Bird watching in Uganda – Uganda Birding Safaris

Bird watching in Uganda is one of the top safari activities to do, perhaps, top 3 after mountain gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda. Bird watching Safaris in Uganda are memorable journeys tailored to allow visitors explore different destinations for opportunities to see different birdlife in the country. Uganda is home to about 10% of the world’s bird species and about 50% of the total bird species in Africa. Uganda is a great destination for seeing the endemic species, rare species, and migratory. Some of the top birds to see in Uganda include the shoebill, African green broadbill, Green-breasted pitta, Ruwenzori turaco and African finfoot among others. Birding in Uganda is often combined together with primate trackings such as gorillas and chimps for a comprehensive wildlife safari.

The top Birding destinations in Uganda include Bwindi impenetrable national park, popular for the Albertine Endemic and forest species, mabamba bay for shoebill stork, Lake Bunyonyi for small birds, and Semuliki for forest species. You can also visit Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth for birding safaris in Uganda. The best time for birding in Uganda is during June to September, which is also considered a the high season for safaris in Uganda, best for Uganda safaris in general. December to February and April to May are also good times for spotting migrating species.

Best Birding Destinations in Uganda – Bird watching in Uganda

Mabamba Wetland – Birding Safaris in Mabamba

The Mabamba Swamp is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda, famous for the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. The Wetland is located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, made up of channels, papyrus, and open water, all of which create a perfect habitat for over 300 bird species. While on your Uganda Birding Safari, the Mabamba Wetland should be on top of your must vesit destinations. Unlike other destinations like National Park, Birding Safaris in Mabamba are usually done canoe, guided by experienced local birders who know exactly where to find top birds.

Some of the common species here include Shoebill Stork, kingfishers, herons, egrets, papyrus gonolek, and African jacanas among others. The calm environment, combined with the sounds of nature, makes the experience peaceful and memorable.

Murchison Falls National Park – Birding Safaris in Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest National Park in Uganda, popular for Uganda Wildlife safaris however, it is also one of the top birding destinations in Uganda. With over 450 recorded species, birding in Murchison Falls National Park is rewarding. Birding in Murchison Falls National Park takes you through different ecosystems including savannah grasslands, riverbanks, woodlands, and wetlands along the famous River Nile.

Some of the top species to see here include, the shoebill stork, especially in the delta area where the Nile meets Lake Albert. Other notable birds include the Goliath heron, African fish eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary bird, and various kingfishers and bee-eaters. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birding, when bird activity is highest. Visitors can enjoy birding during game drives, guided nature walks, or boat safaris along the Nile, which provide close views of water birds. The park’s peaceful environment and wide landscapes make birdwatching both relaxing and exciting. Whether along the river or deep in the savannah, every outing offers a chance to see unique and colorful species in their natural habitat, making the experience truly memorable.

Lake Bunyonyi – Bird watching in Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi is also called a place of many birds. It located in the south-western part of Uganda between kisoro and kabale district close to Rwanda’s borders and one of the smallest lakes in Uganda. It is located in kigezi region 1,962ms above the sea level. It is expected to be 144 ft or 2,952 ft, if true it would make the second deepest lake in Africa. Bunyonyi has attracted a lot of tourists all over the world for bird watching and pure waters that are crocodile and hippo free. The lake enables travellers to swims, boat rides for adventurous experiences and perfect views. The lake has 29 islands that are scattered around the waters of Bunyonyi. The water feels cotton like streams of mist in the morning hours and warm glow at noon before the sun.

The islands are occupied by the bakiga and Batwa.  Tourists get a chance to listen to music and cultural dances from Batwa people and on the other hand bakiga are the original settlers of the lake and have been cultivating on the hilly terraces of the islands. The islands includes; Akampene Island, Kyahugye Island.

Activities at the lake Bunyonyi

Swimming: Since waters are have no dangers crocodiles, hippos and bilharzia found in the lake, the lake is free for tourists to swim in the fresh waters of the wilderness.

Boat cruise and canoeing: boat cruise give you experience of a calm and quiet feeling of the lake. It is much thrilling during canoeing at night while listening to the cricket sounds and frogs leaving you with a wonderful experience.

Bird watching: lake Bunyonyi is full of various bird species over 250 birds that can be seen at the lake, Nyombi swamp is the home for the most number of birds. The birds include grey crowned crane, herons levillant cuckoo, harrier hawk, white tailed blue monard and cardinal woodpecker many more.

Nature walks and cycling: tourists can move freely at the shores of the lake having an amazing view at the islands. Listening to the sounds from the birds and the breezes from the lake Bunyonyi.

Accommodations at Lake Bunyonyi

At lake Bunyonyi theres a number of accommodations facilitations from luxury, mid-range and basic budget. The traveller has an opportunity to choose from any of their choice. The facilities are as follow; Bushara Island Camp is 8km to kabale town and located on Lake Bunyonyi, the camp features basics like safari tent cottages. Heritage Lodge Habuharo is located on Habuharo Island surrounded by Lake Bunyonyi. Arcadia Cottages is on a hilly part that provides panoramic view of Lake Bunyonyi that is below the cottage and Bunyonyi Safari Resort is a mid-range accommodation located at the shores lake in Kagalama village. Bird Nest Lake Bunyonyi Which Is Luxury Accommodation Basics. Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Byoona Amagara Islands Retreat.