August 21, 2024
Uganda, popularly known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is not only a haven for big game safaris, but a paradise for bird watchers, with a record of more than 1,065 species of birds in this small but amazingly diverse country.
From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s rain forests to Mabamba Bay’s extensive wetlands, the variation from one type of landscape to the other in Uganda is equal to the birdlife diversity; large numbers of rare or endemic species can be found in the country.
Uganda is the perfect mix of available sites, any one of which is relatively accessible, experienced local guides, and unparalleled opportunities for some of the most sought-after birds in the world; it is a utopia for both inexperienced and seasoned birders. Here’s a peek at some of the best bird-watching sites in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site
The famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, mainly known for its mountain gorillas, is equally one of Uganda’s leading destinations for birding. The park inhabits about 350 bird species in its montane forest, of which 23 are only found in the Albertine Rift and not anywhere else in the world. Among these are the elusive African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Warbler, and Short-tailed Warbler.
Indeed, the Mubwindi Swamp trail is a birding hotspot in the park. The walk through the thick forest involves descending into the swamp, where the famous very rare Grauer’s Rush Warbler may be seen. Other sought-after species include the Black Bee-eater, White-bellied Robin-chat, and Western Green Tinkerbird—all passerines. The varied habitats range from the lowland to montane forests.
Mabamba Bay Wetland: The Best Bird Watching Hotspots in Uganda.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Bay Wetland is one of Uganda’s best-known birding sites, mainly because it is one of the few places where you can see the rare, prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork in the wild. Wetlands are part of the much bigger swamp system lying into the northern rim of Lake Victoria, providing an enormous and special ecosystem full of birdlife.
Most birders visiting Mabamba Bay take a canoe ride through the wetland’s long narrow channels. This is not only an adventure on its own but the best way to spot the Shoebill that resides within the wetland. Other birds on Mabamba Bay include over 260 species, including those of the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, and African Pygmy Goose. It’s one of the hottest birding spots in the region, and a place where large numbers of migratory birds can be seen throughout the year.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: The Best Bird Watching Hotspots in Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited of Uganda’s national parks and among the best rated tourist destinations in the world. Diverse habitats, like savannah, wetlands, and forests, host an impressive 600 species of birds, making this park a prime destination for a serious birder.
The Kazinga Channel, linking Lakes Edward and George, is well known as a very good bird-watching spot. It is here that large flocks of pelicans, cormorants, besides other waterbirds, come—the African Skimmer breeds on the sandbanks.
Another significant birding site is Maramagambo Forest hosting the White-naped Pigeon, Brown-chested Alethe, and Forest Flycatcher, whereas the savannah of the park supports the Grey-crowned Crane, which is the national bird for Uganda, and predators including the Martial Eagle and African Fish Eagle.
Kibale National Park – Primate and Birding Paradise
Kibale National Park is home to a great number of primate populations, especially chimpanzees, and to several rare species of birds. There are over 375 species of birds in this tropical rain forest. Some of them cannot easily be found in any other part of the country. One of the rarities here is the green-breasted pitta, one of the most sought-after species in the Kibale grounds and one of Africa’s most difficult birds to find, as it is generally uncommon and elusive.
Birders in Kibale can also expect to see species such as the African Grey Parrot, the Black-billed Turaco, and the White-naped Pigeon. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which lies immediately outside the park, is another great birding spot. Parts of the wetland, in particular, can be very rewarding for the papyrus endemics, such as the Papyrus Gonolek and White-winged Warbler.
Semuliki National Park: A Taste of Central African Birdlife
Semuliki National Park lies in the western part of Uganda and is unique for birding. Birders enjoy the species shared with the Congo Basin—a la Centre de l’Afrique—that does not extend into other parts of Eastern Africa. This park lowland forest boasts over 441 bird species, 35 of which are not shared with any other part of Eastern Africa.
The most unique species and target in Semuliki include the Nkulengu Rail, Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, and White-crested Hornbill. The best place for Lyre-tailed Honeyguide and Black-wattled Hornbill is one of the greatest places in Uganda. Birding is quite rewarding in the park, especially during the dry period between the months of December through March and June to July when the birds are quite active, hence easier to see.
With its richly diverse ecosystems, Uganda is among the most recommended places for bird watching in the world. Whether you’re hiking in the misty mountains of Bwindi, flying low over the swampy lands of Mabamba Bay, or simply exploring savannas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda offers unbelievable chances to spot some of the most desirable bird species in the world. It is not simply an adventure that a birdwatching tour of Uganda presents, but a journey to one of the world’s most bio-diverse regions.
