 612 species, Queen Elizabeth national park has the highest number of bird species in Uganda and East Africa. There are however many other rich bird watching sites including Kibale forest, Bwindi Impenetrable, Murchison and Semuliki National Parks, Budongo Forest and Bigodi swamp close to Kibale forest.
From Kampala, you get a 4×4 rental car and access the nearest popular bird watching destinations like the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Mabira forest and Mabamba swamp famously known for the elusive shoebill stork. Other sites in Uganda that offer wonderful birding experiences are Lake Mburo national park, Rwenzori mountains National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Echuya forest.
A visit to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe is one way to learn about what the wild has to offer regarding avian life.
Best time for bird watching in Uganda
Uganda offers extraordinary bird watching experiences throughout the year to all travelers interested in this kind of adventure. However, more birds are spotted during the wet season from March to May and August to November when birthing is at its peak due to availability of food. More bird species are spotted in the wet season when migratory birds have arrived.
What are the different birds species found in Uganda?
The most preferred and sought after bird species in Uganda are; the Purcell’s illadopsis, Nahans francolin, Karamoja Apalis, Shoe bill stork, Black bee eater, Brown chested pullover, Red fronted anti pecker, Rwenzori Turaco and the Green-breasted pitta among others.
Other bird species expected on bird watching tours in Uganda are Harmmerkop, Flamingos, African Fish Eagle, Grey crowned crane, Ostrich, Marabou stork, Goliath heron, Flamingos, Saddle billed stork, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Helmeted guinea fowl, African skimmer, African grey parrot, Eastern grey plantain-eater, Papyrus gonolek, African Finfoot, Black and white Casqued hornbill, African darter, Jackson’s francolin, African emerald cuckoo, Great blue turaco, Goliath heron, Pelicans, Africa Jacana, Ross’s turacco, Common Bulbul, Red-headed Bluebill and many more.
What gears to carry for birding safari in Uganda?
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Light clothes
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Birding book
- Faint colored clothes
- Strong closed shoes
And among others but those are basic items you need to make your birding safari extremely rewarding.
If you are bird lovers looking forward to discovering the various bird species in the Pearl of Africa this season or future, then think no other but booking a bird watching safari in Uganda. You can contact us to inquire more on how to book your birding safari and grab a chance to enjoy the best of your tour.
