Best Birding Spots in Uganda

Uganda’s year-round conducive climate, abundant water sources, and diverse vegetation cover make it one of the best birding destinations in Africa. Vast species of birds fly in from around the world throughout the year and about 1,080 bird species have been recorded. Bird watching can be done in Uganda’s many National Parks and forests as well as during boat rides where birds can be seen by the banks of various water bodies in the country. Our birding safaris in Uganda are well-planned to give birding enthusiasts a memorable bird-watching experience in Uganda. Here are our 10 best birding spots in Uganda.

• Mabamba Bay Wetland.

Located on the edge of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Bay Wetland is one of the few places where the rare Shoebill Stork can be found. Sighting the Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Bay Wetland will make your Uganda birding safari all the more exciting. Mabamba’s proximity to Lake Victoria provides the perfect conditions for birds especially those that like to live near water. A canoe ride through Mabamba Bay Wetland is a great way to explore the abundant bird species which include; the Shoebill Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Pied Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolex, Black-headed Heron, African Open-billed Stork, Black Kite, African Marsh Harrier among many others. Mabamba Bay Wetland is one of the 10 Best Birding Spots in Uganda.

• Murchison Falls National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park and is named after the mighty Murchison Falls where large volumes of River Nile water are forced through a narrow gorge of 7 meters width before plunging about 45 meters downstream, creating one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. About 450 bird species have been recorded in Murchison Falls National Park and these can best be seen during a wildlife game drive through the park or when on a boat ride to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Bird species in Murchison Falls National Park include; Goliath Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, Red-throated Bee Eater, Northern Red Bishop, African Quail Finch, and Giant Kingfishers among many others. Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park is a great highlight of a wildlife safari in Uganda.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Although Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris are more popular in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, bird watching comes at a close second due to the abundance of rare species of birds. About 350 species of birds can be found in Bwindi and these include; Black-billed Turaco, African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Fraser’s Eagle, Handsome Francolin, Collared Apalis, White-bellied Robin-Chat among many others.