Birdwatching in Kibale National Park of Uganda
Birdwatching in Kibale National Park of Uganda: One of Uganda’s top birding destinations is Kibale National Park, which is located in Fort Portal town in south-western Uganda, 450 kilometres from Kampala. With a checklist of over 372 bird species, it is also a famous haven for forest birds, mostly the Albertine Rift endemics. Because of its rare bird species, most notably the Green Breasted Pitta, this birdwatching location is an exciting “Birders paradise” and one of the most interesting birding spots in the world, drawing birdwatchers from all over the world. The African Pitta, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Blue-throated Roller, White-naped Pigeon, and Masked Apalis are some further treasures.
One of the forest’s leading birdwatching spots is Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for over 139 bird species that can be spotted during guided tours with knowledgeable and well-trained guides, such as the White-winged Warbler, White-collar Olive-back, Green-breasted Pitta, Papyrus Gonolek, and others. Several other birds can easily be seen during nature walks, primate viewing, cultural encounters and community activities.
This park was established in 1993 to protect forest species, predominantly forest primates, particularly Chimpanzees, Red, Blue, Black, and White Colobus Monkeys, as well as bird species. Therefore, birdwatching and chimpanzee trekking are the top activities conducted within this dense jungle, and besides Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, other birding sites, including Sebitoli and Kanyanchu, are always explored early in the morning, an adventure that gives birdwatchers an unparalleled experience with delightful memories. Travellers are advised to book their bird-watching tour package in advance.
Birds to see in Kibale National Park
While in Kibale Forest National Park, birdwatching always begins early in the morning into the forest with expectation of seeing the rare Green-breasted Pitta, Blue-shouldered and Red-caped Robin-chat, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher and Grey-winged Robin-chat. Sebitoli Birding Trail offers the best views of Yellow-billed, Double-toothed, Yellow-spotted, Hairy-breasted Barbet, and Great-blue Turaco. Tiny, Green, Little-green, Green-throated and Olive-Bellied Sunbird, Mountain Wagtail, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, the small streams in the forest are well known for White-collared Oliveback, Black-bellied Seed-cracker, Cassin’s Flycatcher, African Black Duck, among many other bird species.
Other species include the Red-chested, Green-throated and Green-headed Sunbird, Grey-winged and Snowy-headed Robin-chat, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, White-throated, Toro Olive, Slender-billed and Joyful Greenbul, Afep and White-naped Pigeon, Narrow-tailed, Waller’s and Purple-headed Glossy Starling, which is common at forest edges, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Grey-throated Tit Flycatcher, Splendid Glossy Starling, Superb, Eastern Olive Sunbird, Grey-headed (Grey-throated) Barbet, Black-headed, Village, and Vieillot’s Black Weavers, Bronze, Magpy and Black-and-white Mannikin, Yellow-throated and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-faced Cisticola and Little and Joyful Greenbul African Shrike, and Vanga Flycatchers, Green Hylia, and Black-necked Weavers among others.
Additionally, you should look out for primates such as L’hoest’s monkeys, Vervets, Red Colobus Monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys.
Best time for Birding in Kibale National Park
In Kibale National Park, birding is possible throughout the year. But the ideal times to go birding in Kibale is during the wet season, which runs from March to May and again from September to November. These are the rainy months when there are lots of fruits and other food in the forest, making it easier to detect birds. The primary fruiting season runs from June to September. During this time, when food is plentiful, birds can begin developing new plumage. From November to April, migratory birds can be seen.
Things to carry on your birding safari
- · Binoculars
- · Telescope
- · Camera
- · Back Pack
- · Sunglasses
- · Extra Batteries
- · Field guide book
- · Drinking Water Bottle
- · Hiking shoes ,boots and water proof shoes
- · Pair of long pants and long sleeves shirts
- · Field clothings like water-proof jackets and warm clothing for evening times.
How to access Kibale National Park
The best way to reach Kibale National Park is by vehicle via the northern route, which takes around five to six hours and goes from Kampala via the Fort Portal route to Kibale via Sebitoli along Kamwenge road to Kanyanchu Visitors Centre. But you can also use the Aero link to fly to Kasese from Entebbe; after that, our tour guide will drive you up to the park.
Alternatively, Kibale National Park can be accessed by air, whereby two airstrips are accessible from Kibale National Park via air transportation: Kasese Airstrip, located 75 kilometres from Fort Portal Town, and Nyakisharara Airstrip in Mbarara. The duration of the charter flight is 1:15 hours from Entebbe International Park to Kasese Airstrip.
Where to stay on your birding safari in Kibale
The park offers stunning lodging options amidst breathtaking surroundings for anyone looking for an opulent yet adventurous vacation, so visitors who may wish to explore the forest’s hidden gem of unique bird species in Kibale have nothing to worry about in terms of accommodation. Primate Lodge, Turaco Tree Tops, Guereza Canopy Lodge, Isunga Safari Lodge, Chimpundu Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Kibale River Camp, Jungle Lodge Kibale, Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, and many more are among the luxurious, mid-range, and affordable alternatives available.
Besides birdwatching, Kibale Forest National Park is the best to boast a varied and thriving highlight for Chimpanzee tracking experience as you wander through its jungle rain forest in search of wild Chimpanzees and other primates such as Red-tailed, Blue, Black and white colobus monkeys. This gives travellers a mystical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.