Birding in Bwindi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 348 bird species, including twenty-five restricted range species.
Of these, twenty-three are confined to the Albertine Rift, and four are globally endangered, including:
- African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) – vulnerable
- Shelley’s Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza shelleyi) – vulnerable
- Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri)
Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a mist-covered rain-forest and the oldest national park in Uganda.
It is also considered the richest forest in East Africa.
Bird Species You Can Expect to See in Bwindi
- Western Green Tinkerbird
- Chestnut-throated Apalis
- Kivu Ground Thrush
- Montane Oriole
- Grauer’s Rush Warbler
- African Green Thrush
- Short-tailed Warbler
- Fine-banded Woodpecker
- Regal Sunbird
- Shining African Blue
- Impressive African Emerald
- Common Bulbul
- White-tailed Blue Flycatcher
- Rwenzori Batis
- African Wood Dust
Common Birding Areas in Bwindi
- Buhoma area along the forest margins
- Ruhija sector
- Swamp birding (with the help of experienced guides)
- Rushaga sector
Things to Carry for Birding
- A good pair of binoculars
- A bird identification book
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Hat
- Scope
- Water bottle
Best Conditions for Birding:
- A quiet environment
Best Time for Birding:
- Early morning hours
Important Points to Note: Birding in Bwindi often coincides with other activities in the park. While birding, you can also expect to encounter up to 220 butterfly species, adding an extra layer of adventure to your experience.
Other Activities to Engage in While at Bwindi Alongside Birding:
- Hiking
- Gorilla trekking
- Cultural visits
- Monkey trekking
- Community tours
- Hospital visits
Cost of Birding at Bwindi:
- 40 USD for foreign non-residents
- 30 USD for foreign residents
- 30,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens
Birding in Bwindi is a fantastic natural adventure that introduces tourists to the environment and its many components, adding a unique touch to the beauty of nature.