The best Uganda birding safaris and Tour Packages.
A birding tour in Africa is incomplete without birding in Uganda. Are you looking for the best birding destination or the best affordable Uganda birding safari packages? Look no further, Rugote Safaris offers the best Uganda and Africa birding packages that will allow you to explore the birds of the continent without breaking the bank. We offer the best tailor-made and off-the-shelf Uganda birding tour packages that take you to some of the hidden treasures of the country. If you are looking for the top or the best combined Uganda or East Africa birding safaris, you are in the right place.
In this free and complete Uganda birding guide, we delve into understanding the real meaning of a birding safari or a birding tour in Uganda. By the time you get to the bottom of the page, you will have had answers to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about birding in Uganda. You will be able to plan your Uganda birding trip or tour from wherever you are reading from. Without any further do, let us dive into the frequently asked questions about the Uganda birding tour.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uganda birding safaris.
Like any other safari or trip to Uganda, planning a Uganda birding safari is quite challenging, especially for beginners or first-timer Uganda travelers and potential Uganda visitors. This is because Uganda has quite several birding destinations that are equally amazing. Choosing one destination out of a pool for your Uganda birding safari or Uganda birding tour is a challenging venture. Worry not, by answering these frequently asked questions about birding safari in Uganda, you will be able to get the most out of your trip.
What is birding in Uganda?
Birding in Uganda refers to the activity of observing and studying birds in their natural habitats within Uganda. With its diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, savannahs, and mountains, Uganda is a fantastic destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The country is home to over 1,000 bird species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in Africa. Birding in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to spot a wide variety of avian species, ranging from colorful and endemic birds to migratory species that visit the country during certain seasons. Some of the iconic and sought-after birds in Uganda include the shoebill stork, African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, African Fish Eagle, and numerous species of kingfishers, hornbills, and weavers.
Where can I do birding in Uganda? Top birding destinations in Uganda
With over 30 birding destinations or birding spots in Uganda, Uganda boasts over 1,000 bird species some of which are rift valley endemics and others are migratory birds. Birding in Uganda has been developed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) through the establishment of birding trails in all the birding destinations in Uganda. Below are some of the best or top birding destinations you should look up to for the best birding experience on your Uganda safari.
- Semuliki National Park
Also known as “The True Birders Haven,” Semuliki National Park is located in western Uganda. The park is a famous birding safari destination in Uganda as it is home to over 400 bird species. Its riverine forest and grasslands are avian habitats for birds. At Semuliki National you will explore the park and meet some of these magical species. Some of the bird species spotted in Semuliki National Park include; the Congo Serpent Eagle, Nkulengu Rail, and Yellow-throated Cuckoo.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a famous destination for mountain gorilla trekking. It is the best place to have a combined Uganda birding and gorilla trekking safari. Within the four sectors of the park lie hundreds of bird species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors namely; the Nkuringo sector, the Rushaga sector, the Buhoma sector, and the Ruhija sector. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 endemics to the Albertine Rift. The park’s diverse habitats and altitudinal variations provide opportunities to spot rare and sought-after species such as the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Handsome Francolin.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Other than being the most popular national park in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a reliable birding spot in Africa. Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park is done in the Ishasha sector, Kasenyi sector, Mweya Peninsular, Kyambura Gorge, and Maramagambo forest. The park’s diverse habitats, including savannah, wetlands, and forests, attract a wide range of species. Key species include the African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek, and African Finfoot. Your birding safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park allows you to spot other wildlife animals like tree-climbing lions, elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, buffaloes, and leopards, to mention but a few.
- Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda. It is the oldest and largest national Park in Uganda. The park is home to over 200 bird species including the Shoebill Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Goliath Heron. A trip to Murchison Falls National Park allows travelers to see 4 of the big 5 animals namely; elephant, leopard, lion, and buffalo. There is also an opportunity to hike to the top of the world’s most powerful waterfalls on your Uganda birding tour. Taking on a boat cruise on the Nile Delta will introduce you to some of the water birds dwelling in the swamp areas and the river banks.
Other birding destinations in Uganda include; Mabamba Bay, Budongo forest, Bigodi wetland in Kibale National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park.
What to pack for a birding safari in Uganda?
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- A hat or a cap
- Sunglasses
- A pair of binoculars
- A field guide or bird guidebook
- A pen
- A notebook
- Camera
- Water bottle
- A backpack
- Rain jacket
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Snacks
What is the best time to go for a birding tour in Uganda?
Birding in Uganda is done any time of the year, on public holidays and weekends. However, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are usually considered the best birding time in Uganda. This is because, during these seasons, there are fewer chances of rain and the birding trails are usually dry. Spotting birds usually becomes easier.
