Uganda and Rwanda have gained global recognition for their exceptional mountain gorilla trekking experiences, drawing nature-focused tourists to the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, beyond the thrill of observing gorillas in their natural habitat, Uganda and Rwanda offer a remarkable spectrum of wildlife experiences that often go overlooked.
Uganda and Rwanda provide an extensive range of wildlife beyond the famed gorilla populations. Numerous protected areas in the two states present a distinct ecological profile shaped by altitude, climate, and conservation efforts. Tourists who explore further than the gorilla trails will find opportunities to witness predators in action, observe endemic primates, and experience avian spectacles rarely seen elsewhere in Africa.
Big Game and Savannah Wildlife
While Uganda and Rwanda are often associated with primate tourism, their savannah parks offer outstanding opportunities to observe different wildlife species like large mammals, including apex predators and herbivores that define classic African safaris. These areas starkly contrast the forested environments where primates thrive, featuring open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine habitats that support various species.
Lions and the Unique Tree-Climbing Behavior
Lions are among the most sought-after sightings in Uganda and Rwanda, with populations distributed across several protected areas. Many mainly know Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavioural adaptation that distinguishes them from other African lion populations. You can spot these lions resting on the sturdy branches of fig trees in the Ishasha sector, which has become a focal point for tourists seeking this unusual spectacle.
Akagera National Park in Rwanda also supports a recovering lion population, reintroduced in 2015 after decades of local extinction. Conservation efforts have since allowed these big cats to establish stable pride structures, making Akagera an increasingly reliable destination for lion sightings.
Elephants and Buffaloes: The Iconic Heavyweights
Uganda and Rwanda host widely distributed African elephants, with significant populations in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Akagera National Parks. In Uganda, forest elephants, a smaller and more elusive subspecies, inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest. At the same time, their larger savannah counterparts dominate the open landscapes of Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley.
Buffaloes are equally prominent in these ecosystems, often forming large herds near water sources. They are particularly abundant along the banks of the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where boat safaris provide close-range viewing as they drink and wallow in the mud.
Leopards and Hyenas: Elusive Predators
Leopards are present in most of Uganda and Rwanda’s savannah parks, but their secretive nature makes sightings less predictable. Tourists frequently observe them in Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks, where they use dense vegetation and rocky outcrops as cover while hunting.
Spotted hyenas, often misunderstood due to their scavenging reputation, are key players in maintaining ecological balance. These highly social predators thrive in Akagera and Murchison Falls National Parks, forming clans with intricate social structures. Their calls, often described as eerie laughter, echo across the savannah at night, enhancing the nocturnal safari experience.
Uganda Kobs and Other Antelope Species
Uganda’s national symbol, the Uganda kob, is a medium-sized antelope commonly grazing in the open plains of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Its striking reddish-brown coat and lyre-shaped horns make it one of the most photogenic species in the region.
Various protected areas in Uganda and Rwanda host other antelope species, including topi, oribi, bushbuck, waterbuck, and hartebeest. Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda supports rarer species, such as the greater kudu, Jackson’s hartebeest, and eland, which people commonly associate with East Africa’s semi-arid regions.
Birds of Rwanda and Uganda
Beyond the well-documented primates and large mammals, Uganda and Rwanda support a variety of rare and specialised species that attract tourists interested in niche wildlife experiences.
Shoebill Stork: The Enigmatic Wetland Predator
The shoebill stork is one of Africa’s most extraordinary bird species. It is known for its prehistoric appearance and remarkable hunting strategy. This large wading bird, characterised by its massive, shoe-shaped bill and piercing stare, is highly sought after by birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.
Shoebills primarily inhabit swampy environments, with Uganda being one of the best places in the world to observe them. Mabamba Swamp, located near Entebbe along the shores of Lake Victoria, provides the most accessible opportunity to see these birds, often spotted standing motionless as they ambush lungfish. Additional sightings are possible in Murchison Falls National Park, particularly in the Nile Delta region, and in remote wetlands such as the Semuliki and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Tourists seeking to observe shoebills should opt for boat excursions through papyrus-lined waterways. Experienced guides use traditional canoes to minimise disturbance and enhance the likelihood of close-range sightings.
Grey-Crowned Crane: Uganda’s National Bird
The grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, stands out as an elegant species with its golden feathered crown, striking black and white plumage, and graceful courtship displays. These cranes prefer wetland areas and open grasslands, often foraging in pairs or small flocks.
While they are widely distributed across East Africa, the wetlands of Uganda and Rwanda provide particularly favourable conditions for breeding and roosting. Akagera National Park and the wetlands surrounding Lake Mburo in Uganda are excellent locations for observing these birds. Their elaborate courtship dances, involving synchronised leaps, bowing, and wing flapping, make them one of the most visually captivating species in the region.
Other Exotic Bird Species
Montane Forest Birds: Albertine Rift Endemics
Montane forests in Uganda and Rwanda are particularly significant for their population of Albertine Rift endemics—species found only in this region and nowhere else in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda serve as critical habitats for these rare birds.
Some of the most sought-after Albertine Rift endemics include:
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing: One of Africa’s rarest and most elusive finches, identified by its bright red plumage.
- Handsome Francolin: A ground-dwelling bird with a distinct chestnut and black-spotted pattern, often seen in pairs.
- Ruwenzori Turaco: A striking species with iridescent green and blue feathers, easily identifiable by its white face markings.
- Doherty’s Bushshrike: A vibrantly coloured species with a red throat and yellow belly, frequently found in the mid-canopy layer.
Birding in these montane regions requires patience, as many species remain well-camouflaged within the thick vegetation. However, guided birding excursions along designated trails significantly increase the chances of sightings. Nyungwe Forest, in particular, is recognised as one of the best locations for spotting Albertine Rift endemics due to its extensive canopy walk and structured trail system.
Wetland and Waterbirds: Seasonal and Resident Species
Wetland areas across Uganda and Rwanda are critical for resident waterbirds and migratory species arriving seasonally from Europe and Asia. Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, hosts a variety of waders, while papyrus swamps and riverine habitats support specialised species adapted to these environments.
Key wetland species include:
- Papyrus Gonolek: A secretive bird found in papyrus-dominated swamps, known for its vibrant red and black colouration.
- African Jacana: Often referred to as the “lily-trotter” due to its long toes, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation.
- Great White Pelican: Commonly seen in groups along large water bodies, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Goliath Heron: The world’s largest heron, frequently observed along riverbanks and lakeshores.
Seasonal flamingo populations can also be observed at the crater lakes within Queen Elizabeth National Park. These alkaline lakes, such as Lake Munyanyange, attract large flocks of lesser and greater flamingos, creating a visually striking scene between July and November.
Savannah Birds: Raptors and Ground-Dwelling Species
Uganda’s and Rwanda’s savannah regions support an impressive variety of birds, ranging from large raptors to colourful ground-dwelling species. The open landscapes of Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Akagera, and Kidepo Valley National Parks provide ideal conditions for observing these birds in their natural habitat.
Notable species include:
- Secretary Bird: Recognized for its long legs and distinctive head plumes, it is often seen stalking prey on the ground.
- Martial Eagle: Africa’s largest eagle, capable of hunting mammals as large as small antelope.
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbill: A massive bird patrols the savannah floor for insects and small reptiles.
- Srn Red Bishop: A small but striking bird, the breeding males display bright red and black plumage.
Raptors are particularly abundant in Murchison Falls National Park, where the powerful currents of the Nile create a thriving ecosystem for fish-eating species such as the African fish eagle and palm-nut vulture. The cliffs and rocky outcrops of Kidepo Valley National Park also provide nesting sites for Verreaux’s eagle and pygmy falcons.
Uganda and Rwanda offer year-round birdwatching opportunities. However, the best months for birding coincide with the dry seasons (December to February and June to August), when visibility is at its highest and breeding activity peaks. Both countries offer specialised birding safaris for tourists interested in structured birding experiences led by expert guides well-versed in species identification, bird calls, and ecological significance.
Conclusion
Tourists who extend their exploration beyond gorilla trekking will gain a deeper appreciation for the ecological complexity of these destinations. Experiencing the full spectrum of wildlife in Uganda and Rwanda allows for a more immersive and rewarding visit. While gorillas remain a primary attraction, the opportunity to see other species enhances the overall understanding of conservation efforts, habitat preservation, and the interconnectedness of these ecosystems.