Uganda

Uganda Birding Safaris

Uganda is one of Africa’s premier birdwatching destinations. From the savannas of Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks to the lush jungles of Semliki and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda is a birder’s paradise. With over 1,078 bird species recorded, including 24 Albertine Rift endemics, Uganda offers unrivaled opportunities for both dedicated birders and nature enthusiasts.

Uganda’s Endemic Birdlife

Uganda’s position along the Albertine Rift makes it one of the richest areas of endemism in Africa. Among the 24 Albertine Rift endemic species, highlights include:

Green Broadbill

Grauer’s Swamp Warbler

Neumann’s Warbler

Shelley’s Crimsonwing

Dusky Crimsonwing

Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher

Strange Weaver

Rwenzori Double-collared, Regal, Purple-breasted & Blue-throated Sunbirds

Rwenzori Turaco

Handsome Francolin

Stripe-breasted Tit

These and many others are best sought in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Semliki, Kibale, Budongo Forest, Mgahinga, and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Iconic Specialties

Uganda is also one of the best places on earth to see the Shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird often spotted in the papyrus swamps of Mabamba, Lake Victoria, and other wetlands. Other papyrus specialties include:

Papyrus Yellow Warbler

White-winged Warbler

Carruthers’ Cisticola

Papyrus Gonolek

Swamp Flycatcher

Orange Weaver

Uganda’s Landscapes and Lakes

Uganda is a landlocked country bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It lies at the heart of the Great Lakes region, with nearly a quarter of its surface covered by wetlands.

Lake Victoria: The northwestern third of the world’s second-largest freshwater lake lies in Uganda.

Lakes Albert and Edward: Stretching along the Albertine Rift floor, rich in waterbirds and wildlife.

Lake Bunyonyi: A stunning mountain-ringed lake dotted with islands, now a fast-rising birding and ecotourism destination.

Crater Lakes of Fort Portal & Kibale: Scenic birdwatching hotspots, often combined with chimpanzee tracking and community projects like Bigodi Swamp.

Ssese Islands (Lake Victoria): A lush archipelago of 84 islands, some revered as sacred, offering an ideal retreat after safari with both birding and fishing opportunities.

Uganda’s Protected Areas

Uganda boasts 60 protected areas, including 10 national parks. Two are UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – home to Mountain Gorillas and a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park – famous for its glaciers, highland scenery, and unique birdlife.

The Albertine Rift – Heart of Endemism

Stretching 1,000 kilometers across Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Albertine Rift is a global biodiversity hotspot. It hosts:

Over 50% of Africa’s bird species

39% of mammals

19% of amphibians

14% of reptiles and plants

This makes Uganda not only a leading birding safari destination, but also one of the most rewarding wildlife and photography destinations in Africa.