Birding in Kibale National Park
Birding in Kibale National Park is one of the top activities that travelers love to do when they visit the park since its even labeled “a Birders Paradise“. Kibale forest and Bigodi wetland sanctuary are the two selling points for birding, positioned in the western region of the country. The park was created in 1993 and is home to over 350 species of birds, 6 species are endemic to the region. To note, the rare and beautiful bird species of the park can be greatly viewed on the guided forest walks provided by the park’s experience trained guide who can lead you through kibale forest and encounter many various bird species and on your birding tour to kibale national park you’re likely to sightsee forest primates such as chimpanzees, monkeys since kibale has the highest density of primates in East Africa.
Birders shouldn’t miss visiting Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary located on the fringe of kibale national park in Magombe Swamp. The sanctuary is famously known as a birding paradise for birders who visit kibale forest national park on their birding tours. Bigodi is home to 138 bird species which can be easily seen during guided walks along the boardwalk trail and from viewing on platforms.
In kibale forest national park, birding tours start early in the morning at 7 am at Kanyanchu visitor centre. Travellers are advised to book for their birding tour package in advance.
The rare species to be spotted at Bigodi include papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Canary, White Collared Olive back and many more.
Bigodi wetland sanctuary is the best spotting area for birders in kibale national park, located just outside the park and boost with more than 138 bird species which can be seen during guided walks along the board walk trails;
These are the variety of bird species to be spotted on your birding tour to kibale national park and they include ;Little greenbul ,Yellow rumpled tinker bird ,Blue-breasted kingfisher ,Black-capped apalis ,Abyssinian ground thrush ,Green-breasted pitta ,Yellow spotted nicator ,Black bee-eater ,purple-breasted sunbird ,Western Nicator ,Red chested Owlet ,White-napped pigeon ,Crowned Eagle , Yellow spotted Nicator ,Dusky crimsonwing ,Black Bishop ,White breasted Negrofinch ,Superb Sunbird ,Black and white Shrike-flycatcher ,Brown-backed Scrub-robin ,Grey-winged Robin-Chat ,Yellow-billed Barbet ,White spotted Fluff tail ,Yellow-spotted Barbet ,Hairy breasted Barbet ,Brown-crowned Tchagra ,Bocage’s Bush –Crowned Waxbill ,Brown Wattle –eye ,Red-faced woodland Warbler ,Scaly breasted illadopsis ,African Grey parrot ,Afep Pigeon ,white –napped pigeon ,Ruwenzori apalis ,Nahan’s francolin ,Masked apalis among many.
Best Time for Birding in Kibale National Park
The birdlife in kibale is throughout the year but the best season is a wet season when the fruits and food in the forest are abundant and be able to view the migratory bird species, endemic and the common bird species which is best spotted during dry seasons. The best months for birding starts from March to May and from September to November. June –September are the main fruiting season and when food is in abundant within this period birds can be breeding plumage. The Migratory birds can be found from November to April.
When it comes to the months of December to February and June to July these can be a least of rainfall while March to May and September to November receive the high amount of rainfall, and when the rain is too much with storms it might limit your bird watching time.
What to carry on your birding tour in kibale?
These include;
- The field guide book helps to guide you on birding travel.
- Binocular, helps you to have a clear viewing of beautiful birds.
- A clear camera with enough batteries takes clear photos for your future remembrance.
- Field bag and field clothing.
- Sunglasses
- Mineral water bottle.
Where to stay on your birding tour in Kibale National Park
Many travellers may get worried about where to sleep on their birding tour in western region of Uganda, but note that kibale national park famously known as the best visited national park on Uganda primate’s safaris has got beautiful and overlooking accommodation facilities that range between mid-range to luxury lodge both inside and outside of the park and such accommodation facilities with comfortable beds, amenities include; Kibale Forest Camp, Primate Lodge kibale, Nyinabulitwa Country Resort, Chimps’ Nest, Kanyunchu River Camp among many.
Accessibility to Kibale National Park
- By car: Kibale national park can be easily accessed by use of northern route which is shorter and quicker, approximately 300 kilometers tarmac road running to fort portal which covers 36 kilometers on the tarmac to kanyanchu visitor’s centre. Through driving hours, it takes 5 to 6 hours by road.
- By Air: By means of Air transport, kibale national park has two accessible airstrips; Nyakisharara Airstrip in Mbarara and Kasese airstrip which is 75km away from fort portal town. From Entebbe international park to kasese Airstrip while using the charter flight lasts 1:15 hours.
Lastly, kibale forest national park is the best to highlight for chimpanzee tracking experience but when it comes to travellers who prefer birding, Kibale National Park is one of the top birding destinations on Uganda safaris which can make your birding tour worth to encounter.
