Month: April 2024

Bird watching in Mabamba Swamp sounds like a fantastic adventure! Mabamba Swamp, located in Uganda, is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, particularly its rich birdlife. One of the highlights of birding in Mabamba is the opportunity to spot the majestic shoebill stork, a sought-after species for many bird enthusiasts.
The swamp is also home to numerous other bird species, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, and various types of waterfowl. The best way to explore Mabamba Swamp is by boat, allowing you to navigate through the water channels and get up close to the diverse avian inhabitants.
When planning your bird watching trip to Mabamba Swamp, it’s advisable to go with a knowledgeable guide who can help you locate and identify the different bird species. Additionally, don’t forget to bring along your binoculars, camera, and plenty of patience for an unforgettable birding experience amidst the tranquil beauty of the swamp.

OTHER PLACES FOR BIRD WATCHING IN ENTEBBE

Bird watching in Entebbe is another fantastic experience for bird enthusiasts. Entebbe, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, offers diverse habitats that attract a wide variety of bird species.

One of the most famous birding spots in Entebbe is the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), formerly known as the Entebbe Zoo. The UWEC is home to numerous indigenous bird species, including various eagles, hornbills, and colorful parrots. Exploring the center’s expansive grounds provides ample opportunities to observe and photograph these magnificent birds up close.

Another popular birding destination in Entebbe is the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. These lush gardens are not only a haven for plant enthusiasts but also attract a plethora of birdlife. Visitors can wander along the tranquil paths, keeping an eye out for species such as weavers, sunbirds, and barbets among the trees and shrubs.

Additionally, the shores of Lake Victoria offer excellent bird watching opportunities, especially for waterfowl and migrant species. Boat trips on the lake or walks along the shoreline can yield sightings of various herons, egrets, cormorants, and possibly even the iconic African fish eagle.
Whether you’re exploring the UWEC, the Botanical Gardens, or the lakeshore, Entebbe provides a rewarding birding experience with its abundance of avian diversity set against the backdrop of its scenic landscapes.

Uganda is home to several stunning national parks that attract visitors from around the world. Here are some of the top visited national parks in Uganda:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Bwindi is located in Southwest Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. It is famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, offering gorilla trekking experiences. It’s also known for its rich biodiversity, including other primates, mammals, and bird species. The park’s rugged terrain and dense tropical rainforest make it a unique and scenic destination. Gorilla trekking, birdwatching, nature walks, cultural experiences with local communities are some of the major activities for tourists to engage in.

Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Queen Elizabeth National Park is found in Western Uganda, adjacent to Lake Edward and Lake George in Kasese District. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests. Home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and over 600 bird species. The park is also known for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Activities here include; Game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching, chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge.

Murchison Falls National Park:

Located in Northwestern Uganda, straddling the Victoria Nile, Murcghison Falls National Park was named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge. The park is known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and abundant birdlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris to the base of the falls, and hiking to the top of the falls. Game drives, boat cruises, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls, birdwatching, chimpanzee tracking in the Budongo Forest are some of the activities you can engage in here.

Kidepo Valley National Park:

Kidepo Valley National Park is located Northeastern Uganda, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. Its remote and rugged wilderness with stunning landscapes, including savannah, mountains, and valleys make it a unique destination. Known for its large herds of buffalo, elephant, and various predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities away from the crowds. Game drives, guided walks, birdwatching, cultural interactions with the local Karamojong community are some of the things to do there.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Mgahinga is situated in Southwest Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the DRC in the district of Kisoro. It is Part of the Virunga Massif conservation area, known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys. Offers gorilla trekking experiences and hiking opportunities, including the ascent of Mount Sabyinyo. Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hiking, birdwatching are some of the major activities here.

These national parks offer diverse experiences, from thrilling wildlife encounters to cultural immersion and stunning natural scenery, making them top destinations for visitors to Uganda.