Choosing the right birding tour operator in Uganda and Rwanda is important for a successful bird-watching trip. Book your Uganda birding safari with knowledgeable companies that have skilled guides. Birding in Uganda can be difficult if the operator or guide does not have enough experience.
Birding in Uganda is exciting and rewarding. You will see many bird species such as the Crested Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Shoebill Stork, Kingfishers, Ostriches, Turacos, Weaver birds, Hornbills, Marabou Storks, Blue-crested Hoopoes, and more. Popular birding spots include Mabamba Swamp and other wetlands, forests, and parks.
Uganda has over 1,000 bird species, about 10% of the world’s total bird population. More than 24 Albertine Rift endemic species can also be found here, making Uganda one of the top birding destinations in Africa. Rwanda also offers excellent birding experiences in its forests and wetlands.
Birding safaris can last for a few hours or several days depending on what you want to see. Keep your eyes, ears, and camera ready so you don’t miss any moment. Birding guides have great knowledge of bird sounds, feeding habits, and behavior, which helps you identify different species more easily.
Bird watching is done in protected areas, swamps, woodlands, mountains, moorlands, and along lake shores. In most places, it is done on foot with an expert guide. Conservation efforts in Uganda have helped protect bird habitats, ensuring survival and growth of species.
Uganda’s climate is generally tropical, with two main seasons. The dry season is from December to February and June to August, while the wet season is from March to May and late October to early December. This climate, along with its forests, lakes, and wetlands, provides perfect conditions for birdlife.
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its central location in the Great Lakes region allows it to receive many migratory birds. Major lakes such as Victoria, Edward, and Albert also support a wide range of species.
A bird-watching safari in Uganda or Rwanda will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of the role birds play in nature.
Bird Species in Uganda
Uganda is one of the best birding destinations in the world, with over 10% of the world’s bird species. By May 2020, Uganda recorded about 1,066 bird species, including more than 66 that are endemic and others introduced by humans.
Some of the bird species in Uganda include:
- Shoebill (Balaenicipitidae family): A large bird related to storks, named after its shoe-shaped bill.
- Bustards (Otididae family): Large ground-dwelling birds, omnivorous, nesting on the ground.
- Ostriches (Struthionidae family): The world’s largest living birds, native to Africa.
- Geese, Ducks, and Waterfowl (Anatidae family): Aquatic birds with water-resistant feathers, webbed feet, and flat bills.
- Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies: Terrestrial birds with broad short wings.
- Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae family): Short-bodied birds with short necks.
- Sandgrouse (Pteroclidae family): Compact birds with short pointed wings.
- Turacos (Musophagidae family): Known for their colorful feathers and unique calls.
- Cuckoos (Cuculidae family): Small-bodied birds with long tails and strong legs.
- Nightjars (Caprimulgidae family): Nocturnal birds with long wings and small feet.
- Rails, Coots, and Gallinules: Mostly found in swamps and wetlands, shy and strong-legged.
- Finfeet (Heliornithidae family): Tropical birds with lobed, webbed feet.
- Egyptian Plover: Often found along the River Nile.
- Egrets, Herons, and Bitterns (Ardeidae family): Birds with long necks, common in wetlands.
Other species include ospreys, African warblers, secretary birds, kites, eagles, hawks, owls, sunbirds, weavers, ground hornbills, bulbuls, and many more.
Where to See the Shoebill Stork
The shoebill is one of the most sought-after birds in Uganda. Birders search for it in swamps and wetland areas. The best places to see shoebills include:
- Lake Albert Delta in Murchison Falls National Park
- Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria
- Semuliki Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Makanaga Swamp
- Lugogo Swamp in Nakasongola
- Lwera Swamp and Kyabakuza (en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
- Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Entebbe Zoo)
- Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Most Common Birds in Uganda
Uganda has many birds that visitors can easily spot, such as the Crested Crane, Rwenzori Turaco, Ostrich (in Kidepo Valley), African broadbill, shoebill stork, black-breasted barbet, guineafowl, marabou stork, Shelley’s crimsonwing, chocolate-backed kingfisher, African grey parrot, great blue turaco, black bee-eater, green-breasted pitta, yellow-billed oxpecker, saddle-billed stork, standard-winged nightjar, bar-tailed trogon, and long-crested eagle.
Uganda’s National Bird
Uganda’s national bird is the Grey Crowned Crane, also called the Crested Crane. It has black, yellow, and red colors, weighs about 7 pounds, has a wingspan of 6 feet, and stands around 3 feet tall. Its lifespan is about 22 years.
Crested cranes are often found in wetlands and along Lake Victoria. They honk like geese and sometimes make gobbling sounds similar to turkeys.
As a national bird, full respect is accorded to it and no one permitted to hunt, hurt or kill it. A crested crane has all the freedom it could have ever wished to have.
Bird Watching Destinations in Uganda
Bird watching is one of the most enjoyable safari activities in Uganda and can be done by anyone, whether on research, honeymoon, family vacation, summer or winter holiday, or a general wildlife safari. Birds in Uganda are mainly found in swamps, lakeshores, valleys, and mountains.
Top Birding Destinations in Uganda
Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp is one of Uganda’s most famous birding spots, best known for the rare shoebill stork. It is located along Lake Victoria in Entebbe and has over 300 bird species. It is also a Ramsar site and hosts endangered birds, including 7 of the 12 Lake Victoria biome species. Between October and March, thousands of migratory birds join the resident species.
Visitors from Kampala or Entebbe can reach Mabamba via Nakiwogo Landing Site, crossing by ferry to Kasange and then driving to the swamp. The best time to see the shoebill is early morning. Birding here is done by wooden motorized boats with expert guides.
Besides the shoebill, you can see the grey parrot, African jacana, cattle egret, glossy ibis, kingfishers, hadada ibis, orange weaver, night heron, tambourine dove, pelicans, lapwings, sunbirds, and many others. Birding here is open all year round, and hundreds of visitors come to Mabamba daily.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
Bigodi Swamp, also called Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, is located near Kibale Forest National Park. It is a community project set up to conserve natural resources, primates, and rare bird species. The swamp is home to more than 200 bird species, including the great blue turaco.
The name “Bigodi” comes from the Rutooro word Kugodya, meaning “walk tiredly,” because locals used to rest here after walking in the jungle.
Birds to see here include parrots, hornbills, kingfishers, cranes, turacos, and egrets. The sanctuary has wooden boardwalks, making bird watching easier even in muddy areas.
Birding starts around 7:30 am and lasts up to 5:00 pm. The activity takes about 3 hours or more, depending on the birds you want to see. Monkeys and baboons are also common here.
Bigodi is affordable, and advance booking is not required. Payment is made on arrival. Many visitors add Bigodi to their chimpanzee trekking at Kibale or combine it with a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Other Important Birding Areas in Uganda
- Botanical Gardens, Entebbe and Lake Mburo National Park (Mbarara): Home to about 351 bird species.
- Semuliki Valley National Park: Found in western Uganda, with about 441 bird species (20% of Uganda’s total bird population).
- Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls National Park: Home to about 350 bird species.
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park: About 177 bird species often seen during hikes.
- Kibale Forest National Park: Hosts more than 371 bird species.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: About 180 bird species.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Over 350 bird species.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: More than 600 bird species.
- Mabira Forest and Mount Elgon National Park: Each with more than 300 bird species.
All these destinations are safe and accessible, with expert guides available to help you find different species.
The Best Time for Birding in Uganda
The best time for bird watching in Uganda is during the wet seasons from March to June and October to early December.
This does not mean that the dry seasons (June to October and December to February) are bad for birding. Many birds can still be seen during this time.
The wet season is the most active period for birds. Migratory birds arrive to feed and mate, while resident birds reproduce and increase in number. This makes it one of the best times for birding.
Uganda Bird Watching Packing List
Birding requires moving from one place to another, so you do not need to carry too much.
- Important documents: passport, visa, yellow fever vaccination certificate, travel insurance, and a bird species guidebook.
- Gadgets: binoculars, a good camera with long lenses, extra memory cards, and batteries.
- Clothing: long-sleeved shirts, warm clothes, a hat, hiking shoes, gloves, and an umbrella in case of rain.
Wrapping It Up
Bird watching in Uganda is a rewarding experience that many visitors overlook as they focus more on gorilla trekking.
Adding even one or two days of bird watching to your trip can give you a memorable experience. If you have more time, spending several days is even better.
The quality of your birding experience largely depends on the knowledge of your guide. This is why booking through reliable and trusted birding tour operators is very important. They will ensure you get the best out of your safari.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
