As a passionate guide, wildlife photographer, and all-round wildlife lover, it was only a question of time until I started birding. The wonderful thing about this passion is that, no matter where you are or what you are doing, there is always something to observe as birds are everywhere! Once you understand this, observe some species, and name them, you will want to advance and see more. This usually results in travelling to fresh locations looking for new experiences… and maybe new birds!

Where To Go For a Birding Trip

Sitting here in the middle of the Albertine Rift, a volcanic extension of the Great Rift Valley shooting up into the heart of Africa at the intersection of three very fascinating countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—I am writing this. From a wildlife point of view, this series of mountains—volcanoes! —is fascinating since they create a habitat unlike found anywhere else in the world. Many creatures have evolved to fit this environment, hence producing a very high proportion of species uniquely found in the Albertine Rift region. These are endemic species, totally unique to this region of Planet Earth! Amongst them, most remarkable is the famous mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei), which may be hiked in any of the three aforementioned nations. I can not suggest gorilla trekking enough; it is a very amazing event.

For safarists particularly in Uganda and Rwanda, the mountain gorillas are their ultimate objective, but both nations provide far more for anyone with even a passing interest in nature, which, if you are reading this, I am sure you have! Wherever you go on safari, I would advise everyone to spend time observing the birds. The birdlife of Africa is vibrant and interesting. Any guide who has spent much time in “the bush” would tell you they have an interest in birds. Their fascination stems from this! The attraction of birds to many individuals who are often spoilt with actual and possible mammal sightings speaks much about how exciting birds are.

Finding Some of the Endemic Bird Species

More than forty native species can be found in the mid-Albertine Rift area… and although I have been here, I have been trying to view as many of them as possible. Imagine it as going on safari and hoping to witness all the various kinds of large cats. To maximise my chances of seeing these unique birds, as well as some other desired species that can be found elsewhere, I have spent as much time as possible in the high-altitude “Afro-montane” (high woods of Africa) habitat.

Sunbird bronze

White-tailed blue fly catcher

Rwenzori double-collared sun-bird

Trogon with bar tail

Baglafecht weaver

Juvenile Klaas’s cuckoo (right) and Bronze sunbird (left)

So far the best of the endemics I have seen are: red-faced woodland warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, purple-breasted sunbird, regal sunbird, and Rwenzori double-collared sunbird. Among the other wonderful, fascinating, and lovely bird species I have encountered on this journey are: bar-tailed trogon, Ross’s turaco, African broadbill, white-tailed blue flycatcher, and black bee-eater.

Searching for the Shoebill

I went straight across Lake Victoria to the Mabamba Swamps to attempt to view the prehistoric-looking African shoebill upon landing in Uganda. Sadly, in nature nothing is assured, and I crossed there too late in the day to have a genuine possibility of seeing the bird. Still, it was a wonderful journey over the lake to a wonderful preserved marsh.

My Best Advice

Anyone wishing to embark on a birding safari should obtain a good set of binoculars for both general safari use and for particularly viewing birds, in my opinion. They are priceless!

Should you wish to visit Uganda or Rwanda to witness the remarkable birdlife, please feel free to reach out to one of our specialists here; otherwise, consider looking below for further motivation.