8 Days
8 Days Murchison & Budongo Birding Safari
Uganda
12 Days
12 Days Savannah Birding In Uganda
Uganda
16 Days
16-day Birding In Western Uganda
Uganda
18 Days
18 Days Birding And Primates Safari in Uganda
Uganda
Birding F.A.Qs
Some Common questions and answers about going on a bird watching excursion
What are some birds to look out for in Uganda
Uganda is home to more than 1000 bird species that live in the forests, savannahs, wetlands and mountains all around the country. This means that the list to look out for is bigger than any other African country.
If it is possible, we say go for the whole list and see how many you can check off in an extensive Uganda birding safari. Here are some great birds to look out for while in Uganda.
- Shoebill Stork
- Great Blue Turaco
- African Fish Eagle
- Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s National Bird)
- Saddle Billed Stork
- Pelicans
- Flamingos
- Martial Eagle
When is the best time for a birding safari trip?
The best time for birdwatching in Uganda is during the wet/rainy season when it is cooler and the birds stay out and active for longer. You can however still do birding in the dry season, but you will have to contend with very early mornings before it is hot for birds to stay active.
Most of Uganda’s birdwatching happens near permanent water sources like lakes, swamps and rivers, as well as forests where you can find birds all year round.
What should I pack for my birding excursion?
The packing requirements for each trip are always going to be different because of important aspects like the length of the trip and the guest’s style of travel.
Here are some things that are good to pack, especially for a bird-watching safari.
- Binoculars
- Camera with good zoom lens and extra battery/cards
- Comfortable clothing that blends with the wild
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- A bird list to check off your own list of birds seen.
- Light rain protection for you and your equipment
- A hat and sunscreen for the sun
How long should an ideal birding safari be?
While bird-watching safaris tend to follow a slightly slower pace to extensively cover any given birding area, the exact duration depends on the plans and schedule of the guest.
Some trips can be as short as 2 days while others can extend beyond 2 weeks. It all depends on what you will want to see as the guest.
For example, if someone’s birding goal is to see the shoebill stork, their trip will need 1 full day of visiting Mabamba swamp. Some people want to do the birding in one or two locations and that makes the safari as short or as long as they want.
Take a look at the birding treks above and let us know which one would work best for you. Remember that every trip can be customised to suit your needs, style and schedule. Reach out and we’ll help you go on a great birding safari in Uganda or Rwanda.
Shall I see other wildlife on the birding trip?
Yes.
Some people might think that birding safaris are only about seeing birds, but the truth is you will see everything else in the wild. This could be lions, elephants, chimps and gorillas.
Most birding safaris take place in wild savannahs, swamps and forests which are habitats for many other animals – from the elephants to the colorful butterflies and everything else in between.
So, yes. You will see many animals on your bird-watching safari.
What are the best places to visit for birding in Uganda?
Here are some of the best places to visit for birding in Uganda.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Mabamba Wetland on Lake Victoria
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Budongo Central Forest Reserve
- Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale
