The Royal mile

A dream yard for any birders and nature enthusiasts, Budongo forest is one of the natural forests with majestic mahogany and ironwood trees that have been in existence for centuries in Uganda. The forest owns an exceptionally large Mahogany tree which is more than 80 meters tall and 20 meters in circumference and is home to endangered chimpanzee species.

The forest is home to over 360 birds, birding is one of the visitor’s activities in Budongo. The forest claims both migratory and none migratory birds of East Africa making Budongo a birding paradise. Other activities like guided community walks, hiking, and camping among others make Budongo a top destination for tourists.

Pian Upe wildlife reserve

This is the second largest conservation area after Murchison falls national park, the reserve was previously declared a debasien animal sanctuary in 1958 before establishing as a wildlife reserve in 1964.

Located north of Mount Elgon eastern Uganda connected to the Bokora-matheniko game reserve land tenure government features is this beautiful reserve.

With over 242 bird species recorded pian up is a highly recommended birding destination for any birder. The wildlife reserve is home to the endangered fox’s weaver and the Karamoja Apalis only found in the far east of the country. There are also better spots of the secretary birds, Common Ostriches, the uncommon Yellow-billed Shrike, the Rock Partridges, Bruce’s Green pigeon, Straw-tailed Whydah the Peregrine falcon is the fastest bird on the planet, the Red-fronted Barbet and many others. 

Despite being a great birding spot, It’s rich in wildlife and it’s among the most entertaining areas any visitor would go to while in Uganda. Leopards, cheetahs roaming the yards, mountain reedbucks, Roan antelopes, oribis, Jackson’s, Hartebeests, wildcats, servals, civets, elands, the giraffes, crested porcupines and With its thrilling numbers of carnivores and ungulates, this park is a key target for most travelers.  Easy to connect while coming from sipi falls or Kidepo valley national park, and more activities like hiking and trekking, bike tours and game drives, and more so cultural tours visiting the Karimojongs and the neighborhood are conducted.

Lutembe bay

Remarkably known for being home to the 7 threatened bird species globally like the shoebill, African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek, Great Snipe, Madagascar Squacco heron, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, and much more.

Lutembe is Ramsar site located just northwards at the mouth of Africa’s largest inland water body, Lake Victoria. It’s well decorated by papyrus reeds and harboring about 52% of the White-winged Terns, it’s home to both residents and migrants. Birding occurs at all times of the year however, the months of September-October and February-to-march are key for the migrants. Have a great day as you enjoy both water and on land bird species such as the Knob-billed Duck, Caspian Terns, Herons, Gulls, Bee-eaters, and much more.

Semliki national park and Toro Semliki wildlife reserve

Blessed with over 441 bird species, all birders who make it to Semuliki will be astonished by some of Africa’s best forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, and Yellow-throated Nicator. Kirumia River is another interesting birding spot and it’s great news that the shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds. Toro semliki wildlife reserve is also a great visitor spot for nature walks and game drives for lengthy game viewing and reaching the community just at the margins of Rwenzori ranges

Mgahinga national park

The most birding spot is the gorge trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo that in most cases requires 3-5 hours. This area can easily provide spectacular sightings of the Dusky-turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Rwenzori Batis, and many others. Other birding areas are the bamboo belt at about 2500m above sea level and the tall montane forest at 2660m. The Rwenzori Turaco is mostly sighted at around 2700m and on ground level; Doherty’s Bush-shrike Red-faced Woodland Warbler is a vocal yet inconspicuous inhabitant of the tangled vegetation at the forest edge.

Lake Mburo national park

The best birding spots in Lake Mburo national park are the swampy valleys of Warukiri; the road between the camp of Rwonyo Jetty and the viewing platform which overlooks the salt lick. Species found at these locations include, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Scimitarbill, White-winged Warbler, Red-faced Barbet Long-tailed Cisticola, and lake Mburo being the only place to spot African Finfoot, having a special arrangement for keen birders they can walk to Rubanga forest, the birding tours can be enjoyed in the safari vehicle, by boat, nature walks and even while cycling

Kidepo valley national park

Bordering South Sudan and Kenya Kidepo valley national park is a tremendous Birding Safaris Area that would recommend in Uganda with close to 475 bird species making it the second only in Uganda to Queen Elizabeth national park. Key specials are the Karamoja Apalis and the Fox’s Weaver in the park’s game reserves, not forgetting other large numbers as you move around. it’s a point to note that of the 56 birds of prey recorded, 14 are found in Kidepo Park, Verreaux’s Eagle, and pygmy Falcon which are known endemic to the Karamoja region. There has however been no comprehensive survey of the birds In Kidepo and visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list. Birding can be done around Apoka rest camp, Narus, and Namamukweny valleys, and having a chance to spot the Clapperton’s Francolin only found in the park, like any other activity in the park birding is most rewarding during early and late hours of the day. 

Kibale forest national park

Lush tropical rainforest with fascinating diversity, a great birding spot harboring a large concentration of 13 primate species. Over 375 bird species are recorded in Kibale National Park with one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds, the olive long-tailed cuckoo, African and Green-breasted pitta, Nahan’s Francolin, Black Bee-eater, White thighed hornbill, and many others. Birding in Kibale national park happens all year round, and like all other park activities, all tourists shall be accompanied by one of the expert guides, its easily accessed from the main capital Kampala, by road or by air and between areas like Queen Elizabeth national park and semliki national park.

Bwindi impenetrable National park

A world heritage site, massively known for harboring the endangered mountain gorillas but also rich in green nature that attracts researchers from different corners. With at least 23 of the 24 Albertine rift endemics and over 351 bird species, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a favorite spot for birders, with its sheer diversity. Birding trips are led by one of the expert guides along the trails through this ancient forest. Tourists may be lucky to spot some of the park’s other wildlife and this is what makes Bwindi and Uganda’s birding safaris even more interesting.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is Located between the foothills of Aberdares and eye-catching snow-capped Mount Kenya with a great biome system of semi-arid grassland, woodland, riverine and wetlands is the Laikipia plateau’s prime sanctuary. Ol Pejeta offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with all the big 5.

The conservancy’s highlights include the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, southern white rhinos, and a refuge of the only 2 living northern white rhinos in the whole world. However, there’s also sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary housing both abandoned and orphanage chimpanzees, this is the only place in Kenya where you can get a chance to at least see these apes. Ol Pejeta is among Laikipia’s bigger Ecosystems with excellent views of Mount Kenya and with several activities such as night drives, nature walks, birding day game viewing, birding, and lion tracking any travelers would consider participating in.

Ol pejeta conservancy is an avian center with over 500 bird species recorded and birding-watching activities are always operated both morning and evening. This bird watcher’s paradise has notable bird species such as.

Abyssinian scimitarbill

Amethyst Sunbird

Black-winged Lapwing

Blue-naped mousebird

Buff-crested bustard

Cinnamon-chested bee-eater

D’Arnaud’s Barbet

Kenya-rufous sparrow

Long-billed Pipit

Montagu’s harrier

Nubian woodpecker

Rosy-throated longclaw

Rufous chatterer

Taita fiscal

Temminck’s courser

White-bellied go-away bird

White-eyed slaty flycatcher

Yellow-necked spurfowl

Best time for birding watching.

The best time for bird watching in the Ol pejeta Conservancy is yearly, however, European migrants and North Africa are more active between November and April. This will coincide with the wet season as you enjoy birds with different plumages.

The overall wildlife viewing is between the months of July-September and January -march. 

Getting there

It takes 3-4 hours from Nairobi to the conservancy, and taking a local flight to Nanyuki airstrip is the easiest way just 45 minutes’ drive away. 4*4 vehicles are recommended during the wet seasons.

As the tagline reads “the pearl of Africa”, Uganda is genuinely rich in archaeological areas, located in eastern Uganda 10 km away from the main town of Kumi district is this ancient and historical area. The area shelters 6 rocks and 3 are the major rocks, these are said to have been painted in the stone age era summarizing it over the centuries. Tentatively recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1997, Nyero rock paintings  become Uganda’s oldest rock art on the granite rock outcrop on Moru Ikara.

There are different shapes that portray different means such as animals, canoes, consecrate circles, and many others. These rocks and paintings are traditionally accredited acting as shrines, the local people believe that they can always communicate with their descendants and get help on the bad days.

The speculations say, that the ancient Pygmoids/Batwa once lived here, this draws attention closer to the communities and the government of Uganda to leave these rocks intangible for the history ad well-being of the communities and having the valuation status of the semi-gods.

Getting there

10 km away from kumi town, and always open during the day, this is a major highlight for researchers and historians. The eastern circuit is the major deal to combine this famous Nyero rock painting.

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

The bulkiest member of the primate family, the subspecies of the eastern gorilla stands up to 1.8 meters high and weighs up to 210 kg. This high-altitude creature is an Albertine rift endemic found only in two localities, that’s Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and the Virunga Mountains shared by the democratic republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. There are about 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world, and half of them inhabit the Bwindi forest.

Like the name, these gorillas live in high altitudes between 8000-13000 feet, mountain gorillas are primarily vegetarians, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and over 140 different plant species. Out of 100%, 2% of its diet is insects and other invertebrates with an estimated life expectancy of 35-50 years.

Reproduction

Mountain gorillas give birth in a range of 9 months like humans; it takes 6-8 years for a female gorilla to become sexually active. The female stays loyal to the male until he dies or until he loses his throne. Unlike their powerful parents, newborns are always tinny weighing 1-2 kg, and always supported by the mother’s fur for warmth.

These infants are entertaining between 2-3 years, where they spend most of their time swinging on branches, chasing one another, and copying a lot from the adults.

It takes the whole family to look after the young ones, however, the father and others are more protective. Juveniles spend most of their time playing and looking after the young ones this gives room to the mother to feed enough and relax a little bit.

It’s unusual to encounter a mountain gorilla giving birth all new babies have been reported while hours old, they are prone to death due to bad weather and falling off the bedding and branches.

 Social behaviour and Alpha male

In the gorilla world dominance and territories mark the limits, it takes courage and strength to challenge the alpha, this is a battle of the titans, injuries, noise, death, stealing females from either group, and being kicked out of the family are major expectations. The winner of the battle takes over the troop, any new alpha male will kill all the infants to draw the mother’s focus on getting to oestrus faster. It’s no doubt that these animals sleep in cold environments, they possess long hair that helps keep them warm, and despite their size, they can climb up to the canopies for feeding, unlike the chimpanzees that sleep up the trees.  Mountain gorillas are however mostly seen on the ground feeding, mating, drinking water, and playing, it’s always a harem of about 30 individuals.

It’s the alpha male that determines where to feed from, and where to sleep in a radius of about 1-16 square miles. Mountain gorillas are friendly animals once they get used to humans, it’s only those that are fully habituated that are accessible for normal tracking.

What to carry while trekking to and tracking mountain gorillas

These are thick forests, there’s a need for good jungle shoes, long pants and shirts, rain jackets, insect repellants, gloves, and much more.

Based on the ultimate experience, you are required to carry with you enough drinking water and a snack; this gives you a chance to be ready for any time that will come out of the jungle.

For photographers, 2 sets of camera batteries, enough SD cards, and good rain gear for your gadgets.

When to visit

Mountain gorillas are accessed at any month of the year and are only tracked once in a day, this is done early morning, by 8 am till you are out of the forest. People travel for different targets, and photographers will get to know the picture they want and this determines their travel. 

In Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, the months of March-May, September, and November are rainy and this might make the whole experience unpleasant for most travelers. However, June -August is dry, and good for anyone who doesn’t want the wet season.

Dos and don’ts while with the mountain gorillas

Feeding wildlife is punishable, and an 8-10 meter distance must be maintained while with gorillas, however, these animals can tend to be provocative, they don’t know the distance, and sometimes they come closer or even pass by. You must listen to your ranger guide if you can make a few steps back or behind or stand still not running and avoiding straight eye contact.

A face is a must-have, this is a measure to avoid any transmissions between 2 parties, and without one you are not eligible for the activity.

Single file -straight is required while trekking and while with the apes, getting closer to each other is key to avoid stressing these animals.

No flashlight and shutter noise is required while viewing the apes, you must keep your voice at a low tone, and keep your gadgets intact to avoid any grabbing.

Eating, smoking, drinking water, and littering are highly condemned while viewing the mountain gorillas, you must turn off the gorillas and cover your nose with your elbow and cough, for eating and drinking u must go at an average distance.

999 helicopter and gorilla tracking price

Gorilla tracking in Uganda costs 700$ for normal tracking -1500$ for the habituation experience, while in Rwanda its starts from 1500$ and above, with Congo having a minimum fee of 400$. All these destinations are rich in these apes however Congo is not much recommended due to the political instabilities.

The 999 helicopter is a stretcher that is designed to give help to those who are unable to make it to the gorillas, both the disabled and the tired ones, this comes at a negotiable minimum fee, size, and distance determine the money you will pay the porters who will gently take to the gorillas and bring back to the starting point.

This initiative was amended to enable all people to access the jungle and feel the cool breath as they view these great apes.

Why the lion tracking program?

The lions and other carnivores are some of the sought-after attractions in Uganda and Africa at large. Uganda is blessed by mountain gorillas, and beautiful sceneries the large carnivores summarise one’s desire for the pearl of Africa. Uganda gets a chance to host 5 large carnivores such as leopards, lions, hyenas, African wild dogs which are very rare, and cheetahs the Savannah conquerors. For the love of nature and conservation, the Ugandan government and other private bodies introduced the lion tracking program to benefit both the nature lovers and favour the communities. 

The lion tracking program was applauded by the due to the massive decline of the felines due to community invasions, the Uganda wildlife authority had to pattern with the wildlife conservation society in monitoring and safeguarding these creatures. This has also impacted a lot on community sensitization as they are the immediate threats to these animals. 

The communities have done horrible acts most times like poisoning these animals as they don’t know boundaries and putting down animal domestic animals would cause much havoc, poaching is also a big threat to these animals.  With the main goal of population increase and community outreach, the Uganda wildlife authority has worked hand in hand with all willing conservation funders to safeguard these carnivores.

Where and how it’s done

Lion tracking is greatly practiced in Queen Elizabeth national west of Uganda, the second largest after Murchison falls national park.  With pure ecosystem balance, Queen Elizabeth is an ideal area to visit, famous for its biggest and longest natural channel in the world-kazinga channel and decorated by crater lakes and forests like maramagambo and the world’s well-known tree-climbing lions in the southern sector. 

Lion tracking draws you closer to these felines and not only lions but leopards and other animals like buffaloes,  elephants, and many others. You are helped by the carnivore expert who uses his or her GPS machines to follow and reach these animals,  lions are collared for easy follow-up and rescue in case of any, this also helps the conservationists to know how far the carnivores have gone towards the communities.

What time is best for the tracking?

It’s conducted twice a day both early morning and after lunch hours, drive off the beats and enjoy the wilderness as you search and get closer’s, get the necessary information from the carnivore expert, and have time for questions and taking photos as much as you can.  As you are in the wild, enjoy the best times of the wild, this activity takes 3-4 hours, and later check out for other activities or drive back to the lodge.

Signing up for the Activity

Uganda Wildlife Authority is the overall controller of our national parks, so to get up-close encounters, one must reserve via them. The lion tracking program costs 100$ for FR and a community fee of 30$. residents pay shs,100000.

It’s an experience like no other lets us reserve this for you for the magical touch.