Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Uganda.
Uganda is a staggeringly good bird-watching destination. Its checklist of 1,080-plus species is the fourth highest in Africa, despite it being a relatively small country (similar in size to Great Britain). This diversity can be attributed to Uganda’s location at the ecological crossroads where the eastern savannah meets the western rainforest and northern semi-desert. The only species endemic to Uganda is Fox’s weaver, but the country is home to 150 species found nowhere else in East Africa. It’s also the best place in the world to see shoebills. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Notable Birds in Uganda
Common
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Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in Uganda(NE) near-endemic = lives in Uganda and neighboring countries
Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
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Best Time for Bird Watching
Uganda offers good year-round birding, since the main point of interest is resident species. The climate is the main factor to consider in this very wet country. During the Wet seasons (March to May and September to November in the south; March to November in the north), roads and trails might be in poor condition and rains could interfere with birding time.
In general, the best time for bird watching is from late May through September, when there is less rain and food is abundant. The main nesting season in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks (key sites for the Albertine Rift endemics) is May and June, but from mid-April to mid-May the rains might still be too heavy. The best time for primate trekking and wildlife viewing in the savannah reserves is during the Dry seasons, from June to August and December to February.
Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating
Murchison Falls is excellent for seeing a wide range of common birds and specials. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla NPs are the most accessible sites for Albertine Rift endemics, and Semuliki National Park is the only place in East Africa to see many Guinea-Congo regional species. Boat trips in Mabamba Swamp, Toro-Semliki and the Lake Albert Delta in Murchison Falls all offer a good chance of seeing the sought-after shoebill.
- Bwindi Impenetrable NP 4.2/5 78 Birding Ratings
- Semuliki NP 2.5/5 2 Birding Ratings
- Queen Elizabeth NP 4.4/5 104 Birding Ratings
- Murchison Falls NP 4.5/5 91 Birding Ratings
- Mabamba Swamp 5.0/5 3 Birding Ratings
- Bigodi Wetland 4.3/5 3 Birding Ratings
Recommended Birding Books
Want To Visit Uganda?
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