Birds of Kidepo at a glance
Kidepo Valley National Park has around 476 bird species. Counts vary a little, so treat the number as a rough guide. The park sits in the dry north-east of Uganda, and the birds there differ from those of the forests and wetlands in the west of the country. Open savanna, rocky outcrops and sandy river valleys each have their own species.
Birding here goes well with a game drive. You look at the sky and the bushes while the guide watches the track for animals. If you also want to see mammals, start with a Kidepo safari, which covers both.
Our pick: Kidepo game drives
A general safari rather than a dedicated birding trip, but the game drives in Kidepo are where you see the park's birds.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kidepo birding and safari trips
Guided safaris and trips to Kidepo that combine game drives and bird watching, with live prices and availability. No trip can promise a particular species.
Birds to look for in Kidepo
Examples, not a checklist.
Secretary bird
The secretary bird is recorded in the park. Look for it on open ground, and ask your guide where it has been seen lately.
Northern carmine bee-eater
The northern carmine bee-eater is recorded in the park. Ask your guide where it has been seen lately.
Abyssinian scimitarbill
The Abyssinian scimitarbill is recorded in the park. A guide helps you find it.
Kori bustard and ground hornbill
The kori bustard and the Abyssinian ground hornbill are recorded in the park. Ask your guide whether they have been seen lately.
Karamoja apalis
The Karamoja apalis is recorded in the park. Treat it as a bonus for experienced birders, not a target.
Storks, rollers and francolins
Storks, rollers and francolins are birds of open country that you may also meet. Ask your guide what has been around lately.
A bird list does not promise any single species. Birds move with the seasons and the water, and raptors or migrants may be present only at some times of the year.
Bird watching in Uganda's north-east
Many birders head to the forests of the west. Kidepo offers a different set of species in dry country in the north-east. The park is remote, so a birding trip here usually works as part of a longer safari.
Bring binoculars, a field guide and a hat. Early morning is the quietest and coolest time, and the gates open at 07:00. For birds near water, stop at pools in the Narus Valley, and read the Narus Valley guide for the loops.
Birding at other parks
If you plan a longer trip, the shoebill guide for Murchison Falls covers a famous water bird in another part of Uganda.
How to go birding in Kidepo
Three ways, each with its own fee for foreign non-residents.
| Option | What it is | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Birding or nature walk | On foot with a ranger, slow and quiet | $25 |
| Day game drive with a guide | Birds along the track, with mammals as well | $20 to $25 per guide, plus entry and vehicle fee |
| Self drive | Your own vehicle, no guide | $10 per vehicle, plus entry and vehicle fee |
Confirm the day guide fee in writing. Park entry is $40 per adult and $20 per child aged 5 to 15 for 24 hours, and children under 5 enter free. Check the current amount before you book. For tours, check whether permit and park fees are included. See the park fees page for all rates.
For most birders, a guided walk or a day drive with a guide is a good choice. A guide can help you find birds by sound. Self drive suits those who know the species and the roads.
Birding tips for the dry country
Simple habits that help.
Go early
Birds are active in the cool morning hours. Be at the gate when it opens.
Stay on the tracks
Do not leave the track to get closer. The speed limit is 40 km/h, and slow driving helps you see more.
Keep quiet
Switch off the engine at a good spot and listen. No honking, and keep your voice low.
Check the season
Rains and drought change where birds feed. Read weather and best time before you choose your dates.
Birds of Kidepo: frequently asked questions
How many bird species are there in Kidepo?
Around 476 species are recorded in the park. Counts vary a little, so treat the figure as a rough guide.
Which birds should I look for?
Examples include the secretary bird, the northern carmine bee-eater and the Abyssinian scimitarbill. The kori bustard and the Abyssinian ground hornbill are also recorded in the park. None is guaranteed.
How much does a birding walk cost?
A birding or nature walk costs $25 for foreign non-residents (UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026), plus park entry. Check the current amount before you book.
Do I need a guide for bird watching?
Walks go with a ranger. On a game drive you can also use a guide, who finds birds by sound. Self drive is possible too, but you need to know the species and the tracks.
Is Kidepo good for bird watching in Uganda?
It offers dry-country species in the north-east of Uganda. It is remote, so it works best as part of a longer safari.
When do the park gates open?
The gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00, and the speed limit in the park is 40 km/h. Early morning is the best time for birds.