East Africa is an ornithological haven, a bird-lovers paradise, a kaleidoscope of colours, diverse landscapes and unique breeding grounds for hundreds of different species – from the endemic to the migratory, from the common to the endangered and rare.
With over 1200 species of birds, East Africa is one of the top birding and wildlife viewing destinations of the world. From the rolling savannah grasslands and montane forests to coastal forests, deserts and an extensive freshwater and saltwater lake system, this part of Africa is nirvana for the expert and novice birder as well as any non-birding companion.
Jolita Safari’s ethos is centred around flexible, environmentally-friendly, tailor-made holidays – the perfect combination for the discerning wildlife enthusiast and keen birder. You can spend as much time as you like in a particular area, be accompanied by expert bird guides, learn about unique habitats as well as the surrounding environment and local culture.
You may wish to spend days solely concentrating on a birding safari, or combine birding with other safari experiences, trekking or a Zanzibar holiday. There is so much to do, see and explore, that we prefer to create custom programs to suit particular interests.
10 Top Birding Locations in Uganda
1. Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park 2.Lake Albert 3. Queen Elizabeth National Park 4. Kidepo Valley 5. Semliki 6. Lake Victoria 7. Kazinga Channel & Lutembe Bay 8. Ruwenzori Mountains 9. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 10.Mgahinga
Uganda has over 600 species of birds and its main attractions are in its forests and swamps, where many species with restricted range can be found. Whilst it only has one endemic species, Fox’s Weaver, which occurs in swamps north of Kampala, it has several species which are endemic to specific habitat areas, shared with other countries.One such area is the Albertine Rift, an area of lakes, mountains and forests, which stretches from northern Uganda along its borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Several species endemic to this area are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Semilki National Park, Rwenzori Mountains and Mgahinga. These include Green Broadbill, Grauer’s, Grauer’s Swamp and Neumann’s Warblers, Shelley’s and Dusky Crimsonwings, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Strange Weaver, Rwenzori Double-collared, Regal, Purple-breasted and Blue-throated Sunbirds, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Stripe-breasted Tit and several others.
There are also several highland and lowland forests spread across the country, which offer species which are generally West African. Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, African Grey Parrot, Green-breasted Pitta, several Woodpeckers, Barbets and Greenbuls, and scarcities such as Weyn’s Weaver, Nahan’s and Forest Francolins all occur.
In the papyrus swamps around Lake Victoria and other lakes, the enigmatic Shoebill Stork can be found, as well as specialities including Papyrus Yellow and White-winged Warblers, Carruther’s Cisticola, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher and Orange Weaver.
Let us know what your particular interests are and we will be happy to put together a program to take you to the particular destinations in East Africa that you wish to visit for the unique opportunity to get up close to some of the planet’s most wonderful creatures.
Depending on the time you wish to spend on holiday in East Africa, it is possible to visit more than one country to get a feel for the diverse landscapes and habitats.
Birding Resources:
Have a look at the information above to some of our popular birding resources and let us know what areas you would be most interested in visiting in East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia). The list is by no means exhaustive, and we aim to be adding to this list. Please let us know if you have any useful resources that we may add to the information above.