WILL UGANDA ATTRACT CHINESE TOURISTS?

Whereas Uganda is credited for its exceptional wildlife and adventure safaris, it has been sighted that for most safaris in the country, rarely can one find a Chinese tourist but the largest number comes mainly for business or because of migration issues. And this is different from what the UN World Tourism Organization indicates that china has been the prime outbound tourism market since 2012. In 20016, Chinese outbound travelers hiked to over 135 million spending a whopping $261 billion.

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the responsible body for marketing Uganda tourist attractions has set forth a strong marketing campaign to lure most Chinese into the country. UTB in this struggle hosted the Vice President and the secretary general of the Guangdong provincial tourism association-Li Jinamo in the strive to create way forward in Uganda’s attempts to lure Chinese holiday makers to par take tours in Uganda’s magnificent destinations. China features more than 1.3 billion people while the province of Guangdong has over 100,000,000 people about thrice Uganda’s population. The Executive Director of UTB appreciated that China has the largest population of outbound tourists in the entire world.

The Uganda Tourism Board in an attempt to fulfill the key tourism objective of boosting the number of international tourists’ par taking tours in Uganda from 1.3 million in 2014 by 50 percent to 1.8 percent in 2016, embarked in engaging in the China International Tourism Mart (CITM) along with the Guangzhou based Ugandan consulate. The Ethiopian Airways provided a free Uganda ticket that was won by Mr. Li Jinamo in the Uganda Night Event. A popularization safari was then arranged by Uganda Tourism Board to help him discover the real Uganda in depth. The step towards luring Chinese to Uganda is sighted as positive move in improving Uganda tour arrivals. Uganda should therefore work towards boosting linkages and that Uganda and the China governments can work towards commencing direct flights between Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport and the China’s province of Guangdong. Currently, there are 4 airline companies that connect Uganda and China. Mr. Li Jinamo kept on sighting that Uganda still has bad roads and the language barrier factor which is worth considering. UTB and Chinese have no direct language connection and it was proposed that it would be better if the media in Guangdong is invited to write more about the Uganda’s spectacular tourist attractions that can be viewed by Chinese while on tour in Uganda. With this engagement sighted some hope of luring more than 2000 Chinese companies that are members of the association.

Uganda is undoubtedly a natural wonder! It is credited for its spectacular and rare mountain gorillas that make up the hugest population out of the total population in the world. 

THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

For interested tourists, Uganda has two incredible areas for you to realize your dreams and these include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern part of the country. These feature 12 habituated gorilla groups that set for tourism and research. Besides, Uganda also offers refuge to the largest population of chimpanzees and there several spots where you can track these stunning creatures in the wild some of which include Kibale Forest National Park which offers refuge to over 1500 chimpanzees that makes up the 13 distinct primate species in the park. When it comes to wildlife safaris, Uganda’s remotest protected areas offers visitors that African wilderness that may not easily be attained anywhere else in the world. It is credited for the big game including the Cape Buffaloes, African Elephants, African Lions, Leopards and Rhinos. If you are interested in thrilling adventures, Uganda still remains as an adventure paradise especially in the Mighty River Nile where you can engage in Bungee jumping, white water rafting, Kayaking, Horse riding and many more. It also features unique butterflies, healing hot springs and spectacular landscape with exceptional flora for you to catch a glimpse.

The biggest challenge remains questionable that how will Uganda’s tourist potential lure the Chinese tourists? Kenya has realized an increase in Chinese tourist with direct flights between Guangzhou and Nairobi. It is sighted that Chinese arrivals to Morocco increased to 450 percent while in Tunisia in Tunisia to about 250 percent in the first half of this year due to visa exemptions for Chinese visitors.

To lure this, marketing strategies in the sector will differ. Chinese tourists may not easily be lured through Facebook, Instagram post. Most of the social media platforms including snapchat, pinterest, WhatsApp, Google may not be accessible in China. This gives Uganda another task to review her marketing strategy in order to tap the Chinese market and mainly focus on millennial groups from 16 to 26 years since they are more likely to copy with conservation attempts.

In conclusion, Uganda has several natural resources that are untapped and this is requires vigorous marketing to lure several tourists within and across borders to come and exploit them.

EXCEPTIONAL HONEYMOON AND ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS IN UGANDA

Are you looking for a secret place to spend your honeymoon or romantic love with your dear one? For honeymoon and romantic safaris, Uganda is undoubtedly an exceptional destination for you to spend that lovely moment in life. After wedding romantic love in Uganda is now possible with the most up market and luxurious lodges that offer the required ambiance to visitors on honeymoon safaris at a pocket friendly costs. The perfect honeymoon destinations lodges are worth spending your romantic safari as it comes with special memories especially for those who wish to express or celebrate their relationship in a new style on African dream safari in Uganda. Honeymoon safaris have become one of the interesting areas that you shouldn’t miss in life.

Some of the most outstanding honeymoon destinations in Uganda include;

Chobe Safari Lodge

Just as in Murchison falls national park, Chobe safari lodge is a five star facility in the wilderness. If you are looking for exciting honeymoon experiences then look not further than Chobe lodge. There is the River Nile, nature walks, fishing, game drives, swimming in the pool and mouthwatering meals for you to enjoy while on honeymoon and romantic love.

Wild water lodge

This features among the few remarkable lodges for you to spend your romantic experience at the mighty Nile in Jinja. You live on a private island in the midst of the rushing River Nile. It is undoubtedly one of the remarkable lodges of a kind that comes with romantic setting for you and your dear one to enjoy. It comes in tented cottages that have everything any romantic lover or honeymooners wish to have in their lives-private decks, mouthwatering food, nature walks on the island making one of the best areas to relax and chill from while enjoying the tropical sun.

The Mihingo safari lodge

It is ultimate luxury facility in the African wilderness of Lake Mburo National Park, special for honeymooners as well as couples. It is an incredible lodge, with each tented cottage private from each other, and comes with spectacular views even when you are at the bathrooms, you will certainly have great moments in your life. You can engage in horse riding while catching a glimpse of the surrounding wilderness of the park or simply swim in the swimming pool. Meals are exceptional and you will really enjoy private wilderness dinner with your special one. This incredible lodge caters for honeymooners and other romantic relationships.

The Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp Luxury lodge inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Besides engaging in gorilla trekking and after you retire around this camp, as a couple or honeymooners, this is the perfect place for you to have romantic moment with your special one. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest is one of such unusual honeymoon sites to give you that exceptional and romantic experience in life. The camp is situated within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where over half of the mountain gorillas in the world live.

Clouds mountain gorilla lodge

This is another luxury facility at Nkuringo Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It comes with perfect luxurious and comfortable accommodation and spectacular views of the Great Virunga Mountains.

The Chameleon Hill Lodge

This is an exceptional lodge in Uganda. It stands out as one of the unique lodges of all those in Uganda. This luxury facility comes with stunning Lakes and architecture that is certainly not the norm your imagination can go free. You can explore Lake Mutanda with your dear one while in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bird nest resort at Lake Bunyonyi

Just at the shores of the magical Lake Bunyonyi comes the Bird nest resort. Being here allows you to explore the 29 islands that are confined within this spectacular Lake. It is the best area for visitors traveling for gorilla trekking and after spends a night or honeymooners who wish to have a chilling and relaxing environment for themselves.

Ishasha wilderness camp in the universal Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ishasha wilderness camp is one of the best lodges for visitors on honeymoon safaris in Uganda. It is situated around Ntungwe River and it offers stunning views of the surrounding areas as well as best site for you to look out for the rare tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector. Around lunch time and afternoon you will enjoy spectacular wildlife species in the River especially elephants as they gather to take a bathe.

Mweya safaris lodge

This comes with several rooms and many options especially with its tented cottage. If you wish to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, this is the best place for your honeymoon safaris as it offers you with amazing views of the Kazinga channel with its unique wildlife species as well as birdlife. Mweya Safari Lodge is another Sheraton that you can find in the wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Papaya Lake Lodge

This overlooks the two crater lakes. If you are visiting Kibale National Park, this is the best place for you to experience your love with your dear one. It is a fusion of Africa with classical European style. This is from the art décor from African artisans used throughout to the fusion of the food. They have amazing and luxurious cottages set apart from one another for privacy, a fantastic swimming pool from where you can view the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes and the adjacent areas.

Pineapple Bay Resort

This is the island paradise on Bulago Island. It is one of the best areas to end your honeymoon safari in Uganda. The honeymoon cottage comes in swimming pool, nature walks and times fro reflection dinners on the beach. You have a cottage right on the beach overlooking Lake Victoria which allows you to watch the sun rise and set.

Equator snow lodge

This is situated in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. It comes with exceptional views of the mountains as you hike around it, learn how to fish with your hands and enjoy the crackling fire in your room. This lodge is one of the outstanding facilities with only 4 cottages, but comes with amazing honeymoon experiences.

Kyaninga lodge

This offers an ultimate luxury comfort overlooking a pristine Crater Lake. It has a swimming pool, lawn tennis court and offers delicious food for the honeymooners. The views alone are worthy visiting the place during your honeymoon safari.

In conclusion, besides wildlife safaris, Uganda’s wilderness destinations are equally the best for honeymoon and romantic trips. If you are planning your wedding and you are not sure of where to go after for your honeymoon, consider most of the lodges around national parks as your best option for you to spend a wonderful moment with your dear one.

FASCINATING FACTS THAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AFRICAN ELEPHANTS

Elephants feature among the very few most sought after big game in the wild. They are a few large mammal species of the Elephantidae family that come in only 3 (three) species; the African bush elephants (Loxodonta Africana), the African forest elephant (Loxodonta Cyclotis) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). They are mainly sighted around the sub Saharan Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Elephantidae is the only thriving family of the order proboscidea. African elephants are slightly bigger than the Asian type and can easily be identified by their larger ears and that look somewhat like African continent. They have a head and body length between 5 and 7.5 meters, a tail length between 1 and 1.5 meters, with a weight between four and seven tones. Their necks are short and they have a large barrel like body, with stocky legs and on their fore feet they have 4 toes and 5 toes on their hind feet. Their skin is 2.5 cm thick!

A GREAT AFRICAN ELEPHANT

The ears radiate heat to aid keep them cool but at times the African heat is too much. These mammal species are forced to go to water bodies and enjoy showering by sucking water into their trunks and spraying it all over themselves. After, they usually spray their skins with a protective coating of dust. An elephant’s trunk is actually a long nose used for smelling, breathing and trumpeting, drinking and grabbing things especially food. Its trunk comes with over 100000 various muscles. African elephants have 2 (two) finger like features on the end of their trunk that they can use to grab small things. Both male and female African elephants have tusks they use to dig for food and water and strip bark from trees. Males use the tusks to fight one another but the ivory has also attracted violence of a far more dangerous sort. Since the ivory is of a great value to some humans, most elephants have been killed for their tusks. This kind of trade is illegal today but it has not been absolutely eradicated and some African elephant numbers still remain endangered.

AFRICAN ELEPHANTS

Diet

These spectacular mammals depend on roots, grasses, fruits and bark and many more. An adult elephant consumes up to 300-400 pounds of food in one day and they take about 50 gallons of water each day. These wildlife species rarely sleep, they roam over great distances while foraging for the large quantities of food that they require to sustain their large bodies.

Female elephants stay in family herds with their young ones but adult males in most cases roam on their own. Females have serious commitment with their babies. They have a longer pregnancy compared to any mammal species-they take about 22 months. At birth, elephants weigh about 200 pounds and stand at three feet tall. Unlike the Asian elephants, for African elephants they are never easily domesticated. They most range from Sub Saharan African and the rain forests of Central and West Africa. These unique mammals also demonstrate much of fission fusion society where multiple family groups gather together to socialize. They live from 8 to 100 members and span up to 70 years and communicate by touch, sight, smell and sound especially by use of infra sound and seismic communication over long distances. Their intelligence has been rated to that of Apes and cetaceans.

They tend to have self awareness and show empathy for their deceased colleagues. African elephants are listed as vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their biggest threat is mainly ivory trade and habitat loss as well as human wildlife conflicts. In the 20^th century, there were fewer than million African elephants and nearly 100000 Asian elephants. Currently, about 450000 to 700000 African elephants are believed to exist and 35000 to 40000 Asian elephants are left.

In Uganda, you will find both African savanna elephants and smaller African forest elephants. The best places to sight spectacular mammal species in Uganda include Kibale Forest National Park, Rwenzori National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mount Elgon, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

In conclusion, Uganda is a home to the big five game. Most commonly the African elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffaloes that are wide spread through out its larger safari destinations. If you are looking for amazing big game safaris, then look not further than Uganda!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Are you planning your safari in Uganda but you do not know where to go? When it comes to wilderness safaris, Murchison Falls National Park features as one of the most exceptional safari destinations that you shouldn’t miss to visit while on Uganda safari. This park features as Uganda’s most famous and the largest protected area with spectacular biodiversity and exciting tourism activities for your safaris. Expanding to about 3840 square kilometers, Murchison Falls National Park is situated in Northwestern Uganda and it offers refuge to not only stunning wildlife species but also provides a home to Murchison falls which features as one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, where the mighty River Nile is forced into a narrow gorge of about 8 meters into the Devils cauldron making an ever present rainbow. 

MURCHISON FALLS

Murchison Falls National Park is undoubtedly, one of Africa’s most popular protected areas and it features numerous biodiversity including about 15000 elephants at a time but due to poaching and political unrest their population was reduced including other wildlife species. However, there is hope for wildlife species increase due to the prevailing peace and stability especially for the elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, water bucks, hippos, buffaloes and crocodiles.

If you are planning your vacation in Uganda make sure that you include Murchison Falls National Park into your bucket list of safari tours. The following are some of exciting things that you should expect while you are on your Uganda safari.

Game viewing

For the best wilderness safari experiences, Murchison Falls National Park features among a few destinations in Uganda for you to encounter numerous wildlife species. On your game drive, expect to sight a large population of antelope families including the bush buck, water buck, Thomson’s gazelle and dik dik and many more. Bigger herbivore like giraffe and elephants and many more, you can also watch a film about how the Uganda Conservation Foundation and Uganda Wildlife Authority are committed to conserve the critically endangered Rothschild in Murchison Falls National Park. You will also sight big numbers of Buffaloes, lions, Leopards, Jacksons Hartebeests, warthogs, Uganda Kobs and many more.

GAME DRIVE TO SEE AFRICAN ELEPHANTS

Launch trip

Take a boat cruise to the base of the falls and cruise down the mighty Nile where you will observe several wildlife species both water and land species. While on a launch cruise you will sight the largest confinement of hippos and crocodiles as several water bird species. 

LAUNCH CRUISE TO THE FALLS

Murchison Falls National Park offers refuge to over 450 bird species and higher chances are you will spot most water species. For birding safaris in the park, you will be able to sight the papyrus gonolek, goliath heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, northern red bishop, squacco heron, red throated bee eater, African quail finch, elusive shoe bill stork, swamp fly catcher and many more. 

ELUSIVE SHOE BILL STORK

The park is comprised of forests, swamps and Riverine woodland, savanna and acacia trees that all offer numerous bird species. You can also visit top of falls and have a wonderful moment, take photos as you catch a glimpse of the spectacular waterfalls.

Chimpanzee trekking

Budongo forest is situated on the Southern part of Murchison falls national park and is conserved within the Budongo and Kaniyo pabidi forest reserve. This forest covers an area of about 790 square kilometers and has more than 465 species of plants, 250 butterflies, large mammal species including the chimpanzees, Black and white colobus monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys, Potto and Galago species as well as over 366 birdlife 60 of which are west or central African bird species that are protected within less than 5 areas in East Africa. Chimpanzee trekking is conducted in the Kaniyo Pabidi forest reserve. Chimpanzee habituation began officially in 1992 and guided chimpanzee walks start at 8:00am. These fascinating apes can be sighted around May and August.

CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN BUDONGO FOREST

Lodges

Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park are only complete with lodges and accommodation facilities for tourists to spend a night after their breathtaking adventures in the park. Some of the notable accommodation facilities for you to stay include Paraa safari lodge, Red chili rest camp and Pakuba lodge. At the park boundaries you can choose to stay in Murchison River lodge, Bakers lodge; in Masindi town you can spend a night in Court view hotel, Paradise hotel and Masindi hotel and in Pakwach, you can stay in Global village guest house.

In conclusion, while planning your safari in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park should be a must to visit destination for you. There is a lot more waiting for you to explore in this park. With the above listed activities, you won’t be left out of choice. Do not miss to enjoy over 76 species of mammals, 450 bird species that make this park a safari paradise in Uganda. Other activities for you to enjoy include sport fishing, nature and forest walks, community walks and cultural experiences and many more.

UGANDA'S ENDANGERED GREEN BREASTED PITTA

Planning your birding safari to Uganda? Did you know that the Green breasted pitta is one of the only two pitta species in Africa?  A visit to Kibale Forest National Park one of the most exceptional primate capital of the world rewards bird lovers with magical birding encounters of life time! Credited for over 13 distinct primate species, Kibale National Park also offers refuge to over 350 distinct bird species in its juggle making it one of the best avian safari destinations in Africa. When you think about bird watching in Uganda, think not further than Kibale for you to look out for the rare Green breasted pitta. Scientifically referred as "pitta reichenowi," the endangered Green breasted pitta is undoubtedly the only second pitta species thriving in entire African continent. However, their distribution is also sighted within the subtropical and tropical rain forests in Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Amazingly, in Uganda the endangered Green breasted pitta lies between 1100 and 1400 meters. Whereas there are historical records of viewing it from Budongo and Mabira forest reserve, Kibale Forest National Park features as the only hotspot for you to look out for the pitta in the entire country. This bird species vocalizes at first during the summer months of June to August. If there are hard to find and most sought after avian species in Africa then you have a reason to visit Kibale National Park in Western Uganda for life time bird encounters especially as you search for this endangered bird species in the jungles. The Green breasted pitta features a plumage is similar to that of the African pitta with the breast green and the throat surrounded by a black line. The young ones have duller, darker plumage and a brownish olive breast. This specie belongs to the pittidae family.

THE RARE GREEN BREASTED PITTA

Kibale National Park is proud to be a home to the rare L’Hoests monkeys, the wild chimpanzees, the endangered Red colobus monkeys, Black and white colobus, playful Olive baboons, 4 wild felids, 70 mammal species and over 250 tree species which make up a forest where a large number of birds live. For life time birding safaris, visit Kibale National Park in wet season which occurs from March to May and September to November.

Besides the rare Green breasted pitta, Kibale National Park still offers more bird species for you to sight including the endangered Nahan’s francolin, Yellow spotted Nicator, Yellow ramped tinker bird, Little greenbul, Superb sunbird, Speckled tinker bird, white thighed hornbill, Grey winged robin, African pitta, Black billed Turaco, Purple headed starling, Purple breasted sun bird, White bellied crested flycatcher, Masked apalis, Scarlet tufted, Red chested fluftail, Joyful greenbul and many more.

In conclusion, the rare Green breasted pitta is one of the hardest birds to find not only in Kibale National Park but also across African continent. It is the second pitta specie in Africa and in Uganda it can be looked out in Kibale National Park. You can combine your chimpanzee trekking safaris and birding tours in the park and you will be rewarded with life time experiences.

THE RARE TREE CLIMBING LIONS IN UGANDA

Ever heard about the tree climbing lions? Besides the rare mountain gorillas, Uganda also offers refuge to a large population of distinct tree climbing lions. A safari to sight these unique wildlife species in the wild is incomparably the most thrilling experience that comes once in a life time. When you think about lions, Uganda is undoubtedly a home to one of the only two populations of the rare tree climbing lions in the entire world. The Ishasha sector situated about 432 kilometers Southwest of Kampala in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a home to globally popular tree climbing lions and this makes it one of the most unusual safari destinations.

There are fewer than two populations in the entire world with such unique big cats that do climb trees as their daily behavior. It is believed that these large cat species climb the trees as a way of safeguarding themselves from the biting tsetse flies on the ground level, escape from the heat and enjoy the cool atmosphere or take a good sight at the surface as their prey come close for them to hunt. They are usually sighted lying lazily up within the branches of big fig trees as they look down at several Uganda Kobs that come to graze around the vast Ishasha plains and these are actually the prime prey species to these big cats. The beauty about these Sycamore fig trees and the Acacia trees offers adequate shelter to the tree climbing lions that some times it turns tricky to sight them at a distance especially they act as shelter during the wet season and are thick enough to offer support to the lions. The most important thing about the lions at Ishasha area is the fact that the manes of the males are black.

THE RARE TREE CLIMBING LION

These remarkable cats live in only a few African destinations like South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. For most tourists to Tanzania’s Lake Manyara and Kenya, think that these tree climbing cats are a myth because it is unusual to sight them. But for those who get into the stunning Ishasha plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park, they certainly get the reality about these fascinating tree climbing lions in the wild. It is easier to sight these exceptional kings of the jungles and their families in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. Conveniently located along gorilla trekking destinations of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can make a stopover at Ishasha sector for yet astonishing experiences in your life. Over three (3) prides of Lions with about 40 members are all confined within Ishasha area. Most tourists on Uganda safari generally spend some time around this area to catch a glimpse of not only the tree climbing lions but also other wildlife species. If you ever imagined about climbing on the trees when you are chased by lions, probably you won’t be safe if you attempted it at Ishasha because they have that ability to climb into trees.

THE UNIQUE TREE CLIMBING LIONS

The Ishasha area is mainly credited for its flat undulating plains and woodland vegetation which also offers special wildlife species like elephants, monkeys, buffaloes, antelopes and many more for tourists on safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park to enjoy in addition to the rare tree climbing lions.

Getting to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

There are three routes depending visitors’ choice to access Queen Elizabeth National Park. First direct from Kampala, through Mbarara-Masaka road about six hours drive. For visitors who have private vehicles and equipment, you will certainly catch a glimpse of remarkable cat family at Ishasha. The route from Katunguru is unreliable but a direct route to the border post of the Ishasha sector is usually muddy during the wet season. You are advised to use a 4 by 4 wheel drive vehicle to help you transverse through this kind of roads. If you are entering through the Mweya, you are encouraged to request for a radio message information if trucks are heading towards the Ishasha, Katookye gate and this is intended to assist you find out whether the route is passable or not.

Where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

If you are planning for safari to Uganda, make sure you don’t miss sighting a few rare catch families in Queen Elizabeth National Park. For safaris to be complete in the park there must be lodging and accommodation facilities for visitors to spend a night. Queen Elizabeth National Park consists of various accommodations that range from luxury, mid range to budget. They include the Ishasha wilderness camp, Mweya hotel, Jacana safari lodge, Mweya safari lodge, Hippo hill camp and lodge, Bush camp and Kyambura game lodge and many more.

In conclusion, tree climbing lions are a few cat family that offer fascinating experiences to travelers. If you are planning for a safari to Uganda, make sure that you include viewing the tree climbing lions in your itinerary. Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is a main stopover for most tourists who travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking. Enjoy your safari!

ELUSIVE BIRD SPECIES IN UGANDA

Are you a birder? Are you planning your safari but you do not know which unique birds to sight in Uganda? Besides the renowned mountain gorilla and the big game, Uganda is exceptionally a bird watchers paradise! Over 1100 distinct avian species are all confined within different habitats in Uganda offering higher opportunity for tourists to realize their dreams while on their avian safaris. This means that about half of the bird species in Africa thrive in Uganda and represents about 11% of the world’s avian species.

Below is a list of elusive bird species that you shouldn’t miss to explore while on your safari in Uganda.

The shoebill stork

Endemic to Africa is the elusive shoebill stork.  Tourists across the world gather in Uganda primarily to catch up with this giant specie. At first, it was not conserved and its eggs were from time and again stolen from the nests till the Uganda Bird Guide Club efforts succeeded in making it illegal to catch these species and steal their eggs. The shoebill stork is also known as “King whale head” due to its huge head size. It derived its name from its shoe-like bill that grows up to 24 centimeters in length and 20 centimeters width. Although they can weigh up to six kilograms, the shoebills can still stand on floating vegetation while hunting for fish. Uganda features most of hotspots for these elusive species which is why it is the best birding destinations for tourists on who are interested in bird watching safaris in Uganda. The famous sites include Murchison Falls National Park along the banks of the River Nile especially in the delta sector; Mabamba swamp just as you get out of Kampala and tourists with tight schedule can spend at least seven hours on birding excursion in this swamp with higher chances of spotting the shoebill stork. Other sites include the Southern end of Lake Edward meaning as you are on wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park don’t miss to catch a glimpse of these giant specie, Rugogo swamp at Ziwa Sanctuary, Lake Mburo National Park and Semuliki Valley National Park and near Lake Albert.

ELUSIVE SHOE BILL STORK

The Ostrich

Features as the biggest and heaviest living bird in the world. It is popular as camel bird due to its long neck, prominent eyes and sweeping eyelashes and jolting walk. It is 2.5 meters tall and weighs about 145 kilograms and mostly dwells within the stunning savanna, desert and open woodlands of Central and Southern Africa. In Uganda, mostly found in Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve in the extreme Northeastern part of the country. They feature long, muscular legs built for taking off. Compared to other birds that possess 3 or 4 toes, Ostriches only feature 2 toes on every foot that gives it higher chances of taking off at higher speed. They can run as fast as 70 kilometers per hours and hold a steady speed of 50 kilometers per hour. At the time of danger, the Ostrich can over take any wildlife species posing a threat. They use their legs to kick; with talon on every foot their downward kicks can cause serious harm to potential predators. They feed on roots, leaves and seeds as well as anything that comes their way. They usually graze among giraffes, gnus, antelopes and zebras. They live in groups of ten with a dominant male and female. The male protects the rest in the territory. The males have loud and deep warning calls and if you are not careful, you may think that it’s a lion roaring from far. From March to September it is ostrich breeding season and dominant male performs a ritualized courtship dance by shaking his wings and tail feathers to please the female.

THE OSTRICH

The green breasted pitta

Features as the rarest bird specie and relatively sighted in the Central African countries. Mainly lives well camouflaged in the lowland tropical rainforests and taking a photo of one of them is such amazing experience. The green breasted pittas feature among the only pitta species in the entire Africa and in Uganda mainly found in Kibale Forest National Park.

GREEN BREASTED PITTA

The African green broadbill

This is only sighted in two sites in the entire world, the Itombwe Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Due to habitat loss, these birds are at high risk of extinction. They were first discovered in 1908 but disappeared in the following two years. It is a small plump bird that features bright grass green plumage and a pale blue tinge to the throat, breast, base of the short tail and the feathers covering the ears. The forehead is buff, finely streaked with black and narrow black stripe runs through the eyes. Also known as Grauer’s broadbill, scientifically called Pseudocalyptomena graueri is a real broadbill of Asian family. It features among the big five most sought after birds in the world.

The Great Blue Turaco

This together with the white crested Turaco feature among the largest most magnificent bird in Uganda. They are mostly hunted for their meat and feathers as the most sought after commodities. Scientifically known as Corythaeola cristata, the Great Blue Turaco is elusive specie to be explored while on birding safaris and tours in Uganda. They have a turquoise blue head with a bluish black crest at the fore crown and the crown. The bright appearing yellow bill with red tip is visibly big and curved as sighted on a tour in Uganda. The reddish brown eyes are surrounded by plain dark turquoise blue eye rings. The throat, cheeks and the chin of the great blue Turaco have gray coloring while the turquoise blue color mark the Turaco’s upper part which include the tail and the wings. Being the largest species in Musophagidae family, they range from 70 to 76 centimeters in length and weigh 0.8 to 1.2 kilograms and the males are a bit smaller as sighted on birding safaris in Uganda. They range within canopies, secondary growth trees, forests and the forest patches in the montane, humid and the savanna areas.

Shelley’s crimson wing

Features as the world’s most unique birds, mostly thrive around the mountains and volcanoes popular as the Albertine rift at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They featured on record in 1902 and it is 13 centimeters long with a bright red crown, face and back, with contrasting black wings and tail together with olive yellow under parts with warmer tones on the flanks and belly. Females and males have bright red bills.

Black breasted barbet

The giant black breasted barbet has been sighted by few people and it has become the most sought after bird for birders. The unfortunate bit of it is that they mostly thrive around places of conflict and so it is challenging for visitors to reach them but for Uganda, it can be sighted safely. These bird species belong to Ramphastidae family and scientifically called Lybius rolleti.

Bar tailed trogon

Bar tailed trogon (Apaloderma vittatum) is a medium sized bird that is found in higher altitude forests and sighted throughout Central and South Africa though rarely sighted. In Uganda, it can be sighted around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest especially in Buhoma sector. This bird is 28 centimeters high and adult bird has dark green and red plumage with a blue band across the breast.

Standard winged nightjar

Features among the impressive bird species of the Caprimulgid family and has central flight feathers which appear during breeding season on the males. They become raised during display. This bird specie stands at 38 centimeters in length. It breeds in dry savanna habitat of Central Africa.

Short tailed warbler

These bird species are mainly sighted in Uganda’s forest undergrowth as well as the jungles of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Doherty’s Bush shrike

The Doherty’s Bush shrike (Telophorus Doherty) is mostly sighted around the subtropical montane forests and moist shrub lands of Central Africa. They feature among the common bird in Uganda and they have stable number in most of the areas where they are inhabited. They are relatively small billed bush shrike. Male of crimson morph has forehead and fore crown, lower cheek, chin and throat bright crimson rump. It is very secretive and keeps to the small bushes of about 2300 above sea level.

In conclusion, when it comes to birding safaris, Uganda is undoubtedly birders paradise in Africa. It represents about half of birds in Africa and over 11 percent of the world’s bird species. Enjoy your avian safaris in Uganda with us and you won’t regret in life!