Birding Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania

East Africa is a paradise for bird lovers. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical rainforests and wetlands to open savannahs and high-altitude moorlands, the region is home to more than 2,500 recorded bird species. If you’re passionate about birds, then birding safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania offer one of the most rewarding experiences on the African continent.

At Samz Tours, we specialize in custom birdwatching itineraries that go beyond the traditional safari experience. From tracking the elusive Shoebill Stork in Uganda to spotting endemic Albertine Rift species in Rwanda and marveling at vast flocks of flamingos in Kenya and Tanzania, we ensure that every moment is packed with discovery. Our expert guides, many of whom are trained ornithologists, bring in-depth knowledge and sharp eyes to every tour.

Whether you’re a beginner birder or a seasoned twitcher, East Africa’s birdlife will leave you awestruck. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what makes birding safaris in each country unique and why combining them into one itinerary gives you the ultimate avian adventure.

Exceptional East Africa Safaris Tour Packages – Plan Your Safari for 2026

Uganda: The Birder’s Ultimate Destination

Shoebill Stork, Albertine Rift Endemics & Wetland Species

Uganda is one of the best birding destinations in Africa, with over 1,070 species recorded within its compact borders. Its unique combination of East African savannah and West African rainforest makes it a rich birding hotspot. A highlight of birding safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, Uganda stands out thanks to its endemic and rare species.

Mabamba Swamp, near Entebbe, is world-famous for the Shoebill Stork—a prehistoric-looking bird and a bucket-list species for most birders. In the west, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are part of the Albertine Rift and host over 20 endemic species, such as the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimsonwing.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki, and Murchison Falls National Park offer incredible savannah and forest birding, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, and various raptors. At Samz Tours, we design birding safaris that also let you enjoy gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural experiences—making Uganda a complete eco-adventure.

 

Rwanda: Compact Yet Bird-Rich

Akagera, Nyungwe & Albertine Endemics

While small in size, Rwanda boasts an impressive bird list of over 700 species. Its compactness makes it ideal for birders who want to maximize sightings without traveling long distances. Rwanda is particularly known for its Albertine Rift endemics, found in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Species like the Rwenzori Turaco, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, and Grauer’s Rush Warbler can be found here, making it a critical site for serious birders.

In the east, Akagera National Park provides excellent savannah birding opportunities. This scenic park is home to species such as the Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, and African Fish Eagle. The lakes, marshes, and woodlands of Akagera make it a fantastic destination for water and raptor species.

Rwanda also has birding sites near Kigali, such as Nyarutarama Lake and the Kigali Wetlands, which are perfect for half-day birdwatching excursions. Samz Tours includes Rwanda in multi-country birding safaris, ensuring you experience both highland endemics and lowland savannah species in a single trip.

 

Kenya: Flamingos, Endemics & Rift Valley Wonders

Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Kakamega & Coastal Birding

Kenya is renowned worldwide for its wildlife, but it’s equally impressive for birdwatching, with more than 1,100 bird species. Its vast and varied landscapes—from Rift Valley lakes to coastal forests—provide habitats for a wide range of birds, making it a pillar of birding safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its seasonal pink cloud of lesser and greater flamingos, as well as fish eagles, pelicans, and other waterfowl. Samburu National Reserve, located in the arid north, is home to dryland endemics like the Vulturine Guineafowl, Golden-breasted Starling, and Somali Bee-eater.

In the west, Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s only tropical rainforest, shelters forest species such as the Blue-headed Bee-eater and Turner’s Eremomela. The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest along the coast is home to endemic species like the Sokoke Scops Owl and Clarke’s Weaver.

At Samz Tours, we help you experience the best of Kenya’s birdlife by designing routes that include lakes, mountains, forests, and coastal birding—all guided by professional ornithologists who know where to find the rarest sightings.

 

Tanzania: Big Game and Big Birdlife

Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Usambara Mountains & Beyond

Tanzania is best known for the Great Migration, but it is also a dream destination for birdwatchers. With over 1,100 bird species, the country offers some of the most spectacular birding experiences on the continent. Whether you’re a casual observer or a professional birder, birding safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania are incomplete without a stop in Tanzania.

The Serengeti National Park is home to both savannah and wetland species, including the Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, and numerous vultures. Ngorongoro Crater features water-loving species such as flamingos, crowned cranes, and black-winged stilts.

Tanzania also excels in forest and highland birding. The Usambara and Uluguru Mountains are biodiversity hotspots, boasting endemic species like the Usambara Eagle-Owl and Uluguru Bush-Shrike. Lake Manyara National Park provides excellent birdwatching with its alkaline lake drawing thousands of waterbirds, especially during migration seasons.

At Samz Tours, we integrate birding with traditional safari activities, offering packages that cover both the northern circuit and lesser-known regions like Ruaha and Selous, ensuring birders see both widespread and endemic species.

 

What to Expect on Birding Safaris with Samz Tours

Expert Guides, Birding Gear, and Seamless Planning

When you choose Samz Tours for your birding safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, you’re guaranteed an experience tailored to your interests. Our guides are not only certified but also passionate about birds and conservation. They know the calls, habitats, and migratory patterns that help you spot even the shyest species.

We use specially adapted 4×4 safari vehicles with open roofs for clear viewing and photography. On forest walks, our guides carry scopes, binoculars, and field guides to ensure detailed identification. Whether you’re into photography, listing, or casual viewing, we adjust our pace to match your needs.

Our itineraries are flexible. Want to focus on endemics? Interested in wetlands or highland birding? Prefer to combine birdwatching with cultural visits or primate tracking? We’ve got you covered. We also provide birding checklists, travel advice, and permit arrangements, giving you a stress-free and enriching safari.

 

Why Choose Samz Tours for Your East African Birding Safaris Adventure

A Trusted Operator for Cross-Border Ornithological Tours

As a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, Samz Tours is proud to lead some of the most rewarding birding safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. We’ve worked with solo birders, groups, photographers, and researchers from around the globe. Our long-standing experience in the region, combined with our love for birds, makes us the ideal partner for your East African birding adventure.

Our commitment to conservation means we practice low-impact tourism, collaborate with local communities, and support protected areas. We also ensure that our safaris contribute positively to the environments we explore.

Whether you’re hoping to see the legendary Shoebill, rare Albertine Rift endemics, Rift Valley migrants, or colorful coastal birds, Samz Tours creates birdwatching safaris that are not only exciting but also deeply meaningful. Start your journey with us and uncover the avian wonders that await in East Africa.