Birding at Lake Bunyonyi: Papyrus, Islands and Highland Forest Birds

The lake sits in the highlands near Kabale at a cool altitude, with many islands and sinuous arms that suit slow paddling. Birds are visible from the shore, from a dugout canoe and from the paths around the hills.

This guide covers the birds to look for, the best ways to watch them and how to combine the lake with gorilla trekking and the forests nearby.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

A Gentle Kind of Birding

Lake Bunyonyi is not a place for long drives or hurried lists. Its appeal lies in quiet mornings on the water, when mist lifts and birds begin to call. Many lodges have gardens that attract sunbirds, weavers and robin-chats, so you can watch birds over breakfast. The lake also appeals to travellers who have just completed a demanding gorilla trek and want an easy day. For the setting and background, see the Lake Bunyonyi guide.

The lake's altitude gives it a cool, fresh climate, and the shoreline is mostly farmland rather than wild forest. That means the birds you see are often those that have adapted to a human landscape, which makes them easy to approach and watch. For beginners, this is one of the gentlest introductions to Ugandan birds, with plenty of time to learn calls and shapes in a pleasant setting.

Birds of the Water and Papyrus

Look for pied kingfishers hovering above the surface, malachite kingfishers perched on reeds and African fish eagles calling from tall trees. Cormorants dry their wings on posts, herons and egrets work the margins, and grey crowned cranes may be seen in wetter fields around the shore; see grey crowned crane facts. Papyrus stands hold specialists such as the papyrus gonolek in suitable places, but these are shy and may require patience and a good guide. Weavers build colourful nests in overhanging trees.

Canoe Birding

Traditional dugout canoes are the quietest way to approach birds. A paddler can drift close to shorelines and island trees without engine noise. Sit low, move slowly and let the guide point out birds. Early morning is calmest and the light is best for photographs. Ask about life jackets and weather, because afternoon wind can ruffle the lake. Read things to do at Lake Bunyonyi for other water-based options, and consider a visit to Bushara Island for island scenery.

Hill Walks and Garden Birds

Footpaths climb between farm terraces, eucalyptus groves and patches of remaining vegetation. These routes suit relaxed birding, with sunbirds, bishops, waxbills and flycatchers common in the hedges. Walking with a local guide has the added benefit of explaining farming life and village paths, and it spreads tourism income into the surrounding community. Keep to paths, ask permission before entering private land and avoid photographing children without consent from adults.

Echuya Forest Reserve

A short journey towards Kabale brings you to Echuya Forest Reserve, a highland forest and swamp that appeals to serious birders. It is best known among enthusiasts for Albertine Rift birds associated with its swamp and montane vegetation, such as Grauer's swamp warbler. A local guide is essential, and walking can be muddy. Read the guide to Albertine Rift endemic birds for the wider picture.

When to Go

Birds are present all year. Dry months make walking and canoeing easier, while the wetter months bring greener hills and breeding activity. From about November to April, migrant birds from the northern hemisphere add variety. Mornings are cool and evenings can be chilly, so bring a fleece. Compare with the Uganda birding calendar before fixing dates.

Plan boat and canoe outings for early morning, when the water is usually still and birds are active. Afternoon weather can change quickly, so check the sky before leaving and carry a light waterproof. Keep binoculars in a dry bag, and ask your host about safe swimming areas, because some parts of the lake are best avoided for health and safety reasons.

Combining With Gorilla Trekking

Many itineraries place Bunyonyi after Bwindi, using it as a recovery stop; see Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi and Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi. For forest birding first, read birding in Bwindi. Choose a stay with where to stay at Lake Bunyonyi.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team