Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda Birding Safaris

Nestled in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most famous safari destination and one of the finest birding paradises in East Africa. With its incredible mix of habitats — savannah, wetlands, lakes, forests, and volcanic craters — the park boasts an astonishing over 600 bird species, making it a true haven for bird lovers. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a nature enthusiast, birding in Queen Elizabeth offers one of the most rewarding avian experiences on the continent.

Overview of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Covering nearly 1,978 square kilometers, Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches from the Rwenzori Mountains to the shores of Lake Edward and Lake George, connected by the Kazinga Channel. This unique landscape supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and leopards — but it’s the birdlife that makes it exceptional.

The park’s varied ecosystems — open grasslands, tropical forests, wetlands, and crater lakes — provide ideal habitats for both resident and migratory birds. In fact, Queen Elizabeth is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

Key Birding Areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Kazinga Channel

The Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, is one of Uganda’s premier birding hotspots. A boat cruise along the channel offers the perfect opportunity to view both water and savannah species at close range.

Common sightings include:

• African Skimmer

• Pelicans and Cormorants

• Pink-backed and Great White Pelicans

• Yellow-billed Stork

• African Fish Eagle

• Malachite and Pied Kingfishers

• White-winged Tern

The banks of the channel are alive with bird activity, especially during the dry season when flocks gather to feed and drink.

2. Mweya Peninsula

The Mweya Peninsula is another excellent birding site, especially around the Mweya Safari Lodge area and the visitor information center. The region’s mixed habitats support both forest and savannah birds.

Look out for:

• Black-headed Gonolek

• Slender-billed Weaver

• Swamp Flycatcher

• Grey-headed Kingfisher

• Yellow-throated Longclaw

• Red-capped Lark

Mweya also provides stunning views across the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, enhancing the birding experience.

3. Maramagambo Forest

On the southeastern edge of the park lies Maramagambo Forest, a lush tropical forest that offers a completely different birding experience. It’s home to forest specialists that can’t be seen elsewhere in the park.

Birds commonly seen include:

• Forest Flycatcher

• White-naped Pigeon

• White-tailed Ant-thrush

• Black-capped Apalis

• African Emerald Cuckoo

• Red-tailed Bristlebill

• Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat

While in the forest, visitors may also encounter bats and monitor lizards at the Bat Cave, adding a unique dimension to the experience.

4. Katwe Area and Crater Lakes

The Katwe–Kabatoro area, dotted with volcanic craters and salt lakes, is a spectacular birding zone known for its scenic beauty and large flocks of flamingos. Seasonal visitors like Lesser Flamingos gather along Lake Katwe and nearby saline lakes, especially after rains.

Other birds of note include:

• Avocets and Stilts

• Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse

• Spur-winged Lapwing

• Crowned and Wattled Cranes

5. Ishasha Sector

In the southern part of the park, the Ishasha sector — famous for its tree-climbing lions — also rewards birders with both forest and grassland species. The open plains and riverine areas are home to:

• Grey Kestrel

• Martial Eagle

• African Crake

• Black-bellied Bustard

• African Wattled Lapwing

• Ross’s Turaco

This region borders Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, creating a unique overlap of savannah and montane bird species.

Notable Bird Species in Queen Elizabeth National Park

With over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers one of Africa’s broadest checklists. Highlights include:

• African Skimmer

• Shoebill Stork (occasionally sighted in the Ishasha wetlands)

• Papyrus Gonolek

• Pel’s Fishing Owl

• Black Bee-eater

• White-winged Warbler

• Verreaux’s Eagle Owl

• Narina Trogon

• Great Blue Turaco

• Grey-headed Kingfisher

• Saddle-billed Stork

• African Finfoot

During migratory seasons (November to April), the park welcomes numerous Palearctic migrants from Europe and Asia, adding even more diversity to its birdlife.

Best Time for Bird Watching in Queen Elizabeth

Birding is excellent throughout the year, but the best time is during the wet seasons — March to May and October to November — when food is plentiful, and migratory birds arrive.

For those focused on general wildlife and bird photography, the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer better visibility as vegetation is thinner and trails are easier to navigate.

Recommended Birding Safaris

Birding can be enjoyed as part of a multi-day safari itinerary that combines wildlife viewing and boat trips. Common birding tours include:

• 3-Day Queen Elizabeth Birding and Game Safari

• 5-Day Birding Safari in Queen Elizabeth and Kibale

• 7-Day Albertine Rift Birding Safari (covering Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, and Semuliki)

Each offers a chance to combine bird watching with big game encounters, crater lake exploration, and scenic photography.

Tips for Birders

• Carry a pair of binoculars (8×40 or 10×42 for optimal clarity).

• Bring a field guidebook to East African birds.

• Wear neutral-colored clothing for blending into the environment.

• A camera with a telephoto lens (300mm or more) enhances photography.

• Always bird with a professional guide — local experts know the habitats and calls of rare species.

Where to Stay

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a variety of accommodations near key birding areas:

• Mweya Safari Lodge – luxury lodge with excellent access to the Kazinga Channel.

• Enganzi Game Lodge – mid-range with panoramic views of the park.

• Buffalo Safari Lodge and Ishasha Wilderness Camp – great for birders exploring southern sectors.

• Simba Safari Camp – budget-friendly option near Mweya.

Conclusion

Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a spectacular journey through one of Africa’s richest avian ecosystems. From the iconic African Fish Eagle along the Kazinga Channel to the rare Shoebill in the Ishasha swamps, every moment spent here unveils the melody of Uganda’s wild heart. Whether gliding along the waterways or walking through Maramagambo’s forest trails, Queen Elizabeth offers an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, serenity, and discovery.