Overview
Yes, Uganda is one of the best destinations for birding safaris in Africa and the world. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda boasts diverse habitats, from savannahs and wetlands to forests and mountains, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Uganda is home to over 1,070 bird species, representing more than half of all bird species in Africa and 11% of the world’s population. Uganda is renowned for its array of specialty, endemic species, rare species, and migratory species. Uganda offers an exceptional birding experience, boasting a remarkable diversity of bird species due to its varied habitats ranging from rainforests and savannahs to wetlands and mountains and the chance to explore diverse habitats, from lush rainforests and montane forests to open savannahs, wetlands, and crater lakes. Uganda’s accessibility to both novice and experienced birders, combined with its dense populations of bird species and unique ecosystems, makes it a top birdwatching destination in Africa as it creates ideal habitats for a wide range of bird species.
Some of the top birding spots in Uganda are Bwindi impenetrable forest, Queen Elizabeth, Mabamba swamp, Semuliki, Kibale forest national parks, Lake Victoria, and surrounding wetlands. As a country, Uganda has a well-established network of protected areas and national parks ensuring the protection of the different bird habitats including Ramsar sites to ensure crucial birding hotspots are safe. For the full experience, Uganda offers experienced birding guides who are knowledgeable about bird calls, behaviors, and locations catering to all birders from beginners to seasoned ones.
Uganda is home to many birds including the notable ones that most birdwatchers often seek out; shoebill, African green broadbill, great blue turaco, green-breasted pitta, fox’s weaver, Rwenzori turaco, African finfoot, standard-winged nightjar, papyrus gonolek, Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, white-winged tern, grey-crowned crane, African skimmer, red-throated bee-eater, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, black-breasted barbet, bar-tailed trogon, Doherty’s bushshrike, saddle-billed stork, African fish eagle, regal sunbird, Rwenzori batis, elgon francolin, and handsome spurfowl. Please note, Fox’s weaver is Uganda’s only endemic bird found around Lake Bisina and Opeta in the eastern part of the country particularly in grasslands and wetlands. Migratory birds include European bee-eater, barn swallow, white-winged tern, common sandpiper, steppe eagle, black-tailed godwit, pallid harrier, northern wheatear, great reed warbler, osprey, African white-backed vulture, red fronted parrot, green snipe, green wood hoopoe, waterfowls, and many other birds.
Uganda’s unique geographical location allows for a wide array of bird species as birding can happen all year around depending on one’s desire or intention. This means that regardless of the season, dry or wet, a birder is certain of having quite the opportunities to spot various birds beautiful and unique in every sense as protecting all species, especially the endangered species is critical for Uganda’s ecosystem and its position as a global birding hotspot. The dry seasons of December to February and June to August are ideal for birding due to favorable weather conditions, however, migratory species are more common from November to April.
While birding, one can also experience other attractions in Uganda like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife safaris which makes for a perfect combination. Uganda is undoubtedly a birder’s paradise, offering exceptional opportunities to explore and observe a spectacular array of bird species in stunning natural settings making Uganda good for birding safaris.