Bird Watching
Uganda is often called the “Birding Capital of Africa,” with over 1,100 species recorded—more than any other African country. From the elusive shoebill in the Mabamba wetlands to vibrant sunbirds and the striking African grey parrots, bird lovers will find endless joy. Rwanda and Tanzania also boast incredible bird diversity, with Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest and Tanzania’s Serengeti offering unique species.
Whether you’re an expert birder or a curious beginner, guided bird walks and boat safaris bring you closer to colorful flocks, rare species, and breathtaking natural soundscapes. Let us help you plan the perfect birding itinerary to enrich your East African adventure.
Our Top Birdwatching Safaris in Uganda
Top birdwatching Destinations in Uganda
Mabamba Bay Wetland – Shoebill Paradise on the Edge of Lake Victoria
Overview
Mabamba Bay Wetland is one of Uganda’s most accessible and rewarding birding hotspots, especially renowned for sightings of the iconic shoebill stork. Located along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, just a short distance from Entebbe, Mabamba offers an exceptional blend of swampy habitats, papyrus thickets, and open water channels, making it an ideal destination for waterbirds. It is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and has become a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists. With over 300 bird species recorded, including a wealth of globally threatened and near-endemic species, Mabamba plays a vital role in Uganda’s reputation as a premier birding destination in Africa.
Location
Mabamba is located on the western shoreline of Lake Victoria, about 50 km from Kampala and 15 km from Entebbe. It can be accessed by road via Kisubi or by a scenic boat ride from Entebbe across the lake, offering a unique journey through rural villages and lush wetlands.
Key Bird Species
The wetland is most famous for the shoebill stork, a bucket-list species for many birders. Other notable birds include papyrus gonolek, blue-breasted bee-eater, lesser jacana, African pygmy goose, malachite kingfisher, and swamp flycatcher. The area also hosts seasonal migratory species and various kingfishers, herons, and weavers.
Activities
Birding at Mabamba is done by traditional wooden canoe, navigated through narrow water channels in the papyrus swamp. Early morning visits offer the best chance to spot the shoebill hunting for lungfish. The slow-paced rides allow excellent photo opportunities and personalized guiding from local community bird guides. Nature walks and community visits in the surrounding areas can be arranged for added cultural immersion.
Best Time to Visit
Birding in Mabamba is excellent year-round, but the dry seasons from December to February and June to August offer more stable water levels and clearer visibility. The wet months are also productive for migratory species. Early mornings are especially ideal for birding excursions.
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Birdwatching in Uganda’s Biodiversity Heartland
Overview
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most ecologically diverse protected area and a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, offering birders an astonishing variety of habitats—from crater lakes and volcanic cones to grasslands and riverine forests. With over 600 bird species recorded, Queen Elizabeth is among the richest birding parks in Africa. The park hosts both resident and migratory birds, including rare forest dwellers and spectacular water birds. It is a prime destination for both casual and seasoned birdwatchers seeking scenic views alongside prolific avian life.
Location
Situated in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park spans the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri. It lies about 400 km from Kampala and is accessible via a 6–7-hour drive or a scheduled flight to Mweya or Kasese airstrips.
Key Bird Species
Highlights include the African fish eagle, grey-crowned crane, shoebill (in the Ishasha and Lake Edward areas), saddle-billed stork, papyrus gonolek, African skimmer, and the elusive white-winged warbler. Migratory species also add to the spectacle from November to April.
Activities
Birding in Queen Elizabeth takes place in varied locations, including along the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Maramagambo Forest trails, the Mweya Peninsula, and Ishasha sector. Guided game drives also provide opportunities to spot birds among other wildlife. The crater lakes and Kyambura Gorge add forest birding opportunities. Night drives offer a chance for nocturnal species like owls and nightjars.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open year-round, but the best birdwatching conditions are during the dry seasons—June to August and December to February. Migratory birds arrive from Europe and northern Africa between November and April, adding diversity during the green season.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Where Birds and Gorillas Share the Canopy
Overview
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is globally celebrated for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, but it’s also a birder’s Eden. Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, the forest boasts over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Bwindi offers a unique combination of montane forest ecology, misty altitudes, and dense undergrowth, making it one of the best birding sites in Africa. Birding here is deeply immersive and often combined with cultural walks or gorilla tracking, creating an unforgettable experience that combines biodiversity and cultural exploration.
Location
The park is located in southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the Albertine Rift, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s accessible by road from Kampala via Kabale or by domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro, followed by a drive to one of the park’s key sectors, such as Buhoma or Ruhija.
Key Bird Species
The forest is home to sought-after species like the African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, handsome francolin, African wood owl, Grauer’s warbler, and black bee-eater. Albertine Rift endemics make Bwindi particularly attractive to international birders.
Activities
Birding walks are guided by expert ornithologists and local guides, primarily along the waterfall trails in Buhoma, Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija, and the forest’s edge zones. Early mornings are ideal, and the walks are usually between 2 and 4 hours. Cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies provide valuable insights into the local forest-dwelling heritage, often complementing the bird-watching experience.
Best Time to Visit
Bwindi is open for birding throughout the year. However, June to August and December to February are considered the best times for forest walks and bird spotting, with minimal rainfall. March to May is the peak breeding season, so more birds may be active, although the trails are muddier.
