African Green Broadbill
Bwindi’s most iconic endemic — hummingbird-like display.
Location & Overview
Southwest Uganda (DR Congo border), 331 km² of ancient montane & lowland forest, 1,160–2,607 m. Home to half the world’s mountain gorillas.
Why Bwindi is Essential
- World’s best site for Albertine Rift endemics (23 of 24)
- African Green Broadbill, Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing
- Combine with gorilla tracking
- Year-round birding in ancient forest
Best Sectors
Buhoma (lower elevation), Ruhija (highest, best endemics), Rushaga & Nkuringo (southern gorilla groups).
Best Birding Sectors
- Ruhija — Highest elevation, best for most Albertine endemics (Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Regal Sunbird).
- Buhoma — Lower forest, African Green Broadbill, many turacos & hornbills.
- Mubwindi Swamp (from Ruhija) — Grauer’s Swamp Warbler & Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
- The Neck (Buhoma–Ruhija road) — Transition zone, excellent mixed flocks.
Map & Access
Top Albertine Rift Endemics
The rarest & most sought-after species — most are easiest (or only realistically possible) in Bwindi.
Rwenzori Turaco
Brilliant green & red with crimson crest.
Shelley’s Crimsonwing
Ultra-rare — one of Africa’s most difficult finches.
Grauer’s Swamp Warbler
High-altitude swamp skulker — Ruhija & Mubwindi.
Archer’s Robin-Chat
Bamboo specialist — beautiful song.
Albertine Sunbirds & Other Jewels
Purple-breasted, Blue-headed, Regal — shimmering montane specialists.
Regal Sunbird
Stunning red & yellow high-elevation male.
Purple-breasted Sunbird
Shimmering purple breast in good light.
Blue-headed Sunbird
Metallic blue head & breast.
Dusky Crimsonwing
Secretive understory finch with crimson wings.
Other Forest Specials
Bar-tailed Trogon, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Batis, Crowned Eagle & more.
Bar-tailed Trogon
Stunning green & yellow forest trogon.
Handsome Francolin
Beautiful but elusive understory francolin.
Crowned Eagle
Africa’s most powerful forest eagle.
Combine with Mountain Gorilla Tracking
Bwindi hosts ~half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The one-hour encounter with a habituated family is widely regarded as the greatest wildlife experience on Earth — and perfectly complements endemic birding.
Gallery
Practical Tips for Bwindi
- Book gorilla permits early (essential) — we handle this for you.
- Base in Ruhija for maximum Albertine endemics.
- Use expert local guides — they know every broadbill territory & crimsonwing spot.
- Stay 4–6 nights for thorough coverage + gorilla tracking.
- Bring rain gear & good boots — trails can be muddy.