There are several bird watching spots in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Top Birding destinations in Uganda:
Below I have highlighted some of the best destinations (plus some bird species found there) you can go bird watching while in Uganda.
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Black Bee-eater, African Green Broadbill
- Mabamba Swamp; Shoebill Stork
- Budongo Forest; Blue-Kingfisher and White-Crested Turaco
- Kibale Forest; Green Breasted Pitta
- Budongo Forest; the Blue-Breasted Kingfishers
- Lake Mburo; Papyrus Gonelek and Finfoot
- Mgahinga National Park; Ruwenzori Turaco and Red-tufted Malachite Sunbird
- Semliki National Park; White Crested Hornbill and the Red-Rumped Tinker Bird
- Murchison Falls; Red-Fronted – Bee – Eaters, Denhams Bustard and the Shoebill
- Rwenzori Mountains; Sunbird species
- Mabira Forest; Nahan’s Francolin plus forest bird species
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary; Black-Billed Turaco and White-Spotted Crake
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Famous for gorilla tracking encounters, Bwindi is also a crucial birding destination. It harbors over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics like the African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimson wing, and Rwenzori turaco.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth support a vast array of birdlife. The Kazinga Channel attracts waterbirds like African skimmers, African fish eagles, and pied kingfishers.
Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile River bisects this park, creating a variety of habitats. Shoebills, Abyssinian ground hornbills, and Goliath herons are among the notable species found here.
Kibale National Park
Famous for chimpanzee tracking, Kibale also offers excellent bird watching opportunities. Species like green-breasted pitta, African pitta, and yellow-spotted barbet inhabit its forests.
Semuliki National Park: Situated in the Albertine Rift, Semuliki is home to over 400 bird species, including the rare shoebill. Other highlights include African piculet, Nkulengu rail, and orange weaver.
Mabamba Swamp
Situated near Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places in Uganda to spot the iconic shoebill stork, along with a variety of other waterbirds such as herons, egrets, and papyrus gonoleks.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley is renowned for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife, including over 470 bird species such as the Karamoja apalis, golden pipit, and Abyssinian roller.
Lake Mburo National Park
This small park is home to over 350 bird species, including the rare African finfoot, shoebill stork, and various species of raptors, waterfowl, and grassland birds.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens offer excellent birdwatching opportunities, with species such as the African fish eagle, palm-nut vulture, and various species of kingfishers, weavers, and sunbirds.