Uganda offers the finest birding safari experience to bird watchers with hundreds of eye catching bird species including the shoebill stock. Almost 70% of the bird species in Africa are in Uganda and it’s roughly twelve percent of the world bird population on the earth. Why not take a birding safari tour in Uganda and get surprised with the many bird species and mammals in different Uganda birding destinations. A good number of bird species in Uganda are endemic birds that live in wetlands, savannah environment, forests, montane and semi-arid areas. The thing that mount excitement with birding safaris in Uganda, birds are found everywhere you go even in Entebbe town a city where you land. Before heading out of the city to other Uganda birding destinations, take advantage of Entebbe Botanical gardens, Zika forest and record quite a good number of bird species in a day.
Why Is Uganda a Great Birding Destinations?
As an alternative gorilla safari tour destination in Africa, Uganda is incredible for birding and 10-12 days are enough to generate an amazing bird watching experience. But if you have more than 10 days still they are worth exploring the beautiful Pearl of Africa a home to magnificent mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colobus etc. The main birding destinations in Uganda include Bwindi impenetrable national park, Source of the Nile in Jinja, Lake Victoria-Africa’s biggest lake, Mabamba wet land –home to vast Papyrus Swamps inhabited by Shoebill, Echuya forest, Kibale national Park & Bigodi wetland, Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Murchison falls National park, Queen Elizabeth national Park, Royal Mile & Budongo forest, Semuliki National Park, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, Botanical gardens Entebbe among others. These places have many exciting birds found nowhere else in the world.
Bird Species in Uganda
There are many bird species found in Uganda but the most common bird species include, Rwenzori Turaco, yellow breasted hornbill, shoebill stock, eagles, crowned crane, masked weavers ,breasted Roller, Billed stock, kingfisher, African green broadbill, wagtail, Red Throated Alethe, strange weaver, Yellow eyed black flycatcher, sunbird , great egret, Marabou stock,grey heron, Pelicans, long tailed cormorants, Hammerkop, yellow billed stock, duckes, swans,geese,Jacanas,Green sand piper ,Falcons especially the red winged among others.
What is the Best Time for Birding in Uganda
Since most birding destinations are in the southern and central parts of Uganda bird watching safaris are fantastic in both the dry months and rainy months .June-October and December to March are the dry months and considered best for every Uganda safari birding inclusive while April, May and November are the known rainy months but it doesn’t rain daily and even after it shines. However, during rain seasons the forests are super wet but walking boots can do if you planning visiting in those times.
However, for those planning to go birding in the northern part of Uganda, February to early march is somehow hot and dry but still tourists spot their favorite species. Budongo forest reserve and Semuliki are some of the parts you shouldn’t miss while on your birding safari tour in the northern part of Uganda.