What to carry on a birding trip to Uganda

What to carry on a birding trip to Uganda: Considering that our birding safaris in Uganda are conducted in remote rural areas and are primarily enjoyed on foot in forests, mashes in canoes or small boats, and rarely within towns where birding gear may not be within reach, choosing Uganda as your birding destination is a big decision that should highly impact the experience you will gain. Adding up the travel fair, time, and other expenditures, there needs to be great preparation, psychologically, physically, and financially, to have this Uganda birding trip create an unforgettable experience. As a result, this piece of writing provides you with a comprehensive list of essentials for an unforgettable Ugandan birdwatching trip.

Waterproof hiking boots or shoes ( What to carry on a birding trip to Uganda)

Considering what to carry on a birding trip to Uganda, dare not forget the hiking shoes. This is because you will engage in both long and short walks across the various environs where bird species can be easily spotted, ranging from marshes and forests to savannah plains. You will undoubtedly require appropriate walking shoes to maximize and increase the number of bird sightings in Uganda. Rain boots or gum boots are essential for birdwatching in wetlands such as Semliki. Waterproof boots are especially important when birdwatching in   Swamps such as Mubwindi, and Bigodi wetland among others especially on wet days.

Field Guidebooks 

For your next birding safari in Uganda, which will depend largely on the number of birding days you have, these are extremely significant items to pack. Our safari guides have a few guidebooks in the cars you will be travelling in; make the most use of them. Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe are two important authors that we highly suggest. There are a few stores and bookshops that sell them. East African Birds: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi: A Field Guide. Peter Ryan and Ian Sinclair, “Birds of Africa, South of the Sahara,” Bradt With so much information about tourism and other topics, Philip Briggs and Andrew Roberts’ Uganda Travel Guide will be a great resource.

Furthermore, Daniel Otte’s illustrations for Richard D. Estes’ The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals (Russell Friedman Books, JHB 1993) This book has been billed as the one that would instantly turn us all into experts on animal behaviour, and it ought to establish itself as the go-to resource for wildlife enthusiasts, safari guides, and game rangers. Safari visitors in Uganda will be able to identify and comprehend intriguing behavioural patterns, including aggressiveness, marking territory, courtship rituals, and caring for the young, thanks to this book. The book is only appropriate for experienced naturalists due to its extensive information, which is frequently presented in a scientific format that is “hard to digest” and makes extensive use of symbols and emblems. Since everything is digital now, you can download the guidebook and avoid hauling heavy items.

Appropriate clothing (What to carry on a birding trip to Uganda)

Like other tourist activities, birdwatching in Uganda requires participants to pack proper clothing for their comfort and enjoyment. For birdwatching safaris in Uganda, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and eco-friendly pants are appropriate. Four pairs of long pants that dry quickly, four long-sleeved shirts that dry quickly, three t-shirts or sleeve shirts, two pairs of shorts, one sleeveless shirt, a light jacket, four sets of mid-calf socks (long enough to tuck pants into), a rain jacket, and rain pants Among other things, a hat with a broad brim is helpful for shielding your head from the intense tropical sun that you’ll probably encounter on lengthy strolls or aboard boats. This is mostly for Journeys Uganda long birding safaris from 14 days to 40 days.

Documents:

Copies of your passport and travel insurance policy, as well as the necessary preapproval for your online visa application (see visa information), itinerary for the flight (with copies), Proof of yellow fever vaccine (in copies)

A Scope and a pair of binoculars

During your birding tour in Uganda, you may catch every moment with your binoculars in hand. Uganda is home to a variety of bird species, from the largest to the smallest. Noteworthy brands include Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica, and Branton. Some birdwatchers even go so far as to pack two sets of binoculars in case the primary set breaks while travelling. When observing certain forest species up close, telescopes can provide excellent views and detail since they can provide all the information needed to identify a species. With Journeys Uganda’s experience, scopes can also make birding trips to Uganda simple and fun.

First Aid Kit and Medication ( What to carry on a birding trip to Uganda)

In general, good health is required to participate in an Africa/Uganda safari or tour. All visitors should be aware that, although a high level of fitness is not necessary, all African safaris and tours involve some physical activity. They should also be aware that while birding in Uganda’s rural areas, there will be limited access to good hospitals, pharmacies, and doctors. For the few weeks you will be in Uganda, please bring a small kit that should include the following: lip balm with sunscreen, band-aids/plasters, tape, antihistamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, a sewing kit, and any additional prescription drugs you may need.

Toiletries

During a Ugandan birding safari, additional supplies like lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, and hair gels are just as important as the standard necessities like clothes, shoes, and a camera.

Water bottle (What to carry on a birding trip to Uganda)

Since Uganda is an equatorial region with warm temperatures year-round, when you prepare for your birdwatching vacation, remember to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. At Journeys Uganda, we advise bringing one to two litres of water each day, which is supplied in the cars. It is necessary to always have access to drinking water because birding typically entails strenuous nature walks and runs.

At Journeys Uganda,  most of our guides are youthful, enthusiastic, and vivacious; they can manage and lead both seasoned and novice visitors. Ugandan visits are typically appropriate for a wide range of birdwatchers and naturalists. You can have fun with our team even if you’re not an expert or a super-ticker. Our excursions are intended for adventurous travellers who want to spend the majority of their vacation time experiencing the outdoors. We aim to provide birdwatchers with the most comfortable travel experience possible to the most magnificent locations in the world, where they may witness the most amazing birds! We take great care in selecting authentic and amazing locations, paired with first-rate guides who will make lifelong memories!