Birding

Uganda and Rwanda, two East African countries, offer exceptional birding opportunities. With diverse habitats and strategic locations along the Albertine Rift, these countries boast an incredible array of birdlife.

Birding in Uganda

Uganda, home to over 1,070 species of birds, is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The country’s unique geography, with its vast wetlands, forests, and mountains, supports a wide range of avifauna.

Key Birding Locations:

• Mabira Forest: 315 species recorded, including Nahan’s Francolin, Yellow-billed Turaco, and African Grey Parrot.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: 600 species recorded, including Shoebill Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, and African Fish Eagle.
• Murchison Falls National Park: 450 species recorded, including Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Senegal Thick-knee, and Rock Pratincole.
• Lake Bunyonyi: 200 species recorded, including Hadada Ibis, Fulvous Whistling Duck, and Red-chested Sunbird.

Notable Species:

1. Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex)
2. Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
3. African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
4. Nahan’s Francolin (Francolinus nahani)
5. Yellow-billed Turaco (Tauraco macrorhynchus)
6. Blue-throated Roller (Eurystomus gularis)
7. Forest Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus castaneus)
8. Buff-spotted Woodpecker (Campethera nivosa)
9. Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus)
10. Senegal Thick-knee (Burhinus senegalensis)
11. Rock Pratincole (Glareola nuchalis)
12. Red-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia erythrocerca)
13. Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis)
14. African Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus)
15. Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri)
16. White-winged Warbler (Bradypterus carpalis)
17. Carruthers’s Cisticola (Cisticola carruthersi)
18. Tabora Cisticola (Cisticola taborae)
19. Chubb’s Cisticola (Cisticola chubbi)
20. Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylastrephus debilis)

Birding in Rwanda

Rwanda, home to over 700 species of birds, offers a unique birding experience. The country’s lush forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes support a diverse range of avifauna.

Key Birding Locations:

• Volcanoes National Park: 200 species recorded, including Rwenzori Turaco, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park: 300 species recorded, including Neumann’s Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Strange Weaver.
• Akagera National Park: 500 species recorded, including Shoebill Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, and Wattled Crane.
• Lake Kivu: 150 species recorded, including African Fish Eagle, Hadada Ibis, and Bronze Sunbird.

Notable Species:

1. Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni)
2. Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylastrephus debilis)
3. Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri)
4. Neumann’s Warbler (Hippolais rama)
5. Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)
6. Strange Weaver (Ploceus alienus)
7. Brown Parrot (Poicephalus fuscicollis)
8. Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae)
9. Ruwenzori Apalis (Apalis ruwenzorii)
10. Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris ruwenzorii)
11. Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops)
12. Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus)
13. Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone rufiventer)
14. Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae)
15. Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius)
16. Rockefeller’s Sunbird (Cinnyris rockefelleri)
17. Purple-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia purpureiventris)
18. Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis)
19. Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata)
20. African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta)

Best Time for Birding:

• Uganda: December to February and June to August
• Rwanda: January to March and September to November

Tips for Birders:

1.  Hire a local guide or join a guided tour
2.  Bring binoculars, field guides, and a camera
3.  Respect local customs and environments
4.  Be patient and quiet while birding

With their rich avifauna, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Uganda and Rwanda are a must-visit destination for any bird enthusiast. local phrases and improve your language skills. Our host families are happy to teach you local phrases and help you practice your language skills. We also provide guidance on local communication customs and etiquette to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident interacting with your host family and local community members.