Birding at Queen Elizabeth National Park | Uganda Birding Safari | Africa Birding Safari
Birdwatching at Queen Elizabeth National Park is a rewarding experience due to the park’s diverse range of habitats and rich avian biodiversity. Here’s what you can expect when birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Varied Habitats
The park boasts a variety of habitats, including savannahs, wetlands, forests, and lakes. Each habitat supports different bird species, providing birdwatchers with a wide range of avian diversity to observe and enjoy.
Abundant Bird Species
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. Some notable species include the African fish eagle, African skimmer, martial eagle, grey crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird), shoebill stork, African spoonbill, red-throated bee-eater, malachite kingfisher, African jacana, and pink-backed pelican, among others.
Boat Cruises
Taking a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a fantastic way to spot waterbirds and wetland species. You’ll have the opportunity to see various herons, egrets, kingfishers, pelicans, African fish eagles, and more.
Forest Birding
The Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge within the park are excellent locations for forest birding. Here, you can encounter species such as the African green broadbill, black-and-white casqued hornbill, white-naped pigeon, great blue turaco, and many others.
Birding Hotspots
Certain areas within the park are particularly renowned for birdwatching. The Kasenyi Plains, Mweya Peninsula, Maramagambo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge are popular spots where you can find a high concentration of bird species.
Expert Guides
Hiring a knowledgeable birding guide or joining a guided birding excursion can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience. These experts are familiar with the park’s birdlife and can help you locate and identify various species.
Seasonal Migration
Queen Elizabeth National Park is part of the Albertine Rift Valley, which serves as a migration corridor for many bird species. During the migratory season, you can witness the arrival of several Palearctic migrants, adding to the overall birding excitement.
Bird Photography
The park’s diverse landscapes and stunning bird species provide ample opportunities for bird photography. Capture the beauty of the birds in their natural habitats, and don’t forget to bring your camera equipment and binoculars for a closer look.