The pearl of Africa-Uganda has over 1063 birds recorded including the rift Albertine endemics, savannah birds, forest birds, water birds and so much more. The pearl of Africa is home to diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery, natural wonders and many others that can be spotted in numerous conservation areas across the country.
Ostriches can be traced in Kidepo national park located far North Eastern part of Uganda neighbouring South Sudan and Kenya. This park has beautiful untouched scenery with diverse wildlife. Ostriches are large and strong birds among other birds in Uganda. The ostrich does not fly, with long legs, small head and long necks.
The ostrich can run 70 kilometers per hour in case of danger. Its scientific name is Ostrich Struthio camels and they are omnivorous animals. This means that they feed on insects like locusts and plant seeds and fruits. Like any other bird, ostriches also swallow sand and pebbles. The female ostriches feathers are brownish-grey in color while the males have black feathers with white wings.
They can weigh up to 180kg and due to their strength, ostriches defend themselves against predators like human beings by just kicking and this may end up killing the predators. The sound of ostriches is either hiss or roar. Male ostriches can roar like lions and most of the time gets confused with a lion.
They move in large flocks as witnessed in drier savannahs of Kidepo national park and Pian – Upe Game reserve. Also, ostriches can be seen in Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe, formally known to be the Uganda zoo. Most of the time, ostriches bath sand, just like hens, they only bury the head and the body left out.
In terms of breeding, ostriches lay eggs in the same nest – the major and minor. All in total can be about 25 eggs comprised of one major ostrich and five minors. Hatching takes place after six weeks. The female ostriches incubate during day and the males incubate at night. After hatching, chicks leave the nest after four days to join the elders. Eggs of the ostrich are mostly eaten by Egyptian vultures that use stones to break their eggs. They can swallow about nine eggs at any given interval.
The ostriches have two races – nominated and massaicus and all can be spotted in Kidepo National Park. They are tall and their height can go up to 25 meters and these races have either brown legs or pinkish-brown legs. Their lifespan goes to 3-4 years.
As the park offers different activities like game drives, bird watching, cultural encounters among others, ostriches in Kidepo valley National Park can be spotted during a morning or evening game drive through the savannah plains. While searching for ostriches, visitors also spot other animals like lions, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, zebras, giraffes and antelopes like Jackson hartebeests, among others.
Best time to spot ostriches in Uganda.
Uganda has cool climate which is favorable throughout the year and so it is possible to spot ostriches in Kidepo valley National Park and Pian-Upe game reserve any time of your choice.
However, for better viewing chances and to enjoy your safari, it is advisable to take a safari in the dry seasons – December to February and June to September. Roads in the park are dry, a great time for game viewing; skies are blue hence favoring photography.
Travelers with limited time in Uganda can visit Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe to spot the ostriches but of course, those living in their natural habitat are more rewarding compared to ones in captivity.
