subject: Birding Locations in Uganda [print this page] Birding Locations in Uganda Birding Locations in Uganda
Although Uganda is about the size of Britain, it has more than I,000 bird species recorded, making it possibly the richest African birding destination-'a wonderland for birds''. Its location near the East African Savannah, the Central African rainforest and the semi-desert of the north gives it a remarkable diversity .Abacus African Vacations can organize a special itinerary, accompanied by one of our experienced guides, centered on Murchison falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Ngahinga.It aims to let birders see over 400 species as well as other wildlife.
Queen Elizabeth National Park (QE) in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley is centered around Lake Edward and Lake George. It is one of the most beautiful and diverse parks in Africa. The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is especially good for game viewing and seeing a vast array of birds. QE has 600 bird species-the highest number in one park in Africa. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for famous tree climbing lions which Lounge nonchalantly on fig trees. Kyambura Gorge in QE is steeply forested and home not only to chimpanzees but also the red tailed monkey, black and white colobus and many bird species. The walk in Kyambura is enchanting but the semi-habituated chimps can be elusive.
The Rwenzori - the Mountains of the moon, as named by the Hellenic astronomer Ptolemy- have a legendary beauty, the range has six peaks, capped with ice and snow and has three glaciers. The highest peak Margherita rises to 5109m, the third highest in Africa after Mountain Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The luxuriant flora and bird life are unique.
A hike through the lower reaches of the central Rwenzori needs about six days; ascent of the peaks is a technical climb a further two days and requires climbers to be physically fit and equipped. The best time to climb a mountain is from June through to August and from December to February.
Murchison Falls. The meandering River Nile and the dramatic Murchison Falls make this National Park the biggest in Uganda, a stunning habitat for wildlife,Crocodiles,hippos, elephants and birds, including the rare shoebill stork bask on the banks of the Nile.Chmpazees can be tracked in Budongo Forest nearby.
Kibale Forest has thirteen species of primates-among the highest number recorded in An African forest. It is a great place to see chimpanzee, as well as the vervet monkey and the red colobus. Together with Bigodi Wetland nearby, many forest and swamp bird can be seen.
Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is a charming green city, spread over a number of hills. The buildings that housed the colonial administration and the houses of the Indian merchants, the parliament, the museum and buildings of different religious faiths, the Namugongo Martyrs' shrine, the colorful markets and the Kasubi tombs are the main places of interest. Traditional crafts can be bought. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants.
