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Birding in Bwindi: Explore Uganda’s Top Avian Diversity Spot

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.



Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is renowned for housing half the population of the endangered mountain gorillas. The name “Bwindi” is derived from the local Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” meaning “place full of darkness.” Bwindi Forest is one of the most biologically diverse forests on Earth. Discover Bwindi National Park below.

Explore mountain gorillas in the most incredible way!

Whether you choose Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, each moment promises unforgettable encounters with the mountain gorillas of Africa.

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