When considering a birding safari destination in Africa, Uganda is an exceptional choice. The country prides itself on a wide range of bird species and bird watching locations that no other destination in Africa can match for this amazing diversity of habitats. The wealth of the country is truly reflected in the growing list of birds of more than 1010 species.
From the deeply forested tropical central region to the mountainous areas in the west, Uganda remains a haven for many of Africa’s bird species. Most of Uganda’s national parks are actually home to various species of birds that are sure to appeal to bird enthusiasts. Most Uganda birding safaris are tailor-made and the trails to these destinations are led by experienced and professional birding guides. In Uganda, bird watching is best in the morning and at dusk. Below are some of the best birding destinations in the country.
1. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a very special place, each part of it is filled with a variety of birds. The best habitat for birds in the park is the extensive wetland that culminates in Lake Mburo. The bird population around this wetland includes the green-backed woodpecker, ground hornbill, white-winged warbler, yellow-billed oxpecker and spotted bill.
2. Semliki National Park
Semliki National Park in Uganda is located in a remote corner of southwestern Uganda at the northern base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Semliki is known for its most sought after rarities which include the Congo snake eagle, black-throated coucal, grey-throated rail, yellow-throated nicater, etc. Birdwatchers in Semliki spend full days in the park’s forests with some trails more popular due to the ease of birding.
3. Budongo Forest
Located in western Uganda, Budongo Forest covers an area of 793 square kilometers and offers one of the best bird watching destinations in the country. Most of the birding trails in the forest start early in the morning. This densely forested region protects Uganda’s rarest bird species. Some of the rare varieties of birds found here are the Black-billed Barbet, Grey-headed Olive-backed, and Singing Cysto-tail. The Busingiro area offers the best place for bird watching in the forest.
4. Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda and stretches inland from the shores of Lake Albert. This is the largest national park in Uganda and protects a wide variety of rare bird species. The park is named after the spectacular Murchison Falls. Some of the attractive bird species here are the shy shoebill, secretary bird, sacred ibis, little bitten, red-necked hawk, blue-breasted bee, and several others.
Other bird watching points are;
5. Mabamba Swamp
6. Kibale Forest
7. Queen Elizabeth National Park – popular with its flamingos
8. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest