Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a remarkable experience where you watch different bird species with bare eyes or using binoculars. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in south-western Uganda and is renowned for its rich biodiversity that includes over 350 species of birds that include 25 restricted range species, 23 bird species that are confined to the Albertine Rift.

Notably, it is one of the best places in Africa to spot various Albertine Rift endemics such as African Green Broadbill- Pseudocalyptomena graueri- vulnerable, Grauer’s rush warbler and many more. Bwindi Impenetrable National park is a home to diversity array of bird species that include plenty of rare and colourful birds. You will as well encounter notable birds such as African green pigeon, grauer’s rush warbler, African Emerald cuckoo and many more. Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National park highly recommends you hire a knowledgeable local birding guide. These guides are always familiar with the park and all its corners. They will be able to help you to spot and identify different bird species more efficiently with little failure. Most of the Birding tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National park are done around the Buhoma area on the River Muyanga. It can be along the forest margins, the village paths and many other spots. You can also do birding in the Ruhija sector and do forest birding and swamp birding as well. While on a birding safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, you will be able to see other wild animals. Bwindi Impenetrable National park offers several well-maintained trails that are perfect for bird watching. The Buhoma Waterfall Trail, Mubwindi Swamp Trail, and Bamboo Zone are some of the popular birding routes within the park. Each trail offers different bird species, so consider exploring multiple trails during your visit. The birds to see on a birding safari in Bwindi Impenetrable national park include; Jameson’s Antpecker, Waller’s Starling, crested guinea fowl, grey crowned crane, African olive- pigeon, Ruwenzori Batis, cassin’s Flycatcher, Yellow- rumped tinker bird, Klass’ cuckoo, cape wagtail, sooty falcon, African Citril, Broadbill, Angolan swallow, Ross’s Turaco, Elliot’s woodpecker and many more. Things to carry when going for Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Binoculars; you have to ensure you have nice and clear ones that enable you to follow the birds as they are in the sky. Camera; you need to have a good one with good telephoto lens to capture the beautiful bird sightings. Field guide book; it can be a field guide book or an app that has a well written description of field marks and multiple illustrations of photographs of each bird species. Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is excellent throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September. During these periods, the weather is more predictable, and the birds are more active and visible as they search for food and mates. Besides Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, the park is famous for its mountain gorilla population, and many visitors come for gorilla trekking. If you plan to combine birding with gorilla tracking, consider allocating enough time for both activities since you need to enjoy each activity independently. When you want to do Gorilla trekking, you need to have a gorilla permit, and it is advisable to book in advance as permits are limited especially in peak seasons. Bwindi Impenetrable National park has various accommodation facility options, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. It is best to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak birding seasons. In Rushaga sector, you can book with Four Gorillas Lodge which is a luxury lodge. Remember that you are visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National park which is a protected area with delicate ecosystems. Be mindful of the environment, follow park rules and regulations that include avoid disturbing wildlife, don’t make noise for the wild animals, don’t litter in the park, and do not bring pets into the park among others. Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National park offers a chance to witness some of Africa’s most spectacular avian species in a stunning natural setting. Enjoy your bird watching adventure and save unique beauty of this incredible park. Other Activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National park Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park You need a gorilla permit to do gorilla trekking which costs 700USD. Trekking for gorillas involves walking through the forest in search for engendered mountain gorillas. The park has 4 sectors where you can do gorilla trekking; Buhoma gorilla sector, Rushaga gorilla sector, Ruhija gorilla sector and Nkuringo gorilla sector. You are advised to book earlier especially in the peak seasons. Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National park Gorilla Habituation is the process of slowly introducing the gorilla family to presence of humans with purpose of research, care or conservation purposes. It gives you an opportunity to spend 4 hours in the presence of the mountain gorillas. While doing gorilla habituation, you trek into the forest with experienced rangers who have all the knowledge about the mountain gorillas. The gorilla habituation costs for Foreign Non Residents is (1500USD), for Foreign Residents is (1000USD) and for East African Citizen pays (750,000UGX) Mountain Biking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park Mountain Biking is best done from Buhoma sector gives you the best mountain biking experience. The bikes are provided to you on a rental agreement by Ride 4 a Woman Community group. The guides show you the area path to use, they show you the community with their cultures, and you will be able to see plenty of bird species along your way. Lake Mutanda Visit Lake Mutanda is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park. It is a beautiful and refreshing spot to go for a picnic, sightseeing where tourists should go and unwind from gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation. You will be able to see the beautiful sunset while at Lake Mutanda. The lake is explored with the guidance of the park’s guide who is equipped with information to make your walk a memorable one. With some of the activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National park listed above, you a guaranteed of pure adventure as well as a comforting stay. You can take your time to plan with a trusted tour operator to have the best experience in Jewel Safaris.