Birdwatching in Uganda & Rwanda
The Hidden Kingdoms of Feathered Royalty
Birdwatching in Africa is one of the most rewarding experiences for nature enthusiasts, and nowhere is this more true than in Uganda and Rwanda. These two East African countries are often associated with gorilla trekking safaris and big game adventures, but they are also prime birdwatching destinations. With diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to expansive wetlands, montane forests, and open savannahs, Uganda and Rwanda are home to some of the richest birdlife on the continent.
For travellers planning an African safari, combining traditional wildlife viewing with a dedicated birdwatching safari opens up a whole new perspective of nature. Whether you are drifting through the papyrus swamps of Lake Victoria in search of the shoebill stork or hiking in the misty forests of Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park for Albertine Rift endemics, birding in these countries is a fascinating adventure.
In this guide, we explore why Uganda and Rwanda are top destinations for birdwatchers, where to go for the best sightings, and what species to expect on your safari.
Why Choose Uganda and Rwanda for Birdwatching?
Both Uganda and Rwanda lie in the Albertine Rift Valley, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. This unique location, combined with varied landscapes, makes the region a magnet for birders.
Uganda is particularly famous for its birdlife. Often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” the country boasts over 1,060 recorded bird species, making it one of the best birding destinations in the world. From the prehistoric looking shoebill stork to colourful turacos, sunbirds, and hornbills, Uganda offers an unforgettable birdwatching safari experience.
Rwanda, while smaller in size, is equally impressive. With over 700 species of birds, Rwanda has positioned itself as a top safari destination for birders. The country’s montane forests, wetlands, and savannahs provide habitats for a wide variety of species, many of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
For anyone planning an African vacation safari, including Uganda and Rwanda in your itinerary ensures you experience both big game safaris and incredible birdwatching opportunities.
BIRDWATCHING IN UGANDA
Uganda’s birding hotspots are spread across the country, from wetlands and lakeshores to mountain forests and national parks. Here are some of the best places for a birdwatching safari in Uganda:
Mabamba Swamp
Located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is a must visit for birders. This wetland is the most reliable place to see the legendary shoebill stork, a massive bird that looks like it stepped out of prehistoric times. Birders explore the swamp in dugout canoes, quietly gliding through papyrus channels while spotting kingfishers, herons, jacanas, and cormorants.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is world famous for gorilla trekking, but it is also one of Africa’s richest birding areas with over 350 species recorded. The park is home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics, including the African green broadbill, bar tailed trogon, and the regal sunbird. A birdwatching safari in Bwindi offers the chance to combine gorilla trekking with birding a truly unique African safari experience.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Known as Uganda’s most popular safari park, Queen Elizabeth is not only home to elephants, lions, and hippos but also to over 600 bird species. This makes it one of the best birding destinations in East Africa. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George, is especially rich in waterbirds such as pelicans, African skimmers, fish eagles, and kingfishers.
Kibale Forest National Park
Best known for chimpanzee tracking, Kibale is also a paradise for birders. It is home to the elusive green-breasted pitta, one of the most sought after species in Uganda. Other highlights include the African pitta, black bee eater, and various species of hornbills.
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest national park is a fantastic birding destination. The park’s varied habitats host species such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, Goliath heron, secretary bird, and numerous raptors. A boat safari along the Nile provides close encounters with kingfishers, bee eaters, and herons.
Birdwatching in Rwanda
Though smaller than Uganda, Rwanda offers a compact yet rewarding birding safari experience. The country is easy to explore, with excellent road networks and well protected national parks.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe is a tropical montane forest located in Rwanda’s southwest. It is home to more than 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Birders come here to look for the Ruwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, red collared mountain babbler, and Grauer’s swamp warbler. The forest canopy walk also provides a unique opportunity to spot birds high in the treetops.
Akagera National Park
Situated in the east of Rwanda, Akagera offers a completely different birding experience. Its savannahs, wetlands, and lakes host over 480 bird species. The park is ideal for combining a classic safari with birdwatching. Species such as the papyrus gonolek, shoebill stork, and African fish eagle are highlights, along with numerous raptors and waterbirds.
Volcanoes National Park
While most visitors come here for gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park is also an important birding site. The park is home to several Albertine Rift endemics and provides opportunities to spot species like the Ruwenzori batis, Archer’s robin chat, and strange weaver. Birding in this high altitude habitat is a rewarding complement to a Rwanda safari.
WHAT MAKES BIRDWATCHING SAFARIS UNIQUE?
A birdwatching safari in Uganda or Rwanda offers more than just sightings. It is a holistic experience that combines the thrill of discovery with breathtaking scenery and cultural encounters. Birders often find themselves exploring diverse habitats, from canoe rides in wetlands to forest hikes and savannah game drives.
Unlike typical game safaris that focus mainly on large mammals, birding safaris demand patience and attention to detail. The reward is spotting species that many travellers overlook, such as dazzling sunbirds, elusive pittas, or the haunting shoebill. The slower pace also allows birders to fully immerse themselves in the environment, noticing plants, insects, and other wildlife along the way.
Bird Species to Look Out For
Some of the top bird species to watch for on a Uganda and Rwanda birdwatching safari include:
Shoebill stork
Great blue turaco
African green broadbill
Regal sunbird
Green breasted pitta
African fish eagle
Ruwenzori turaco
Papyrus gonolek
Grauer’s swamp warbler
Abyssinian ground hornbill
These are just a handful of the hundreds of species that make birdwatching safaris in the region so exciting.
Birdwatching and Conservation
Birds play a vital role in ecosystems. They pollinate plants, control insect populations, and disperse seeds. Both Uganda and Rwanda recognize the importance of protecting their natural habitats, and birding tourism plays a role in these conservation efforts.
When travellers choose a birdwatching safari, they directly support eco tourism initiatives that help conserve forests, wetlands, and savannahs. Local communities benefit from guiding services, park entrance fees, and eco lodges, which in turn creates an incentive to protect the environment.
Birdwatching in Uganda and Rwanda is an adventure that goes far beyond traditional safaris. With their extraordinary diversity of species and habitats, these countries are true birding paradises. Whether you are paddling through the papyrus swamps of Mabamba in Uganda, trekking through the montane forests of Nyungwe in Rwanda, or scanning the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and Akagera National Parks, every safari becomes a journey into the vibrant world of birds.
A Uganda safari or Rwanda safari designed around birdwatching offers a perfect balance between iconic African wildlife and the hidden treasures of avian life. For travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, a birdwatching safari in East Africa is not just an activity it is an unforgettable African vacation safari that brings you closer to the heartbeat of the wild.
