Explore East Africa's Rich Avian Biodiversity
Endemic Birding Safaris delivers expert-led birding tours across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, connecting you to species found nowhere else on Earth.
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About Endemic Birding Safaris
Endemic Birding Safaris stands as East Africa's most specialized birding tour operator, dedicated exclusively to showcasing the region's extraordinary endemic and near-endemic avian species. Based in Kampala, Uganda, we represent the pinnacle of ornithological expertise, combining decades of field experience, scientific research, and passionate conservation advocacy.
Our tours are more than birdwatching — they are scientific expeditions led by East Africa’s most accomplished ornithologists, conservationists, and field researchers. Every trip contributes to citizen science, supports local conservation efforts, and gives you the chance to experience species found nowhere else on Earth.
Our Expertise
Continuous Species Monitoring
We maintain ongoing contributions to citizen science databases and conservation research, continuously monitoring East Africa's endemic and near-endemic species.
Seasonal Expertise
Our team has an extensive understanding of migration patterns, breeding cycles, and optimal observation timing to ensure maximum species encounters.
Endemic Species Specializations
Albertine Rift Endemics: Shelley's Crimsonwing, Grauer's Warbler, Kivu Ground-Thrush, Albertine Owlet, Strange Weaver.
Uganda's Endemic Treasures: Green-breasted Pitta, Fox's Weaver, Standard-winged Nightjar.
Regional Near-Endemics: Eastern Arc Mountains endemics, Kenya's highland forest specialists, Lake Victoria papyrus species, Rwenzori montane grassland specialists.
Featured Tours
Day Trips
Perfect short adventures for travelers who want to explore Uganda in a single day.
25-Day Complete Uganda Birding Safari
The ultimate birding adventure covering all major destinations and up to 750 species.
18-Day Ultimate Uganda Birding Safari
Discover up to 700 species across Uganda's prime ecosystems, including Shoebills and Albertine Rift Endemics.
Murchison Falls & Kibale (5 Days)
Experience the thunderous Murchison Falls, incredible savanna wildlife, and magical chimpanzee trekking.
Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi (6 Days)
Explore Kazinga Channel, spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and trek for Mountain Gorillas.
Bwindi & Lake Mburo (6 Days)
Discover zebras in Lake Mburo and embark on a life-changing Gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Gorillas & Golden Monkeys (7 Days)
Track Shoebills, Mountain Gorillas, and Golden Monkeys on this spectacular primate safari.
Uganda Safari Adventure (8 Days)
Ziwa Rhinos, Murchison Falls, Kibale Chimpanzees & Bwindi Gorillas – Mid-Range Experience.
Uganda Birding Safari (15 Days)
Explore the Pearl of Africa's diverse ecosystems and spot over 400 species, from Shoebills to Rift endemics.
Research & Conservation
Active Research Participation
- Collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Society on species monitoring
- Data contribution to Makerere University biodiversity databases
- Participation in annual bird counts and citizen science initiatives
- Documentation of range extensions and behavioral observations
Conservation Impact
- Direct financial support for habitat preservation projects
- Educational programs for local communities
- Training initiatives for emerging guides and conservationists
- Advocacy for protected area expansion and management
Where to Go on Your East Africa Birding Tours
We take you deep into birding hotspots of East Africa, carefully selected for their rich biodiversity and ecological importance. From the wetlands like Mabamba Swamp, the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and Rwanda, to the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, and the vibrant lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Our experienced guides help you spot elusive species and build your African birds and wildlife checklist.
Mabira Forest Reserve
Duration: 1–2 Days
Highlights: Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamphen
Best Season: November – April
Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Duration: 1–2 Days
Highlights: Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamphen
Best Season: November – April
Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganda
Duration: 1–2 Days
Highlights: Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamphen
Best Season: November – April
Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
Duration: 1–2 Days
Highlights: Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamphen
Best Season: November – April
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Duration: 1–2 Days
Highlights: Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamphen
Best Season: November – April
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Duration: 3–4 Days
Highlights: Grauer’s Warbler, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Albertine Owlet
Best Season: September – May
Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
Duration: 2–3 Days
Highlights: Vulturine Guineafowl, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Martial Eagle
Best Season: June – October
Semuliki National Park, Uganda
Duration: 3–5 Days
Highlights: Red-billed Quelea, Grey-crowned Cranes, Eastern Chanting Goshawk
Best Season: June – September
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Duration: 2–3 Days
Highlights: Lesser Flamingo, African Fish Eagle, Pelicans
Best Season: July – November
Lutembe Bay, Uganda
Duration: 2–3 Days
Highlights: Lesser Flamingo, African Fish Eagle, Pelicans
Best Season: July – November
Species of the Week
gray crowned-crane
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Uganda. The avifauna of Uganda included a total of 1088 confirmed species as of February 2023. Of them, one is endemic, and three have been introduced by humans. Three additional species are hypothetical as defined below and are not included in the counts. Unless otherwise noted, the list is that of Avibase.
From Our Experts
Latest Field Notes & Articles
Expert Insights
Nightjars, Owls, and After-Dark Adventures
When the sun sets over Uganda's forests and savannahs, most birders head back to their lodges for dinner and rest. But that's when some of my favorite birding begins...
Arshley Brian
Trail Guide
Budongo's Royal Mile: Walking Africa's Most Famous Birding Trail
Among serious African birders, three words command instant respect and excitement: The Royal Mile. It's the most reliable site to encounter the stunning Green-breasted Pitta...
Arshley Brian
Guide
From Zero to 400 Species: How to Plan Your First Uganda Birding Safari
After guiding hundreds of birding safaris across Uganda over the past decade, I've noticed that first-time visitors often make the same mistakes, have the same concerns, and ask the same questions...
Arshley Brian
Encounters
The Shoebill Chronicles: Encounters with Africa's Prehistoric Giant
The Shoebill stork isn't just a bird; it's a phenomenon, an obsession, and for many birders, the ultimate bucket-list species. After hundreds of Shoebill encounters over my guiding career...
Arshley Brian