Best Birding Spots in Uganda

Uganda’s favorable climate, abundant water bodies, and rich vegetation make it one of Africa’s best birding spots. With over 1,080 bird species recorded, Uganda attracts birding enthusiasts from around the world. Birdwatching can be enjoyed in Uganda’s various national parks, forests, and boat rides along scenic water bodies, offering bird lovers an opportunity to experience diverse avian life. Here are the ten best birding spots in Uganda for an unforgettable bird-watching safari.

Mabamba Bay Wetland

Mabamba Bay Wetland, located on the edge of Lake Victoria, is a prime destination for spotting one of the rarest and most sought-after birds in the world: the Shoebill Stork. Its proximity to the expansive lake creates an ideal habitat for birds that thrive in wetland environments. A canoe ride through the tranquil waters of Mabamba provides birders with an opportunity to observe various species in their natural habitats. Besides the Shoebill Stork, other notable species include the Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Pied Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, Black-headed Heron, African Open-billed Stork, Black Kite, and African Marsh Harrier. This wetland paradise is an essential stop for birders eager to witness Uganda’s aquatic avian life.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, is named after the famous Murchison Falls where the Nile River dramatically plunges through a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge before cascading 45 meters down. The park hosts around 450 bird species, making it a top destination for birdwatchers. Birding here can be combined with game drives or boat rides to the base of the falls. Notable bird species include the Goliath Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Red-throated Bee-eater, Northern Red Bishop, African Quail Finch, and Giant Kingfishers. The diverse landscapes and lush vegetation create a perfect environment for a wide range of bird species, ensuring that Murchison Falls National Park offers a fantastic birding experience.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Though best known for its gorilla trekking safaris, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 350 bird species. This UNESCO World Heritage Site’s dense, tropical forests support an abundance of rare bird species. Some of the park’s star avian residents include the Black-billed Turaco, African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Fraser’s Eagle, Handsome Francolin, Collared Apalis, and White-bellied Robin Chat. Birders visiting Bwindi can explore its rich birdlife while trekking through some of the most pristine forest ecosystems in Uganda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Nestled in Uganda’s southwestern corner, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to about 180 bird species, making it an excellent birding destination alongside its famed gorilla treks. The park’s forests and mountains provide a sanctuary for a diverse range of bird species. Birders can expect to encounter species like the Cape Robin, White-starred Robin, Brown Woodland Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, and Greater Double-collared Sunbirds. Mgahinga’s varied landscapes, from bamboo forests to montane woodlands, offer multiple birding experiences for enthusiasts seeking a variety of habitats.

Kibale Forest National Park

Known for its chimpanzee tracking safaris, Kibale Forest National Park is also a premier birding destination, with over 375 bird species recorded. The dense forest canopy and lush undergrowth provide an ideal environment for forest birds. Species to look out for include the Red-chested Owlet, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Crowned Eagle, Little Greenbul, Black Bee-eater, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Grey-throated Flycatcher, and White-naped Pigeon. The diversity of bird species in Kibale makes it one of Uganda’s top birding spots, offering an immersive birding experience in a pristine forest environment.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most visited parks, is home to over 600 bird species, making it one of the richest birding spots in the country. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings during game drives or boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, where many species gather by the water. Notable birds include the Swamp Flycatcher, African Skimmer, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Black-headed Gonolek, Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, Sedge Warbler, White-winged Terns, Grey-capped Warbler, Martial Eagle, and Slender-tailed Nightjars. Queen Elizabeth’s diverse ecosystems, from savannah to wetlands, offer birders an exceptional birdwatching experience.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem with around 351 bird species, offering a unique birding experience. The park’s open savannahs, woodlands, and wetlands attract a variety of bird species, making it an essential stop on a birding tour. Birders can spot the Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Bee-eaters, Cheeky Bronze-tailed Starling, Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, African Fish Eagle, and Red-necked Spurfowl. Additionally, the park is famous for its horseback safaris, which offer a unique way to explore the landscape while observing birds in their natural habitat.

Semuliki National Park

Located in the western part of Uganda, in the Albertine Rift Valley, Semuliki National Park boasts over 441 bird species. Its riverine forest ecosystem is home to many rare and endemic bird species. Notable species include Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Blue-billed Malimbe, Yellow-throated Nicator, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Dwarf Honeyguide, Great Blue Turaco, and Purple-breasted Sunbird. Semuliki is also known for the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, making it a unique destination for both birding and exploration.

Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest, situated near Murchison Falls National Park, is home to over 350 bird species and is known for its vast mahogany trees and rich biodiversity. Birding in Budongo is often combined with chimpanzee tracking. Notable bird species include the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Cassin’s Spinetail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, and Nahan’s Francolin. The forest’s dense canopy provides an excellent environment for forest bird species, offering birders a unique opportunity to explore Uganda’s avian life in an ancient forest setting.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park, famous for its snow-capped peaks, is also a fantastic birding destination, with over 217 recorded species. Birders can expect to find species adapted to high-altitude habitats. Some of the notable species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Robin-chat, Lagden’s Bush-shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, and the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird. The park’s rugged terrain and unique vegetation offer a challenging yet rewarding birding experience in one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.

Uganda’s diverse ecosystems provide a haven for bird species, making it a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts. Whether in wetlands, forests, or savannahs, the country’s rich birdlife ensures an unforgettable birdwatching experience for all.