Thinking about birdwatching in Uganda? Want to make sure you have all the right equipment for an East Africa birding safari?

Whether you’re an avid birder or just picking up this beautiful hobby, the right birding equipment will make the experience unforgettable. 

At its most basic, birding is a fun way to in closer contact with the nature around us. From the birds that live in our neighborhoods to the ones that migrate through during special periods of the year, time spent birding helps us become more in-tune with our surroundings.

One of the incredible attractions of birding is its simplicity. It doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby, so as a beginner, don’t let the budget get in the way. There are no set rules, no minimum requirements to meet for bird watching equipment other than enjoying the birds.

That’s what makes the chance to go on a birding safari so special. Beyond just seeing birds while you’re out and about in the world, you get to seek out the most unusual, most beautiful, and most interesting birds wherever you are.

And there may be no better country in the world to go birding than Uganda, especially given how many of its national parks are perfectly suited for it. So in addition to putting together your trip’s packing list, be sure to read on for more information on your birding safari checklist.

Famous Bird Species in Uganda

Uganda is a birding paradise. With over 1,000 species of birds, Uganda has over 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s species. 

Endemic bird species in Uganda include the Stuhlmann’s Double-collared Sunbird, kingfisher, the Fox’s Weaver, the great Shoebill, Northern carmine bee-eater and Rwenzori Turaco. If you’re putting together a list of Uganda birds to see on safari, those need to be right at the top.

Bird-Watching Equipment Checklist

The next step for any passionate birder is making sure you can actually see those birds. Though equipment isn’t necessary for starting as a birder, the right birding equipment will allow you to see more birds and in better detail.

We’ve put together a basic bird watching equipment checklist. Here you’ll find the five most important pieces of equipment for birding in Uganda. 

1. 
   

   Binoculars

   
   

Unlike your bird feeder at home, most birds in Uganda won’t just be waiting for you outside of your window.

That’s why a good set of binoculars is essential for birding in Uganda.

Without binoculars, a beautiful bird sitting high in a tree remains nothing more than a ‌speck in the distance. 

With binoculars, you will be able to spend a beautiful moment taking in all of the intricate details of this unique creature. For hard-to-identify species, this close-up view of their details will help you feel confident about checking them off your list of birds to see in Uganda.

2. Field Guide

While you may have an idea of a few of the birds you want to see on your birding safari in Uganda, keeping in mind finding over 1,000 bird species is a challenge.

That’s why a field guide – such as a bird identification book or an app – is an essential basic birding equipment for a beginner. A field guide helps elevate birding from seeing birds in the distance and being impressed by their size or coloring and actually knowing which bird you just saw. Truly, a birding field guide will elevate any Uganda birding experience.

On the flip side, there’s nothing more frustrating for a passionate birder than seeing a tree full of beautifully colored birds and identifying none of them. Carrying a bird identification book or downloading an app on your phone will help you classify different birds based on the field guide’s illustrations and descriptions.

3. Notebook and Pen

The birding experience isn’t only about seeing birds in the moment, it’s about taking notes and reflecting on what you’ve seen later on.

Don’t expect you’ll be able to remember everything you’ve seen during your trip. It is essential to record your observations during birdwatching with a notebook and pen. 

The best way to learn bird identification is to observe a new bird closely, then write in the notebook the description of what you saw. This way, you can later go through the field guide, comparing the information in the field guide to your notes.

This is especially important if you’re seeing a number of birds and you don’t have time to reference your field guide. Mark the information down so you can then confirm later what Uganda birds you’ve seen.

4. Spotting Scope

Think you’ll be tracking a lot of birds flying over long distances? Then you may want to supplement your binoculars with a spotting scope, too.

Binoculars may help you get a better view of birds around you, but to see a bird at a far distance, you’ll need the help of a spotting scope. 

A spotting scope will help you get a more detailed look at birds for better identification.

5. Camera

Last but not least on our list of essential birding equipment is your camera. If you want to create a collection of the birds you’ve seen on your Uganda birding trip or share photos with friends and family, you’ll need something that takes photos.

The main argument for a camera over a cell phone is having a physical zoom lens. This ensures you can get a closer view of the bird without distorting the image (digital zooms just don’t cut it).

For a beginner, an average-level camera will do. You don’t need an expensive camera or lens on the market to go birding. 

But if you are experienced with these devices and want beautiful and more accurate shots, nothing beats a telephoto lens camera. These have powerful zoom lenses and allow you to take clear photos of the birds. 

Can You Go Birdwatching With A Camera Phone?

A big question we get for people taking their first birding trip in Uganda is if they can go birdwatching with a camera phone. The short answer is yes, a smartphone camera can still do. Here are our three tips for using a camera phone for birding.

1. Don’t Zoom – Instead, just focus on capturing the image. The cropping you do later on will produce the same effect, so instead make sure the picture is well-framed and in focus.
2. High-Quality Images – Different camera phones may save photos at different sizes. For your birding safari, make sure you are saving photos at the highest resolution possible.
3. Photos First, Edit Later – Take advantage of the convenience of a camera phone and take plenty of pictures. Later that evening you can delete the ones that didn’t work out.

Birding Safaris in Uganda

Looking to get started with a one-week birding safari in Uganda? Want a more leisurely trip to see the Pearl of Africa’s most beautiful birds? Or do you only have a day in Kampala, but you’d still like to go birding?

Get in touch with Kikooko Africa Safaris today to start planning your own Uganda birding adventure.

Curious about where to spend 7 days birding in East Africa? A one-week bird-watching tour in Uganda could be just what you’re looking for.

After all, Uganda is popular for its wonderful year-round climate, diverse wildlife (did you know you can see the Big 5?), and friendly people. 

Now, you may be asking about what makes Uganda a great birding destination.

Although Uganda’s bird-watching tours may not be quite as world-famous as mountain gorilla tracking, that doesn’t make them any less stunning. It’s a little-known fact that the Pearl of Africa is among the best places for birding tours in the world.

Just how great is the birding in Uganda? Uganda has over 1,000 known species of birds, making up 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s bird species.

What’s more is how much the country treasures their wildlife. Uganda has up to 33 Important Bird Areas (IBA) developed just for bird watching and birding tours. At the majority of these birding spots in Uganda are trained local tour guides who can identify different species.

With 33 Important Bird Areas, choosing where to start can be a lot (even though you can go birding with a day trip from Kampala!). So today, we’re giving you a helping hand to plan your birdwatching in Uganda trip with a 7-day birding tour.

7 Day Birding Tour in Uganda

If you are a birder, this 7-day birding tour in Uganda checks a lot of the right boxes. This 7-day Uganda birding tour takes you to major birding hotspots, covering several habitats in a range of different biomes. 

Take this as our suggestion for a great way to experience the various landscapes and remarkable scenery as you explore the beauty of Uganda.

So, let’s get started!

Uganda Birding Tour Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda

Arrive in Uganda, meet your new favorite birding safari company, and transfer to your lodging near Mabamba wetlands. An excellent choice is Nkima Forest Lodge. After resting, you’ll enjoy birding in Nkima Forest where you can spot the White-spotted Flufftail. You can also see the Green Sunbird in flowering plants near the lodge. 

Uganda Birding Tour Day 2 – Birding in Mabamba Wetland, Lake Victoria

Following some early morning birding in Mabamba Wetland on Lake Victoria, you’ll head to Mabira Forest. Have an early breakfast and go birding in the Mabamba Wetlands, a few minutes’ drive from Nkima Forest Lodge. 

Did you know Mabamba is home to 260 bird species? We can’t promise you’ll see all 260, but you’re welcome to try! You might also consider taking a local motorized boat to help you explore the wetlands to record many water birds such as the famous Shoebill.

After about 4 hours of birding in the Mabamba Wetland, you’ll leave for Mabira Forest along Kampala Jinja highway. Have lunch on the way and continue birding to Mabira Forest for the rest of the afternoon. You can enjoy a well-earned rest at the Rainforest Lodge Mabira.

Uganda Birding Tour Day 3 – Birding in Mabira Forest

The early bird gets the worm, and the early birder catches the most amazing views of birds. Today we’ll get up early and go birding in Mabira Forest. Mabira has a bird list of about 316 species, including 74 out of the 144 Guinea – Congo Forests species recorded in Uganda.

Some of the Mabira forest specials include Narina Trogon, Forest Woodhoopoe, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Forest Robin, Green-tailed Bristlebill, and so much more. Get your binoculars and cameras ready!

Uganda Birding Day 4 – Birding by the Nile River, Jinja

From Mabira, you’ll continue to Jinja, the birthplace of the Nile River. The area around Jinja serves as a great birding destination along the majestic Nile, the longest river in the world! 

During a boat ride, you will view the wonderful bird species Uganda offers. Over 60 species have been sighted on the route of the boat cruise. Continue to Mt. Elgon National Park in eastern Uganda.

Uganda Birding Day 5 – Spend the Day Birding at Mt. Elgon National Park

On day 5 of your birding tour in Uganda, you’ll spend the day birding at Mount Elgon National Park. Mountain Elgon National Park is home to over 300 bird species. 

These include 56 out of the 87 Afrotropical highland species and 40 restricted range species. Some key species to look out for in the park include Alpine Chat, Mustached Green Tinkerbird, Jackson’s Francolin, Black-shouldered Kite, and Lammergeyer, among others.

Uganda Birding Day 6 – Birding at Mpanga Forest 

Following Mount Elgon you’ll drive back to Kampala and head to Mpanga Forest along the Masaka highway. Notable birds to look for at Mpanga Forest include the Slender-billed Greenbuls, Narina Trogon, and Superb Sunbird, among others. 

You’ll take Masaka highway back to Kampala, a journey of at least one hour as you unwind from the spectacular sights of your birdwatching tour in Uganda.

Uganda Birding Day 7 – Head Back to Entebbe

This is your transfer back to the airport for your flight.

Ready to Book Your Uganda Birding Tour?

This 7-day birding tour in Uganda is a fast-paced trip that’s all-birding, all-the-time – so make sure you’ve got your birding safari equipment ready.

For a leisurely trip you can take, look at our 22-day Birder’s Paradise adventure or our 15-day Beautiful Birds tour. Or you can take a look at some of the best birding parks in Uganda and let us know what catches your eye!

Of course, we would be happy to show you all that Uganda has to offer at a pace that fits your schedule. Feel free to get in touch and we can start planning your birdwatching tour in Uganda.

Looking for where to see birds in Uganda? Planning a Uganda bird watching trip?

You’re on the right track! Uganda offers some of the best parks for bird watching in all of East Africa. 

In these national parks, bird sanctuaries show off an impressive density of bird species, making the Pearl of Africa one of the best places for birding tours in Africa. 

Over 1064 rare and colorful bird species have been recorded in Uganda. This includes Uganda’s endemic birds like the Stuhlmann’s Double-collared Sunbird, the Fox’s Weaver and the great Shoebill are some of the bird species that attract several bird lovers every year.

To make your Uganda bird watching trip planning easier, we have outlined the best parks for bird watching in Uganda in which you can have an extraordinary encounter. We also mention several bird species you’ll observe in these areas. 

Where To See Birds In Uganda

1.      Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the heart and soul of Uganda bird watching. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the make-and-breaker of African bird lists and the home to several endemic and rare bird species. This forested haven boasts about 350 species, including the 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Trail around Buhoma for the best chance to glimpse the olive long-tailed cuckoo, bar-tailed trogon, dusky tit, and newly discovered Willard’s sooty boubou.

Catch the Grauer’s broadbill, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. This globally threatened species is known from only two sites in the world; Bwindi and the remote forest in DR Congo.

2.      Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls is the oldest and largest national park in the country and is home to over 450 bird species. In the riverine thickets, you will find the white-crested turaco, double-toothed barbet, red-throated bee-eater, and bare-breasted firefinch. There is plenty of open palm savannah, which is an excellent habitat for Senegal lapwing, Shelley’s rufous sparrow, and the strange-looking piapiac.

3.      Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birdwatcher’s haven.

The park hosts over 600 bird species across the sprawling savannah to the dense forest and swamps. Moving from Ishasha to Mweya, catch the African crake, sooty chat, and slender-billed weaver. Along the banks of the Kazinga channel, look out for the gray crowned-crane, hamerkop, and gray-headed and lesser black-backed gulls.

4.      Budongo Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

Budongo Forest is located within the great Murchison falls national park and is home to about 360 bird species, making Budongo Forest a great place for a wildlife safari. 

At Royal Mile, you will catch the fleeting Cassin’s spinetail, the dainty chestnut-capped flycatcher, and Nahan’s francolin. Also, look out for the stunning African dwarf kingfishers. 

5.      Lake Mburo National Park

Bird watching is one of the main activities in Lake Mburo National Park. 

Lake Mburo National Park is home to approximately 320 bird species. These include the red-faced barbet, Nubian woodpecker, papyrus canary, and gonolek.

You will catch a few rare species found only in Mburo National Park at the park. Topping that list is the rare red-faced barbet, Tabora cisticola, spot-flanked barbet, and gray penduline tit.

6.      Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is one of the best parks for bird watching in Uganda. 

It is a prime birding spot with about 375 bird species, including six Albertine Rift endemics. The most sought-after bird in Kibale National Park is the recently discovered green-breasted pitta.  

Kibale offers impressive gems such as forest robins and brown and scaly-breasted illadopsis.

7.      Semuliki National Park, Uganda

Semuliki National Park, in Uganda’s Albertine Rift Valley, hosts over 440 species in its riverine, forest, and grassland habitats. 

The park is home to Guinea-Congo biome, the Congo serpent-eagle, blue-billed malimbe, yellow-throated nicator, Nkulengu rail, dwarf honeyguide, capuchin babbler, and swamp palm bulbul.

More Information on Bird Watching in Uganda

Another way to consider planning a birding trip in Uganda could be to start with a 7-day Uganda birding tour. It’s also possible to see some amazing birds with just a day trip from Kampala. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got the basic birding safari tools you need to see these beautiful birds.

If you are looking for information on bird watching in Uganda, we have put together helpful information here. To get a custom-made tour focused on birding in Uganda, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kikooko Africa Safaris today.