BIRDING TOURS IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

Uganda and Rwanda offer the best birding tours in East Africa. Birding tours in Uganda and Rwanda offer opportunities for spotting some of the best avian species found in the Rift Valley. With a vast array of habitats ranging from forests to wetlands, Uganda and Rwanda are home to numerous bird species, including rare and endemic ones.

If you are planning an amazing Uganda birding tour or Rwanda birding safari, this comprehensive Uganda and Rwanda birding tour guide is all you to read. By the time you get to the bottom of the page, you will have known the best or top places to do birding tours in Uganda and Rwanda.

Where to do birding tours in Uganda? The top birding destination in Uganda.

Other than being home to 345 mammal species, Uganda accommodates 1088 bird species in its pristine habitats. A Uganda birding tour or Uganda wildlife and birding safari will allow you to spot some of these magical species.

The majority of bird species in Uganda’s National Parks are Rift Valley endemics while others are migratory and can be seen during particular seasons. Below are some of the most popular and top birding destinations in Uganda;

Birding tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is a famous birding destination. The park is Known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and boasts over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and the African Finfoot.

Birding tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are done both in the morning and afternoon hours. With the help of an experienced bird guide, spotting birds in Bwindi Impenetrable National becomes a less challenging task.

Birding in Kibale National Park (Bigodi wetland)

The other pristine birding destination for Uganda birding tours is Kibale National Park. Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda covering some areas of Kabarole district. Birding in Kibale National Park is best done in the Bigodi wetland swamp also known as the Magombe swamp.

A birding tour in Bigodi Wetland or Kibale National Park will allow you to spot many bird species including; the great blue turaco, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Rwenzori turaco, go-away bird, marabou stork, collared apalis, purple-breasted sunbird, and many more. Birding tours in Kibale National Park can easily be combined with community tours and chimpanzee trekking safaris. Book a Uganda cultural and birding safari and enjoy an extraordinary experience.

Birding tours in Lake Bunyonyi

Named after small birds (Bunyonyi), Lake Bunyonyi is a true birder’s haven. The lake is a pristine and reliable destination for the best Uganda birding tours and safaris. Several birds converge at this amazing freshwater lake and its shores. In the marshes and swamps near Lake Katwe, you will spot the grey-crowned crested crane embroidered on Uganda’s national flag.

Birding safaris in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is not only famous for its dramatic waterfalls but also for its diverse birdlife. The park is home to over 450 bird species, including the iconic Shoebill, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Goliath Heron.

On your Birding safari in Murchison Falls National Park, you will encounter the big 4 animals namely; lion, leopard, African cape buffalo, and elephant. You will also take on a boat cruise on the longest river in the world – the River Nile. You will encounter schools of hippos as well as the Nile crocodile.

Birding tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda in Kasese. It is the second largest and the most popular safari destination in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birding hotspot with a variety of ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests.

The park is home to more than 600 bird species, making it one of the most diverse birding destinations in East Africa. Look out for the African Skimmer, Martial Eagle, and the elusive African Pitta. A game drive in the Kasenyi and Ishasha sectors of the park comes with views of many birds as well as wild animals.

Some of the commonly seen animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park include; tree-climbing lions, elephants, antelopes, warthogs, leopards, and hippos. The park also offers amazing community tours on Uganda safaris.

Where to do birding tours in Rwanda? The top birding destination in Rwanda.

Birding in Rwanda offers tourists a chance to spot some of Africa’s elusive and critically endangered species. Below are some of the best and top birding safari destinations that you should look up to in Rwanda;

Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest is a pristine rainforest and an important birding destination in Rwanda. It harbors over 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Here, you can spot the Rwenzori Turaco, Red-collared Babbler, and the rare Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.

Birding Tours in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, offers a mix of savannah, wetlands, and lakes, creating a diverse habitat for birds. The park is home to over 500 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, Papyrus Gonolek, and the elusive Shoebill.

Birding safaris in Volcanoes National Park

While Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its mountain gorillas, it also provides excellent birding opportunities. The park hosts approximately 180 bird species, including the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Rwenzori Nightjar, and the Handsome Francolin.

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer specialized birding guides who have extensive knowledge of the local birdlife and can enhance your birding experience. We can arrange guided walks, and birding excursions, and provide valuable insights into the behavior and identification of various bird species.

It is important to note that the best time for birding in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons from December to February and from June to September. During these periods, bird activity is high, and foliage is less dense, allowing for better visibility and easier bird spotting.

Whether you are an avid birder or a nature enthusiast, birding tours in Uganda and Rwanda offer an incredible opportunity to discover the diverse and captivating world of East African birds. Book yourself a combined Rwanda and Uganda birding tour or safari and create a signature of memories like never before.