Uganda as a country is a best spot for bird watching and a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. With over 1,000 species of birds recorded, ranging from vibrant tropical species to unique endemics, Uganda is one of the top destinations for birding in East Africa.

Whether you are an experienced birder or a casual nature lover, Uganda offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes to explore, from savannahs and wetlands to dense forests and mountainous terrain.

We will guide you through some of the best bird-watching locations in Uganda, what to carry for a successful birding experience, and tips to ensure you make the most out of your birdwatching adventure.

Best Places for Bird Watching in Uganda

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is not only famous for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas but also a premier destination for bird watchers.

The park’s dense rainforest harbors a large number of endemic bird species, making it a key location for birding.

The best time for bird watching in Bwindi is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February.

Bird species to spot:

• African green broadbill
• Giant hornbill
• Bar-tailed trogon
• Blue-headed sunbird

2. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park and a prime location for birding. Located in the northwest, the park offers diverse habitats, from savannah to forest, making it home to over 450 species of birds. The mighty Murchison Falls, which plunge into the Nile River, also attracts several bird species to its shores.

Bird species to spot:

• Shoebill stork
• White-headed vulture
• Black-headed gonolek
• Crowned crane

3. Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo, situated in the central-western region of Uganda, is one of the most accessible birding destinations from Kampala.

It is a small park but offers a fantastic birding experience. The park is particularly known for its aquatic bird species, as well as the diversity of birds found in the surrounding savannah and wetlands.

Bird species to spot:

• African fish eagle
• Papyrus gonolek
• Marabou stork
• White-winged tern

4. Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Semliki is a hidden gem for bird watchers, located in the western part of Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The area features lush tropical forests that support a wide range of bird species, some of which are unique to the region.

The forest also serves as a transition zone between East and Central Africa, contributing to the diversity of birds.

Bird species to spot:

• White-cheeked hornbill
• Blue-throated roller
• Western bronzeback sunbird
• Cinnamon-chested bee-eater

5. Kibale National Park

Kibale, renowned for its chimpanzee tracking, is also a key birding location in Uganda.

It has over 350 bird species, including forest species that are not easy to spot elsewhere in the country.

The forest habitat offers a better chance of spotting both migrant and resident species.

Bird species to spot:

• African grey parrot
• Red-chested sunbird
• Black bee-eater
• Yellow-spotted barbet

6. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offer stunning scenery and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

The park’s higher elevations and montane forests are home to a variety of bird species, including those that thrive in the alpine environment.

Bird species to spot:

• Rwenzori turaco
• White-necked raven
• Black-crowned crane
• Mountain buzzard

7. Mabamba Swamps

Mabamba Swamps, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is one of the best places in Uganda to spot the elusive Shoebill Stork.

This wetland area, about an hour’s drive from Kampala, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering sightings of a wide variety of water birds, marshland species, and migratory birds.

Guided boat tours are popular here, as they allow visitors to navigate the swamp’s reed beds to see the shoebill and other species.

Bird species to spot:

• Shoebill stork
• Papyrus gonolek
• African jacana
• Blue-cheeked bee-eater

8. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Though more famous for its gorilla trekking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is also an excellent birding destination.

The park is situated within the Virunga Mountains, home to a variety of bird species, especially those adapted to montane forests.

Birding enthusiasts can explore the park’s bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic slopes for rare species and endemic birds.

Bird species to spot:

• Rwenzori turaco
• Giant kingfisher
• Yellow-eyed black flycatcher
• Mountain greenbul

9. Royal Mile in Budongo Forest

Located within Budongo Forest Reserve, the Royal Mile is renowned for its incredible birdwatching opportunities.

The Royal Mile is a stretch of road passing through one of Uganda’s largest mahogany forests.

It’s known for the diversity of bird species that thrive in this pristine environment.

The forest is particularly rich in forest-dwelling species and is one of the top birding spots in Uganda.

Bird species to spot:

• Ituri batis
• Nahan’s francolin
• Puvel’s illadopsis
• White-thighed hornbill

10. Echuya Forest Reserve

Situated on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Echuya Forest Reserve is a lesser-known but fantastic birding location.

It’s a montane forest that offers sightings of several rare and endemic bird species.

This reserve is especially ideal for spotting forest specialists and highland species that thrive in cooler, misty climates.

Bird species to spot:

• African green broadbill
• Ethiopian highland raven
• Short-tailed warbler
• Mountain masked apalis

What to Carry for Your Birding Experience

To maximize your birdwatching experience in Uganda, it’s essential to pack the right gear. Here’s a list of must-haves for an enjoyable and successful birding trip:

1. Binoculars: A pair of binoculars is essential for spotting distant birds and observing their behaviors in detail.
2. Birding Guidebook or App: Having a guidebook or an app with pictures and descriptions of the birds of Uganda will help you identify the species you encounter.
3. Camera with Telephoto Lens: Capture the beauty of the birds you spot. A camera with a telephoto lens will allow you to photograph birds from a distance without disturbing them.
4. Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Many birding spots are located in remote and rugged areas, so sturdy shoes with good grip will make your walk much easier.
5. Clothing for All Weather: Uganda’s weather can be unpredictable, so packing layers is key. You’ll want light clothing for the daytime, but be prepared for cooler evenings or rain.
6. Sunscreen and Hat: Even when birdwatching in shaded areas, the sun can be intense, so it’s important to protect your skin from UV rays.
7. Notebook and Pen: Keeping a birding journal will help you track your sightings and make notes about the behavior, habitat, or other fascinating facts.
8. Water Bottle and Snacks: Staying hydrated is crucial, and carrying a few snacks will keep your energy levels up during long birding sessions.
9. Insect Repellent: Many birding sites in Uganda are surrounded by wetlands or forests, so insect repellent is a must to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes or other insects.

When is the Best Time to Visit Uganda for Bird Watching?

The ideal time for birdwatching in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is more predictable, and birds are more active. Migrant species also visit Uganda during this period, adding variety to the bird population. However, if you’re looking to see specific species, certain parks or birding spots may offer better opportunities at different times of the year.

Guided Tours vs. Solo Birding in Uganda

While it is possible to birdwatch solo in Uganda, hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your experience. Local guides are familiar with the best birding spots and can help you identify birds you might otherwise miss. They also know the behavior of birds and can offer valuable insights about the environment, ensuring a more fulfilling birdwatching experience. Many tour companies offer specialized birding tours that cover the country’s top birding hotspots.

Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a wide range of bird species and habitats to explore.

Whether you are navigating the dense forests of Bwindi, the wetlands of Lake Mburo, or the high-altitude terrains of the Rwenzoris, each destination promises an unforgettable birding adventure. Be sure to come prepared with the right gear, and whether you choose to birdwatch independently or with a guide, you’re in for an enriching experience in the heart of Africa