Uganda Tour Operators - Birding Fair a Success!

A delegation of Tourism Uganda and the Uganda tour operators are back after the birding fair in Uk which ran from August 18th to 20th.

Speaking about the fair, one of the Tour Operators, Allen Asiimwe of Shoebill Safaris said that sharing information about the endagered species is a great experience which promotes birding safaris in Uganda, a destination with over 1,000 species.

Introduction to Birds of Uganda

Uganda is an equatorial country with astonishing contrasts. No other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats and this richness is reflected in its bird list of over 1000 species.

From the source of the Nile on Lake Victoria to the snow capped Rwenzori Range, the montane forests of the Virunga volcanoes to the desert plains of karamoja, bird watching is an exciting experience for the traveler.

Top Birding Spots in Uganda

Mabamba Swamp
Famous spot for the Shoe bill stork. Located 30 km's west of Kampala Opposite Mpanga Forest. Public transport is available from Kampala New Taxi Park up to Kasanji. A bodaboda will get you to the spot which is 13.5 kms away from Kisanji.

Kibale forest national park
Red winged francolin, red chested fluftail, white napped pigeon, African pita, white-naped pigeon, Joyful greenbul, grey winged pigeon, Abyssinian ground thrush, grey throated fly catcher, white bellied crested flycatcher masker ,Uganda woodland warbler ,chestnut-winged starling.335 species.

Queen Elizabeth national park
Over 550 bird species, includes 11 types of king fisher, several falcons eagles and other raptors, flamingoes,shoebill,African skimmer,white-winged warbler,papyrus Gonolek,black bee eater

Bwindi Impenetrable National park
This is one of the richest flora and fauna forests of East Africa.It has over 357 bird species.See the Albertine rift Endemics,Arhcer's Robin chat,Kive gorund thrush,Collared apalis,yellow-eyed black flycatcher,rwenzori batis and strange weaver, Buhoma- Ruhinja Black Bee eater, African Green Broadbill.

Murchison Falls national park
370 birds including giant shoebill, bee eater,giant kingfisher,shoebill stork and other species.

Budongo Forest
Kaniyo Pabidi-Purvels IIIdopsis, Shinning blue kingfisher, White crested Turaco.

Mabira Forest
Nahan's Francolin and various forest birds.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Whitespotted crake and the black billed Turaco.

Mgahinga National Park
A few birders will be able to resist the attraction of some of Uganda’s most spectacular birds such as the Scarce Rwenzori Turaco , Lagden’s Bush Shrike and scarlet- tufted Malachite sunbird .

Lake Mburo National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The fabled “MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON” lie in the western Uganda on the Congolese border, with snow –covered, equatorial peaks rising

Entebbe Botanical Gardens
They offer a superb introduction to Ugandan birds and are situated conveniently close to the capital and international airport.

Mpanga Forest
Mpanga Forest is a stunning patch of remnant medium- altitude evergreen and swamp forest that lies 37 km from the round about in Natete along Masaka road.

Kampala and Environs
Kampala is Uganda’s largest and modern capital city. It lies on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It’s well- wooded outskirts supporting a wide variety of birds.

Kajansi Fish Farm
It is situated between Kampala and Entebbe. The Kajansi fish farm, with it’s several artificial ponds attracts a variety he of water birds.

Entebbe Sewage Pond
The sewage treatment pond is an excellent spot for waders and well worth a visit during the migration period.

Moroto Town and surrounding areas

Mount Elgon National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park

Semliki National Park

Uganda's 10 most commonly sought after birds:
Shoebillbirding uganda
African Green Broadbill
Green-breasted Pitta
Nahan's Francolin
Brown-chested Plover
Karamoja Apalis
Black Bee-eater
Ruwenzori Turaco
Red-fronted Antpecker
Purvell's Illadopsis