6 Days
Private
6 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Queen Elizabeth Safari from Kigali
from
Bird watching safaris Safaris & Experiences
Bird watching safaris offer incredible opportunities to spot hundreds of unique avian species in diverse natural habitats. Uganda is a premier global destination for birding, housing over 1,000 species across wetlands, savannahs, and dense tropical rainforests
Uganda, also known as ‘‘the Pearl of Africa, ’’ is a paradise for bird lovers, boasting an impressive array of avian species, some of which cannot be seen anywhere else. Uganda is home to about 1090 registered bird species, making it a superb destination for bird-watching safaris in Africa.
Private trips • Local guides • Custom itineraries • Safari extensions
Typical duration
6 hours
Destination
Uganda, Rwanda
Best for
Couples, singles, Groups
Best season
June-October, Jan-Feb
Trip style
Private & custom
Bird watching safaris
A richer way to experience East Africa
Bird watching safaris in details
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is located in the western part of Uganda and is a renowned adventure destination. This National Park is located within the Albertine Rift Valley, an area that is known for its endemic species. The diverse birdlife in the Semuliki National Park inhabits its vast savannas and forests. You will encounter various species including the Congo Serpent Eagle, the Black-casqued Hornbill, and the yellow-throated Nicator, among others.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, a popular destination for wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda. Despite being popular for its incredible wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to about 600 different bird species that can be spotted across various habitats within the park.
This National Park encompasses savannas, wetlands, and forests, all of which offer habitat and shelter to the wide range of birdlife. This National Park is a true birdwatching Paradise in Uganda and one of the must-visit locations on a Uganda Birding safari. On your safari tour here, you’ll encounter various species including the famous African Fish Eagles, the uncommon Papyrus Gonolek, and the striking Flamingo in the park’s wetlands.
The bird population in Uganda makes up 10% of the world’s total bird species population, making it one of the best Birding Safari destinations in Africa.
Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda are rewarding, with easy spotting of many birds by covering just a small area in a short period of time. There are about 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species in Uganda, with the rest found in DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. The conducive climate all year round, abundant water sources, and diverse vegetation cover have played a significant role in attracting many bird species to Uganda, making it a great destination for African Birding Safaris.
While on these Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda, you’ll witness both the resident and migratory bird species, making the Pearl of Africa a must-visit destination for bird-watching safaris.
Being positioned uniquely between the East African savannah and the West African rainforest biomes, Uganda serves as a massive magnet for serious birders seeking rare, migratory, and Albertine Rift endemics
Best bird watching destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a bird-watching paradise, though with endangered species. For travelers who are interested in witnessing the Albertine endemic species, Bwindi is one of the best birding sites to visit in Uganda. There are over 350 bird species registered within the park boundaries, making it a true birdwatching haven. One thing that makes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a unique birding destination is its thick, impenetrable jungles that can only be explored on foot.
Some of the notable species that you can encounter during your birdwatching safari in Bwindi include the African Green Broadbill, the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and the Blue-headed Coucal, among others.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National Park is also a top birding site in Uganda. This National Park is located in western Uganda and encompasses extensive forest cover. Although popular for its Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda, this National Park is a great birding destination, boasting an impressive bird population, with over 375 species recorded. Among the popular bird species that you will encounter are the rare Great Blue Turaco, the Red-chested Cuckoo, and the African Broadbill, among others.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
Best ways to experience Bird watching safaris
Much as all our itineraries and safari packages can be customized to deliver unforgettable and more satisfaction, below are some of our top picks when it comes to Bird watching safaris , feel free to customize and tailor to match your specific interests and needs.
4 Days
Private
4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Safari from Kigali
from
$ 800
per personSIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Bird watching safaris in short.
The activity is very suitable for all ages and groups of people, especially those groups of people above 15 years of age. It is suitable for anyone who would wish to have one of the best birding experiences.It’s best suited for birders and researchers. Eco-tourists cannot be left behind because birding conserves nature lovers.
Typical duration
6 hours
Setting
Uganda, Rwanda
Activity style
PRIVATE / GUIDED
Best for
Solo, Couples, Group & Family.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How the experience unfolds
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is located in the western part of Uganda and is a renowned adventure destination. This National Park is located within the Albertine Rift Valley, an area that is known for its endemic species. The diverse birdlife in the Semuliki National Park inhabits its vast savannas and forests. You will encounter various species including the Congo Serpent Eagle, the Black-casqued Hornbill, and the yellow-throated Nicator, among others.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, a popular destination for wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda. Despite being popular for its incredible wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to about 600 different bird species that can be spotted across various habitats within the park.
This National Park encompasses savannas, wetlands, and forests, all of which offer habitat and shelter to the wide range of birdlife. This National Park is a true birdwatching Paradise in Uganda and one of the must-visit locations on a Uganda Birding safari. On your safari tour here, you’ll encounter various species including the famous African Fish Eagles, the uncommon Papyrus Gonolek, and the striking Flamingo in the park’s wetlands.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
Bird watching safaris planning Guide
Uganda is blessed with several bird species all around, and these species include: The Shoebill, Rails, gallinules, and coots, Finfoots, Cranes, Egyptian plover, Stilts and avocets, Oystercatchers, Plovers and lapwings, Painted-snipes, Jacanas, Sandpipers and allies,
Other bird species like Buttonquails, Ostriches, Ducks, geese, and waterfowl, Guineafowl, New World quail, Pheasants, grouse, and allies, Flamingos, Grebes, Pigeons and doves, Sandgrouse, Bustards, Turacos, Cuckoos, Nightjars and allies, Swifts, Pratincoles and coursers, Gulls, terns, and skimmers, Shearwaters and petrels, Storks, Woodhoopoes and scimitarbills can’t be left out.
Not leaving out species like ground-hornbills, Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, Rollers, African barbets, Honey guides, Woodpeckers, Falcons and caracaras, Old World parrots, African and New World parrots, and African and green broadbills. Among others.
WHEN TO GO
Best time for Bird watching safaris
The best time for bird-watching safaris is December to February, which is optimal for clear for clear Forest trails, minimal rainfall, and a heavy concentration of Palearctic migratory birds. In addition to that, late March-May and Sept-Nov are the rainy periods and bring standard logistical challenges but trigger the breeding season, meaning vibrant courtship plumages and highly vocal, easy-to-locate bird activity.
PREPARE WELL
What to know before you go
Always go early; bird activity always peaks at dawn or early in the morning, so it is very important to always wake up very early in case you need to spot most of these bird species
Always carry birding gear that is very strong and includes binoculars, a reliable regional field guide, and boots
Hire local experts to help you track the birds and the best places where these birds are always located, and they can give enough information about these bird species.
Rules and regulations
Birding is governed by national conservation laws enforced by UWA to protect over 1000 avian species and their natural habitats, and some of the essential things to observe include the following;
Maintain silence
Stay on marked paths
Keep a safe distance
No littering
Follow guide instructions
TRAVEL WITH FRIENDLY GORILLAS SAFARIS
We arrange more than the activity
Through out the past ten year, we have arranged exciting and unforgettable journeys to hundreds of thousands of guests.
We are definitely going to make your visit to East Africa worth while through our simple and engaging steps that involves.
01
Trip design
We match the activity, destination, trip length and wider safari to your priorities.
02
Permits & reservations
We book all your permits and entrances at the right times so you never get to meet any suprises.
03
Private transport
All our tours include free airport pickups and drop offs. No extra payments at any point for the same.
04
Guides & local teams
All our guides are experienced, calm and local. They shall definitely make your stay worth while.
05
Accommodation
We use only lodges we have been to and all accommodations we use are perfectly located to give you more fun
06
Safari extensions
Feel free to add more activities and destinations to your visit. Just let us know in advance for a better planning.
BUILD A COMPLETE JOURNEY
Combine Bird watching safaris with more of East Africa
COMBINE 01
COMBINE 01
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Get a chance to relate, stare at gorillas for 4 hours in a few parks and only in Rushaga.
COMBINE 01
Tanzania Great migration
Join us as we have an experince of the greatest animal migration to have ever existed
ACTIVITY FAQ
Questions travellers ask before booking
Do I need a special birding permit?
No, you do not need a separate birding permit to watch the birds, but general Uganda Wildlife Authority Park entrance fees apply since you paid the park entrance fees
What should I pack for birding?
Ensure that you carry a pair of binoculars that will help you watch the birds from a distance, sturdy shoes since it involves hiking and sometimes slippery trails, long-sleeved shirts and hats, raincoats and jackets, an umbrella, among others
Can I mix birding with gorillas?
Definitely yes, you can mix birding with gorillas. This is because the entrance is done once for all the activities that will be done in the park, so in the process of watching the Mountain gorillas, one can also spot different bird species
START PLANNING
Build your Bird watching safaris safari
Tell us your dates, number of travellers, preferred activity, comfort level and the other destinations you want to include. We will use those details to recommend a practical itinerary.
You do not need to know the exact route before contacting us.
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