Step out into a whole world of birds and gorillas – our close relatives and learn their unique attributes, relax and write a story. This can be combined and made easy on your vacation to Uganda, the pearl of Africa.
In a single trip, it is possible to do the two activities in separate destinations or a single destination. Visit Mabamba wetland, one of the renowned Ramsar sites in the country located along the giant Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest freshwater lake) for the sought-after bird species including the rare shoebill stork, thereafter proceed to the southwestern part of Uganda, to either Mgahinga Gorilla national park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain Gorilla trekking expedition.
A combination of two destinations exposes one to not only a variety of species, but also leads to endless adventure and unforgettable trips at an affordable cost. The other option could be watching birds at Lake Bunyonyi and trekking gorillas at nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National park.
Birding is best done very early in the morning, when the birds have just started their day, with sweet melodies and calls, or late in the afternoon when they are resting or have returned to their nests to retire after a long day.
Gorilla trekking is on the other hand done very early in the morning when these apes have just woken up and are actively foraging in the jungle. Interestingly one can encounter these adventures in two separate days or in a single day.
DESTINATIONS WHERE BIRDS AND MOUNTAIN GORILLAS CO-EXIST.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
At the edge of a rift valley, an asylum to half of the endangered mountain Gorillas and over 350 unique bird species are found; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – a unique a rewarding jungle. Bwindi got a national park status in 1991 and UNESCO World Heritage site three years later (1994), as a move to protect the forest and its rare species which of course include birds, mountain gorillas and forest mammals, among others. The park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda at the foothills of the giant Virunga chain Mountains, which sprawls through Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
This misty jungle has an estimated 550 individual gorillas (the highest concentration of all destinations hosting these apes) spread in its four sectors where the trekking exercise takes place; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
There are about 350 bird species recorded, of which 23 are endemic to the Albertine region and 14 not found anywhere in the world. The notables include; the African broadbill, black-faced warbler, Grauer’s broadbill, black bee-eater, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, black-billed Turaco, handsome francolin Ruwenzori Apalis, and the regal sunbird. The birding trails are – Mubwindi swamp, Ruhija and Buhoma.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Declared a national park by the British in 1991, this is a great destination for tracking mountain gorillas and watching birds. Mgahinga is located at the foothills of the vast Volcano ranges in southwestern part of Uganda.
In its 33.7 sq.km total area are several individuals of mountain gorillas, Golden monkeys and about 115 unique bird species. During your visit, a bird specialist will help you identify these and many more birds; the Ibis, black-kite, speckled mouse bird, double-collared sunbird, whydah, paradise flycatcher, white-necked raven, olive woodpecker, Blue-headed coucal, Kivu ground-thrust and the Rwenzori Turaco.
Best Month and Cost of Birding and Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
To engage in the two activities in these parks, one has to pay the set price to ensure continued conservation. Gorilla trekking costs 800Usd for foreign non-residents, 600usd for foreign residents and 300,000 UGX for Ugandans and East African citizens.
While birding experiences, foreign non-residents pay 30 USD, foreign residents – 30 USD, Ugandans and East Africans Pay 10,000 UGX. May to November and January to February are ideal months for combining the two activities.
It is a unique opportunity to track Mountain gorillas and as well watch birds on a single trip. The exercise always results in everlasting memories worth sharing with friends, family and close associates.
