Uganda birding safaris/Uganda birding safari in Africa trips are one of the most unique Uganda safari experiences that you could ever have! Our unforgettable Uganda birding tours offer amazing birding in Uganda (birdwatching in Uganda) the Pearl of Africa-the best birding in Africa.
The Pearl of Africa – Uganda is endowed with a huge bird list of both unique and common bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in Africa and a birding paradise for keen birders.
It is the sole equatorial country to find more than 1,096 bird species, with all 24 Albertine Rift endemics, and 46 Congo biome species. Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest species checklist of all the protected areas in the country.
Uganda is more so the easiest of many Uganda birding tour destinations to see the famous, but elusive Shoebill, an incredible bird.
Other birds to see in Uganda are the White Bellied Robin Chat, African Finfoot, Green Breasted Pitta, Hornbills, Eagles, Sunbirds and so much more.
Such a great number of birds in Uganda occur due to the location of the country amid the East African region made up of savannah, the rain forests of West Africa, and the Northern semi-desert.
This position in East Africa therefore, provides the best climatic conditions and habitation atmospheres for these Uganda birds and other wildlife like the African Elephant, hence promoting a beautiful Uganda birding safari for birders.
Uganda also has two endemic birds which are;
- Fox’s weaver
- Ruwenzori Double-Collared Sunbird
Additionally, there are likewise 150 bird species that you will find in Uganda and not in any other country in East Africa.
Furthermore, Uganda hosts over 300 species of migratory birds annually. They spread to different Uganda birding spots from around November to April.
Such inarguable facts portray the purpose behind Uganda, an equatorial country being named “Africa’s birding capital” and the “pearl of Africa”.
50% of the African birds and 11% of the birds in the whole world surely make Uganda a birding paradise and the richest country in the African continent for a Uganda birding tour!
What Are The Common Birds In Uganda?
The most notable examples and highly sought-after wild birds in Uganda include among many others the following;
| 1. Shoebill 2. Grey Crowned Crane 3. Great Blue Turaco 4. Long Crested Eagle 5. Black And White Casqued Hornbill 6. Hadada Ibis 7. Fox’s Weaver 8. African Fish Eagle 9. Blue-Headed Sunbird 10. Red Chested Sunbird 11. Golden-Winged Sunbird 12. Green Breasted Pitta 13. Chapin’s Flycatcher 14. Dwarf Honeyguide 15. Grauer’s Broadbill 16. Ruwenzori Apalis 17. Grauer’s Cuckoo-Shrike 18. Red-Faced Barbet 19. Ruwenzori Turaco 20. Regal Sunbird 21. Handsome Francolin 22. Karamoja Apalis 23. Lizard Buzzard
| 24. Papyrus Gonolek 25. Neumann’s Warbler 26. Uganda Woodland Warbler 27. Purple-Breasted Sunbird 28. Ruwenzori Batis 29. Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher 30. Ruwenzori Double-Collared Sunbird 31. Ruwenzori Nightjar 32. Stripe-Breasted Tit 33. Black Bee-Eater 34. Masked Apalis 35. Blue-Throated Roller 36. White Bellied Robin Chat 37. Red-Chested Owlet 38. White Headed Wood Hoopoe 39. African Finfoot 40. Ituri Batis 41. Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush 42. African Wood Owl 43. White Browed Robin Chat 44. White Backed Night Heron 45. Eastern Grey Plantain Eater 46. Papyrus Yellow Warbler(a Lake Victoria biome species)
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To conserve these birds and promote Uganda birding tours, different bodies designated special habitats where both the migratory and local birds are found and thus protected.
Among these places are Important Bird Areas (IBA) which are recognized by Birdlife International, the African Bird Club, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Since some common birds in Uganda are waders, note that you can find many of them in Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of International Importance recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Other birds live in both protected and non-protected forests, savannahs, woodlands, and various other rich biomes of Uganda in East Africa.
Below are the major Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Uganda where you can do your Uganda birding tours.
| 1. Queen Elizabeth National Park 2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 3. Semuliki NP 4. Rwenzori Mountains National Park 5. Murchison Falls National Park 6. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 7. Lake Mburo National Park 8. Kibale Forest NP
| 9. Kidepo Valley NP 10. Mount Elgon National Park 11. Echuya Forest Reserve 12. Kyambura Wildlife Reserve 13. Semliki Wildlife Reserve 14. Mabamba Swamp 15. Budongo Forest Reserve 16. Mabira Forest Reserve 17. Lake Victoria surrounds |
With the rich bird life and the bodies that fight hard to protect it, Uganda birding tours will enable you to experience the wild as you study the avian creations.
Therefore, preparing for your Uganda birding tour and knowing the best time which is usually the dry season to do a Uganda birding safari will give you the best experience on your Uganda birding safari.
Adventure Uganda birds today by booking with the best Uganda birding tour operator and guides for exclusive Uganda bird watching tours and insightful Uganda birding safari holidays. Let us organize your amazing Uganda birding adventures today, whether you be solo birders or a group traveler.
Read below to find out the various Important Bird Areas (IBA) for Uganda birding adventures;
Best Bird Watching Places In Uganda | Uganda Birding Destinations In Uganda
Various keen birders on Uganda tours ask the question, “Where can I watch birds in Uganda?” or “Where can I see birds in Uganda?”
There are various destinations where to watch birds in Uganda as there are birds almost everywhere. In homes, gardens, bushes, thickets, swamps, hills, savannahs, woodlands, and forests. This, therefore, allows you to have the best experience as you appreciate and credit Uganda tours.
The tropical rain forests, afro-montane forests, various water bodies and swamps, grassland, and woodland are all favorable habitats to explore the birds of Africa.
However, the Important Bird Areas (IBA) discussed below are the best places to do Uganda birding tours and safaris.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Birding Tour
This is among the most wondrous sites for your Uganda bird watching tours! According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Queen Elizabeth National Park has over 600 bird species, beating any other destination in East Africa in the number of bird species. Thus, it is considered the richest African birding destination to visit during your African birding journeys.
In one of the African birding expeditions in Uganda which is the big birding day, Queen Elizabeth National Park proved to have the highest checklist of birds among all the Uganda parks.
It also has some Lake Victoria biome species. Thus, this specific destination relays “birding in paradise safaris” to Uganda birding tourists.
Their numerous existence in the park is due to the different biomes it possesses, hence providing favorable habitats and climatic conditions for their stay.
Even though a large part of the park abounds with savannah vegetation, there are other areas with both saline and freshwater lakes, swamps, forests, woodlands, shrubs, and grasslands among others.
While Uganda birding or bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will also enjoy other wildlife adventures like watching the African Elephant, Buffaloes, and various Antelopes.
Queen Elizabeth National Park likewise has habitants and sectors that provide a conducive Uganda birding destination for the forest, savannah, water, woodland, and other birds. The common sectors include,
- Kasenyi plains
- Kazinga Channel
- Ishasha sector
- Mweya Peninsula
- Maramagambo Forest
- Kyambura Gorge
- Katwe Area
The most common and sought-after Uganda bird list in Queen Elizabeth National Park include
- Shoebill
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Great Blue Turaco
- Papyrus Gonolek which is also a Lake Victoria biome species
- White Browed Robin Chat
- Red-Chested Sunbird
- Long Crested Eagle
- African Finfoot
- Black And White Casqued Hornbill
- Colorful Kingfishers
- Pink-Backed Pelican
- African Fish Eagle
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda Birding Tour
The impenetrable national park, with one of the most famous montane forests, has over 351 bird species with all 24 Albertine Rift endemic species of birds present.
This, thus, makes this home of Mountain Gorillas one of the top bird watching places for Uganda safaris in East Africa.
More so, Bwindi’s montane forests boast of being among the most bio-diverse destinations in Uganda, having some of the most ancient trees in the country. Such biodiversity promotes suitable habitats for the richest country of birds and other wildlife.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four major tourist sectors but Uganda birding occurs in the Ruhija and the Buhoma sectors.
You can spot the African Green Broadbill in the Mubwindi swamp found in the Ruhija sector of the Bwindi impenetrable forest. The experience is best done in the morning hours as the birds are more active at this time.
On the other hand, Neumann’s Warbler or Short-Tailed Warbler is common in the Buhoma region and the park is also a good Uganda birding destination to see the Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher.
Additionally, you can likewise do forest birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while Gorilla tracking as there are many birds in the forest.
Note that Bwindi impenetrable forest is also the best destination for Gorilla tracking in Africa as it has almost half of the population of Mountain Gorillas in the world living in its montane forests.
The most notable birds in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include;
- Short-Tailed Warbler
- African Green Broadbill
- Handsome Francolin
- White Backed Night Heron
- Shelley’s Crimson Wing
- Blue-Headed Sunbird
- Crowned Hornbill
- African Green Pigeon
- Cinnamon-Chested Bee-Eater
- African Harrier Hawk
- Black Bee-Eater
- Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher
- White Bellied Robin Chat
Semuliki National Park Uganda Birding Tour
Semuliki Forest National Park is dubbed “a true birder’s haven” because of the diverse species that the park has. Hence, it provides a peculiar forest birding tour for any Uganda birding enthusiast.
It is believed that Semuliki has some of the most ancient and biodiverse forests that survived the last ice age that occurred about 12,000 to 18,000 years ago.
There are over 435 bird species in this forest with over 35 Guinea-Congo forest biome species of birds for forest birding, 23 Albertine Rift endemics, and 12 species that have very little distribution in Uganda in the East African region.
Among the Guinea-Congo forest biome species in Semuliki include;
- Spot-Breasted Ibis
- Haartlaub’s Duck
- Congo Serpent Eagle
- Chestnut Flaned Goshawk
- Red Thighed Sparrowhawk
Other common birds to find at Semuliki Uganda are;
- White Backed Night Heron
- Shoebill
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Piacpiac
- Great White Pelican
Semuliki is also a good place for animal tours where you will see other wildlife animals like the African Elephant.
Murchison Falls National Park Uganda Birding Tour
Murchison Falls Uganda birding destination is among the top spots to easily avail yourself of the sight of the ancient Shoebill that once inhabited the White Nile of South Sudan but is now common along the Victoria Nile River.
This great river has its source at Lake Victoria hence it protects many Lake Victoria biome species birds along its flow.
Murchison Falls National Park Uganda has about 556 bird species including wading birds, forest and savannah birds, and many other bird species.
Birds in Murchison Falls National Park are spread on the Victoria Nile River, Budongo Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi, and the grasslands of the park where you can also spot other wildlife like the African Buffalo, Giraffes, and the African Elephant.
Additionally, you can see migratory birds in Murchison Falls National Park from November to April during your Uganda birding tour.
Murchison Falls has many common birds, to mention but a few, there are,
- Shoebill
- Malachite Kingfisher
- White Backed Night Heron
- Squacco Heron
- Giant kingfisher
- African Fish Eagle
- Palm-nut Vulture
- Swamp Flycatcher
- African Jacana
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
Mabamba Swamp Birding Safaris
This is one of the famous Important Bird Areas (IBA) adjacent to Lake Victoria in the African great lakes region where you can see the elusive Shoebill bird.
Mabamba Swamp, found in Entebbe on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria has more than 300 bird species with birds that are threatened globally.
Likewise, the Mabamba swamp welcomes various Palearctic migratory birds from November to April, hence a beautiful Uganda birding destination to see them.
Some of the species of birds to see in the Mabamba Swamp birding safaris include;
- Shoebill
- Green Breasted Pitta
- Hamerkop
- Papyrus Gonolek
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler, a Lake Victoria biome species.
- White Winged Warbler
- Blue Swallow
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda Birding Tour
The montane forests of Mgahinga National Park are one of Uganda birding destinations providing beautiful Uganda birding tour either independently or alongside Uganda Mountain Gorilla tracking adventures in the montane forests to look for Mountain Gorillas.
The park has over 180 species of birds with 12 Albertine Rift endemics. Mgahinga National Park which is in the Virunga region which also encompasses Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park is likewise in the rift valley region.
You can view birds in this park while for while trekking through the forests to look for Mountain Gorillas through Mountain Gorilla tracking adventures or mountain climbing expeditions. Other wildlife like Golden Monkeys and the African Elephant are also seen in this park.
Below are some of the common birds in Mgahinga Gorilla Park,
- Pin-Tailed Whydah
- Black Kite
- Speckled Mousebird
- African Paradise Flycatcher
- Cape Robin-Chat
- Rwenzori Turaco
- African Olive Pigeon
- Moorland Chat
- Scarlet-Tufted Malachite Sunbird
- White Bellied Robin Chat
- African Olive Pigeon
Lake Mburo National Park Uganda Birding Tour
This savannah park is another ideal destination to do your Uganda birding safari. This is more so because the park is a favorable habitat for birds that live on acacias and forest birds that live in the Rubanga Forest for forest birding.
There are over 310 Uganda bird species in Lake Mburo National Park, some of which live in the swamps found in the park. The park also hosts migratory birds available for birding safaris from November to April.
Examples of some common birds in Lake Mburo Park are the;
- Saddle-Billed Stork
- Bare-Faced Go-Away Bird
- African Wattled Lapwing
- Black-Bellied Bustard
- Papyrus Gonolek
- Greater Painted-Snipe
- African Finfoot
- Shoebill
- Tabora Cisticola
- Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbir
Kibale National Park Uganda Birding Tour
The montane forests in Kibale Forest Uganda are an incredible bird home that is rich enough to satisfy the adventurous needs of bird watchers in Uganda, East Africa.
This park has over 370 bird species, many of which are forest dwellers, with the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary being among the best of Uganda’s birding delights around the park.
Additionally, Kibale Forest NP has four birds that are not in any other park in Uganda, for example, the Green Breasted Pitta.
Common birds to see in the montane forests of Kibale Forest Uganda include;
- Great Blue Turaco
- Abyssinian Ground Thrush
- African Pied Wagtail
- Slender-Billed Weaver
- Tropical Boubou
- African Thrush
- Crowned Eagle
- Grey Parrot
- Red Chested Owlet
- Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird
- Pin-Tailed Whydah
- Green Breasted Pitta
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler(a Lake Victoria biome species)
Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda Birding Tour
Kidepo Valley is another Uganda birding tour area bordering South Sudan with the best Uganda birding experiences for bird watchers on Uganda tours.
The park has over 470 bird species with 60 birds that have not been recorded in any other Uganda park.
The park protects 56 species of raptors, therefore an ideal destination to spot them. However, it is hard to find any birds from the African great lakes region because of the controversial ecosystem in the area.
The most common birds in Kidepo Valley NP include;
- Ostrich
- Raptors
- Little Bee Eater
- Karamoja Apalis
- Rufous Chatterer
- Dark Chanting Goshawk
- Kori Bustard
- Pygmy Falcon
- Golden Pipit
- Jackson’s Hornbill
- Chestnut Weaver
Other wildlife like the African Elephant, Buffaloes, and Antelopes can also be seen in this destination.
Mount Elgon National Park Uganda Birding Tour
Mt Elgon National Park has more than 300 species of birds that it protects.
40 species are restricted to this park and 56 out of the 87 Afro tropical highland biome species stay here. Some of them include the Black-Shouldered Kite, Jackson’s Francolin, and Tacazze Sunbird Black-Collared Apali.
You will also be able to watch the endangered Lammergeyer as it soars up the Mountain caldera and the Suam Gorge during your Uganda birding tour.
This, thus, makes Mount Elgon a rich Uganda birding destination to do your Uganda birding tour.
Common birds to see in Mount Elgon include;
- Elgon Francolin
- Ross’s Turaco
- Red-Chested Cuckoo
- Hadada Ibis
- Crowned Hornbill
- Little Bee Eater
- Common Bulbul
- Bronze Sunbird
- Abyssinian Crimsonwing
- Cinnamon Chested Bee-Eater
Even though Mount Elgon is not a rich destination for viewing animals, you may spot other wildlife like the African Elephant, Buffaloes, Monkeys, and various Antelopes.
Other Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Uganda as recognized by Birdlife International, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature include;
| 1. Echuya Forest Reserve 2. Nyamuriro Swamp 3. Sango Bay Area 4. Lutoboka point 5. Nabugabo wetland 6. Lutembe Bay 7. Lake Victoria also found in the African great lakes region | 8. Mt Kei Forest Reserve 9. Mt Otzi Forest Reserve 10. Lake Nakuwa 11. Lake Bisina 12. Lake Opeta |
Albertine Rift Endemic Bird Species In Uganda
The phenomenal Albertine Rift endemics are unique 24 bird species that are confined to the Albertine Rift Valley Escarpment. Meaning, these birds live between northern Lake Tanganyika and Lake Albert which also includes the African great lakes region, and are found along the Victoria Nile.
They are a great spectacle for birder watchers in Western Uganda and so amazing for African pearl safaris.
On a Uganda birding tour, the Albertine Rift endemics are common in the following protected areas:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has all 24 bird species that are Albertine Rift endemics.
- Semilki National Park is home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park has 19 species that are Albertine Rift endemics.
- Echuya Forest Reserve protects 18 out of 24 of the Albertine Rift endemics.
- Mgahinga Gorilla NP has 12 Albertine Rift endemics.
- Lastly, Kibale Forest NP protects 6 Albertine Rift endemics of these bird species.
Below are all the Albertine Rift endemics to see during your Uganda birding tours in these Uganda birding spots.
| 1. Collared Apalis 2. Red-Faced Woodland Warbler 3. Dusky Crimsonwing 4. Handsome Francolin 5. Rwenzori Turaco 6. Archer’s Robin-Chat 7. Rwenzori Batis 8. Regal Sunbird 9. Strange Weaver 10. Red-Throated Alethe 11. Mountain Masked Apalis 12. Grauer’s Scrub Warbler
| 13. Stripe-Breasted Tit 14. Blue-Headed Sunbird 15. Purple-Breasted Sunbird 16. Shelley’s Crimsonwing 17. Rwenzori Nightjar 18. Dwarf Honeyguide 19. African Green Broadbill 20. Kivu Ground Thrush 21. Grauer’s Warbler 22. Neumann’s Warbler 23. Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher 24. Chapin’s Flycatcher |
Migratory Birds In Uganda
Uganda boasts about 300 species of migratory birds annually. These migratory birds fly from Europe, Asia, the Siberia subregion, South Africa, and other African countries, hence making these countries suitable for African birding journeys.
As a migration corridor, Uganda mostly welcomes birds from November to April. The Palearctic birds come from around October or November and stay up to around March to April.
Other migratory birds fly to Uganda in April and stay until October. On the other hand, a new group flies to Uganda in August and remains until April.
Uganda also hosts intra-African migratory birds that arrive in July and return in December. These birds are also amazing to watch during this season on your Uganda birding safari.
Upon arriving, these birds settle in areas such as Uganda parks, wildlife reserves, forests, and water bodies, among others.
The birds usually migrate to Uganda due to the seasonal weather conditions in other countries like winter.
However, there are various other reasons why birds migrate from other countries to Uganda in East Africa. They include breeding seasons, the abundant presence of food and water, rich biomes, and altitude among others.
Examples of some migratory species to see on a Uganda birding tour include among many others
- African Spoonbill
- Malagasy Pond Heron
- African Cuckoo-Hawk
- Common Cuckoo
- Little Egret
- Lesser Flamingos
- White-Winged Terns
- Black Headed Weaver
- Greater Flamingos
- Great White Pelicans
- Fish Eagles
Bird Watching Packages In Uganda
For a peculiar Uganda birding tour, you can download Uganda itineraries for your favorable Uganda birding experience as listed below. Some Uganda birding safari packages occur in famous destinations like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
24 Days Uganda Birding Tour
20 Days Uganda Birding Tour
18 Days Uganda Birdwatching Safari
17 Days Birding Safari in Uganda Tour
14 Days Uganda Birding Trip
9 Days Birding in Uganda Tour
Best Time To Go Birding In Uganda | What Time Of Day Are Birds Most Active | Best Time For Birding
Bird watchers will find their Uganda birding tour to be great all year round. This is because birds are present in large numbers throughout the whole year. However, the wet season may affect the Uganda birding tours as the trails will be wet and sometimes not easily passable.
May to the whole of September is fair for Uganda birding tours as the weather is not very hot and also not uncomfortable wet for the activity.
May and June are likewise the best months for birding tours in the Albertine Rift region as you look for Albertine Rift endemics in Uganda in the East African region.
Even though the dry season may be too hot to comfortably do the Uganda birding safari, it is a rewarding season that will give great views of the birds of Uganda in the different parks. More so, Uganda birding tour tracks will be dry and easily passable during your birding tours.
The best time to go bird watching migratory birds on the Uganda birding tour is from November to April.
What Time Of Day Is Best For Bird Watching?
Bird watching on your Uganda birding tour is best done in the morning hours between dawn and 11:00 AM. However, Uganda birding tour will avail you of the opportunity to generally have a fruitful Uganda birding tour experience any time of the day.
Best Birding Books In Uganda | What Is The Best Bird Watching Book
For enthusiastic birder watchers that would love to enjoy a fulfilling Uganda birding tour, below are the best birding books for your Uganda birding tour.
These books are filled with professional knowledge to enable you to identify a bird and know their order, family, and scientific names.
The books will also help bird watchers know the behavior, feeding, and breeding characteristics of a bird during their Uganda birding tour.
Generally, the best Uganda birding tour books will give bird watchers an overall view of a bird.
Some of these books include
- Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi (Princeton Field Guides) by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe.
- East Africa Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda (Wildlife and Nature Identification) by James Kavanagh.
- Where to Watch Birds in Uganda by Russouw and Sacchi.
- Pocket Guide: Birds of East Africa by Dave Richards.
- Bradt Travel Guides, Uganda, By Philip Briggs, Andrew Roberts.
Tips For Bird Watching | What Do You Need For Bird
Watching
The Uganda birding tour requires some expert guidance before or during the safari activity. This is to make your Uganda birding tour journey and experiences better and more comfortable. Some of the Uganda birding tips for Uganda birding tours include;
- What to bring bird watching on a Uganda birding tour.
- Professional Uganda birding tour attire.
What To Bring Bird Watching
The Uganda birding tour necessities to bring during your safari mostly depend on the season and weather. However, in all seasons, carry the following so that you prepare for your comfortable tours.
- A Uganda birding tour guidebook: this will help you to easily identify birds as you watch them during your Uganda birding safari.
- Pair of binoculars: with this, you will have a clear view of the birds during your Uganda birding tour.
- Camera: you will be able to take amazing photos of the birds during an amazing Uganda birding tour.
- Sunscreen lotion: to prevent the scorching sun from destroying your skin, a sunscreen lotion will protect your skin well during your Uganda birding tour.
- Insect repellant; this will prevent your skin from being bitten by insects while on a Uganda birding tour.
- A waterproof backpack; that will safely keep all your belongings as you go about your adventures on a Uganda birding tour.
- Snack for your lunch; some excursions are unpredictably long therefore you will need lunch during your Uganda birding tour.
- Rain jacket or Poncho; this will come in handy when there is unpredictable weather. Just in case it rains, you will be well sorted during your Uganda birding tour.
- Flashlight; a flashlight makes you trace the nocturnal birds like Nightjars and Owls. It is only necessary if you are going to watch nocturnal birds while on your Uganda birding tour.
- A first aid kit and medicine; Uganda birding tours involve active physical activity and so you must move with your medicine or a first aid kit if you require any health emergencies like asthma.
- Water bottle; this is important in keeping you hydrated during the whole physically demanding Uganda birding tour.
Professional Uganda Birding Attire
- Long trousers: They should be cargo pants for easy movement. However, generally long and comfortable trousers like jeans are recommended for your Uganda birding tour.
- Long-sleeved shirts: These will fully cover up your arms and protect them from insect bites or harsh weather conditions during your Uganda birding tour.
- Strong trekking shoes: They will keep your movements firm and easier as you trek when looking for birds on your Uganda birding tour.
- You also need a hat or cap, and sunglasses in case the sun is too hot. They will protect your face from the scorching sun during a Uganda birding tour.
Rules For Bird Watching Tours In Uganda
You are advised to follow the guidelines below during your Uganda birding tour.
- Always walk on the designated Uganda birding trails at all times so that you do not get lost in the jungle hence being exposed to danger.
- While for Uganda birding tours, the more you keep silent, the more you will see.
- Carry some snacks or better still packed lunch during your Uganda birding tours.
- Uganda birding tours should be done in small groups to allow clear views and avoid stress on the birds when for a Uganda birding tour.
- Do not throw stones at the birds while doing a Uganda birding tour.
- Walk slowly and steadily when you see the birds to not scare them away.
The Cost Of A Bird Watching Tour In Uganda
A bird watching tour will cost about $4500 depending on some factors like the type of accommodation you will use, means of transport, and the number of days you will spend on your Uganda birding tour.
Why Go For Bird Watching In Uganda
- Uganda holds about 50% of the birds in the African continent and around 11% of the total number of bird species in the whole world. With more than 1065 species of birds, it is indeed a rich place to do a Uganda birding tour.
- The country is also the best destination in the whole world to see the prehistoric Shoebill that migrated to Uganda from South Sudan.
- Likewise, the Uganda birding destinations are easiest to access in Uganda than in any other African country. More so, they are even cheaper, hence providing high value at a lower cost for your Uganda birding tour.
- The special Albertine Rift endemic species of avian wildlife are also found in Uganda, with the Bwindi impenetrable forest having 90% of their total number.
- Uganda additionally has a variety of safari activities that you can add to your birding tours. For example, Mountain Gorilla trekking in the montane forests to track Mountain Gorillas in their families, wildlife tours where you will see animals like the African Elephant, cultural safaris, and various adventures.
Top Safari Lodges For Your Birding Tours
There are various places where to stay in Uganda during your Uganda birding trips and they range from luxury to midrange to budget.
Common luxury hotels include Mweya safari lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Primate Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Midrange Lodges include Enganzi Game Lodge, Haven Lodge, Chimps Nest Lodge, and Kidepo Savannah Lodge.
Among budget lodges, you may use Pumba Safari Cottages and Red Chili Rest.
Top Tour Operators For Your Birding Adventures In Uganda-h2
Below are the Uganda birding tour companies that you can choose from for your memorable Uganda birding tour explorations. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd, Wild Gorilla Safaris, Safari Uganda Safaris, Africa Safaris & Tours, Uganda Birding Safaris & Tours
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Birding
What Is Birding? | What Is Bird Watching?
Bird watching or Uganda birding tour is a safari activity of looking for, recognizing, and observing birds while they are in their natural habitat.
2.What Is The Difference Between Birding And Bird Watching During a Uganda Birding Tour?
Birding involves tracking birds in their natural habitat while bird watching involves looking at birds in their natural habitat.
Where Can You See Birds Of Prey In Uganda?
The various birds of prey to see on a Uganda birding tour include Vultures, Eagles, and Buzzards. You can commonly see these birds in Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley park (near South Sudan), Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth National Park on your birding trips.
Are There Hummingbirds In Uganda?
There are no Hummingbirds in Uganda. However, Uganda has various Hummingbird-like birds for example the sunbirds that many confuse for the Sunbirds. Both Hummingbirds and Sunbirds mostly feed on nectar, and they have fast flights.
Does Uganda Have Parrots?
Yes, Uganda has various Parrot species that you can see in forest birding destinations like the Semilki National Park and Kibale National Parks during your birding trips.
You will find species of Parrots on a Uganda birding tour such as the African Grey Parrot, Meyer’s Parrot, and the Brown-necked Parrot.
Which Birds Are Only Found In Uganda? | Which Bird Is Endemic To Uganda?
Two species of bird are only found in Uganda and they are the Fox’s Weaver and the Ruwenzori Double-Collared Sunbird.
The Fox’s Weaver is the most recognized Uganda endemic bird and it can be found around Lake Opeta and Lake Bisina.
What Is The Largest Bird In Uganda? | What Is The Name Of The Biggest Bird In Uganda?
The Ostrich is the largest and biggest bird in Uganda that you can see in Kidepo on your birding trips. It is also a terrestrial bird whose heavyweight prevents it from flying. The bird is about 9ft tall and 150kg heavy.
They are also very fast birds that can run at about 70 km/h.
What Is The Rarest Bird In Uganda?
Shelley’s Crimsonwing is the rarest bird in Uganda found in the East African region. It is an Albertine Rift Endemic bird and there is a better chance of spotting it in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The Green Breasted Pitta which is fair to spot at Kibale NP is also another rare bird.
Which Country In Africa Has The Best Birding? | Which Country Is Best For Birding In Africa?
The best countries for birding in Africa include Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and many others.
However, Uganda arguably has the richest African birding destinations to do your Uganda birding tour not only because of the many bird species but also because of the easier access to those Uganda birding destinations than in any other country. You can spot among many the Green Breasted Pitta and the rare Shoebill.
Which Bird Is The Pearl Of Africa?
The Grey Crowned Crane commonly known as the Crested Crane is the Uganda National bird that features on the flag and the coat of arms.
How To Do Birding In Uganda?
You can bird Uganda safaris through nature walks, boat cruises, game drives, hiking, or trekking in African birding destinations.
Which Continent Is Best Known For Bird Watching? | Where Is The Best Birding In The World? | Where Is The Best Bird Watching In The World?
Africa and South America are famous and known as the best birding continents of the world. They are filled with unique, colorful, and numerous species of birds.
What Is The Birding Capital Of The World?
Quito in Ecuador is the birding capital of the world according to the world travel news of 27th September 2022. This richest country for birds boasts the highest density of birds in the world ranging from forest, mountain, grasslands, and water birds, totaling more than 1,660 bird species that you can see on your birding trips.
Uganda birding tours are an exciting experience! Discover over 1,065 Uganda birds by visiting the various Uganda birding destinations. A Uganda birding tour in Uganda will bring you up close to these amazing avian creatures and allow you to watch them closely in their natural habitat. Book with the best Uganda birding tour company and Uganda bird guides today to enjoy a scheduled or customized adventure!
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