Premier Birding Safaris in East Africa

Discover a 1,000-Species Paradise with Okapi Voyage

East Africa is a “Mecca” for birders, and Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, stands at its heart as the continent’s most rewarding birdwatching destination. Hosting over 50% of Africa’s bird species, including rare endemics and migratory visitors, our guided tours are crafted by local experts to help you tick off your most-wanted species in 2025. 

Uganda’s Iconic Shoebill Stork

No birding tour is complete without a search for the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex).

• Mabamba Bay Wetland: Just outside Entebbe, this Ramsar site is the most dependable place globally to see the Shoebill.
• The Experience: Explore the papyrus waterways via traditional dugout canoe, spotting other swamp specialists like the Papyrus Gonolek and African Jacana. 

Albertine Rift Endemics (AREs)

Uganda harbors 24 of the 39 Albertine Rift Endemics, making it a sanctuary for the world’s most serious “twitchers”. 

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: A UNESCO site and a top hotspot for the African Green Broadbill, Regal Sunbird, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
• Rwenzori Mountains & Mgahinga: Track the Ruwenzori Turaco and Handsome Francolin through mist-shrouded montane forests. 

Regional Birding Hotspots

Expand your life-list across the diverse habitats of Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda:

• Kenya’s Great Rift Valley: Witness millions of Lesser Flamingos at Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, or seek the rare Sokoke Scops Owl in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest.
• Tanzania’s Northern Circuit: Spot over 500 species in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, including the Secretary Bird and Kori Bustard.
• Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest: A prime spot for high-altitude specials like the Great Blue Turaco.

The Best Time for Birdwatching

• Highest Species Count (Nov – April): Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive, and residents are in vibrant breeding plumage.
• Best Photography Conditions (June – August): Drier trails and clear visibility make this the “Photographer’s Choice” for capturing rare species. 

Why Bird with Okapi Voyage?

1. Specialist Guides: We provide local site guides who know every call and territory intimately—essential for elusive forest species.
2. Conservation First: Your tour supports wetland protection and the preservation of critical habitats like Bwindi.
3. Tailor-Made Circuits: We design itineraries that maximize your “life-list” potential across multiple countries.