Uganda, dubbed the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill is a wonderful avifauna diverse destination with more than 1083 bird species. Most birders visit the National Parks, Urban Centers, wetlands, Rivers and Lakes as well as wildlife Reserves for both short and long birding safaris. The most interesting thing about birding in Uganda is that is can be done in any part of the country and even at the backyard or window of your place of stay. There are over 33 Important Bird Areas and surprisingly an opportunity to encounter exceptional bird species including at least 23 of the total 24 Albertine Rift endemics within south-western and western National Parks. You cannot afford to miss migrant species and globally-threatened species such as shoebill storks at Nabugabo wetland, Mabamba Bay wetland, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Murchison falls National Parks. Yes, it is undeniable that birding safaris are enjoyable and unforgettable but there is more to Uganda than just birds. Therefore, the following are the top fascinating things you can do after your birding safari;
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the unmissable things you can do in Uganda after your birding safari. This adventurous activity offers you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet face to face with one of the World’s most extraordinary and sought-after animals within their natural habitat. Trekking the Great Apes is done in two wonderful destinations-Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, and lasts 2-8 hours including the one hour you spend in their presence. Because gorillas live in mountainous and heavily forested areas, trekking them requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. Besides mountain gorilla trekking, travellers to Uganda can also trek the chimpanzees within Budongo forest, Kibale Forest, Semliki and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Wildlife Safaris (game drives)
Wildlife safaris are also incredibly exciting to do after your birding safari. Conducted within the savannah National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, these safaris introduce visitors to the sights and sounds of Rothschild giraffes, common warthogs, impalas, zebras, Uganda Kobs, Cape buffaloes, Elephants, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, common elands, lions, Jackson’s hartebeests, leopards, cheetahs, duikers and bushbucks among others. Of the 10 National Parks, wildlife safaris are conducted within Lake Mburo, Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, Semliki and Kidepo Valley National Parks in addition to the Wildlife Reserves.
Mountain Climbing
The spectacular landscape of Uganda is diverse and therefore some areas are mountainous, hence making mountain climbing another must-do activity after your birding safari. When you travel to the East and North-East, you can scale Mount Elgon, Mount Moroto and Mount Morungole while if you head to the west, you can take on the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains while to the South-West try climbing the Virunga Mountains-Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.
Village tours
Village tours are obviously the only way to discover and learn about lifestyle and culture of Uganda’s many tribes. A tour through Batwa villages offers an insight into their hunter-gatherer lifestyle that depicts how they lived and adored the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga before being evicted. Learn about their hunting skills, honey harvesting techniques, Bamboo cup making skills, use of traditional medicine and many others, Additionally, guided tours through Karamojong villages introduces travellers to their nomadic lifestyle, unique and colorful dress code, delicious cuisines, traditional homesteads also known as Manyatta and others.
Test your adrenaline levels at Jinja
Jinja is the adventure Capital of Uganda and you can test your adrenaline levels from this jaw-dropping Town. Whether a novice or experienced traveller, every adventure enthusiast is offered a choice from the wide range of adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, Bungee jumping, Quad bike safari, Horseback rides, boat cruises, kayaking, jet skiing and many others. Travellers have a chance to zip-line at Mabira forest and other interesting activities.
Farmer Experiences
Another interesting activity to do after your birding safari is the farmer experience, where you get to learn about how your favorite beverage-coffee or tea is grown and processed. Tea is grown in areas of Bushenyi, Fort Portal and Kibale while the best coffee is grown within the slopes of Mount Elgon-areas of Kapchorwa and Mbale.
Relax by the white sand beaches
The pristine shores of Lake Victoria (at Entebbe) as well as Ssese Islands have verdant and beautiful white sand beaches. These places are ideal unwinding and watching sunsets during your Uganda safari.
Kampala City tours
Kampala City Tours introduce travellers to the diverse culture and interesting history of Uganda’s bustling Capital. These tours take you to the Kasubi Royal Tombs, Uganda Museum, Uganda Martyrs shrines in Namugongo, the vibrant local markets including Owino Market and many others.
