Uganda, dubbed the Pearl of Africa is a landlocked country situated in the Eastern side of Africa. This small country is endowed with countless attractions in form of natural, cultural and historical attractions that can be seen during Safaris in the country. Despite being a small and landlocked country, this country supports over 1061 species of birds including over 25 species endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains, which earned this country the title of the “birder’s Paradise” or a “birder’s Eden”.
Most importantly, there are several recognized Important Bird Areas in Uganda that include Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. These places will reward you with a wide range of bird species especially the birds that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains range.
The bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains, that you are likely to encounter during a birding safari in Uganda include the Handsome Francolin (Francolinus nobilis), the Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops), the Strange Weaver (Ploceus alienus), the Kivu Ground Thrush (Zoothera tanganjicae), the Yellow-crested Helmet Shrike (Prionops alberti), the Mountane Masked Apalis (Apalis personata), the Dwarf Honeyguide (Indicator pumilio), Rwenzori Turaco (Tauraco Johnston), the Archer’s Robin-Chat (Cossypha anomala), the African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri), the Neumann’s Warbler (Hemitesia neumanni), the Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regia), the Shelley’s Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza shelleyi), the Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri), the Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus laetus), the Rwenzori Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruwenzorii), the Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae), the Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys), the Stripe-breasted Tit (Parus fasciiventer), the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus), the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni), the Collared Apalis (Apalis ruwenzori), the Purple-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia purpureiventris), the Dusky Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) and the Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata).
However, the notable Important Bird Areas that reward tourists with views of countless Albertine Rift Endemic bird species include the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (the best destination to sight at least 95% of the Albertine endemic species in addition to almost half of the population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas), Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National park (smallest National Park in Uganda known for also harboring the critically endangered Mountain gorillas), Therefore, if you are particularly interested in seeing at least half of these 25 bird species, add these three wonderful Protected Areas on your bucket list during your birding safari in Uganda.
What to Carry for Birding in Uganda
Birding in Uganda requires tourists to carry a camera and pair of binoculars, a back pack, enough drinking water and packed lunch or snacks and also wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers, strong water proof hiking boots and a rain jacket among others.
In conclusion, Uganda is a home to over 24 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains including the Handsome Francolin, the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, the Collared Apalis, the African Green Broadbill and the Rwenzori Turaco among others. The perfect place to see at least 90% of the bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.