Birding on a Safari in Uganda

There has never been a dull day when on safari in Uganda. It would seem like the picture has been fully painted and all has been exhausted when it comes to Ugandan wildlife, but not quite! See, aside from various antelope species and wildlife specials like the tree climbing Lions and Mountain Gorillas, the land offers yet another wild delight; the birds of Uganda.

With over 1,060 bird species recorded within the country, Uganda is without doubt; quite the Uganda tour birding destination to reckon with. Spend days to weeks enjoying a birding excursion within only the top spots in the country, sighting an endless deployment of birdlife that will only leave you wanting more of this Uganda birding experience.

Bird categories to expect on a Uganda safari tour birding escapade

When it comes to birding, Uganda understands that diversity is everything so she puts her best foot forward to award you with some of the most elusive birds on the planet. A Uganda birding safari will usher you into a world of endemic, nearly endemic, rare, migratory and even Eurasian bird species that make for spectacular wildlife photography.

Top birds on a safari Uganda birding adventure:

Hold onto your binoculars for these top birding Uganda specials that you will be marking off your birds list as you walk through lush forests, along River banks and across some rolling hills for a birding safaris Uganda include; Shoebill stork, Crested Crane, Great Blue Turaco, African Green Broadbill, Green breasted Pitta, Standard Winged Nightjar, Shelley’s Crimson wing, Black breasted Barbet, Bar tailed Trogon, and the Doherty’s Bushshrike.

Some of Uganda tour birding endemic species include; the Fox’s weaver, Rwenzori Batis, Karamoja Apalis, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Uganda woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Red throated Alethe, Yellow footed flycatcher, and the Puvel’s Illadopsis.

Where to go for a birding tour Uganda?

With about 10 national parks, you cannot go wrong when planning a birding safari Uganda. Depending on which birds you want to see, each destination offers quite a unique perspective on the birds of Uganda. We bring you some top birding sights in Uganda and what to expect while on a birding tour Uganda.

  • Budongo forest: equipped with a wide range of forest birds including endemic species like the Yellow footed flycatcher and Puvel’s Illadopsis. A safari Uganda birding in Budongo forest hits different along the royal mile.
  • Murchison Falls NP: with 450 bird species, it’s the perfect destination for the Shoebill and plenty of common birds with Uganda birding tours.
  • Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks: For birders that are after seeing Albertine rift endemics, these two national parks are perfect when on a birding safari Uganda.
  • Queen Elizabeth NP: Offers a blend of common and endemic birds with an admirable diversity
  • Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve: The only place in East Africa where you will find an assortment of Guinea – Congo regional species.
  • Lake Mburo National Park: The show goes on with sightings of water birds such as flamingoes and a wild display of common Ugandan birds as well.

What to pack for Birding tours in Uganda; a a pair of Binoculars, hat, Pointer, Notebook and pen for making some field notes, Good Camera with extra batteries and memory card, Birder’s guide book, a bottle of drinking water, Snacks, Comfortable clothes and shoes, plus a backpack.

When to go for Uganda birding safaris

Choosing the best time to go for birding Uganda tours is everything. Although the weather is generally favorable all year round, travelling in the wet months when the rains are at their peak can have undesirable effects on your safari. You might encounter flooded and slippery roads that are nearly, if not totally impassable.

In late May all through September, rains are generally low and the food is in abundance. It is the perfect time to indulge in a nature walk along the Royal Mile in Budongo forest or Bwindi to catch some native birds. A Uganda birding safari at this time is suitable for a birder who is after sighting some Albertine rift endemics.

There is no better way to spend the last days of your safari than on a Uganda birding tour. Quiet evenings along the river’s age or early morning forest hikes are perfect ways to get to meet the birds of Uganda.

Get your camera and binoculars ready for the moment of your life with specials such as the Shoebill, African Green broadbill and Great Blue Turaco on hand.

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