Mount Otzi forest reserve is one of the rich forest reserves in Uganda-the pearl of Africa that offers the best wildlife and birdlife experiences while on a Uganda safari. The forest reserve is visited by few people, so it has remained an untouched destination. It’s not known by many because of its location in the most isolated area of the country.
Its location in the far northeast near the border of Uganda and South Sudan, Mount Otzi forest reserve covers an area of 188 Square kilometers in Moyo District. Research shows that the forest reserve comprises over 200 tree species. The forest is made up of 8% bush land, 40% grassland and 52% woodland forest.
Bird watching in Mount Otzi forest.
Bird watching in Mount Otzi forest reserve is possible since the forest has been identified to be one of the best birding spots in Uganda, homing over 165 bird species with rare species like the white-crested turacos, fox kestrel, brown-rumped bunting, bronze-tailed glossy starling, black-rumped waxbill, foxy cisticolas, black-billed fire finch, the red pate cisticola, purple glossy starling, red-throated bee-eater, among others.
The lush, cool vegetation found here attracts several impressive bird species that can be spotted during a rewarding birding safari in Uganda. The vegetation comprises of thickets, tall trees, shrubs and woodland. On top of that, the forest is so important to the surrounding local communities, through harvesting the forest products like timber, herbal medicines, firewood among others and this is done in a sustainable way the forest intact.
Mount Otzi forest reserve is managed by the National Forestry Authority, but most people have little information about it and that’s why it’s less visited. This forest is also in the range of the famed Budongo and Mabira forest in terms of rich diversity and size, though it’s located far in the savannah areas of North Eastern Uganda.
The government of Uganda and other partner agencies are doing great work in establishing birding trails and the ones already completed offer best birding experiences to avid birders. Resident species to view here include the bronze-tailed glossy starling, black-rumped waxbill, brown-rumped bunting and foxy cisticolas among others. This is done with the help of local bird guides who are well trained about birding and the forest at large.
Survival of birds in this forest is due to various factors including plenty of food like fruits, seeds, flowers, insects and because of few predators. There is plenty of water supply and generally favorable weather conditions all year round.
Best time to do bird watching in Mount Otzi forest reserve.
Any day of the week month or year, birding can be done in Mount. Otzi forest reserve but the best time remains in December to February, May to September when there is little or no rainfall. This is the time when vegetation has started flowering and hence attracting birds in search of food. The reserve can also be easily accessible, because the roads are first class Murram. This season presents friendliest weather conditions, with less chances of rain.
Birding also takes place during early morning or late evening like in any other birding area so birders are emphasized to have overnight stays in the nearby accommodation facilities like Nasera suites hotel, Pent House inn, Leam Guest House and others.
Travelers coming for a birding safari in Uganda are tipped to add Mount Otzi forest reserve on their bucket list, to explore more of Uganda’s best birding spots in one of the country’s less visited places.
