Bird Watching in Rwanda & Uganda

An Avian Paradise in the Heart of Africa 

East Africa is not only the land of mountain gorillas and dramatic landscapes — it is one of the most extraordinary bird watching destinations in the world. With over 1,060 recorded bird species in Uganda and more than 750 species in Rwanda, this region offers an unmatched diversity of habitats, from mist-covered montane forests and papyrus swamps to sweeping savannah plains and Great Lake shorelines. 

For casual nature lovers, bird watching here becomes a colorful and peaceful complement to a safari. For serious “twitchers” and life-list collectors, Rwanda and Uganda represent one of Africa’s most rewarding birding frontiers — especially for rare Albertine Rift endemics and the legendary Shoebill Stork. 

At Silverback Gorilla Tours, we design expert-led bird watching safaris that balance precision, patience, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you are adding birding to your gorilla trekking adventure or planning a dedicated birding tour in Africa, our itineraries ensure that every sunrise brings new discovery. 

The Quest for the Shoebill Stork – Uganda’s Legendary Icon 

For many international birders, the Shoebill Stork is the ultimate “bucket list” species. Towering, prehistoric in appearance, and almost mythical in presence, this extraordinary bird has remained unchanged for millions of years. Watching a Shoebill stand motionless in the wetlands at dawn feels like stepping into another era. 

Mabamba Swamp – The Most Reliable Shoebill Location 

Located near Entebbe International Airport, Mabamba Swamp is widely regarded as the most accessible and reliable Shoebill habitat in Uganda. Our guided canoe excursions glide quietly through narrow papyrus channels, increasing the chances of close yet ethical encounters. 

The calm waters reflect the early morning light, and as the mist lifts, your guide carefully scans the reeds for movement. Often, the Shoebill appears silently — towering above the vegetation, its massive shoe-shaped bill unmistakable. Photographers particularly appreciate Mabamba for its stable canoe positioning and soft sunrise lighting. 

Murchison Falls & the Nile Delta 

Another prime Shoebill territory lies within Murchison Falls National Park, especially in the Nile Delta area where the river flows into Lake Albert. Here, the Shoebill shares its habitat with Goliath Herons, African Fish Eagles, Malachite Kingfishers, and African Jacanas. 

Combining a Shoebill search with a classic wildlife safari in Murchison Falls creates one of the most dynamic bird watching experiences in Africa. 

 The Albertine Rift Endemics – A High-Priority Birding Zone 

For serious bird watchers, the Albertine Rift region is one of Africa’s most important endemic zones. Species found here occur nowhere else on Earth, making Rwanda and southwestern Uganda essential destinations for global birders. 

Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda) 

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot. With over 322 recorded bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, it offers exceptional forest birding opportunities. 

Among the highlights: 

• Great Blue Turaco 

• Ruwenzori Turaco 

• Red-collared Babbler 

• Grauer’s Warbler 

• Ruwenzori Batis 

Guided canopy walks and forest trails allow birders to observe species across multiple forest layers, from understory skulkers to canopy dwellers. Nyungwe is especially rewarding for those seeking rare and elusive species that require patience and skilled guiding. 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) 

While globally celebrated for mountain gorilla trekking, Bwindi is also recognized by the African Bird Club as one of Africa’s top birding sites. Over 350 bird species have been recorded here, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. 

Key species include: 

• African Green Broadbill 
• Shelley’s Crimsonwing 
• Bar-tailed Trogon 
• Black Bee-eater 
• Grauer’s Swamp Warbler 

Birding in Bwindi pairs seamlessly with gorilla trekking, creating a balanced wildlife itinerary that appeals to both primate enthusiasts and serious birders. 

Savannah & Wetland Birding – Big Skies, Big Species 

While forest birding requires focus and patience, savannah bird watching introduces a completely different energy. Open landscapes allow for dramatic raptor sightings and large waterbird congregations. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) 

With more than 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park ranks among the richest birding destinations in East Africa. The combination of crater lakes, grasslands, wetlands, and river channels creates an exceptional diversity of habitats. 

Highlights include: 

• African Skimmer along the Kazinga Channel 

• Martial Eagle soaring over open plains 

• Saddle-billed Stork 

• Pink-backed Pelican 

• African Fish Eagle 

A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel provides close-range viewing of water birds and excellent photography opportunities. 

Akagera National Park (Rwanda) 

Akagera’s blend of savannah and wetland ecosystems offers another rewarding birding environment. Here you may encounter: 

• Papyrus Gonolek 

• Ross’s Turaco 

• Grey Crowned Crane 

• African Fish Eagle 

• Open-billed Stork 

Akagera is ideal for travelers who want to combine traditional Big Five safari experiences with diverse bird watching. 

Why Bird Watching with Silverback Gorilla Tours? 

Birding in East Africa requires more than luck. It requires habitat knowledge, seasonal awareness, and expert listening skills. Our team is carefully selected to deliver world-class birding experiences. 

Specialist Birding Guides 

Our guides are trained in advanced species identification by both sight and call. In dense forest environments where visual contact is limited, recognizing subtle vocalizations becomes essential. 

Customized Birding Itineraries 

Whether you are targeting specific Albertine Rift endemics or simply adding birding days to your gorilla safari, we tailor each itinerary to your goals and timeframe. 

The Right Gear & Optimal Timing 

Bird watching begins at dawn when activity peaks. We provide high-quality spotting scopes and position our vehicles or boats strategically for clear observation and photography. 

Photography-Focused Positioning 

We understand the needs of wildlife photographers and adjust pacing to capture the perfect lighting conditions without disturbing natural behavior. 

Ethical & Eco-Conscious Birding 

We strictly follow conservation guidelines to ensure that nesting sites remain undisturbed and that our presence supports long-term ecosystem preservation. 

Best Time for Bird Watching in Rwanda & Uganda 

Bird watching is rewarding throughout the year, but certain periods offer specific advantages. 

• June to September and December to February provide drier conditions and easier forest trekking. 

• November to April welcomes migratory species from Europe and North Africa. 

• Early mornings and late afternoons offer peak bird activity. 

Our team carefully schedules outings to align with seasonal bird movement and habitat patterns. 

Birding Travel Checklist 

To maximize your bird watching safari in Africa, we recommend the following essentials: 

Binoculars: A 10×42 or 8×42 pair offers excellent clarity for both forest and open landscapes. 
Field Guide: “The Birds of East Africa” by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe is highly recommended. 
Clothing: Neutral-colored, breathable fabrics help you blend naturally into the environment. 
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Many forest species require guided nature walks. 
Patience & Curiosity: Some rare species demand quiet observation, but the reward is unforgettable. 

Combining Bird Watching with Gorilla Trekking 

One of the greatest advantages of bird watching in Rwanda and Uganda is the ability to combine multiple wildlife experiences in a single itinerary. 

Imagine tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi in the morning and spending the next day searching for the African Green Broadbill in the same forest ecosystem. Picture hiking through Volcanoes National Park while scanning the bamboo canopy for Ruwenzori Turacos before your gorilla permit day. 

This seamless integration of primate tracking and avian exploration creates a deeply immersive safari experience unlike anywhere else in Africa. 

Elevate Your African Safari with Bird Watching 

The soft call of a turaco echoing through the rainforest. The dramatic silhouette of a Martial Eagle against a golden savannah sky. The silent intensity of a Shoebill at dawn. 

Bird watching in Rwanda and Uganda is not just about ticking species off a list. It is about slowing down, observing closely, and connecting with ecosystems that remain among the most biologically rich on Earth. 

Whether you are a passionate birder, wildlife photographer, or traveler seeking a quieter complement to gorilla trekking, Silverback Gorilla Tours invites you to explore East Africa’s avian paradise with expertise, comfort, and respect for nature. 

Contact us today to design your Bird Watching Safari in Rwanda and Uganda — where every sunrise reveals a new discovery.