Whenever Uganda is mentioned, many people’s mind rush to its endangered mountain gorillas. Yes its true Uganda is much known for housing the endangered mountain gorillas since its one of the only three countries in the world where the remaining endangered mountain gorillas survive in the world. However, this ‘’Pearl of Africa’’ as it was named by Sir Winston Churchill its known for housing incredible variety of attraction. When it comes to birdlife, Uganda is ranked among the best birding spotting area in the world housing almost 1032 species of birds and many are endemic to only this country.
Over 400 species of birds can be seen within a space of 2 weeks. Many species of birds can be seen in Uganda’s national parks, wetlands, swamps and forest reserves. The most popular places where you can go birding include;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Semuliki Forest National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
Forest Reserves
- Budongo Forest,
- Mabira Forest,
Swamps & Wetlands
- Mabamba Bay
- Lake Victoria,
- Kazinga Channel
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Kampala City
You can still see various species of birds.
Each park and reserve has specialists who are kin watchers and they will help you to spot various species of birds. They can spot different species through their songs and since some of the spotting areas are tropical forest. Sometimes it’s hard to see some of the birds, so the bird songs you’ll hear during the trek will surely make it more enjoyable. Each spotting area has well stated trails leading you to better sighting. To mention some of the species of birds Uganda houses include the rare shoebill stock, gonolek, neumann’s, Rwenzori hill babbler, king fisher, strange weaver, blue headed, purple throated a huge prehistoric- looking swamp dweller notable for its heavy clog-shaped bill including 16 endemics as well as migrant birds attracted by seasonal variations in the water levels, all these among many others can be seen on a birding safari.
So if you are a bird lover or a photographer Uganda is the only option for you to go. There is no specific months for birding in Uganda, any month in Uganda is a birding day, it’s upon your interest and when traveling. Birding can be done both in the morning, afternoon and in the evening and each birding time is rewarding with different species of birds. You are advised to come with a first soot camera for taking photos. We are always available to advise you so that you can have a wonderful birding experience.