Uganda: A Birder’s Paradise : Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa,” for various reasons and one of those is that it is home to over 1090 bird species and constitutes 50% of Africa’s bird species. These birds are spread out and can be found in various birding destinations like national parks, lush rainforests, swamps and shores of the great Albertine Rift. The most sought-after bird is the shoebill stork, a large bird with an enormous head size, it is also often referred to as the “King Whale-head”. The shoebill stock is considered an endangered specie with an estimate of less than 1000 birds remaining. Tourists can find this bird in Lugogo swamp in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Mabamba swamp on Lake Victoria, Nabajuzi swamp in Masaka, Makanaga swamp bay, Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lwera swamp and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC).
Uganda is blessed with a variety of endemic species including the African Green Broadbill: A stunningly colored bird with a distinctive broad bill predominant in western Uganda, the Bar-tailed Trogon: A beautiful bird with iridescent plumage. It can be found in Buhoma & Ruhija sector and Mgahinga volcanoes, the Rwenzori Turaco: A large, colorful turaco found in the Rwenzori Mountains and the Shelley’s Crimson-wing is a small, brightly colored sunbird found in Bwindi-Impenetrable Forest National Park. These endemic species are the tourist’s prize when it comes to birding in Uganda.
Top Birding Destinations in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: While renowned for its mountain gorillas, Bwindi is also a birder’s haven. Home to an astonishing 24 of Uganda’s 25 Albertine Rift endemics, including the elusive African Green Broadbill and the striking Bar-tailed Trogon. Birds are easy to spot as several species connect in mixed feeding flocks that are active throughout the day. The main birding trails where birders can catch sight of these fantastic creatures are the Bamboo Zone, the Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija, and the Waterfall trail in Buhoma. This park is a must-visit for any bird lover.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 451 bird species. The diverse species include the Albertine Rift Endemics, the Waterbirds, and the Savannah Forest Birds. The shoebill is the major bird attraction that many birders come to see. Other species you may see on a bird-watching safari in Murchison include the Dark chanting goshawk, Martial Eagle, White-faced Whistling Duck, Hugli’s Francolin, Hamerkop, and Rock Pratincole, among others.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: There are different sections in this park, with each section harboring different bird species. The sections include; the Kasenyi area with over 60 species, Mweya peninsula with over 70 species, Katunguru bridge area, Lake Kikorongo, Ishasha sector, Katwe area and Maramagambo Forest. Queen Elizabeth National Park, in total, has over 600 bird species, and some of these include the hooded Vulture, Grey Kestrel, African Wattled Plover, Black-bellied Bustard, Black-lored Babbler and the White-tailed Lark. While on the boat cruise on the Nile delta through the park, you have a high chance of spotting the famous shoebill stork!
Semuliki National Park harbors over 400 species of birds, with 9 species of the Hornbill bird. Tourists can enjoy magnificent views at any of the following watching points at Ntandi, Sempaya, and River Kirumia area. Species predominant in the park include the Yellow-throated Nicator, Great blue, Ross’s Turacos, Piping Hornbill, Western Bronze-Napped Pigeon, and the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill.
Kibale Forest National Park although predominantly known for its chimpanzees, also boasts an impressive birdlife. The park neighbors the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary with over 350 species of birds! The Bigodi wetland sanctuary is in Kanyanchu and Magombe swamp and has over 138 bird species. Birders may see the Papyrus Canary, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Oliveback, Crowned Eagle, and Yellow-billed Barbet dwelling in their natural habitat.
Lake Mburo National Park: This smaller park offers excellent birding opportunities in a relatively compact area. With a mix of grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, it’s a great place to spot a variety of species, including the colorful Crested Francolin and the Grey-Crowned Crane. Birding spots in Lake Mburo National Park include the marshy areas of Miriti at the salt lick and in the forest of Rubanga and Warukiri, the waysides amongst the landing stage, and the Camp Rwonyo.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to the famous Shoebill Stork. The other species include; African Black Crake, African Fish Eagle, Black-Crowned Waxbill, African Grey Hornbill, African Golden Oriole, African Darter, and African Broad Bill.
Mabamba Swamp is located on the shores of Lake Victoria’s edge and is only an hour’s drive from the City Center. A birding adventure is done with a 3-person wooden boat canoe with capacity to carry two tourists and a guide at a time. You can expect to see; Shoebill Stork, Pied Kingfishers, Blue-breasted Bee-eaters, African and Lesser Jacanas, and the African Pygmy Goose.
hether you’re on a new journey as a birder or continuing your journey of discovering new bird species, we as Wildlife Encounters will make your dream come true. Don’t forget to carry your zoom-in camera for up-close views of the different bird species. Talk to us and we will help you plan your trip as you embark on your birding journey to Uganda.