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Bird Safari in Uganda

One of the best places for birding in Africa!

This verdant, land locked, country sits in the heart of Africa's Eastern rift and offers some of the most varied safari options in all of Africa with a strong primate population, good predatory game with lion and leopard in good numbers and, for those keen on our featherd friends, exception bird populations. Choosing to travel to Uganda in the wetter months between November and March can be especially rewarding with the European migratory species adding to what are guestimated to be over 1,100 bird species.

Uganda is home to approximately 1100 bird species that constitutes 50% of the Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s bird species count. A significant percentage of the bird species are endemic. Western Uganda, in Murchisons Falls in particular, is excellent as you can often identify 400 species of bird!

The most sought-after bird to see in Uganda is the shoebill stork. The shoebill is a large, pre-historic-looking bird that can weigh up to 6 kilograms and with an enormous head size, it is also referred to as the “King Whale-head”.

The shoebill can be seen in several destinations in Uganda including Murchison’s Falls National Park, but the most reliable being the Mabamba Swamp, located relatively close to the city of Kampala. On route from Kampala to Mabamba Swamps, you can look out for papyrus specialities such as the Papyrus Gonolek, White Winged Warbler, Northern Brown Throated Weaver, Golden-Backed and the Orange Weaver to name a few.

Most of the birding in the Mabamba Swamps is done by canoe and cruising through the swamps and waterways is a great way to look for the rare Shoebill Stork. The guides are exceptionally knowledgeable in the flora, fauna and bird life, and we keep an eye out for other specialist birds in the Mabamba Swamps, including the African Rail, Allen’s and Purple Gallinule, Squacco Heron, Purple and Grey Herons, and a variety of Egrets. To find out more about the Mabamba Swamps, please click here.

Where to go in uganda
For Bird Safari

Bird Safari in Uganda

Uganda Safari Park Map

More travel guides for Africa Bird Safari trips in 2026/27

Take a look at a few of our more detailed country selections for 2026/27 Bird Safaris across Africa.

Bird Safari

africa

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Birdwatching in Africa

Bird Safari in Tanzania

tanzania

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Flamingoes in ngorongoro africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Bird Safari in Uganda

uganda

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Kidepo Valley National Park

Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Bird Safari in Uganda in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Bird Safari in Uganda for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

Murchison Falls National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Murchison Falls National Park

Kibale Forest National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kibale Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kidepo Valley National Park

Kampala

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kampala

Jinja

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Jinja

Entebbe

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Entebbe

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Bird Safari in Uganda for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Bird Safari in Uganda for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$225$1,620

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars2Stars5

Our Rating

Apoka Safari Lodge

uganda

From $880 per person per night
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Apoka Safari Lodge, Lounging by the pool, Kidepo Valley, Uganda

Nile Safari Lodge

uganda

From $1,295 per person per night
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Nile Safari Lodge

Mahogany Springs

uganda

From $420 per person per night
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Mahogany Springs, Premium suite hot tub, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Baker’s Lodge

uganda

From $325 per person per night
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Baker's Lodge, Double banda, Murchison Falls, Uganda

Ndali Lodge

uganda

From $630 per person per night
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Ndali Lodge, Aerial view, Kibale National Park, Uganda

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

uganda

From $635 per person per night
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Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Main lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

uganda

From $1,620 per person per night
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Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

uganda

From $510 per person per night
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Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Kyanginga Lodge

uganda

From $590 per person per night
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Kyaninga Lodge

Engagi Lodge

uganda

From $235 per person per night
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Engagi Lodge

Silverback Lodge

uganda

From $225 per person per night
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Silverback Lodge

Bwindi Lodge

uganda

From $1,370 per person per night
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Volcanoes bwindi lodge bwindi impenetrable forest uganda bwindi impenetrable forest

Paraa Safari Lodge

uganda

From $240 per person per night
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Paraa Safari Lodge

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

uganda

From $1,300 per person per night
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Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Buhoma Lodge

uganda

From $545 per person per night
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Buhoma Lodge, Main camp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

uganda

From $1,570 per person per night
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Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Primate Lodge

uganda

From $600 per person per night
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Primate Lodge

Lemala Wildwaters

uganda

From $506 per person per night
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Lemala Wildwaters

Papaya Lake Lodge

uganda

From $400 per person per night
See the lodge now
Papaya Lake Lodge

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Bird Safari in Uganda in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Bird Safari in Uganda for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days4Days12

Duration

$3,500$7,500

Price Brackets (USD)

4 Nights

Uganda Gorilla Trek

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

From $3,500 per person
See the Trip
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

5 Nights

A Primate Adventure

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
A Primate Adventure

7 Nights

Highlights of Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Chimpanzees in the Queen Elizabeth National Park

10 Nights

Rhinos, birds and monkeys

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Baker's Lodge, Boat safari, Murchison Falls, Uganda

12 Nights

Adventure and adrenaline

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Jinja, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Kyambura gorge lodge queen elizabeth national park uganda

4 Nights

Safari In Kidepo

Kidepo Valley National Park

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
Apoka Safari Lodge, Lion brothers, Kidepo Valley, Uganda
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Bird Safari trip to uganda in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a uganda Bird Safari trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of uganda or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect uganda Bird Safari  trip…

January fair

Visiting Uganda in January 2026/27

January is a great month to head to Uganda as it sits right in the middle of the short dry season. The result is good trekking conditions for both gorillas in Bwindi and the chimps in Kibale. The dry climate also means good game viewing in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth.

Activities & Events

The main focus for the month is always gorillas but the game viewing, particularly in Murchison and the Kizinga Channel are also great.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Hot and clear weather
  • + Really good gorilla trekking
  • + Easy road accessibility throughout
  •   One of the busier times for tourists

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + You would do well to pre-book permits early

February fair

Visiting Uganda in February 2026/27

February, along with January, is also a great time to head to Uganda with clear and dry weather offering good gorilla and chimp trekking and good game numbers in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth

Activities & Events

A really good time of the year to travel with gorillas and chimps at their most accessible and fewer numbers of tourists.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear and dry weather
  • + Very good trekking with chimps and gorillas
  •   Great birding with European migratories still present
  •   What’s not to like?

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + Be on the look out for multi-stay discounts

March mixed

Visiting Uganda  in March 2026/27

March brings the start of the main rains in Uganda and, as such, a drop in both visitor numbers and in lodge prices. The early weeks of the month can still be very rewarding for gorilla and chimp trekking so, if you don’t mind the occasional downpour, it is still a good month to travel.

Activities & Events

Gorilla trekking is still the main “order of the day” with the trails still pretty firm under foot but it is also a great time for birders.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Tourist numbers drop significantly in the month
  • + Gorilla trekking is still good, if a little wet
  • + Property prices drop significantly
  •   Strong downpours can marr the wildlife viewing

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + The first 2 weeks of the month offer great value

April mixed

Visiting Uganda in April 2026/27

The second month into the mains rains brings tougher conditions for trekking in Bwindi and Kibale and, as such, this is seen as one of the least desirable months to visit Uganda. This being said, while the trekking is harder, the gorillas tend to favour the lower slopes more and, as such, can be easier to find.

Activities & Events

Gorilla and chimp trekking can be taxing at this time of the year with muddy trails and impassable roads but it is still worth it!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Low season rates and empty parks
  • + Gorillas are located in the lower slopes
  •   Plenty of water makes some roads impassable
  •   Expect strong and long downpours

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + For the more intrepid, this can be a good option to save

May mixed

Visiting Uganda in May 2026/27

The last of the months affected by the long rains, May is probably one of the hardest months for gorilla and chimp trekking as the pathways are now very muddy and the undergrowth at its thickest. This being said, it is also a good time for discounts and for birding as the migratory birds arrive.

Activities & Events

Gorilla and chimp trekking are at their very hardest at this time of year so we only recommend for the hardiest of adventurers!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Excellent birding
  • + Stunning scenery
  • + Really good rates and low visitor numbers
  •   The third month of rain leaves trekking very taxing

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Arguably later in the month gives some solace

June great

Visiting Uganda in June 2026/27

With the arrival of June comes an end to the main rainy season and, accordingly, a change in the temperatures and the conditions underfoot. This is a good month to visit Bwindi Impenetrable for gorillas although the chimp trekking in Kibale can still be wet and murky at times.

Activities & Events

Gorilla trekking is coming to the fore once more with low visitor numbers and drying trails allowing for good viewing.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Parks starting to dry out
  • + Low season rates still offer great value
  •   Chimp trekking is still pretty tough

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + A good time to travel for those on a budget

July best

Visiting Uganda in July 2026/27

July is now a second month into the dry season and, as such, offers great trekking for both the gorillas and the chimps as well as better and better game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison. The only real drawback is that it is now the main travel season so camps can get busy.

Activities & Events

Gorilla and chimp trekking are in their prime at this time of the year.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and clear weather
  • + Really good game, gorillas and chimp trekking
  • + Scenery still spectacular
  •   It is the busy season so availability can be tricky

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + Definitely worth booking in advance

August amazing

Visiting Uganda in August 2026/27

August sits right in the heart of the dry season with pathways in the forests at their driest and, as such, easiest, and the game numbers starting to crowd the water sources. This is definitely one of the best times of the year for all activities in Uganda.

Activities & Events

Take your pick…excellent chimp and gorilla trekking, very good game viewing, lovely weather!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and clear weather
  • + Really good wildlife viewing across the country
  •   Visitor numbers are at their highest
  •   Accordingly prices do also spike in the month

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + You will need to book up a good deal in advance

September great

Visiting Uganda in September 2026/27

If y0u asked us which month we would pick in the year, it would always be September! This month still offers great weather, realiable trekking, game viewing and, with lower visitor numbers, better availability.

Activities & Events

One of our favourite months to see gorillas, chimps and all the other safari animals in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Predominantly dry weather with the occasional rain shower
  • + Really good gorilla and chimp trekking
  • + Fewer tourists mean better prices and availability
  •   The arrival of the short rains at the end of the month

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + A really good time to travel

October still good

Visiting Uganda in October 2026/27

October heralds the start of the short rains in Uganda and, as such, you can expect to have some rainfall during your stay. This being said, with firm ground underfoot and the gorillas starting to move to the bottom of the valley in Bwindi, this can be an excellent time to travel.

Activities & Events

Gorilla and chimp trekking are deemed to be easier both for the location of the groups but also for the prices and availability as the tourism numbers fall off.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Good trekking conditions for gorillas and chimps
  • + Low season rates for most of the camps
  • + Arrival of migratory birds once more
  • You can expect some rainfall during your stay

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + An ideal month for those looking to book last minute

November fair

Visiting Uganda in November 2026/27

November sits right in the middle of the short rains which has its benefits and drawbacks. The main upside is that, while the paths and tails are starting to get muddier, there are far fewer tourists and the gorillas are located at their closest to the entry gates.

Activities & Events

Gorilla and chimp trekking can get pretty tricky at this time of the year due to the muddy conditions but, for those keen on their birds, the arrival of the migratory species becomes a real delight.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The country is green and lush
  • + Very few visitors make for low rates and high availability
  •   Trekking is only really advised for the more adventurous

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Another good, low cost time to travel

December fair

Visiting Uganda in December 2026/27

The last month of the short rains sees the rainfalls recede as the month goes on. December is the start of the short dry period in Uganda and, by the end of the month, offers some very good quality game viewing and gorilla trekking.

Activities & Events

As the month goes on, the gorilla and chimp trekking get better and better.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The wetter weather gives way to dry weather
  • + Trekking conditions improve significantly
  • + Birding and game viewing are very good
  •   The end of the month is very busy with tourists

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + Look to book up to a year in advance for the festive period

Please visit our Best Time to Visit uganda page for full information about uganda

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
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Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

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Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

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Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

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From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.