BIRDWATCHING SAFARIS PLANNING GUIDE FOR UGANDA
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READ MORE ON TRAVEL GUIDE FOR UGANDAHow To Plan The Best 2024-2025 Birding Safari For Uganda?
Think of Uganda and you probably instantly picture the famed mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest. And while you are probably well aware that other primates also thrive here, you may be surprised to learn that the country is one of the most favored destinations for birdwatching tours in Africa. Birding enthusiasts from every corner of the globe flock to the many parks and reserves to get a glimpse of some of the astounding 1066 species of birds that live here. As you safari holiday in the country, you are likely to come across many of these gorgeous specimens without actively looking for them.Avid bird watchers will tell you that they sign up for avian safaris in Uganda because the parks are so easily accessible. Around Kampala and Entebbe alone, you are likely to spot close to 300 avian varieties, many of which arrive here from the shores of the Nile, Lake Victoria, and the Albertine Rift Valley. Among them is the rare Fox’s weaver, which is not found in any other part of the world. You can spot many of the bird species while undertaking activities like nature walks, treks and hikes through the forests and swamps, mountain climbing, game drives, cycling, boat cruises on the Nile River, and even trekking to see the rare primates of Uganda.
Key Takeaways
- Uganda is the most favored destination for birdwatching tours in Africa thanks to the stunning diversity of avian life
- More than 1066 species recorded and identified in different locations in the country
- Locales like Lake Victoria and Albertine Rift Valley acting as favorable habitats for nesting and feeding
- Possibility of combining birdwatching with additional activities like nature walks, forest treks, mountain climbing excursions, game drives, and boat cruises
- View endemic birdlife specific in distinct destinations e.g.60 out of 475 species in Kidepo cannot be spotted in any other parks in Uganda
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1. Unique Species Of The Albertine Rift Valley
Key Takeaways
- Spotting birds of the Albertine Rift Valley from northwestern to southwestern Uganda
- Region known for several species that migrate between parks and reserves in the area
- Both aquatic and terrestrial bird varieties to be seen here
When vacationing in Uganda, be on the lookout for the red-faced woodland warbler, sunbird, Grauer’s warbler, handsome francolin, dwarf honeyguide, masked apalis, Shelley’s crimson wing, Rwenzori batis, collared apalis, purple-breasted sunbird, dusky crimson wing, mountain archer’s robin-chat, and regal sunbird. Other species that adorn the landscape with their brilliant colors include the Neumann's Warbler, shoebill stork, papyrus yellow warbler, white-winged warbler, Carruther's cisticola, orange weaver, swamp flycatcher, papyrus gonolek, and many more.
2. Bwindi Forest Birding
Key Takeaways
- More than 350 distinct species identified in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Possibility of spotting several varieties during mountain gorilla trekking expeditions
- Best birding locations known to be Ruhija and Buhoma that you can explore with an expert guide
3. Bird Canoeing On Mabamba Swamp Close to Kampala & Entebbe
Key Takeaways
- Located close to the capital city of Kampala and Entebbe Town
- Designated as a Ramsar Birding Site standing on the banks of the iconic Lake Victoria
- Canoeing along the channels to catch sight of gorgeous birds drinking and fishing in the water
4. Birding Experience At Kibale Forest
Key Takeaways
- Park well-known for sightings of more than 375 different bird species, including several migratory birds that arrive during the colder months in the north
- Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary and Kanyanchu area known as prime birding locations with a concentration of more than 138 varieties
- Boardwalks and viewing platforms available for viewing other fauna
5. Valley Birding In Kidepo
Key Takeaways
- Fascinating array of birdlife that thrives in the arid and harsh conditions of Kidepo Valley
- Reserve famous for 475 individual varieties of birds along with 60 species that can only be found here in Kidepo
- Large concentrations found in Narus and Namamukweny Valleys and around the watering holes
Spend your birding trip identifying the different species and learning about their nesting and feeding habits from the expert guide that accompanies you. Some of the feathered wonders of this wasteland include the four-banded sandgrouse, Clapperton’s francolin, Ruppell’s and superb starlings, black-breasted barbet, crimson-rumped waxbill, little weaver, vinaceous dove, red-cheeked cordon-bleu, mosque swallow, Nubian woodpecker, marsh tchagra, broad-tailed warbler, Abyssinian roller, and ground hornbill.
6. Explore Mgahinga On A Virunga Birding Excursion
Key Takeaways
- Smaller section of the Virunga Mountains, but home to an incredible 115 species
- 39 kinds native to the Afrotropical mountainous regions and 14 endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley
- Migratory birds often spotted that visit during the months from November to April
7. Riverine & Delta Birdwatching In Murchison Falls
Key Takeaways
- Prime birding location frequented by avid birdwatchers, also has a rich diversity of aquatic birds
- Option of booking birding boat rides on the Nile or nature walks around the falls area
- Excursion to the Nile Delta on Lake Albert to view the elusive shoebill stork recommended
8. Important Birding Area (IBA) Tour In Queen Elizabeth
Key Takeaways
- Named as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birding International
- Home to more than 600 species of birds that thrive in the diverse landscapes
- Lake Kikorongo, the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, the Ishasha sector, Katunguru Bridge, the Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi, and Katwe best locations for birdwatching
The main locations for birding safaris in this reserve include Lake Kikorongo, the Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, the Ishasha sector, Katunguru Bridge, the Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi, and Katwe. Among the unique species, you can see here are cormorants, the elusive forest fly-catchers, weaver birds, marabou storks, Rwenzori turacos, shoebill storks, flamingos, white-naped pigeons, fish eagles, great egrets, and bats. Of course, your tour of Maramagambo Forest wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Cormorant House, a giant tree adorned with the white guano of the unbelievable number of birds roosting on it.
9. Birdwatching On The Nile River In Jinja & Mabira Forest
Key Takeaways
- Area known for 60 aquatic species spotted along the river best-viewed during kayaking trips
- Visiting Mabira Forest to identify more than 315 types, each unique and truly beautiful
- Nile River near Jinja is known for attracting several varieties
10. Bird Viewing Trip In Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Key Takeaways
- Oldest reserve in Uganda first opened for tourists in 1926. Formerly known as the Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve covering an area of 542 square kilometers
- Possibility of viewing and photographing more than 440 colorful varieties of birds
- The reserve has 5 endemic species to Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley and 46 Guinea-Congo Biome species
The park has 46 Guinea-Congo Biome species and 5 endemic species to Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley. Look for the northern bearded scrub robin, Xavier’s greenbul, orange-cheeked waxbill, Maxwell’s black weaver, yellow-throated nicator, red-billed dwarf hornbill, green-tailed bristlebill, spot-breasted ibis, fire-crested alethe, western bronze-naped pigeon, red-rumped tinkerbird, Nakulenge rail, black dwarf hornbill, red-bellied malimbe, crested malimbe, blue-headed crested flycatcher, white-crested hornbill, leaf-love, piping hornbill, and wattled hornbill.
11. Lake Birdwatching At Mburo
Key Takeaways
- Prime attraction for birding enthusiasts because of sightings of the rare red-faced barbet
- Park famous for more than 350 bird species known to be found here
- Swamplands of Miriti and Warukiri, Rubanga Forest, and the boardwalk beside Camp Rwonyo considered the best for birdwatching
Should you visit the salt lick at Miriti Valley, you are likely to see birds with more intriguing names, such as the bare-faced go-away bird and Rufous-bellied heron. Others found here include Ross’s Turaco, brown-chested lapwing, red-headed lovebird, common scimitarbill, brown parrot, emerald-spotted wood-dove, and green wood-hoopoe. We also recommend a boat trip on Lake Mburo to view the water birds such as the African finfoot and fish eagles. If you are lucky, you may also spot the shoebill stork and red-faced barbet.
12. Highlands Birding Tour In Rwenzori Mountains
Key Takeaways
- Region home to around 217 species of birds, including 19 endemic varieties
- Hiking tours recommended for sighting some of the most beautiful kinds of birds in Uganda
- Several birds of prey spotted here like the black eagle, bearded vulture, and long-eared owl
13. Birdwatching Around Mount Elgon
Key Takeaways
- Main birding site, Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center, where many varieties are spotted
- More than 300 different bird species spotted here, particularly around Cheptui Falls
- Verdant landscape of the park and Guam Gorge main points of focus for birdwatching enthusiasts
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