Why Choose Bird Uganda Safaris
Our Commitment to the Community
Bird Uganda is dedicated to community empowerment through initiatives supporting youth and women birders.
BIRD UGANDA SAFARIS
Discover Uganda – Africa’s Premier Birding Destination
Over 1,000 bird species, breathtaking habitats, and expert-guided safaris, Track rare bird species From the Shoebill to the Green-breasted Pitta – Uganda is a birder’s dream
Birding and Wildlife Tour Holidays
For over 20 years, our expert guides at Bird Uganda Safaris have been making peoples’ dreams a reality. The most common dreams include, the rare Shoebill, Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, African Finfoot, Rwenzori Turaco, Leopard, African Green Broabill, Green Breasted Pitta.
We know exactly where to find the most incredible birds and wildlife in Uganda and East Africa. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a beginner hoping to spot your first African wild animal or an expert searching for a rare bird, we design the perfect adventure for you.
Our trips perfectly blend world-class birding with unforgettable experiences like chimpanzee tracking and boat safaris.
Uganda Birding Safaris
Welcome to Bird Uganda Safaris, your trusted birding company in Uganda. Experience Uganda through the eyes of expert birding guides. From the rare Shoebill to Albertine Rift endemics, every safari we plan brings you closer to Africa’s wild heart
We organise the best Uganda birding safaris for bird lovers, photographers, and nature travellers. Our expert guides will help you find Uganda’s most amazing birds in their natural homes.
Uganda is one of Africa’s best places for birding. With over 1,090 bird species, at Bird Uganda Safaris, we help you explore Uganda’s top birding spots with professional local guides who know where to find the rarest birds like the Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, and African Finfoot. Our Uganda Birding Safaris are carefully planned to give you the best sightings, comfortable travel, and unforgettable moments in nature.
Join us for birdwatching tours to famous destinations like Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park
At Bird Uganda Safaris, we create unforgettable Uganda birding safaris for bird lovers, nature photographers, and explorers from all over the world.
Our local expert guides know every bird call, trail, and hotspot — helping you see Uganda’s most special and rare bird species.
We take care of everything — guiding, transport, accommodation, and park fees — so you can focus on the joy of watching birds.
Top Uganda Birding Safari Destinations
- Mabamba Swamp: Home of the legendary Shoebill, Uganda’s most sought-after bird. Enjoy a relaxing canoe ride through lush papyrus wetlands.
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 350 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Regal Sunbird and African Green Broadbill.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Over 600 bird species recorded — see African Skimmers, Kingfishers, and Weavers along the Kazinga Channel.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s oldest and largest park, combining riverine and savannah birding. Spot Abyssinian Ground Hornbills and Rock Pratincoles
- Kibale Forest: Excellent for forest birding and primates — home to the African Pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet, and Great Blue Turaco
Birding Destinations
Uganda is a fantastic destination for birding enthusiasts, offering a range of captivating spots. One such gem is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for its gorillas, and it’s also home to a fascinating variety of birds, including the African Green Broadbill and the Bar-tailed Trogon.
Another must-visit location is Murchison Falls National Park, located along the Nile River, which features a diverse habitat supporting the Shoebill Stork and the African Fish Eagle. Lastly, the Queen Elizabeth National Park, with its wetlands and savannas, is a habitat for the colourful Malachite Kingfisher and the unique-looking African Shoebill. Uganda truly is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, just waiting to be explored
Clients Experience
in their own words
By Hannah
What it's like to bird in Uganda
By Hannah and Erik
Shoebill in the Mabamba Swamps Uganda
By Hugh Powell
7 things a Uganda safari taught me about birding
By Laura Erikson
Coming home from Uganda
Birds of Uganda
What makes us unique
Reasons to believe in Bird Uganda Safaris
With expert guides, personalised itineraries, and years of field experience, Bird Uganda Safaris ensures that every trip is memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, Herbert Byaruhanga and his team know how to find Uganda’s rarest and most beautiful species — at the right time and in the right places
Customize Tours
While our tours have predetermined schedules, Bird Uganda Safaris is exceptionally flexible and ever-willing to tailor-make a safari to perfectly align with the unique preferences and requirements of our clients
Contact Bird Uganda Safaris
Uganda Birding Safari Guide
Meet Your Guide – Herbert Byaruhanga and His Expert Team
Let your journey into Uganda’s birding paradise be led by Herbert Byaruhanga, one of Uganda’s most experienced birding guides. With over 20 years of guiding experience, Herbert and his professional team from Bird Uganda Safaris have taken birders from all over the world through Uganda’s forests, savannahs, and wetlands.
Herbert Byaruhanga
Founder
Judith Mirembe
Bird Guide
Mark Bakunda
Bird Guide
Apophia Asiimwe
Bird Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Birding Safaris & Uganda Gorilla Safaris
What makes Uganda one of the best birding destinations in Africa?
Uganda is often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” and when it comes to birding, this name truly fits. The country sits at the meeting point of East African savannah, Central African rainforest, and mountain ecosystems, creating a diverse mix of habitats that attract over 1,090 bird species.
You can find everything from the famous Shoebill in the Mabamba Swamp to colourful Albertine Rift endemics like the Green-breasted Pitta and Ruwenzori Turaco in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In the open grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll see countless kingfishers, weavers, and eagles, while Murchison Falls National Park offers both savannah and riverine birds.
This incredible variety within one small country makes Uganda one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world — perfect for both first-time birders and experienced professionals.
When is the best time to go on a Uganda birding safari?
Birding in Uganda can be enjoyed all year round because of its mild tropical climate. However, the best time for birdwatching is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September.
During these months, the roads and forest trails are easier to access, and many birds are breeding — showing off their bright plumage and making more calls. Migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa also visit Uganda from November to April, making it a great time for variety.
If you love photography, the dry season’s clear skies and light make perfect conditions. Still, even the rainy months are productive, as showers are short and the landscapes remain green and full of life.
What birds can I expect to see on a Uganda birding safari?
While Uganda has only one true endemic bird, the Fox’s Weaver, it is home to an incredible number of regional specialities and rare birds. The Fox’s Weaver is found mainly around Lakes Opeta and Bisina in Eastern Uganda and is often sighted in the Pian Upe Game Reserve.
But that’s just the beginning. Uganda’s Albertine Rift region is a hotspot for endemics and near-endemics — species that occur nowhere else in the world. These include:
- African Green Broadbill – a stunning green bird with a pale blue throat
- Red-faced Woodland Warbler – easily recognised by its brick-colored facial wash
- Neumann’s Warbler – shy and elusive, often found near fast-flowing forest rivers
- Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and many more
These species make Uganda a must-visit for every passionate birder seeking rare and endemic species.
What should I pack for a birding safari in Uganda?
When planning a birding safari in Uganda, pack both for comfort and for the conditions you’ll meet in the field. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Binoculars and a camera – A good pair of 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars will help you spot distant birds clearly.
- Field guidebook – The “Birds of East Africa” is a great reference for identifying species.
- Light, neutral-colored clothing – Avoid bright colours; choose long-sleeved shirts and pants for forest walks.
- Rain jacket – Useful for sudden showers, especially in forest areas like Bwindi or Kibale.
- Hat and sunscreen – The sun can be strong even when it feels cool.
- Insect repellent – Essential for forest and swamp birding.
- Sturdy walking shoes – Trails can be muddy, especially after rain.
It’s also wise to carry a refillable water bottle, some snacks, and a small notebook to record sightings.
How are Uganda birding safaris organized by Bird Uganda Safaris?
At Bird Uganda Safaris, every tour is carefully planned to give you the best birding experience possible. We start by understanding your interests — whether you’re focused on target species, general birding, or bird photography.
Our team then designs a custom itinerary that covers Uganda’s top birding destinations such as Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Forest, Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You’ll travel in comfortable safari vehicles, guided by our experienced local bird guides who know every bird call and habitat. Accommodation is selected based on proximity to birding areas and comfort level. We handle all logistics, permits, and park fees, so you can focus fully on watching birds.
Whether it’s a 3-day trip or a 21-day birding holiday, every safari is personal, flexible, and memorable.
Can I combine birding with gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Absolutely! In fact, combining Uganda Birding Safaris with Gorilla Safaris is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Africa.
Uganda’s birding and gorilla habitats often overlap — especially in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to both mountain gorillas and over 350 bird species. After spending a morning trekking to see the gentle giants of the forest, you can enjoy an afternoon of birdwatching among colorful forest endemics.
Many visitors choose combined itineraries that include both birding and primate tracking, giving you a full wildlife adventure. Bird Uganda Safaris can customize this experience to include birding in Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, or Murchison Falls, plus gorilla tracking in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda, and how long does it take?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that involves hiking through the tropical rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are that day.
Although it can be moderately challenging — with uneven terrain, humidity, and occasional mud — the guides move at a comfortable pace for all travellers. Porters are available to help carry your bags, and the trek is divided into groups based on fitness levels.
When you finally find the gorillas, you’re allowed to spend one full hour observing them — an unforgettable moment as they eat, play, and rest just a few meters away from you. The trek is safe, well-guided, and carefully managed to protect both visitors and the gorillas.
What’s the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best time for gorilla trekking is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, the forest trails are less slippery, and hiking conditions are more comfortable.
However, gorilla trekking happens all year round because the gorillas do not migrate. The rainy months (March–May and October–November) often offer lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists, which some travelers prefer.
Regardless of the season, your chances of seeing gorillas are very high (over 98%), thanks to Uganda Wildlife Authority’s expert tracking teams.
How do I get a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and each allows one person to visit a gorilla family for one hour.
At Bird Uganda Safaris, we handle the full permit booking process for you — saving you the hassle of applying directly.
Each permit currently costs USD 800 per person, and only eight permits per gorilla group are issued daily to protect the gorillas from too much human contact. It’s best to book your permit at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for the high seasons of June–September and December–February.
Once confirmed, we’ll arrange your transport, lodging, and all logistics for a seamless experience.
What wildlife can I see besides birds and gorillas in Uganda?
Uganda is a land of amazing biodiversity. Along with birds and gorillas, you can see a wide variety of wildlife during your safari. In Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, you’ll spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.
Kibale Forest is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, red colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Lake Mburo offers beautiful scenery with zebras, antelopes, and waterbirds. Uganda’s mix of wildlife, landscapes, and friendly people makes every trip full of excitement and discovery.
