Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: With a total of 350 bird species, Bwindi is among the top birding hotspots in Uganda. Situated in the southwestern section of Uganda, the national park covers 331 square kilometres. Bwindi National Park is well known for having over half of the mountain gorilla population remaining on earth. Though mountain gorilla trekking is the most popular pastime in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, other activities conducted inside the park include birding. Birding in Bwindi Gorilla Park is a guided activity offering birders a chance to meet more than 350 bird species, 14 of which are endemic to the park.
Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable Park is a guided activity in which park rangers accompany you along various birding paths. Among the many birding routes in Bwindi Gorilla Park are those via Buhoma Waterfall, Mubwindi Swamp, the bamboo zone, Muyanga Waterfall, Rushura Hill Walk, Muzubijiro Loop, and Ivy River Walk. Birding in Bwindi Gorilla Park begins with a ranger briefing on the activity’s rules and laws.
Among the bird species observed during the birding excursions in Bwindi gorilla park are the short-tailed warbler, red-headed bluebill, western green tinkerbird, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Kivu ground thrush, bar-tailed blue trogon, collared apalis, fine-banded woodpecker, regal sunbird, rusty-faced woodland, woodland warbler, African emerald cuckoo, common bulbul, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, white-tailed blue flycatcher, African citril, doherty’s bush-shrike, African hill-babbler, white-eyed slaty flycatcher, and Angolan swallow.
Other bird species to look out for on a safari include the African broadbill, Ross’s Turaco, black bee-eater, African dusky flycatcher, grey-cheeked hornbill, double-toothed barbet, sooty falcon, Great Blue Turaco, Montane oriole, Elliot’s woodpecker, African pygmy kingfisher, African wood owl, African goshawk, Petit’s cuckoo-shrike, dusky twin spot, Cape wagtail, Lunder’s bush shrike, yellow-fronted canary, snowy-crowned robin-chat, ansorge’s greenbul, Mackinnon’s shrike, helmeted guinea fowl, and tambourine dove, among others.
Cost of Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable Park
For foreign residents, birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park costs $25; for foreign non-residents, $30; for East African nationals, Ug shs 20,000. The above fee excludes the park entrance charge; thus, if you are visiting Bwindi gorilla park specifically for birding, you will have to pay an extra park entrance cost of $40 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents, and Ugshs 20,000 for East African citizens.
Best time for Birdwatching in Bwindi
Considering birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, although some months are better than others, you may go to Bwindi National Park for birding events at any time of year. Birding in Bwindi Gorilla Park is best done in March and September since the weather is neither dry nor damp. In the dry season, there is little to no rainfall, and the environment is always conducive for migratory birds, with clear views due to short vegetation cover. Additionally, the birding trails are always dry, making them passable to different birding spots.
Though there is lots of rain during the wet season that prevents some birds from migrating to the park, the rain makes the trekking paths muddy and slick, the vegetation is very dense with hazy views of the birds, and birders can still go to Bwindi gorilla park for birding to take advantage of enormous discounts on accommodation facilities.
What to Pack for Birdwatching Safaris in Bwindi
Packing for birding in Bwindi Gorilla Park requires consideration of both the habitat and the possible weather conditions. Here’s a suggested packing list:
· Clothing: Quick-drying pants and shirts, Waterproof jacket, Comfortable hiking boots or shoes, Warm layers (fleece or thermals, particularly for cold evenings), Sun hat or beanie, etc.
· During birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, binoculars and Birding Gear: Lightweight binoculars, a Bird book or app focused on East Africa, a Bird identification guide, a Field notebook and pencil, etc.
· Camera: Camera with zoom lens, tripod (if feasible)
· Camping and Hiking Equipment
· Small daypack: Lightweight tent (if camping), sleeping bag (appropriate for camping), portable charger
· Health and First-Aid Kit: Basic first-aid kit, Insect repellent, Sunscreen, Personal medications
· Food and Drink: Snacks (trail mix, energy bars), Hydration system (water bottle or camelback), Thermos (for hot beverages)
· Miscellaneous: Guidebook for the area, waterproof bags or dry sacks, binocular harness, Walking Stick, etc.
· Personal Items: toiletries, small first-aid kit, travel documents
· Insect repellent
· Sunscreen
· Personal medicine
· During birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, consider bringing your camping gear if you’re going to camp; otherwise, most lodges will have some.
Accommodation in Bwindi
Accommodation in Rushaga
Four Gorillas Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
Accommodations in Buhoma
Buhoma Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Ride 4 Women Guest House, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Haven Lodge, and Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
Accommodation in Ruhija
Trekkers Tavern, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Ruhija Community Rest Camp.
Accommodation in Nkuringo
Virunga Campsite, Nshongi Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.
