Birding experience in Uganda. Uganda is a home of over 1050 bird species making preferred destination for bird watching in African and some of the birding sites in Uganda include Semliki national park, kibale national park, queen Elizabeth National Park, Mabira Forest, Maramagambo forest, kalinzu forest, Budongo forest, Bwindi national park. and many others and will encounter different species on a birding tour to Uganda and these include shoebill, green-breasted pitta, Regal sun bird, Northern carmine Bee-eater, Bar-tailed Trogon and many more and one on birding safari to Uganda there are top birds to watch and these include shoebill, the great blue turaco, Shelley’s crimson-wing, the black- breasted barbet, the bar -tailed trogon. Though some birds can only be found in same areas; however, Uganda is blessed with many birding spots where bird lovers can enjoy a birding excursion and look out for those beautiful species. Birding can be done at any time of the day though the best time is the morning hours.
Best places for bird watching in Uganda
Queen Elizabeth national park
Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the birding spots where bird lovers can go like in mweya peninsula with over 70 birds, katunguru, Katwe area, maramagambo forest and there are over 600 birds found they’re and these include, hooded vultures, white pelicans, flamingos to mention but a few.
Semliki national park
There are over 400 species recorded in the park and you watch them from ntandi, Sempaya and river kirumia area.
Bwindi impenetrable national park
This is a home of 347 and it is bird watchers’ paradise and these are the main trails where you spot birds from bamboo zone, mubwindi swamp and some of the birds you may see are, African wood owl, woodpecker, Archer’s Robin-chat. Those are some places where one would be birding from though they are other many interesting places.
Costs of birding experience in Uganda
Foreign non-residents 40 USD
Foreign residents 30 USD
East African countries 30000 UGX
Things to carry while going for birding
Water proof shoes
To maximize the birding experience in Uganda, you will be involved into long or short walks through different locations where birds can be found and these are areas where you need to wear shoes that are much comfortable.
Field guide book
These books are very crucial items to carry and these books will help you identify birds clearly or if you don’t want hard copy, you can download and it has all east African birds.
Pair of binoculars
Uganda has birds that are 2.5 like ostriches to 8cm which makes them small to be seen well but when you have binoculars there is no moment that you will miss during the birding safari in Uganda when you have binoculars the birding trip in Uganda is easy and enjoy.
Camera
Carry your camera to take memorable pictures of the beautiful birds and other wildlife that may be seen on the way.
Water bottle
Uganda is a warm country so as you come for birding trip carry a bottle of water to always keep you hydrated because while looking for the you get thirsty on the way.
Best time for carrying out birding experience in Uganda
It depends on your interest, you do birding any time of the year in but to keep you aware, we have migrating birds and they are seasonal and always come in the months of august, September and July though the dry seasons are the best to do bird watching in Uganda in the months of December, January, and February.
Migratory birds in Uganda that one should not miss while on Uganda birding tour
Migratory birds are best are best spotted in Mabamba swamp, Lutembe Wetland, Queen Elizabeth National park and Murchison falls and these include flamingos, blue swallows, African pygmy goose, Madagascar squacco heron.
Rules and regulations for birding in Uganda.
Speak at a low tone always because noise chases away the birds.
Going for birding in large numbers is not allowed because it limits clear views of birds.
Do not go for birding experience alone because birding is done in the habitats of other wildlife so to avoid problems go with the guide.
Avoid littering in the bush while you are on a birding trip do not leave any rubbish behind.
Why would you choose Uganda as the birding destination
Uganda is one of the top-ranking birding destinations in Africa, and it second to non within the countries of east Africa.
All Uganda bird tour sites are easily accessible for instance, kibale national park, Murchison.
Within the east African region, Uganda is the best country to spot Albertine rift endemics.
On Uganda birding tour vacation, you will spot numerous bird species. Among these migratory birds, Albertine rift endemics, acacia dwellings, and forestry birds.
Where to sleep in Uganda while on a birding safari.
There are several places where you can stay on your Uganda birding tour in each destination you will visit and they are categorized into budget, mid-range and luxury and some of these include Chobe safari lodge in Murchison, mweya safari lodge in queen Elizabeth national park, kidepo savannah lodge in kibale national park, Bwindi guest house.
What is the rarest bird to see in Uganda
Shelley’s crimsoning, is the hardest bird to see.
Largest bird in Uganda is an ostrich
National bird of Uganda it is the grey crowned crane but also known as the crested crane.
