Best Birding Spots in Uganda

Introduction: Discovering Uganda’s Avian Paradise

When it comes to avian biodiversity, Uganda stands out as one of the most rewarding destinations in Africa. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda boasts over 1,090 bird species, making it a haven for both amateur birdwatchers and seasoned ornithologists. From the lush rainforests of Bwindi and Kibale to the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, Uganda’s diverse ecosystems host some of the most remarkable bird species found anywhere on the continent. If you’re wondering where to begin your birdwatching adventure, this comprehensive guide by Samz Tours Uganda showcases the Best Birding Spots in Uganda while also introducing you to unforgettable safari combinations such as Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, and even cross-border adventures like a Rwanda safari or Gorilla Trekking Rwanda.

Whether you’re seeking the elusive Shoebill Stork, the vibrant Great Blue Turaco, or the rare Green-breasted Pitta, Uganda offers an extraordinary range of birding opportunities throughout the year. What makes the experience even more special is that birdwatching can be easily combined with other safari highlights, such as a wildlife safari in Uganda’s national parks, cultural tours in rural communities, and thrilling encounters with mountain gorillas.

In this article, Best Birding Spots in Uganda, Samz Tours Uganda will guide you through key birding destinations, outline the species to look out for, and help you plan a safari that blends birding, culture, and primate adventures across Uganda and beyond.

Mabamba Swamp: The Gateway to the Shoebill

A Premier Birding Destination near Kampala

One of the Best Birding Spots in Uganda, especially for those eager to spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork, is Mabamba Swamp. Located just a short drive and boat ride from Kampala, this wetland sanctuary in Lake Victoria’s northern fringes is a Ramsar-listed site and a birding paradise. With over 300 species recorded here, including Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, and African Jacana, Mabamba is perfect for birders arriving in Uganda who want a quick yet rewarding excursion.

Samz Tours Uganda frequently includes Mabamba in its itineraries for travelers seeking a short, accessible, and highly fruitful birding experience. Best explored by canoe in the early morning, Mabamba Swamp offers a tranquil and immersive introduction to Uganda’s wetland birdlife. The area’s biodiversity, combined with easy access and serene surroundings, makes it ideal for bird photographers and serious birders alike.

Adding even more value to your visit, Mabamba can be the starting point for a comprehensive Uganda safari that includes Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest or Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi. You can also combine this trip with a Rwanda Tour, featuring Gorilla Trekking Rwanda in the Volcanoes National Park. Whether as a standalone day tour or part of a wider itinerary, Mabamba remains one of the undisputed Best Birding Spots in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Birds and Gorillas in Harmony

Birding and Gorilla Trekking in One Magical Destination

No list of the Best Birding Spots in Uganda would be complete without mentioning Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is globally renowned for Uganda Gorilla Trekking, but it is also one of Africa’s top birding destinations, with over 350 bird species recorded, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Iconic species such as the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and the handsome Francolin await the lucky birder willing to hike through this lush montane forest.

At Samz Tours Uganda, we specialize in blending wildlife and birding experiences in Bwindi. After a thrilling morning of Gorilla Trekking, you can spend your afternoon exploring forest trails in search of avian wonders. Experienced bird guides are available to help you identify even the most elusive species.

What makes Bwindi exceptional is its dual appeal. You can track mountain gorillas in the morning and spot rare birds in the afternoon—all in one location. This makes Bwindi an ideal base for those wanting to experience both Gorilla Trekking and birding without extensive travel. And for those seeking even more adventure, it’s easy to extend your tour to include Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale or cross into Rwanda for a Rwanda safari featuring Gorilla Trekking Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park.

The ecological richness and versatile activities make Bwindi a standout destination among the Best Birding Spots in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Savannah Birding at Its Best

A Wildlife and Birding Double Delight

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers more than just iconic African mammals—it’s also one of the Best Birding Spots in Uganda. Home to over 600 bird species, the park features a mix of habitats, including savannahs, forests, wetlands, and crater lakes. This diverse terrain supports an impressive variety of birds such as the African Skimmer, Martial Eagle, White-winged Warbler, and the Black Bee-eater.

One of the highlights is a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where birds and mammals converge at the water’s edge. You’ll spot kingfishers, storks, pelicans, and many more as elephants and hippos move about in the background. The Ishasha sector of the park is famous not only for its tree-climbing lions but also for savannah species like the Grey Kestrel and Rufous-naped Lark.

Samz Tours Uganda recommends Queen Elizabeth for travelers wanting to combine big game safaris with high-quality birding. After your time in Queen, you can seamlessly connect to Bwindi for Uganda Gorilla Trekking or Kibale for Chimpanzee Tracking, making this part of southwestern Uganda ideal for an all-in-one safari.

This park also offers cultural interactions with local communities who practice salt harvesting, fishing, and storytelling. Including these local experiences enhances your connection with the land and its people, making Queen Elizabeth not just one of the Best Birding Spots in Uganda, but also one of the most well-rounded safari destinations.

Kibale Forest National Park: Where Forest Birds and Primates Meet

Track Chimps by Morning, Spot Birds by Afternoon

Kibale Forest is celebrated globally for its Chimpanzee Tracking, but it is equally deserving of attention as one of the Best Birding Spots in Uganda. With more than 375 species recorded, including the Green-breasted Pitta, Blue-headed Bee-eater, and Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Kibale is a rewarding destination for forest birders.

At Samz Tours Uganda, we recommend beginning your day with Chimpanzee Tracking, followed by an afternoon dedicated to birding in Kibale’s extensive trail network or the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Bigodi is a community-run project that not only offers excellent birding—featuring species like the Papyrus Gonolek and Great Blue Turaco—but also cultural immersion through guided village walks, basket weaving experiences, and storytelling sessions.

Kibale also connects easily to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi, allowing travelers to enjoy a circuit that includes wildlife safaris, Uganda Gorilla Trekking, and top-notch birding—all in one trip. For those interested in exploring even further, a Rwanda Tour extension is a seamless option, particularly for guests looking to combine birding with Gorilla Trekking Rwanda.

The combination of biodiversity, culture, and strategic location makes Kibale one of the essential stops among the Best Birding Spots in Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park: Birds of the Nile

Iconic Landscapes and Iconic Species

As Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, Murchison Falls offers spectacular scenery and an incredible array of bird species—over 450 in total. This includes the much sought-after Shoebill Stork, Goliath Heron, Red-throated Bee-eater, and the rare Denham’s Bustard. Birding here is best done by game drives, boat cruises on the Nile River, and guided nature walks in the Budongo Forest.

What elevates Murchison as one of the Best Birding Spots in Uganda is its diversity. You can encounter savannah, woodland, and riverine species all in one place. And don’t forget the dramatic spectacle of Murchison Falls itself—a perfect photo backdrop as you enjoy your birding adventure.

Samz Tours Uganda often recommends pairing Murchison with a northern Uganda cultural extension, such as visiting the Acholi communities, or even traveling southward for a broader safari including Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, or even a Rwanda safari.

From birders to big-game lovers and culture enthusiasts, Murchison Falls offers something for everyone. Its accessibility and diversity confirm its place as one of the Best Birding Spots in Uganda.

Conclusion: A Birdwatcher’s Dream with Samz Tours Uganda

Uganda is a birder’s utopia. Whether you’re drawn by the call of the Shoebill, the flutter of Albertine Rift endemics, or the colorful canopy dwellers of the rainforest, Uganda delivers an unrivaled experience. From Mabamba Swamp and Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, and Murchison Falls, the Best Birding Spots in Uganda offer a mix of avian richness, scenic beauty, and cultural depth.

With Samz Tours Uganda, you can craft a tailor-made itinerary that not only includes premium birding opportunities but also integrates other East African highlights. Think Gorilla Trekking Rwanda, immersive Rwanda Tours, thrilling Uganda safaris, and meaningful cultural exchanges—all in one seamless adventure.

Let Samz Tours Uganda take you to the skies, forests, wetlands, and plains—where every birdcall tells a story. And wherever you go, we ensure your journey includes the Best Birding Spots in Uganda.