Bird Watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa as you watch over 600 recorded bird species that inhabit the open savannah, wetlands, crater lakes and tropical forests. The birds include species in East Africa, Central Africa and migratory birds.

Major Bird watching Habitats in the Park

1. Kazinga Channel (Wetland Ecosystem)

The Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer natural channel linking Lake George and Lake Edward. It is one of the best birding spots in the park. The Bird species you watch include; the African fish eagle, Pied kingfisher, Pink-backed pelican, African skimmer, Saddle-billed stork.

2. Mweya Peninsula (Savannah & Bushland)

The Mweya Peninsula is a very ideal safari destination for bird watching and those you can watch here include; Martial eagle, Secretary bird, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Brown snake eagle, raptors, ground dwelling birds.

3. Kyambura Gorge (Forest Birding)

Kyambura Gorge is ideal for bird watching and the bird species you watch here include; African broadbill, Blue-headed bee-eater, Black bee-eater, White-tailed lark.

4. Maramagambo Forest (Tropical Forest)

Maramagambo Forest is one of the largest forests in Uganda known for Bird watching and the species you watch include; Forest flycatchers, Sunbirds
Turacos, Bats and nocturnal species.

5. Ishasha Sector (Fig Trees & Riverine Habitat)

The Ishasha Sector is famous for tree-climbing lions, but also ideal for bird watching with species i.e African finfoot (rare), shoebill (occasionally spotted nearby wetlands), Grey-headed kingfisher, Black-and-white casqued hornbill.

Most of the sought after birds include; Raptors, Martial eagle, Bateleur, African fish eagle, Water Birds, African skimmer, Great cormorant, Pink-backed pelican, Lilac-breasted roller, Malachite kingfisher, Superb sunbird, African broadbill, Narina trogon, White-naped pigeon.

Best Time for Bird Watching

Birding is excellent throughout the year but the best time to visit for bord watching is during the Dry Seasons in the months of June to September
December to February.

Best Time of Day to watch the Bird species is during the early mornings at 6:30–10:00 am and late afternoon at 4:00–6:30 pm.