Best bird watching spots in Uganda : Uganda is renowned as a premier destination for birdwatching safaris, boasting a rich diversity of avian life with over 1,066 recorded species, which accounts for approximately 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s total.
the Mabamba wetlands
it is located in Entebbe the edge of Lake Victoria with a lot of bird species such as the Shoebill Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Pied Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolex, Black-headed Heron, African Open-billed Stork, Black Kite, African Marsh Harrier among many others how they fly to get their prey and one can watch from a side or using a canoe or small engine boats.
Bwindi impenetrable national park
It is located in south western Uganda bordering democratic republic of Congo and is blessed with different bird species about 350 species of birds can be found in Bwindi such as Black-billed Turaco, African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Fraser’s Eagle, Handsome Francolin, Collared Apalis, White-bellied Robin Chat and tourists can explore the pearl of Africa birds.
Queen Elizabeth national park
Queen Elizabeth national park has over 600 beautiful bird species perching on lakes and flying top of tall savanna grasses and the many lakes in queen Elizabeth national park provide ample conditions for the birds’ nests. the tourists get explore different precious bird species such as Swamp Flycatcher, African Skimmer, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Black-headed Gonolek, Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, Sedge Warbler, White-winged Terns, Grey-capped Warbler, Collared Pratincole, Martial Eagle, Gabon and Slender-tailed Nightjars and may others.
The Semuliki national park
It is located in western Uganda with in the Bunyoro region and it has precious bird species such as Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Blue-billed Malimbe, Yellow-throated Nicator, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Nkulengu Rail, Piping Hornbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Dwarf Honeyguide, Great Blue Turaco, Purple-breasted Sunbird and these can be explored during a day light drive with in the national park.
lake Mburo national park
It is located in western Uganda. it habitats approximately 351 bird species which include Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Bee-eaters, Cheeky Bronze-tailed Starling, Crested Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, African Fish Eagle, Red-necked Spurfowl. these birds can be viewed while on a boat cruise on lake Mburo or standing a side of the lake.
kibale forest national park
it is located in western Uganda in the districts of Kabarole and Kamwenge having 375 bird species due to tall thick trees and vegetation it provides harbor of birds such as Red-chested Owlet, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Crowned Eagle, Little Greenbul, Black Bee-eater, Dusky-blue Flycatcher, Grey-throated Flycatcher, White-naped Pigeon and the tourists can view these birds through day light drive with in the park.
Rwenzori mountains national park.
It is located in western Uganda in Kasese district and it has approximately 177 bird species which can be viewed during mountain climbing and some of the birds include Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, White-starred Robin, Long-eared Owl, Archers’ Robin-chat, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Slender-billed Starling.
Budongo forest.
This is found in western Uganda, near the Murchison falls national park and famous for chimpanzee tracking but it also harbors approximately 350 bird species and some include Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Cassin’s Spine Tail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Ituri Batis, Nahan’s Francolin which can be explored while taking a forest hike or walk, during the day which is the best time for the clear bird watching
The foreign tourists have to pay 30 USD per person for bird watching and 20000 per person from the east Africa per day in every national park and accommodation is provided by tourist company or at individual basis by lodging in the nearest towns around the game parks.
Rules and regulations are provided at every game park and the tourist must abide by them in regards to what is required of them while they watch the birds. they are briefed about the specific bird with different characters as they get ready to bird watch
What to park.
Travelers are advised to carry insect repellent protect the body skin from insects that tend to be active in rain forests. Cameras to take memorable pictures.
A pair of gum boots and jackets since some are rain forests and cold.
water bottle and drinking water
however , there are more spots for birding like Bigodi wetlands ,Mgahinga national park ,kidepo national park and to mention but a few .
In conclusion bird watching is the interesting adventure for birding lovers and interesting in exploring the pearl of Africa watching different species of birds and their flying styles. Uganda is prime destination for bird lovers while on a Uganda safari. there are specific birds in Uganda that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
