Uganda – The True Birders’ Haven! Uganda – A birding paradise to many avian lovers. Boasting a massive bird list of more than 1073 recorded bird species making up 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world species among which 66 bird species are migratory and only 2 species are endemic to The Pearl of Africa but if you only take East Africa into consideration, there are 150 species to be found only in Uganda.

Migrant birds are present from November to April. This remarkable avian diversity can be accredited to its strategic location between the East African savannah, the lift valley, West African rainforests and semi-desert of the north. The incredible diversity of habitats that no other area in Africa can match is another reason Uganda harbors such a huge diversity of birds and collects so many migrant birds during the year.

Uganda lies in a unique position where she shares Africa’s major ecological zones (apart from the sea) and each has associated bird species, including many that are range restricted. Top birding spots in UgandaWith up to 34 Important Bird Areas (IBA) many of which have been developed for bird watching and birding tours, the birding community in Uganda continues to identify other new bird-rich spots across the country and establishing birding trails.

Found at most of the birding spots throughout Uganda are local site guides that have been trained in bird identification and can identify the entire site’s resident species. This great work has been done by Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism board (UTB) in conjunction with Private sector foundation (PSF)The major birding in Uganda include; Mabamba swamp for the great shoebill stork, Bwindi impenetrable national park, Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Mburo national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Semuliki national park, Mt Elgon national park, Rwenzori mountains national park, Mabira forest reserve, and Kibale national park.

More birding sites include Maramagambo forest, Mabira forest, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest, Echuya forest, Pian Upe game reserve, Katonga game reserve, Nyamuriro swamp, Entebbe botanical garden and several agricultural lands.Our top ten Birds of Uganda (Most sought after on birding trips in Uganda)Shoebill – Main location is Mabamba swamp, Ziwa rhino sanctuary and Nile delta in Murchison falls national parkGreen Breasted Pitta – Found in Kibale forest national parkRwenzori Turaco – Can be sighted in Bwindi, Mt Rwenzori and SemlikiAfrican Green Broadbill – Mainly in BwindiBrown-chested LapwingJameson’s AntpeckerNahan’s FrancolinBlack Bee-eaterKaramoja Apalis – Found in Kidepo valley national park, bokora and Matheniko wildlife reservePuvel’s Illadopsis