BIRDING SITES IN UGANDA

January 24, 2008

For interested Birders, we will offer you the biggest experience ever. Uganda is a world of numerous beautiful birds that you can see even as you move around the streets of Kampala.Bird species in Uganda range between 15000 to 20000 and can be viewed almost every where most especially in the national parks, botanical gardens, forests and around water bodies.

National Parks

All Uganda national parks are homes to large numbers of bird species some of which are specific to those locstions. The guides in the parks are experienced and know the most interesting spots around the parks that habour the birds. They offer a chance to see Uganda’s most sought for birds such as papyrus gonolek, African Skimmer, Shoebil stork, martial eagle and many more.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The wonderful landscaped Botanical Gardens at Entebbe, established in 1901, lie on the shore of Lake Victoria, the greatest lake in Africa. They offer a superb introduction to Ugandan birds and are situated conveniently close to the capital city and the International Airport. These gardens support Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Gabar Goshawk, Ross,s Turaco, Red-chested Sunbird, Red-headed Lovebird, African Emerld Cuckoo, Diedrick’s Cuckoo, Great Blue Turaco. On the lake and around the shore, look for Long-tailed Cormorant, Common Squacco Heron, Black-headed Heron, Giant and Pied Kingshers.\

Budongo Forest Reserve Important Bird Area

The vast Budongo Forest Reserve lies at the edge of the Albertine Rift valley to the south of Muchison Falls NP and protects the largest natural forest area in East Africa. It boasts an impressive bird list of over 350 species and is one of best birding sites in Uganda for a number of sought-after birds such as Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, Ituri Batis, and Chestnut-capped Flycatcher. This birding hot spot is also home to Uganda’s largest populations of Chimpanzees. An excellent network of trails and a wide track known as the “Royal Mile” provide access to the forest.

Mabamba Wetland

This nearest, large accessible wetland is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. It takes a short drive from Kampala city. The wetland offers opportunities of seeing the Majestic Shoebill, Winding Cisticola, Caruthers’s Cisticola, Purple Swamphen, Allen’s Gullinules, Black Crake, African Pygmy Goose, African Marsh Harrier, and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater soaring around.

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