Birding Safaris
Explore birding safaris in Uganda & Rwanda—spot Shoebills, African Green Broadbills, and Albertine Rift endemics across wetlands, forests, and savannahs. Expert-guided, fully customizable itineraries.
Explore Uganda & Rwanda’s Premier Birding Safaris — Over 1,000 Species in the Albertine Rift’s Biodiverse Hotspots
From the haunting cry of the African fish eagle to the rare shimmer of Great Blue Turacos in misty forests, Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the most rewarding birding safaris on the continent. Here, in the heart of the Albertine Rift, you can track over 1,000 bird species across mountain rainforests, swampy wetlands, and sun-drenched savannahs—many of them endemic, elusive, and truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or a nature-loving traveler curious about birdlife, our tailor-made birding safaris invite you to slow down, tune in, and discover a side of Africa that soars above the rest.
Featured Birding Safari Packages
Each itinerary is handcrafted to match your level of expertise, target species, and pace of travel—whether you're chasing Albertine Rift endemics, hoping for a Shoebill sighting, or blending birdwatching with gorilla trekking or boat safaris.
Uganda Big Five Safari Adventure
AvailableALL YEAR
Duration6 DAYS
From$1,673
Best of Uganda's Top Attractions
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$3,350
Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$915
Uganda Primates Safari Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration8 DAYS
- From$2,748
Best of Uganda's Top Attractions
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$3,350
Safari Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$937
Best of Rwanda Tour Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$6,762
Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife via Kigali Airport
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$1,909
Uganda Primates Safari Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration8 DAYS
- From$2,748
Found a favorite—or still searching for your perfect birding fit?
Let’s design a safari as unique as your lifelist. Whether you want to focus on rare Albertine Rift endemics, photograph wetland specialties, or mix birding with cultural encounters, we’re here to help. Speak with a birding specialist today and start planning a journey that truly takes flight.
Why go for a Birding Safari in Uganda & Rwanda?
Birdwatching in Uganda and Rwanda combines some of Africa’s highest bird densities with richly diverse ecosystems and exceptional access to key habitats. Whether you’re scanning the skies for Congo biome endemics or watching papyrus specials from a canoe, each day offers new terrain, species, and stories.
- Exceptional Species Richness: With over 1,000 bird species recorded in Uganda and 700+ in Rwanda, these countries are among Africa’s most prolific birding destinations. Over 30 species are endemic to the Albertine Rift, making this a must-visit region for any serious birder.
- Rare and Iconic Birds: From the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork to the vibrant Great Blue Turaco and the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, the variety and rarity of birds here offer once-in-a-lifetime sightings that thrill even the most seasoned birders.
- Diverse and Compact Habitats: In just one journey, you can bird in papyrus wetlands, tropical lowland forests, montane cloud forests, crater lakes, and savannah—all within a few hours’ drive. This ecological diversity allows for a high species count and radically different birding experiences day to day.
- Specialist Birding Guides: Our guides are not generalists—they’re trained ornithologists and passionate locals with deep expertise in identifying calls, navigating birding hotspots, and helping you track lifers across varied terrain. Their local knowledge turns a good African safari into an exceptional one.
What to Expect on a Birdwatching Safari in East Africa
Early Mornings, Big Payoffs: Birding starts at the crack of dawn when bird activity is at its peak and light is perfect for photography. You’ll set out with a guide who knows the calls and signs, turning each forest path or wetland bend into a potential lifer moment.
Guides & Gear: Our birding safaris are led by expert ornithologists equipped with high-quality spotting scopes, field guides, and local checklists. Their trained eyes and ears help maximize your sightings and deepen your appreciation for even the smallest, most cryptic species.
Custom Experiences: No two birders are alike. Some chase species lists, others savor the quiet of a forest canopy. Our itineraries adapt to your style—whether you want slow-paced sessions in one hotspot or multi-habitat, high-yield days. Photography, sound recording, and nocturnal birding can all be integrated.
Endemic Focus: Many of our routes target endemic-rich regions like the Albertine Rift and Congo biome forests. These areas offer a high chance of spotting rare and localized species like the African Green Broadbill or Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.
Perfect for All Levels: We welcome everyone from casual nature lovers to avid listers. Our team tailors each experience to your knowledge level, pacing, and interest—so whether you’re curious about birding or chasing your 800th tick, you’ll feel at home in the field.
Beyond Birding—Combine Wildlife, Primates, and Culture: Our birding safaris can seamlessly integrate other signature East African experiences. Track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi, observe chimps in Kibale Forest, or enjoy boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel and game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Park. For a cultural dimension, we offer immersive visits to local communities and conservation projects. These combinations add rich texture to your trip—offering more than birds, and connecting you to Africa’s wildlife and people in meaningful ways.
Top Birding Destinations
Mabamba Bay Wetland, Uganda
A UNESCO RAMSAR site near Entebbe, this swamp is East Africa’s premier Shoebill habitat. Quiet canoe rides through papyrus thickets reveal Swamp Flycatchers, African Jacanas, Malachite Kingfishers, and more—perfect for photographers and Shoebill seekers.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Uganda’s most diverse park with over 600 bird species including the African Fish Eagle, Papyrus Gonolek, and Greater Flamingo. Enjoy savannah birding, forest trails, and birding boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Famous for gorilla trekking, this forest is also a mecca for Albertine Rift endemics. Key sightings include African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and many colorful turacos in mist-shrouded trails.
A lowland rainforest on the Congo border known for Congo biome specialties. Look for Hornbills, Forest Francolins, White-crested Hornbills, and rare lyre-tailed honeyguides.
Kibale & Kasyoha-Kitomi Forests, Uganda
Ideal for combining primates and birding, this region offers sightings of African Pitta, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Green-breasted Pitta, and many forest kingfishers. Bigodi Wetland is a community-run birding gem.
Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Compact yet species-rich. Over 350 birds inhabit these woodlands and lakeshores—African Finfoot, Nubian Woodpecker, and Crested Francolin among highlights. Excellent for walking and horseback birding.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
More than 450 bird species call this park home, including Goliath Herons, Shoebills, and Giant Kingfishers along the Nile. Riverbanks and savannah plains offer excellent mixed-habitat birding.
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda’s premier montane rainforest reserve and home to over 300 species and 30 Albertine endemics. Key birds include Red-collared Babbler, Great Blue Turaco, and the rare Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
East Rwanda’s savannah and wetland reserve with 500+ bird species. Lake Ihema is great for boat-based birding of Papyrus Gonolek, Grey-crowned Crane, and African Fish Eagle.
Rugezi Marsh, Rwanda
A lesser-known but rewarding site for marsh specialists and endangered species like Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Papyrus Canary, and White-winged Swamp Warbler.
Ready to Begin Your Birding Journey?
You've imagined the birds and landscapes—now let’s bring your vision to life. Whether you’re focused on Albertine Rift endemics or want a broader wildlife experience, we’ll help you craft a seamless, personalized birding safari. Talk to our experts and start planning today.
