Uganda Birding Tours
Uganda, celebrated for its incredible biodiversity, is home to the complete array of iconic African mammals, including gorillas and chimpanzees. With an extensive bird list of 1,093 species, including 24 Albertine Rift endemic species, Uganda stands as a true birding and wildlife paradise.
On our extended tours, you’ll encounter an impressive diversity of birdlife, with the opportunity to observe up to 450-500 species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics. Moreover, Uganda stands as the premier destination worldwide for witnessing the Shoebill, a prehistoric-looking marvel eagerly sought after by enthusiasts. Witnessing them up close is such a pleasure, and we encourage anyone coming to Uganda to see this incredible bird.
Our Uganda Birding Tours
Tailor-made Uganda Birding Tours
At Wild Birding, we make custom tailor-made Uganda birding tours just for you. We don’t do predetermined trips. Instead, we plan every part of your tour based on what you want to see and do.
Uganda has incredible birding spots, from the lush rainforests of Semuliki to the open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our team are experts and we use our knowledge to create a birding safari that’s perfect for you. On top of that, our local tour guides are the best! They’re Ugandan, super passionate, and know a ton about their indigenous avifauna.
So please call us or send us an email. Let’s chat about an epic Ugandan birdwatching holiday designed just the way you want it!
Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birdwatching Tour in Uganda
• Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
• Choose the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
• Travel alongside your preferred companions – be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
• Set your pace – whether fast or brisk.
•Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
• Craft a tour that matches your specific interests – whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
• Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.
Let’s Create Your Perfect Birding Adventure in Uganda — Get in Touch Today!
Set Departure Group Uganda Birding Tours
If you’re interested in a birding trip in Uganda but prefer a pre-planned itinerary, our Scheduled Group Birding Tours might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve carefully crafted these group tours to cater to various birding interests and time constraints.
One of the advantages of our group tours is that they’re generally more budget-friendly as you cut the costs with others. They also provide a great opportunity to connect with like-minded birders and create unforgettable shared experiences.
Rest assured, we keep our groups small and intimate, with a maximum of 6 participants per tour. This ensures that you’ll enjoy a personalised experience and receive plenty of individual attention from your highly skilled and knowledgeable Tour Leader.
If you’re ready to join a Ugandan birding safari with a group of fellow enthusiasts, we encourage you to explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours. We’re confident you’ll find an option that suits your preferences perfectly.
*Please refer to our ‘Set Departure Birding Calendar’ below for tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.
Testimonials
Endemic species: 1
Uganda has only one true endemic the Fox’s Weaver, but has 24 Albertine Rift endemic species listed below:
True endemic:
- Fox’s Weaver
Albertine Rift endemics:
- Handsome Francolin
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Rwenzori Nightjar
- Dwarf Honeyguide
- African Green Broadbill
- Kivu Ground Thrush
- Red-throated Alethe
- Archer’s Robin-Chat
- Collared Apalis
- Mountain Masked Apalis
- Grauer’s Scrub Warbler
- Grauer’s Warbler
- Neumann’s Warbler
- Red-faced Woodland Warbler
- Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher
- Chapin’s Flycatcher
- Rwenzori Batis
- Stripe-breasted Tit
- Blue-headed Sunbird
- Regal Sunbird
- Purple-breasted Sunbird
- Dusky Crimsonwing
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing
- Strange Weaver
Good To Know
Country
Uganda
Visa Requirements
$50 visa is required for countries outside of East Africa
Languages spoken
English widely spoken
Currency used
Uganda Shilling (UGX)
Area (km2)
241,551 km2
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When to visit Uganda
Uganda is a birder’s paradise year-round, offering spectacular sightings in every season. While June to September is prime time for birding, with August being the crown jewel, each month brings unique sightings.
During the peak season, Uganda’s skies and landscapes come alive with an incredible diversity of birds. Intra-African migrants from southern Africa, including various cuckoos and the prized Blue Swallow, arrive in full force. It’s a visual feast as bishops, whydahs, and widowbirds display their dazzling breeding plumages, a treat for both observers and photographers.
This period is particularly rewarding for those seeking Uganda’s star birds. The elusive Grauer’s Broadbill and the enigmatic Green-breasted Pitta become more active and easier to spot. The dry conditions from June to September improve visibility in forests and wetlands, increasing your chances of ticking off these sought-after species.
But DO NOT discount the rest of the year. Uganda’s varied habitats – from the Albertine Rift forests to the papyrus swamps of Lake Victoria – ensure excellent birding opportunities in every season. Resident specialties like the Shoebill and African Green Broadbill can be found year-round, while different months bring various migratory species and breeding behaviours to observe.
To maximise your birding experience, we use eBird regularly on our tours. This tool provides up-to-date sightings and checklists, helping us target specific species and discover recent hotspots.
Whenever you visit Uganda promises a rich tapestry of avifauna. With over 1,000 recorded species, including many rarities and Albertine Rift endemics, every day in Uganda is an opportunity for extraordinary bird encounters.
Weather & Climate
Uganda has a tropical climate due to its proximity to the equator, characterised by two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season typically spans from March-May and October-November, marked by heavy rainfall and elevated humidity levels. Conversely, the dry seasons, stretching from December to February and June to August, offer less precipitation. Temperatures in Uganda exhibit relative stability throughout the year, with average readings ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) across most regions.
However, temperature variations occur based on altitude and geographical location within the country. The diverse terrain of Uganda contributes to microclimates, with mountainous regions like the Rwenzori Mountains experiencing cooler temperatures due to higher elevations, while areas in proximity to Lake Victoria tend to have milder climates.
What to bring with you on a Uganda Birding Tour
Packing smart for when going on a Uganda birding tour is essential given its varied environments and weather conditions! You can easily get caught up in rains, especially in the western side of the country! Key clothing items include lightweight, breathable options like quick-drying trousers and shirts, perfect for the tropical climate. Carrying a light rain jacket or poncho proves invaluable for unexpected showers during the wet seasons, while a hat and sunglasses provide protection from the equatorial sun. Sturdy walking boots or trail shoes are indispensable for on-foot birding along the numerous walking trails in the west. It’s crucial to bring along mosquito repellent to ward off insect bites, and taking anti-malarial tablets is highly advised. Additionally, sunscreen and a basic first aid kit are essential for a safe and comfortable journey.
When it comes to equipment, high-quality binoculars specifically designed for birdwatching are a must-have. If you own a camera and lens, be sure to bring them along! A comprehensive field guide such as Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa by John Fanshawe & Terry Stevenson, is a must.
*Remember that when you book a Uganda birding tour with us over 14 days, we will send you a new complementary field guide!
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Sustainability & Citizen Science in Uganda
At Wild Birding, we are committed to ensuring that every birding holiday we create in Uganda has a positive impact on both bird conservation efforts and the local communities in the areas we visit. Our approach to sustainability is primarily focused on citizen science, where we encourage our clients to actively contribute to bird conservation through data collection and sharing their bird sightings.
We proudly support eBird, a global platform that helps gather essential birding data for conservation purposes. We encourage all our clients to submit their bird sightings to eBird, which assists in monitoring bird populations, tracking migratory patterns, and supporting research for the preservation of Uganda’s unique birdlife. Your contributions to this citizen science initiative help protect vulnerable species and habitats, ensuring that Uganda’s diverse bird populations are monitored and safeguarded for future generations.
While our focus remains on citizen science, we also recognise the importance of reducing our environmental impact. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we offer carbon offsetting as an option for our clients, allowing them to understand and mitigate the environmental footprint of their travels. This small but meaningful step helps ensure that your birding journey is as sustainable as it is rewarding.
We are proud to support Nature Uganda, a local conservation initiative dedicated to protecting the country’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Through our partnership, we are helping safeguard Uganda’s extraordinary natural heritage while supporting the well-being of local communities. Our dedication to ecotourism has been recognised through several prestigious awards, affirming our commitment to making a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
When you choose Wild Birding for your birding holiday in Uganda, you can be confident that your journey will not only offer unforgettable birding experiences but will also contribute to the protection of Uganda’s remarkable birdlife, support local conservation efforts through Nature Uganda, and promote responsible travel practices.
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Our Uganda Birding Tours
