Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is undoubtedly an Important Birding Area, hosting remarkably a strong hold of bird species which survive within its diverse habitats. The park’s extensive savanna grasslands, tropical rainforests protect over 620 bird species. It is one of the very few birding spots in East Africa where birders can have great sight of a huge profusion of bird species confined in a small area.
Birds of Queen Elizabeth N/Park.
Lying in Western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a record of 620 bird species and these include 54 raptors, aquatic birds, forest birds and woodland species and a wide range of migratory avifaunal species. On Queen Elizabeth birding trip, important birds to keep your eye on include the Africa skimmer, shoebill storks, martial eagle, pink backed pelicans, black ramped buttonquail, white tailed lark and verreaux’s eagle owl.
The other significant species of birds to look out for in Queen Elizabeth National Park include papyrus canary, black bee-eater, papyrus gonoleks, corncrake, African broadbill, Chapin’s flycatcher, bar tailed Godwit, lesser and greater flamingos, yellow bellied wattle eye, broad billed roller, African hobby, caspian plover, Ayres hawk eagle, Great blue turacos, grey winged robin chat, collared pratincole.
Also expect to keep an eye on incredible birds such as the white winged terns, African fin foot, hairy breasted barbet, grey woodpeckers, palm nut vultures, white backed night heron, common sand martins to mention but a few a few.
Best birding spots in Queen Elizabeth N/park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s must visit spots for bird watching include Kyambura Gorge known for hairy breasted barbet, specked tinker bid, grey woodpeckers; The Ishasha area perfect for sighting shoebill storks. The other hot spots in Queen Elizabeth N/P include Lake Kikorongo, Mweya Peninsula, Kazinga Channel, Maramagambo Forest, Katwe Area, Katunguru Bridge Area, Kasenyi Plains, Lake Munyanyange-perfect for spotting the lesser & greater flamingos.
Queen Elizabeth N/P lies strategically at the confluence of the savanna and forest, which connects the vast forests of the D.R. Congo. This makes it an outstanding birding destination to sight not only the resident birds but also a range of East and Central bird species in a single habitat. Also, it is the best place to enjoy sight of migratory birds which come as far as Asia and Europe.
Birding in Queen Elizabeth N/P can be done alone as an independent activity or combine it with several other experiences. The other notable activities worth combining on birding tour in Queen Elizabeth N/P include Game drives, Guided nature walks, Launch cruise, Hot air balloon tours, Lion tracking and Chimp tracking.
Best time to travel to Queen Elizabeth N/P for bird watching
Birding in Queen Elizabeth N/P is perfectly done from December to February or June to September. Alternatively, visit the park around November and April to enjoy remarkable sight of migratory birds.
Places to stay on birding in Queen Elizabeth N/P
Birding in Queen Elizabeth N/P never leaves birders stranded. The park has a range of budget, mid-range and luxury lodging options including Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Kasenyi Safari Camp, King Fisher Lodge, Bush Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Park View Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Bush Lodge and others.
How to get to Queen Elizabeth N/P for bird watching
Birders can reach Queen Elizabeth National Park by road or air. By road, bird watchers can begin their trip from Kampala via Fort Portal city route which is about 5 hrs’ drive or Kampala via Bushenyi route, about 6 hrs’ drive. By air, you can book for scheduled/chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) & Kajjansi Airfield and you land at Mweya, Ishasha or Kasese Airstrips then connect to Queen Elizabeth for bird watching tour.
