BIRDWATCHING SAFARIS PLANNING GUIDE FOR UGANDA

How To Plan The Best 2025-2026 Birding Safari For Uganda?

Think of Uganda and you probably instantly picture the famed mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest. And while you are probably well aware that other primates also thrive here, you may be surprised to learn that the country is one of the most favored destinations for birdwatching tours in Africa. Birding enthusiasts from every corner of the globe flock to the many parks and reserves to get a glimpse of some of the astounding 1066 species of birds that live here. As you safari holiday in the country, you are likely to come across many of these gorgeous specimens without actively looking for them.

Avid bird watchers will tell you that they sign up for avian safaris in Uganda because the parks are so easily accessible. Around Kampala and Entebbe alone, you are likely to spot close to 300 avian varieties, many of which arrive here from the shores of the Nile, Lake Victoria, and the Albertine Rift Valley. Among them is the rare Fox’s weaver, which is not found in any other part of the world. You can spot many of the bird species while undertaking activities like nature walks, treks and hikes through the forests and swamps, mountain climbing, game drives, cycling, boat cruises on the Nile River, and even trekking to see the rare primates of Uganda.

Key Takeaways

• Uganda is the most favored destination for birdwatching tours in Africa thanks to the stunning diversity of avian life
• More than 1066 species recorded and identified in different locations in the country
• Locales like Lake Victoria and Albertine Rift Valley acting as favorable habitats for nesting and feeding
• Possibility of combining birdwatching with additional activities like nature walks, forest treks, mountain climbing excursions, game drives, and boat cruises
• View endemic birdlife specific in distinct destinations e.g.60 out of 475 species in Kidepo cannot be spotted in any other parks in Uganda

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1. Unique Species Of The Albertine Rift Valley

2. Bwindi Forest Birding

3. Bird Canoeing On Mabamba Swamp Close to Kampala & Entebbe

4. Birding Experience At Kibale Forest

5. Valley Birding In Kidepo

6. Explore Mgahinga On A Virunga Birding Excursion

7. Riverine & Delta Birdwatching In Murchison Falls

8. Important Birding Area (IBA) Tour In Queen Elizabeth

9. Birdwatching On The Nile River In Jinja & Mabira Forest

10. Bird Viewing Trip In Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

11. Lake Birdwatching At Mburo

12. Highlands Birding Tour In Rwenzori Mountains

13. Birdwatching Around Mount Elgon

1. Unique Species Of The Albertine Rift Valley

Key Takeaways

• Spotting birds of the Albertine Rift Valley from northwestern to southwestern Uganda
• Region known for several species that migrate between parks and reserves in the area
• Both aquatic and terrestrial bird varieties to be seen here

The Albertine Rift Valley is a diverse biome that stretches from the north of Uganda and follows its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This region is famous for its incredible variety of avian fauna, which is known to migrate to nearby parks and reserves. Some of the most famous species include the strange weaver, Ruwenzori nightjar, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, red-throated alethe, Kivu ground thrush, African green broadbill, stripe-breasted tit, short-tailed Warbler, and Rwenzori turaco.

When vacationing in Uganda, be on the lookout for the red-faced woodland warbler, sunbird, Grauer’s warbler, handsome francolin, dwarf honeyguide, masked apalis, Shelley’s crimson wing, Rwenzori batis, collared apalis, purple-breasted sunbird, dusky crimson wing, mountain archer’s robin-chat, and regal sunbird. Other species that adorn the landscape with their brilliant colors include the Neumann's Warbler, shoebill stork, papyrus yellow warbler, white-winged warbler, Carruther's cisticola, orange weaver, swamp flycatcher, papyrus gonolek, and many more.

2. Bwindi Forest Birding

Key Takeaways

• More than 350 distinct species identified in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Possibility of spotting several varieties during mountain gorilla trekking expeditions
• Best birding locations known to be Ruhija and Buhoma that you can explore with an expert guide

When touring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, take a break from your primate watching expeditions and sign up for birding safaris in some of the prime regions with a rich concentration of avian life. To date, researchers have identified 350 different species that the expert safari guide accompanying you will help identify. Some of the best birding locations include Ruhija and Buhoma. When planning to travel in this part of Uganda, look out to spot species like the montane double-collared sunbird, Chaplin’s flycatcher, Lagden’s bush shrike, Oberlander’s ground thrush, and the dusky twinspot. You can also photograph species including the white-tailed blue monarch, Wilcock’s honey-guide, Gruel’s rush warbler, the short-tailed warbler, and the bar-tailed trogon.

3. Bird Canoeing On Mabamba Swamp Close to Kampala & Entebbe

Key Takeaways

• Located close to the capital city of Kampala and Entebbe Town
• Designated as a Ramsar Birding Site standing on the banks of the iconic Lake Victoria
• Canoeing along the channels to catch sight of gorgeous birds drinking and fishing in the water

Close to Uganda’s capital city of Kampala and Entebbe town is Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar Birding Site that abuts the iconic Lake Victoria. Should you go on a traditional canoe trip along its narrow channel, you may spot many of the fascinating species of birds that thrive here. Its banks are well-known for their sightings of the elusive and whimsical shoebill stork and African pygmy goose. You may have the opportunity to spot various aquatic birds fishing in the lake, including the lesser jacana, African jacana, Blue-breasted bee-eater, and pied kingfisher.

4. Birding Experience At Kibale Forest

Key Takeaways

• Park well-known for sightings of more than 375 different bird species, including several migratory birds that arrive during the colder months in the north
• Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary and Kanyanchu area known as prime birding locations with a concentration of more than 138 varieties
• Boardwalks and viewing platforms available for viewing other fauna

Kibale National Park is another preferred destination for birding enthusiasts in Uganda. Your safari vacation will be made memorable by sightings of some of the 375 species of birds that live here or migrate from the colder northern regions throughout November and April. Your consultant at AfricanMecca Safaris will likely advise you to add treks to the Kanyanchu area and the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary to your itinerary. Here, 138 different birds can be spotted. Authorities set up many boardwalks and viewing platforms to facilitate birding excursions in the reserve. You may have the good fortune to take pictures of specimens like the white-tailed ant-thrush, hairy-breasted barbet, yellow-billed barbet, black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, brown-throated wattle-eye, and several others.

5. Valley Birding In Kidepo

Key Takeaways

• Fascinating array of birdlife that thrives in the arid and harsh conditions of Kidepo Valley
• Reserve famous for 475 individual varieties of birds along with 60 species that can only be found here in Kidepo
• Large concentrations found in Narus and Namamukweny Valleys and around the watering holes

If you choose to spend some of your Uganda holiday time in the remote outbacks of Kidepo Valley National Park, you will have the opportunity to admire the many bird species that are able to survive its harsh, arid conditions. The reserve is famous for having 475 different varieties of birds, and 60 species of which cannot be spotted in any other parks in Uganda. Large concentrations can be found around the watering holes or in locations like the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys.

Spend your birding trip identifying the different species and learning about their nesting and feeding habits from the expert guide that accompanies you. Some of the feathered wonders of this wasteland include the four-banded sandgrouse, Clapperton’s francolin, Ruppell’s and superb starlings, black-breasted barbet, crimson-rumped waxbill, little weaver, vinaceous dove, red-cheeked cordon-bleu, mosque swallow, Nubian woodpecker, marsh tchagra, broad-tailed warbler, Abyssinian roller, and ground hornbill.

6. Explore Mgahinga On A Virunga Birding Excursion

Key Takeaways

• Smaller section of the Virunga Mountains, but home to an incredible 115 species
• 39 kinds native to the Afrotropical mountainous regions and 14 endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley
• Migratory birds often spotted that visit during the months from November to April

As you will learn on your safari of Mgahinga Gorilla Park, this reserve is only a small section of the greater Virunga Conservation Area (more on Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda) but it’s proud to host an amazing diversity of avian life, numbering close to 115 species. Of these, 39 are native to the Afrotropical mountainous regions and 14 are native to the Albertine Rift Valley. If you have a chance to visit this unique Ugandan park between November and April, you will also be rewarded by sightings of migratory birds. Between May and June, most species nest since food is most plentiful till September. Some of the most common birds that abound here include the yellow-vented bulbul, Ruwenzori turaco, grey capped warbler, olive pigeon, black kite, blue-headed coucal, ibis, and firefinch stonechat.

7. Riverine & Delta Birdwatching In Murchison Falls

Key Takeaways

• Prime birding location frequented by avid birdwatchers, also has a rich diversity of aquatic birds
• Option of booking birding boat rides on the Nile or nature walks around the falls area
• Excursion to the Nile Delta on Lake Albert to view the elusive shoebill stork recommended

After exiting the narrow eight-meter fissure in the rocks at Murchison Falls, the gushing Victoria Nile transforms into a placid river that forms a delta downstream. This is the prime birdwatching locale that tourists make a point to visit. Choose boat rides on the Nile or nature walks to view some of the bird species in this region, including the Abyssinian ground hornbill, crombec, secretary bird, open-billed stork, various kingfishers, Marabou stork, African fish eagles, red-throated bee-eater, and various aquatic species. We also recommend a boat visit to the Nile Delta on Lake Albert to view the most prized avian life - the elusive shoebill stork.

8. Important Birding Area (IBA) Tour In Queen Elizabeth

Key Takeaways

• Named as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birding International
• Home to more than 600 species of birds that thrive in the diverse landscapes
• Lake Kikorongo, the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, the Ishasha sector, Katunguru Bridge, the Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi, and Katwe best locations for birdwatching

Birdwatching enthusiasts touring Uganda make it a point to visit Queen Elizabeth Park, which is designated as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birding International. This is because the park is home to an astonishing 600 species of birds, thanks in part to its wide diversity of landscapes. At AfricanMecca Safaris, we often advise our guests to allocate 2 to 3 days in their vacation itinerary for birdwatching excursions. Since the reserve lies next to the Democratic Republic of Congo, you may also have the opportunity to view some of the feathered beauties that are native to the neighboring country.

The main locations for birding safaris in this reserve include Lake Kikorongo, the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, the Ishasha sector, Katunguru Bridge, the Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi, and Katwe. Among the unique species, you can see here are cormorants, the elusive forest fly-catchers, weaver birds, marabou storks, Rwenzori turacos, shoebill storks, flamingos, white-naped pigeons, fish eagles, great egrets, and bats. Of course, your tour of Maramagambo Forest wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Cormorant House, a giant tree adorned with the white guano of the unbelievable number of birds roosting on it.

9. Birdwatching On The Nile River In Jinja & Mabira Forest

Key Takeaways

• Area known for 60 aquatic species spotted along the river best-viewed during kayaking trips
• Visiting Mabira Forest to identify more than 315 types, each unique and truly beautiful
• Nile River near Jinja is known for attracting several varieties

The famous Nile River acts as a magnet for many bird species that come to drink on its shores or fish in its waters. While in Jinja on the Nile River, why not take a kayaking trip to spot the feathered inhabitants of the surrounding areas? Your guide will help you spot some of the 60 specimens along the river, including African open-billed storks, giant kingfishers, rock pratincoles, green-backed herons, and great blue turacos. The nearby Mabira Forest hosts 315 species including Cassin’s hawk-eagles, African dwarf-kingfishers, dusky long-tailed cuckoos, and many more.

10. Bird Viewing Trip In Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

Key Takeaways

• Oldest reserve in Uganda first opened for tourists in 1926. Formerly known as the Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve covering an area of 542 square kilometers
• Possibility of viewing and photographing more than 440 colorful varieties of birds
• The reserve has 5 endemic species to Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley and 46 Guinea-Congo Biome species

Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is the oldest reserve in Uganda since 1926 open for tourism in Uganda. It was formerly known as Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Covering an area of 542 square kilometers (210 square miles), the reserve is home to more than 440 species of avian life. Enjoy impromptu photography sessions as your feathered subjects display their colorful plumage.

The park has 46 Guinea-Congo Biome species and 5 endemic species to Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley. Look for the northern bearded scrub robin, Xavier’s greenbul, orange-cheeked waxbill, Maxwell’s black weaver, yellow-throated nicator, red-billed dwarf hornbill, green-tailed bristlebill, spot-breasted ibis, fire-crested alethe, western bronze-naped pigeon, red-rumped tinkerbird, Nakulenge rail, black dwarf hornbill, red-bellied malimbe, crested malimbe, blue-headed crested flycatcher, white-crested hornbill, leaf-love, piping hornbill, and wattled hornbill.

11. Lake Birdwatching At Mburo

Key Takeaways

• Prime attraction for birding enthusiasts because of sightings of the rare red-faced barbet
• Park famous for more than 350 bird species known to be found here
• Swamplands of Miriti and Warukiri, Rubanga Forest, and the boardwalk beside Camp Rwonyo considered the best for birdwatching

The Lake Mburo National Park has the distinction of being the only location in Uganda to host the rare red-faced barbet, best spotted in the forest areas of the park. This is the reason why many birding enthusiasts make it a point to vacation in this reserve. The best locations to spot most of the 350 bird species in Lake Mburo are the swamplands of Miriti and Warukiri, Rubanga Forest, and the boardwalk beside Camp Rwonyo.

Should you visit the salt lick at Miriti Valley, you are likely to see birds with more intriguing names, such as the bare-faced go-away bird and Rufous-bellied heron. Others found here include Ross’s Turaco, brown-chested lapwing, red-headed lovebird, common scimitarbill, brown parrot, emerald-spotted wood-dove, and green wood-hoopoe. We also recommend a boat trip on Lake Mburo to view the water birds such as the African finfoot and fish eagles. If you are lucky, you may also spot the shoebill stork and red-faced barbet.

12. Highlands Birding Tour In Rwenzori Mountains

Key Takeaways

• Region home to around 217 species of birds, including 19 endemic varieties
• Hiking tours recommended for sighting some of the most beautiful kinds of birds in Uganda
• Several birds of prey spotted here like the black eagle, bearded vulture, and long-eared owl

The Rwenzori Mountains are home to close to 217 species of birds including 19 endemic ones. Go on hiking tours in the forests, and you might just spot some of the most beautiful creatures you’ve ever seen. Species that make their home here include the black eagle, bearded vulture, swift, Archer’s robin-chat, Shelley's Crimsonwing, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, golden-winged and blue-headed sunbird, slender-billed starling, white-starred robin, Laden’s bush shrike, long-eared owl, and many more.

13. Birdwatching Around Mount Elgon

Key Takeaways

• Main birding site, Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center, where many varieties are spotted
• More than 300 different bird species spotted here, particularly around Cheptui Falls
• Verdant landscape of the park and Guam Gorge main points of focus for birdwatching enthusiasts

Visitors vacationing in Mount Elgon Park for the purpose of birdwatching should head for the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center, which is the focal point of many feathered friends you are hoping to see. The park is home to more than 300 bird varieties, especially around Cheptui Falls. Look for some of the brilliantly-colored species that stand out in the verdant landscape in this eastern corner of Uganda, including olive and Bronze-naped pigeons, the African goshawk, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Doherty and Lueder’s bush-shrikes, Hartlaub’s turaco, Chubb’s cisticola, Baglafecht weaver, tacazze sunbird, White-chinned Prinia, Ross’s turaco, and the rare Lammergeyer, which is often spotted above the Guam Gorge.