The question of “when to go birding in Uganda” is a common concern among interested birders. Uganda is a small country, about the size of Oregon but shelters over 1080 bird species distributed across the array of ecosystems. For the question of when, note that birding in Uganda is conducted a year round. Interestingly, the country generally boasts an amazing weather throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 18˚C to 33˚C for daytime but gets colder at night.
Uganda is a Tropical country lying astride the Equator with two prominent seasons-dry and wet seasons. The latter runs from March to May as well as mid-September to November every year. Much as these months are traditionally considered wet months, it doesn’t rain all day but instead occasional showers are experienced. The two dry seasons are June to August as well as December to February. The most perfect time to go birding in Uganda is therefore the months of June, July and August for a number of reasons.
Reasons to go birding in Uganda during the months of June to August.
Migrant bird species from the southern region of Africa (Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa) such as the Blue swallow, barred long-tailed Cuckoo and many others arrive the country. The swallow species can be seen at Mabamba swamp near Lake Victoria and can be explored during a 1-day tour from Kampala or Entebbe.
Numerous bird species are at the peaks of their breeding during this time of the year. The month of August is interestingly at the center of the major nesting seasons for birds in the country. Expect many of the weavers especially the Fox’s weavers that are indigenous to Uganda. Months of May and June are the main nesting season in Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks with the African green broadbill being common during these months.
Additionally, Uganda’s most sought-after bird species including the vulnerable Grauer’s broadbill can be spotted during the months of June, July, August and September although August is the most perfect time. These birds can be found within Mubwindi Swamp in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as the Green-breasted pitta common in Kibale Forest National Park.
Given the fact that these months fall under the dry season, birding tours in Uganda are likely not to be disrupted by rain. However, given the Tropical climate of Uganda, occasional showers are likely to be experienced.
The beginning of the rainy season especially in late March until early April is perfect for birding in Uganda because the rains have begun and cools down the hot habitats hence bird vocalizations are experienced.
When not to go birding in Uganda?
The month of February is generally considered unpleasant for birding in Uganda, especially northern, north-eastern and North-western destinations (that is, Kidepo Valley and Murchison falls National Parks as well as Budongo Forest) because it is extremely hot and dry with no seeds or fruits for birds.
The wet months of late-March to mid-May as well as October to early December experience heavy rains, making the areas of Bwindi, Mgahinga and Kibale Forest National Parks extremely wet and literally difficult to access. However, the birds become active and more vibrant during the wet season.
Most sought-after birds during Uganda Birding tours.
The most sought-after species during Uganda birding tours include the Brown-chested broadbill, Puvel’s illadopsis, African green broadbill, shoebill storks, Karamoja Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, Jameson’s ant-pecker, Green-breasted pitta and Nahan’s francolin. Other must-see species are spoonbills, grey-crowned cranes, Eagles, Stripe-breasted tit, Papyrus gonolek, blue-throated sunbirds, handsome francolin, egrets, Owls, Sunbirds like the regal sunbirds, Kites, barbets, African grey parrots, pelicans, storks, Ibises, barbets and weavers among others.
Best birding destinations in Uganda.
Uganda has over 30 confirmed Important Bird Areas in form of National Parks, Forest Reserves, Wetlands/swamps and urban areas. Common birding areas are Budongo Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kidepo Valley, Kibale Forest, Lutembe Bay wetland, Semuliki National Park, Mabamba wetland, Mabira Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mpanga Forest Reserve, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Entebbe Peninsula among others.
