Birding in Uganda is very safe and secure for all birders on Uganda safari holiday. Whereas birding in Uganda is entirely a safe experience, there is still a risk of injury/accident and in this article, we bring you to a few precautions/guidelines you must keep in mind.
Come along with a friend. Bird watching with friends isn’t only exciting but it is one way that guarantees you companionship, safety and extra eyes for bird sightings. Solo birding adventures are possible but the challenge comes in when you venture out of the path and at times, it creates discomfort.
Birding in Uganda with friends is enjoyable, safe and secure because you will always be with a leader and no need to venture off path by yourself.
Take note of trespassing on private land. While on birding in Uganda, be mindful of the signs along the trail-head at the entrance. Also, always check the set regulations & rules before you access your birding site. Trespassing may come with fines and you must be observant while enjoying your birding tour in any bird watching destination in Uganda.
Be keen on potentially perilous species of wildlife. While birding in Uganda, be keen on a few other wildlife species including snakes. Expect to see more than birds and you keep yourself safe, make sure you wear long trousers, and tuck them into socks to avoid biting insects. While on bird watching tour, we advise that you carry an insect repellent especially DEET or alternatively, use natural/plant based repellents that contain lemon & eucalyptus oil.
Charge your phone. A phone at hand is an important tool any birder should have while on birding tour in Uganda. It can save you a lot in case of emergencies while in the lush rainforest/savannas in Uganda sighting birds. You can easily connect with the rescue team before the situation becomes worse.
Carry some food/snacks & bottled water.
It doesn’t matter how long your birding expedition will be, what is essential is to have some packed snacks & water. These are the best in boosting energy in you while birding in Uganda.
Protect your valuables.
Birding in Uganda takes you through different bird watching destinations and being new to such places. Therefore, it is always good to have your valuables (including cameras, pair of binoculars etc.) kept safely.
It is also important to be watchful of the surroundings, never get lost while birding in Uganda, be prepared of the weather and so on.
Birding in Uganda, East Africa.
Birding in Uganda is without doubt one of the prime bird watching destinations, boasting of 1080 bird species that reside in various habitats. Over 50% of all Africa’s bird species are all residing in the savannas, wetlands, rain-forests, montane areas of Uganda and 11% of the world’s bird species.
Uganda is noted for its diverse bird species but the most popular ones include Shoebill storks, pelicans, African broadbill, African Jacana, African green breasted pitta, Blue headed sunbird, Fox’s weavers, Black lored babbler, Archer’s robin, Papyrus gonoleks, Grant’s bluebill, Chapin’s flycatchers, Red throated alethe, Oberlaender’s ground thrush, Neumann warblers, Karamoja apalis, Ruwenzori nightjar, Ruwenzori turacos, Regal sunbird, Shelley’s crimson wings, Jameson’s antpecker, Great blue turacos, Blue throated rollers. Others include White napped pigeon, White bellied crested flycatchers, Ostriches, fish eagles, kingfishers, nightjars, bee-eaters to mention but a few.
Popular birding spots in Uganda.
Uganda has endless list of birding spots, each with diverse birdlife. They include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park famed for mountain gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls National Park with over 451 bird species all residing in its varied habitats, Semuliki National Park a home to all 441 bird species, Kibale Forest National Park famed for chimpanzee tracking but hosts over 360 bird species, Kidepo Valley National Park – 475 bird species. Others include Mabamba Swamp/Wetland, Maramagambo Forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Park with 620 bird species, Lake Mburo National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Budongo Forest and Mabira Forest etc.
Best time for birding in Uganda.
From bird watchers’ perspective, birding in Uganda is open throughout the year. Uganda enjoys conducive weather & climatic conditions all year-round but the dry season is the best time for birding in Uganda.
Dry seasons do begin from June to September & December to February when there is less or no rains and birding trails kept drier. Migratory birds & breeding zones are best witnessed during the wet/rainy seasons; from March to May and October to November.
