Uganda bird watching tours
Are you interested in experiencing the incredible variety of bird life in Uganda? Our Uganda bird watching tours offer an exceptional opportunity to explore the country’s diverse habitats and spot a wide range of bird species.
For optimal bird watching in Uganda, be prepared for long hours outdoors and extensive hiking in certain areas, such as Rwenzori Mountains, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mt Elgon, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
With over 1050 bird species, Uganda is a prime bird watching destination in Africa, representing 10% of the world’s bird species. Additionally, Uganda is home to 24 of the Albertine Rift endemics, with the rest found in DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Birds in Uganda have been protected over the years due to cultural norms, such as being considered totems for clans or believed to convey messages from gods and seasons.
Uganda’s location between Central and East Africa makes it an excellent place for bird watching, with species from both regions found in habitats such as wetlands, forests, savannahs, and more. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a top birding spot, with 23 of the 24 Albertine endemics found in Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park is also one of the best birding locations in Africa.
Top sites to visit for Uganda bird watching tours
1. Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places in Uganda to see the rare shoebill stork. This prehistoric-looking bird is a highlight for many birders visiting Uganda. The swamp is also home to a variety of other water birds, including African jacanas, African fish eagles, and several species of kingfishers.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only a great destination for wildlife viewing but also for bird watching. The park is home to over 600 bird species, including several species of raptors, hornbills, and bee-eaters. Visitors can take game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks to see the park’s birds up close.
3. Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is not only a great destination for chimpanzee trekking but also for bird watching. The park is home to over 350 bird species, including several species of turacos, cuckoos, and sunbirds. Visitors can take guided walks through the forest to see the park’s birds and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not only a great destination for gorilla trekking but also for bird watching. The park is home to over 350 bird species, including several species of greenbuls, flycatchers, and finches. Visitors can take guided walks through the forest to see the park’s birds and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
5. Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see the rare and endemic bird species of the Albertine Rift Valley. The park is home to over 400 bird species, including several species of hornbills, turacos, and cuckoos. Visitors can take guided walks through the forest to see the park’s birds and enjoy the beautiful scenery
What you can expect on Uganda Bird Watching Tours
On a Uganda Bird Watching Tour, you can expect to see a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Uganda is home to over 1,000 bird species, with many of them endemic to the country. The tour will take you to some of the best birding destinations in Uganda, where you’ll have the opportunity to see birds in their natural habitats.
During the tour, you’ll be accompanied by experienced birding guides who will help you identify the different bird species. The guides are knowledgeable about the birds’ behavior, habitat, and calls, making it easier for you to spot and identify them.
You’ll explore different habitats, including forests, swamps, and savannahs, which offer different birding experiences. Each habitat has its own unique bird species, and you’ll have the opportunity to see a wide range of bird families, including raptors, kingfishers, hornbills, sunbirds, and many more.
Apart from bird watching, the tour may also include other activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks, depending on the itinerary. These activities will allow you to see other wildlife species, including primates, antelopes, and big cats, which are often found in the same habitats as the birds.
Overall, you can expect an exciting and rewarding birding experience on a Uganda Bird Watching Tour. With a diverse range of habitats and bird species, Uganda is a must-visit destination for any serious birder or nature enthusiast