Birding Experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The birding experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a rewarding adventure, drawing visitors from around the world to Uganda’s southwestern region. The park’s diverse landscape, featuring tropical rainforests, acacia woodlands, and euphorbia bushes, provides an ideal habitat for a remarkable array of bird species. The park’s unique combination of salty and freshwater lakes, such as Lake Katwe, enhances its ecological diversity, attracting both resident and migratory birds.

Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, the park boasts over 600 bird species, making it the largest bird checklist of any protected area in East Africa. The park is home to species from Central Africa, the Albertine Rift, and even migratory species, creating an unparalleled birding destination.

In 1997, an observatory area was established for the study and observation of these avian populations, further cementing the park’s reputation as a prime birding destination. From the distinct ecosystems to the impressive range of bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers some of the most extraordinary birding experiences in Africa. For bird enthusiasts, exploring its varied environments guarantees sightings of rare and unique birds, making it a must-visit on any African safari.

Bird Species in Kasenyi Plains

Kasenyi Plains, renowned for its wildlife and as a prime spot for viewing Africa’s big five animals, also serves as a haven for bird enthusiasts. Dominated by savannah grasslands with scattered trees, this area teems with avian life. Birders visiting Kasenyi Plains should keep an eye out for species such as the Hooded Vulture, Palm-nut Vulture, Brown snake Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, African Crake, African wattled Plover, Crowned Plover, Black-Bellied Bustard, Grey Kestrel, Hooded Vulture, Ruppell’s Griffon vulture, Walhberg’s Eagle, FLappet Lark, White-tailed Lark, Kittlitz’s Plover, Senegal Plover, Temminck’s Courser, Rufous napped Lark, Black-Headed Gonolek, Zitting Cisticola, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Croaking Cisticola, Black-crowned Tchagra, Grey Backed Fiscal, Grey-capped Warbler, Back- Lored Babbler, and more.

Bird Species in Marabigambo Forest

The Marabigambo Forest, located in the Kicwamba escarpment within the western rift valley, is home to over 60 bird species. Birding in this forest often involves trekking and provides opportunities to encounter lakes like Kamunzuku and Nyamusingire, which attract specific bird species and various primate species, including chimpanzees. Bird species commonly observed in and around Marabigambo Forest include the Marsh Tchagra, Brubru, Black Bishop, Sulphur-breasted Bush-Shrike, Black Bee-Eater, Barbets, Red-Shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Blue-Throated Roller, Honeyguide Greenbul, Green Crombec, Black and White Shrike Flycatcher, Croaking Cisticola, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Chestnut-Wattle-eye, African Paradise flycatcher, Broad-Tailed Warbler, Western Black-headed Oriole, Dark- Capped Warbler, and others.

The Mweya Peninsula

The Mweya Peninsula is a popular spot for bird watching in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s situated between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward and attracts many tourists. On the peninsula, you can find various bird species such as the Pygmy Kingfisher, African Morning Dove, Raptors, Swamp Nightjar, Little Bee-Eater, Red-Capped Lark, Nubian Woodpecker, Diederik Cuckoo, Martins, Blue-Napped Mouse Bird, Swifts, Swallows, Pin-tailed Whydah, Black-headed Gonolek, Lesser Masked Weaver, Slender-billed Weaver, Swamp Flycatcher, Red-chested Sunbird, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and Squire-tailed Nightjar, among others.

Bird Watching in the Ishasha Sector

The Ishasha sector is a unique part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Situated on the southwestern rim of the park in southwestern Uganda, it’s also home to various bird species like the Palm-nut Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Grey Kestrel, Helmeted Guineafowl, Long-crested Eagle, Black-bellied Bustard, Ross’s Turaco, Broad-Billed Roller, Double-toothed Barbet, Striped Kingfisher, Greater honeyguide, Brown snake Eagle, Grey-backed Fiscal, Green Crombec, and Lappet-faced Eagle, cisticolas, among others.

Bird Watching in Katwe Area

The Katwe Area is known for its numerous small lakes and swamps, making it an ideal habitat for many bird species. Here you can find popular birds like the Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Avocet, Montagu’s Harrier, Common Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Southern Red Bishop, African Moustached Warbler, Broad-tailed Warbler, Little Stint, Pallid Harrier, Gull-billed Tern, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, and Croaking Cisticola, among others.

Exploring Birdlife at Lake Kikorongo

Lake Kikorongo, an extension of Lake George, is home to various water birds, also known as waders. Some commonly spotted bird species around Lake Kikorongo include the Saddle-billed Stork, African Jacana, Sacred Ibis, Shoebill, Common Squacco Heron, Knob-billed Duck, Black Brake, Papyrus Gonolek, Carruthers’s Cisticola, Yellow Wagtail, Lesser and Greater Swamp Warblers, and White-winged Warblers.

Bird Watching at Katunguru Bridge Area

The Katunguru Bridge Area is where you cross the Kazinga Channel from Kasese district to Rubirizi district. Beneath the Katunguru Bridge lies a swamp, which serves as a habitat for various bird species such as the Gull-billed Tern, Pink-backed Pelican, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, Carruther’s Cisticola, Lesser and Greater Swamp Warblers, among others.

Essential Items for Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

When planning a birding adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park, it’s crucial to pack the right gear for a successful experience. Here are some essential items to remember:

Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is indispensable for spotting birds from afar. They help magnify distant birds, allowing you to observe them in detail.

Tour Guide: A knowledgeable tour guide can enhance your birding experience by helping you identify species, navigate the park’s terrain, and spot elusive birds.

Birding Vest/Pack: Carrying a birding vest or pack is essential for comfortably transporting your equipment, such as binoculars, field guides, and snacks, during long walks or hikes.

Comfortable Footwear: Since birding often involves walking through varied terrain, comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential to prevent discomfort or injury.

Brimmed Hat: A brimmed hat provides shade and helps protect your face and eyes from the sun’s glare, allowing for better visibility while birding.

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the park’s hot and humid climate. Carry a refillable water bottle to quench your thirst during birding excursions.

Insect Repellent: Insect repellent helps ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects, ensuring a more comfortable birding experience, particularly in the park’s wooded areas.

Notebook and Pen: Keeping a notebook and pen handy allows you to jot down observations, species sightings, and other important details during your birding outings.

Best Time for Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

While bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park is possible year-round, certain times of the year offer better conditions for birding enthusiasts. The optimal time to visit the park for birding is during the drier months, typically from late May to September and June to July. During these months, rainfall is minimal, and the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities. Additionally, trails and roads are less likely to be slippery or impassable, facilitating easier access to birding sites within the park.

How to Get There

Queen Elizabeth National Park can be accessed by both air and road transportation options:

By Air: Travelers can book flights from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to one of the nearest airfields in Kasese. The flight typically takes around one hour, providing a convenient and time-efficient means of reaching the park.

By Road: For those preferring a land journey, it takes approximately 7-8 hours to drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, to Fort Portal, which is about 410 kilometers away from Queen Elizabeth National Park. While the road trip is longer, it offers the opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the way and explore different regions of the country.

Accommodation Options in and Around Queen Elizabeth National Park

Several accommodation lodges cater to birders visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park. Some of the recommended options include:

Kyambura Game Lodge: Offering comfortable accommodations amidst the park’s natural beauty, Kyambura Game Lodge provides a relaxing retreat for birding enthusiasts.

Mweya Safari Lodge: Situated in the heart of the park, Mweya Safari Lodge offers luxurious amenities and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal base for birding adventures.

Hippo Safari Lodge: Nestled along the Kazinga Channel, Hippo Safari Lodge provides guests with a unique opportunity to observe wildlife while enjoying comfortable lodging facilities.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp: Ideal for budget-conscious visitors, Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers basic yet cozy accommodations in close proximity to birding sites within the park.

Jacana Lodge: Located near the park’s wetlands and water bodies, Jacana Lodge offers tranquil surroundings and excellent birdwatching opportunities for guests.

These accommodation options cater to a range of preferences and budgets, ensuring that birders have a comfortable and enjoyable stay while exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park’s rich avian diversity.