02 Aug The Ultimate Birding Adventure in Uganda
Venture Uganda Travel recently exhibited at Global Birdfair for the 15th year, so, to follow up, we thought we’d dedicate this month’s blog post to all things birding.
For anyone who hasn’t attended before, Birdfair is a massive gathering of nature lovers that takes place over 3 days in Rutland, UK. Exhibitors offer birding and wildlife holidays worldwide, optics, arts and crafts, and fabulous food and drink. There is also a huge range of conservation organisations, demonstrations and talks and lots of activities for next generation conservationists.
While we were there, we also popped into neighbouring Rectory Farm to pick up some home-grown Eyebrook Wild Bird Feed.
Birdfair raises vast amounts to support conservation projects worldwide, so simply visiting has a positive impact on nature. Thanks to everyone who came to chat with us about our wildlife holidays to Uganda and Rwanda, and especially to those who have already booked with us for this year or next.
Here are some of the things we talked about with people on the stand.
Searching for Shoebill
Without a doubt, the Shoebill is the bird we are most asked about.
One wonderfully peaceful and relaxing activity is searching for this tall, prehistoric-looking bird by local boat through the wetlands. The chances of seeing a Shoebill are high, along with many other wetland and open water species.
We have excellent local bird guides and, in certain locations, very engaged local communities supporting conservation.
Albertine Rift Endemics
Much of western Uganda and Rwanda lies in the Albertine, or western, arm of the East African Rift.
Shaped by powerful tectonic forces, the region is characterised by a dramatic landscape of mountains, valleys, volcanoes, gorges, craters and lakes. These varied habitats make it a productive area for birding and, of course, the perfect place to search for Albertine Rift Endemics.
For the full list of ARE birds and more information about birding in Uganda, have a look here.
Gorilla Tracking in Uganda or Rwanda
As well as the avid birders, a large proportion of people attending Birdfair are general wildlife enthusiasts. That’s why the second most popular topic we were asked about was gorilla tracking.
Seeing endangered mountain gorillas in the wild is a magical experience, a rare privilege, and something we believe should be considered by anyone visiting Uganda or Rwanda.
If you’d like to find out more information about gorilla tracking, including your chances of seeing them, fitness levels, what kit is required, whether to track once or twice, gorilla conservation, the best time of year to visit, or how to include gorilla tracking in a broader wildlife itinerary, then please get in touch with our friendly team.
African Bird Club
Venture Uganda Travel has been a proud sponsor of the African Bird Club (ABC) for many years. This wonderful UK-based charity supports bird conservation, education and research across Africa, while providing a wealth of birding information, location checklists and useful resources on its website. We think it’s well worth a look before you travel! You can also find information there about supporting the club from donating, to membership and volunteering.
Join a Birding and Wildlife Safari
We have a few places remaining on a small group tour to Uganda from 16th February to 2nd March 2027.
The exciting itinerary is packed with experiences such as searching for Shoebill, tracking gorillas, chimpanzees and rhino, visiting a variety of national parks to see the Big 5, other mammals and hundreds of bird species, and a couple of community activities like visits to a mango and a coffee farm.
The price is GBP 6,295 per person, not including international flights (single supplement applies).
For more details about this incredible adventure, please contact Sarah@ventureuganda.org. If you can’t make this one, a further group tour is likely to be confirmed for 27 Nov-11 Dec 2027.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Uganda?
Dry seasons are generally considered the best time of year for birding, although both Uganda and Rwanda are all-year destinations. With 1,000+ and 700+ bird species respectively, these countries will not disappoint!
If you are targeting particular species, we can advise on the best time to come. For example, the Green-breasted Pitta is best looked for in July/August.
You can discover more information in the most commonly used field guide, “Birds of East Africa” by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe (2020), or speak to us.
Stay at Semliki Safari Lodge
Semliki National Park and the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve are popular destinations on any birding or wildlife holiday to Uganda, thanks to their impressive checklist of bird and mammal species.
Semliki Safari Lodge sits on a hill overlooking the forest canopy and is the only lodge in the reserve. It’s a small, intimate property, immersed in nature, which provides experiences and species that can’t be found anywhere else.
This is the perfect place to relax and indulge in a little luxury, all while being in the bush.
Venture Delivers Another Outstanding Birding Trip
If you’re wondering what a birding experience with us is like, here’s what Judith Mirembe, Chairperson of Uganda Women Birders Association had to say about guiding our clients on a recent trip:
“I am filled with gratitude after guiding an amazing 17 days of birds and wildlife tour in Western Uganda, courtesy of Venture Uganda Travel. Follow our trip report to see what we saw along the tour. We recorded sounds of 85 bird species as a contribution to the Big Year of African bird sounds. My highlight was the sound record of the Green-breasted Pitta display, the African Broadbill and the Handsome Spurfowl.”
You can read the trip report here.
We’re also pleased to retain our 5* Trip Advisor ratings with this wonderful review from a client who was guided by Judith on the trip.