Locations

Uganda – Profile for Birders

March 18, 2026 by Editor No Comments

Highlights

Uganda boasts around half of the total number of bird species found in Africa! These include over 20 Albertine Rift endemics and many other truly iconic species, including the weird-but-wonderful Shoebill.

Over the last 25 years, Uganda has actually raced ahead to become one of Africa’s best birding destinations. It truly is an incredibly scenic place, and no other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats.

Key Bird Species and Families

  • Shoebill
  • Congo Serpent Eagle
  • Nahan’s Partridge
  • Black Dwarf Hornbill
  • Grey Parrot
  • Great Blue Turaco
  • Grauer’s Broadbill
  • Papyrus Gonolek
  • Green-breasted Pitta
  • Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.

Shoebill

Green-breasted Pitta

Top Mammals: Eastern (Mountain) Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Guereza, L’Hoest’s Monkey, and many other primates, African Elephant, African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard.

Best Regions for Birding

  • Murchison Falls National Park – Spectacular waterfall where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge, and also fantastic birds and mammals.
  • Kibale National Park – An incredible 13 primate species, including our closest relative, the Chimpanzee, and fantastic forest birding of over 300 species.
  • Semuliki National Park – Unique “jungle” park that is more Congo than Uganda, with 50 bird species found nowhere else in East Africa.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park – 95 Mammal species, 600 bird species, and dramatic volcanic features make this a must-visit park in Uganda.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to about 400 Eastern Gorillas, along with 350 bird species.
  • Lake Mburo National Park – Small but awesome, with 350 bird species and amazing wetland scenery, along with some special mammals.

Regal Sunbird

Best Birding Season

End of June to end of August.

Great Blue Turaco

Birding Trip Suggestion(s)

A possible day-to-day itinerary for a 2-week trip:

  • Day 1    Arrival in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport, transfer to hotel
  • Day 2    Entebbe to Masindi (Mabamba Swamp birding in the morning)
  • Day 3    Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park
  • Day 4    Murchison Falls National Park to Masindi
  • Day 5    Masindi to Kibale National Park
  • Day 6    Kibale National Park (including optional Chimpanzee trekking) to Fort Portal
  • Day 7    Fort Portal to Semuliki National Park and back
  • Day 8    Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 9    Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi & Special night birding
  • Day 10  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Day 11  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (optional morning gorilla trekking)
  • Day 12  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Day 13  Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
  • Day 14  Lake Mburo to Entebbe International Airport and Departure

Brown-throated Wattle-eye

Practical Tips

  • A good pair of binoculars that you are familiar with is a must. Worth studying up on the birds expected for the trip. Lots of resources are available online
  • Bring a good raincoat and hiking shoes for the forest walks. Get walking fit for the trip, one does not need to be Marathon fit, just walking for and practice walking up and down stairs to simulate walking in the forest.
  • Wear light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Stay hydrated and carry plenty of water and snacks, especially in remote areas.
  • Stick to roads and trails to protect fragile habitats.

African Skimmer

Books

Birds of East Africa

Black-headed Gonolek

Links

Rwenzori Batis

By Marc Cronje, Nature Travel Birding. Contact data:

  • info@naturetravelbirding.com or marc.cronje1991@gmail.com
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturetravelbirding
  • Website: https://naturetravelbirding.com/

Grey-crowned Crane

“Uganda Map” by amalthya is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.