Birdwatching in Uganda

Uganda is a paradise for bird lovers. With over 1,070 bird species recorded — nearly half of Africa’s total — the country is one of the most rewarding destinations for birdwatchers, from casual enthusiasts to professional ornithologists. From wetlands and forests to savannahs and alpine regions, Uganda’s diverse landscapes offer habitats to an astonishing variety of birds, including rare endemics and migratory species.

Whether you want to spot the legendary shoebill stork, enjoy forest canopy views of colorful turacos, or explore remote national parks ,birdwatching in Uganda never disappoints.

A Birder’s Dream: Why Uganda Stands Out

What makes Uganda unique for birdwatching is the incredible variety of ecosystems compressed into a relatively small area. In just one trip, you can explore swamps, tropical rainforests, savannah plains, riverbanks, crater lakes, and mountain slopes. Each environment hosts a different group of species — from alpine birds in the Rwenzori’s to Central African forest species in Semuliki.

Moreover, Uganda serves as an intersection between the East African savannah avifauna and West African rainforest birds, which is why it boasts species that are difficult or impossible to see elsewhere in East Africa.

Additionally, the birdwatching infrastructure has grown significantly. With the help of expert guides from Traford Safaris Ltd, who are well-versed in local bird calls and habitats, you have an excellent chance of not just spotting birds but also understanding their behaviors and ecological roles.

Mabamba Swamp: The Kingdom of the Shoebill

Perhaps no bird excites travelers to Uganda more than the shoebill stork . Standing over 4 feet tall, this prehistoric-looking bird has a large, shoe-shaped bill and a reputation for patience and stealth.

shoebill stork in Mabamba swamp

Located just an hour from Entebbe, Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive shoebill in the wild. The experience of gliding through narrow papyrus channels in a canoe while scanning the reeds is both peaceful and thrilling. Early mornings are ideal, as this is when the shoebill is most active.

But Mabamba is not just about the shoebill. More than 260 other species can be found here, including:

• African jacana

• Pied kingfisher

• Malachite kingfisher

• Papyrus gonolek

• Blue-breasted bee-eater

Birding here is rewarding all year round, and the proximity to Entebbe makes it a perfect pre- or post-safari excursion.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Big Game and Big Birds

While Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its wildlife — lions, elephants, and hippos — it’s also one of Uganda’s most important birding areas, with over 600 recorded bird species.

This is the perfect park for travelers who want to combine traditional game drives with productive birding. The variety of habitats — lakes, savannah, wetlands, and forests — attract birds from all families.

Birding in queen Elizabeth national park

Top birding areas in Queen Elizabeth include:

• Kazinga Channel – Best explored by boat, this waterway teems with waterbirds like the African fish eagle, spur-winged lapwing, and Goliath heron.

• Ishasha Sector – Known for its tree-climbing lions, it’s also a great place to spot white-headed barbet and broad-billed roller.

• Maramagambo Forest – A lush area that hosts forest specialists like the forest flycatcher, yellow bill, and green hylia.

For birdwatchers who want both wildlife photography and serious birding opportunities, Queen Elizabeth offers a perfect mix.

Kibale Forest: The Primate Capital with Avian Treasures

Kibale National Park is best known for chimpanzee tracking, but for birders, it’s equally a treasure trove. With 375 species, including many forest-dependent birds, the park’s dense rainforest environment offers a peaceful birding experience with plenty of surprises.

Birdwatching in Kibale Forest

Green-breasted pitta, one of Africa’s most sought-after forest birds, can be spotted here, though it requires a keen eye and an experienced guide. Other notable birds include:

• African grey parrot

• Yellow-spotted barbet

• Dusky-blue flycatcher

• Black-billed turaco

• Brown illadopsis

Birding walks in Kibale are usually best in the early mornings or late afternoons. With Traford Safaris Ltd, you can combine a chimpanzee tracking adventure with birdwatching to make the most of your time in this stunning park.

Semuliki National Park: Uganda’s Birding Frontier

If you’re looking for rare species that aren’t found in East Africa, Semuliki National Park is your destination. This is Uganda’s only lowland tropical rainforest and shares much of its flora and fauna with the Congo Basin.

Bird Species in Semuliki National Park Uganda.

The park’s bird list includes over 440 species, and about 35 of these are endemic to the Albertine Rift or only found in this region of Africa. Key species include:

• White-crested hornbill

• Nkulengu rail

• Lyre-tailed honeyguide

• Black dwarf hornbill

• Long-tailed hawk

Access can be challenging, and conditions are often humid, but for serious birders, Semuliki is a thrilling and rewarding destination. Traford Safaris offers guided birding expeditions with all necessary logistics and expert support.

Birding in the Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains, often called the Mountains of the Moon, are a haven for high-altitude and montane forest bird species. While the treks here are physically demanding, the birdlife makes the journey even more special.

Notable species include:

• Rwenzori turaco

• Rwenzori batis

• Strange weaver

• Shelley’s crimsonwing (extremely rare and elusive)

• 

  Bird watching on Rwenzori Mountains.

Even short treks into the foothills around Rwenzori Mountains National Park can yield excellent sightings, especially during the early morning. These mountains are best suited for fit and adventurous birders looking to expand their lifelist in a dramatic setting.

Best Times for Birdwatching in Uganda

Uganda is a year-round birding destination, but certain months are especially productive depending on your focus:

• November to April – Ideal for spotting migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa.

• May and June – Peak for breeding plumage, excellent for photography.

• July to October – Dry season, making access to remote areas easier and more comfortable.

Each season offers its own highlights, and with Traford Safaris Ltd, you can tailor your itinerary to match the exact species or experiences you seek.

Combining Birding with Other Experiences

One of the best aspects of birdwatching in Uganda is that it blends seamlessly with other nature-based experiences. You don’t have to choose between birds and wildlife — you can have both.

Imagine this:

• Start your journey with a peaceful shoebill canoe ride in Mabamba Swamp.

• Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, spotting hornbills and pittas along the way.

• Cruise the Kazinga Channel, where fish eagles soar as elephants gather on the shore.

• Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also shelters over 350 bird species.

With Traford Safaris Ltd, birdwatching doesn’t mean sitting in one place with binoculars all day. It’s an immersive, thrilling, and diverse adventure through the heart of wild Africa.

Expert-Guided Birding Tours with Traford Safaris Ltd

At Traford Safaris Ltd, we understand that birdwatching is more than a hobby — it’s a passion. That’s why we offer custom birding tours led by experienced guides who know the terrain, bird calls, seasonal movements, and hidden habitats.

Our birding safaris can be:

• Fully dedicated to hardcore birding

• Mixed with photography and wildlife safaris

• Or part of a family adventure where birding is just one highlight

We provide:

• Comfortable transport and accommodation

• Field checklists and spotting equipment (optional)

• Local community interactions to enhance the cultural dimension of your safari

Whether it’s your first birding trip or you’re chasing rare species for your lifelist, we tailor every journey to your interests.

Final Thoughts: Discover Uganda One Bird at a Time

Birdwatching in Uganda isn’t just about ticking off species — it’s about discovering a country that is as colorful and diverse as its birdlife. From the haunting call of the African grey parrot in a rainforest canopy to the still silhouette of a shoebill in the swamp, Uganda offers moments of pure magic.

With its rich ecosystems, warm people, and expert guiding, Uganda is one of the best destinations in the world for birdwatching — and Traford Safaris Ltd is your trusted partner to explore it all.

Ready to go birding in Uganda?
📧 Contact Traford Safaris Ltd to plan your dream birdwatching adventure today!