We introduce to you birding in Uganda, the pearl of Africa. Often known for its mountain Gorillas and the river Nile, is also a hidden gem for bird watchers. With over 1066 species, the country offers diverse habitats from forests and swamps to savannahs and bushes.
With the above number of recorded bird species, Uganda accounts for 50% of birds in Africa and 11% worldwide.
Top Birding Destinations in Uganda.
- Mabamba Bay Wetland
Mabamba Bay is known for its dense papyrus channels and is one of the best places globally to spot the elusive shoebill stock. A sail through the swamp offers close meeting with this pre historic looking bird along with species like Papyrus Gonolek and Blue Swallow
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Famous for gorilla trekking, Bwindi is also a bird watching site. The forest habitates over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as the dwarf honey guide and the Masked Apallis.
- Semuliki National Park
Located in western Uganda, Semuliki is a homestead for central African bird species. The national park habitates over 450 bird species such as the Black Dwarf Hornbill and the Congo Serpent Eagle.
The park boasts over 600 bird species, making it a premier birding destination in East Africa. Key areas of the park include Kazinga channel and Maramagambo forest, where birders can spot species like the Grey crowned Crane and the Martial Eagle.
- Kibaale Forest National Park
The park is greatly known for chimpanzee tracking but Kibaale also offers exceptional birding opportunities. With over 370 species, birders can spot the Green Breasted Pitta, White Naped Pigeon and Blue headed sunbird.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga unites breathtaking scenery with rare Albertine Rift endemics. Its montane forests are perfect for adventurous birding expeditions.
- Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest national park. Murchison is a birding hotspot boasting over 450 species. The park is bisected by the mighty river Nile. Birders can spot a number of key species such as the Goliath Heron, the Ground Hornbill and the Secretary bird.
- Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Known as “Mountains of the moon”, the Rwenzori range rises above the western border of Uganda. Its altitude zones support unique highland bird species for example the Rwenzori Turaco and the African Black Duck.
- Budongo Forest
Found in the Southern parts of Murchison Falls. As one of Uganda’s largest and most biologically rich forests, Budongo is a habitat for low land forest birds such as Nahan’s Francolin and Puvel’s Illadopsis.
- Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park lies in western Uganda and offers a mix of wetlands and savannah. It is a great stopover for birders. The park habitats a number of birds such as the Grey Crowned Crane, The African Fish Eagle to mention but a few.
