Are you so ready for a birding vacation in Uganda or Rwanda? Go birding in Uganda with a bonus of Rwanda “the land of a thousand hills” and tell a lasting story about birds. Birds are unique creatures and it takes a close encounter with them to an unforgettable discovery. Visit the two east African countries and explore various bird species residing in the different habitats.
Uganda has over 1080 bird species, 34 important bird areas, 50% of Africa’s total bird species and 11% of total bird species in the world. A birder has a chance of identifying at least 100 species in a single day.
Uganda is one of the premier birding safari destinations in the world, blessed with a wide range of flora and fauna, vast lakes such as Lake Victoria is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world. The country is landlocked in East Africa, neighbored by Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda has over 56 cultures with unique cuisines, dress code, dialects and ways of life. Uganda’s official language is English. Other languages commonly used include Luganda, Swahili, and other indigenous languages.
In Uganda, you can visit any of the 10 national parks for birding; Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki, Bwindi impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Murchison Falls, Mount Elgon national park, Mt Rwenzori national park, Kibale forest national park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
Rwanda is Uganda’s neighbor from the south western border and both in east Africa. It is a landlocked country known for breathtaking landscape, vibrant cultures and mountain gorillas. With only four national parks notably; Akagera, Nyungwe, Gishwati and Volcanoes national park, millions of visitors have their vacations a dream come through.
The avifauna accounts to over 710 species with about 30 that are endemic to the country. Nothing should hold you from booking your dream birding trip in Rwanda and Uganda.
Top Birding destinations in Uganda.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki national park is located in the western part of Uganda with 40% of total bird species in the country. Semuliki has over 440 bird species, with about 200 of these being forest species. About 45 species are Guinea-Congo biome bird species not found anywhere else in east Africa
Semuliki ranks among the best birding spots in Africa with among the species present being the White-tailed hornbill, Crested flycatcher, orange weaver bird, Shoebill stock, red-billed dwarf, black-wattled hornbill, serpent eagle, yellow throated blue swallow, red rumped tinker bird and more.
Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba swamp defines visitors understanding of the shoebill stock. The tour takes about half a day, from Nakiwogo docking point in Entebbe. This wetland is one of the Ramsar sites in Uganda, situated on the northern banks of Lake Victoria and boasts over 300 bird species.
Among the numerous birds on this site include: Shoebill stork, Papyrus gonolek, White winged warbler, Yellow billed duck, Great blue Turacos, Hadada Ibis, Cattle egret and Brown parrot.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is home to over 500 bird species, including the notable birds such as the Crowned cranes, Kori Bustards, Egrets, Rwenzori Turacos and more. These birds can be spotted in the designated game tracks, as well as at Kyambura Gorge. Imagine having over 500 birds, and you encounter about 200 species of them.
Various aquatic birds can be encountered during a boat cruise at Kazinga Channel. Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for an unforgettable bird watching experience. Additional activities in this park include chimpanzee trekking, game drive, nature walks, experiential lion tracking and cultural encounter.
Murchison Falls National Park
This is the largest and oldest national park in the country. It’s a habitat to over 350 bird species thus a perfect destination for birding. There is also Budongo forest at the border with vast concentration of birds. Expect to see among others guinea fowls, grey crowned cranes, eagles, Egyptian geese, lovebirds and more. Enjoy your Uganda safari by visiting Murchison Falls national park for a birding experience.
Other birding destinations in Uganda.
Other destinations where you can spot birds are; Mabira Forest, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo valley National Park, Mount. Elgon National Park, Lutembe Bay found along the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Echuya forest reserve with over 150 bird species and the Rwenzori ranges.
Top Birding destinations in Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe national park is one of the oldest and largest montane tropical rainforests in Africa, covering an area of over 970 Sq. Km. There are over 330 bird species here, with about 29 endemics to the Albertine Rift.
Some of the notable species here include: blue headed sunbird, Rwenzori nightjar, red colored babbler, purple breasted sunbirds, Handsome francolin, Kungwe Apalis, Shelley’s crimson wing and more.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the most popular safari destination in Rwanda, harboring over 170 bird species with notable species being; waxbills, weaver birds, sunbirds, Hawaiian hawk, Hawaii creeper, Nene, Akiapolaau, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori Turacos, dusky turtle dove, scarlet sunbird, red-faced woodland, brown woodland warbler, African long eared owl, archer’s robin-chat, handsome francolin, and more.
This is an all-year-round birding destination, with the best season being during the months of June to August and January to March.
Akagera National Park
A place with wetlands, swamps, hills, and woods is definitely a place for birds. This is the only savannah park in Rwanda harboring over 490 bird species thus offering an unforgettable birding experience. Among the birds you will have to lookout for here include; the red-faced barbets, Grey-crowned cranes, the white-winged warbler, papyrus Gonolek, the rare shoebill stock, aquatic birds, northern brown throated weaver and much more. Lots more birds can be sight while on a boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is home to several bird species, including African fin foot. You can enjoy bird watching here for an entire day, or add other park activities such as game drive and boat cruise.
Other birding destinations in Rwanda include: Kigali city, Lake Kivu shores, Akanyaru wetlands, Gishwati-Mukura national park and more.
Bird species in Uganda and Rwanda.
There are some bird species you will not want to miss during a Uganda or Rwanda Birding Safari.
Shoebill Stork. With its stock shoe like bill, this is one of the most sought-after birds in the world. It can only be found solitary in specific swamps and marshy areas. The adults have blue grey color and the young ones are brown. One can find them in Mabamba Bay Wetland, Semliki area and Murchison falls National Park.
The Great Blue Turacos: This a big land bird, often liked for a meal by big predators. They do fly but not for a long distance. Great Blue Turacos are mainly found in Kibale forest and Bigodi wetland sanctuary.
Shelley’s Crimson-wing: These birds are rare yet loved for their uniqueness. The female can be identified through the olive heads and red mantle, whereas the males have red covering the face, back and the crown.
Sort tailed Warbler: This is also referred to as Neumann’s warbler. It is a tiny bird with a short tail, and a stripe line at the back. It is one of the birds you must be keen to have a glance at or capture in a camera.
African Green Broadbill: African Green Broadbill is one of the rarest species in the globe. It is referred to as the Grauers Broadbill, and lives within tropical forest covers.
Other bird species include: Black breasted barbet which are solitary with big bills; Bar-tailed Trogon often found in forest areas, Doherty Bush shrike which are green in color with black tails; green-breasted Pitta found in tropical rain forest; The African Green Broadbill which is an endangered species globally, and the Standard-winged Nightjar, also referred as fruit bats.
Birding tips and what to look out for.
Whereas birds can be found anywhere, embarking on a trip with a sole purpose of watching and learning about birds is amazing. It is a journey of purpose and discovery thus we believe you will pay attention to specific parts of birds so as to distinguish the different species.
This and more are some of the tips you must know when getting ready for a bird watching safari in Rwanda and Uganda:
Bird movements.
Birds have wings and do fly. They do live in areas with concentrated vegetation. They fear for their lives that is why as you draw nearer, they will disappear or try flying to a far distance. There is a relentless call for efforts to be put towards conserving the environment with birds and other wildlife.
Take note of some rare birds such as Ostrich which is the largest land fastest land bird, and most of its time is spent on the ground.
Shape and size.
It is a great deal understanding the shape and size of the different birds in the wild. The general impression will ignite the final experience while identifying the different species it being that the birds differ and you will need to be much attentive to identify them, from the small ones like the sparrow to the large ones like the raptors. A wood pecker is different from a robin both are the same in size.
Birds can also be identified through their bills which is also an important factor in there naming and discover what they feed on. For example, kingfishers can be distinguished through the color of their bills which is black and red.
Habitats.
One way to distinguish the different bird species is through where they stay. For example, you will never find a shoebill stock on a dry land but rather at the specific swamps. Woodpecker is often at the woods. Different birds have adapted to specific areas of stay. For example, there are those who only survive in grasslands, mountainous areas, open woodland, and the coastal areas. This is the same for their distribution range. Depending on what bird species you intend to see, first research on where they before booking for the trip.
Sounds.
Birding initiates you into mastering and identifying different birds by their sounds. Experts will mention bird names, and need by just listening to them make a call. This is how experiential the activity is. Managing to interpret bird’s voice is knowing the language of the bird and fully bonding with them. Carry out research to uncover unique bird voices before visiting them.
Plumage.
To distinguish different birds, one must identify their color do they have. Note that the Male differ from the female with some females possessing brighter colors when the breeding season approaches. It is referred to as eclipse of plumage-change of color during the breeding season.
Habits and Legs.
When you take interest in birds, understand how they behave and the uniqueness of their legs. Starting with is a black heron which uses its wings as a shroud to remove obstacles from water while in search for a meal. In terms of legs, note that each leg shape and size have a significance. Strong long legs mean a bird is terrestrial. Take a look at the legs of among others the eagles and relate
Last tip is for you to know that where there is birding, hiking or canoe ride adventure awaits. It is all about heading to the swamps, mountains, or forest areas where the birds find their shelter. This is done with other expert guides who understand birding trails, bird language and are able to ensure your safety and pleasure while engaging with birds. Starting early morning or in the evening hours, the exercise takes about 1-5 hours, as you employ cameras, and binoculars.
Best time for bird watching in Rwanda and Uganda.
Birding is one activity that demands for specific seasons though it can be done all year round. It is right to choose the months when there are bird migrations, and reproduction for a better experience and encounter several bird species not only the endemics.
Book your perfect birding tour in May, June, July, November, and January to April. During these months, there is a lot of migration and thus a big chance of spotting new seasonal birds.
Birding is best done first thing in morning hours or at sunset. The whole night birds are sleeping, they wake up very early in the morning, hungry and in need of food.
Avoid birding anytime from midday to 16:00 hours because it’s when most of the birds are in hiding, feeding those they left in their nests, and hot temperatures.
Choose months with less rain so that the experience is not ruined by muddy trails that makes trekking hard, too much sunshine for birds to hide or too much rains that will make it impossible to enjoy the experience. visit Uganda for bird watching during the right time and season and uncover different bird species in their habitats.
What to bring for birding safaris in Uganda and Rwanda?
Your packing list should include: a professional camera for photography, backpack to have all you need in it, rain jacket to guard against abrupt rains or the cold; binoculars to watch the distant birds, waterproof hiking boots for hiking through the steep slopes, warm clothing in case it gets cold, field birders guidebook, safari clothes such as long trousers, hut or cap, sunglasses to protect your eyes, insect repellant; water proof sturdy shoes, etc.
The cost of birding in Uganda and Rwanda.
Just like any other safari activity, birding comes at a cost which in turn helps in conserving nature, and carrying out more research on birds. This cost varies depending on the duration of the trip, accommodation, time of travel and destinations you intend to visit.
With a budget of about 2,000$ +/-, be sure to visit at least 2 birding destinations in Uganda, and explore birds inhabited there. This price will cover other services like accommodation, entrance fees, guide allowance, transportation, meals, and other charges as applicable. If you prepare this budget, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable birding experience.
Recommended birding books.
Know the different bird species in Uganda and Rwanda by reading what some researchers have uncovered through the years of relentless discovery of avian species.
We recommend the books noted here and more. By reading these birding books, you are sure to make birds a top priority on your next vacation in Africa. Here is a list of birding books to pick from;
- The Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe.
- National Geographic field guide by Jon L. Dunn
- The Genius of birds by Jennifer Ackerman
- Birding without boarders by Noah Strycker
- A pocket of Pigeon Watching by Rosemary Mosco
- Collins bird guide by Dan Zetterström, Killian Mullarney, and Lars Svensson
- Be a birder by Hamza Yassin
- Backyard birds By Jonathan P. Latimer and Karen Nolting
- Kingbird Highway by Kenn Kaufman
Spend a day or more perusing through the different facts about birds in every page of the book and live to tell the birding stories.
Birds are one of the stories you live to tell and everyone pays attention. Visit Uganda and Rwanda for an unforgettable safari experience. Beyond the birds, you can do other activities such as gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, trip to the chimpanzees, and more.
Choose right and in advance to find the best destination for your bird watching experience in Uganda and the republic of Rwanda in east Africa. Uganda has a concentration of over 1060 bird species, whereas Rwanda is home to over 800 bird species. Booking a birding trip through a registered tour operator is always the best thing to do as you are guaranteed of a lot more surprises, and experienced guides.
