Bird watching in Kidepo valley national park
Bird watching in Kidepo valley national park; Kidepo valley national park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular national park located in northeastern region bordering with Kenya and south Sudan. Kidepo valley national park is the second best birding destination in Uganda after Queen Elizabeth national park in that it harbors over 475 recorded bird species including migratory birds, forest birds and endemic birds which are only found in Karamoja region. The national park also harbors 77 mammal species including the big four of the big five mammals including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, other animals like Uganda kobs, cheetahs, waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, elands, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, aardwolf, mountain reedbucks, bat eared fox, klipspringer, black backed and side striped jackal, greater and lesser kudu, Guenthers dik-dik, caracal among others.
Bird watching in Kidepo valley national park
Bird watching is one of the major activities in Kidepo national park and it can either be done early in the morning or in the evening with an experienced park guide who is knowledgeable about different bird species. There are top birding areas in Kidepo valley national park for example around Apoka rest camp, around the fringes of Narus valley, Namamkwenyi valley among others and during bird watching, you will be able to view different bird species including superb sterling, ostrich, Abyssinian ground hornbill, clappertons francolin, purple heron, secretary bird, little green bee-eater, Kori bustard, Karamoja apalis, pygmy falcon, Egyptian vuture, Verreauxs eagle, black coucal, Marsh tchagra, Red billed oxpecker, purple grenadier, black breasted barbet, White bellied go away bird, Ethiopian swallow, superb starling, Jackson’s hornbills, Red and yellow barbet, Dark chanting goshawk, northern carmine bee-eater, rufous chatterer, golden pipit, chestnut weaver, Abyssinian scimitarbill, fox kestrel, rose ringed parakeet, steel-blue whydah among others.
Best time to go for bird watching in Kidepo valley national park
Bird watching in Kidepo valley national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the wet also known as the low season in the months of March to May and November because that’s the best period when bird lovers will be able to view variety of colorful and migratory bird species.
Where to stay during your bird watching safari in Kidepo valley national park
The park has a number of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your bird watching Uganda safari. The accommodations range from luxury, midrange, budget and campsites including Kidepo Savannah lodge, Apoka Safari lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness camp, Adere Safari lodge, Apoka Safari Camp among others.
What to pack for your birding safari in Kidepo valley national park
A field guide book to help you identify and describe different bird species in Kidepo valley national park.
Camera and extra batteries to take photos of different bird species viewed and also capture the moments.
A pair of binoculars to help you view small bird species and birds at a far distance.
Light rain jacket to protect you from rainfall because bird watching is best done in the wet or low season therefore it can rain anytime of the day.
Hiking shoes to keep your feet dry because bird watching in Kidepo valley national park involves walking in different areas like wetlands, savannah plains, forests among others.
Energy snacks and drinking water to keep you hydrated during your bird watching activity
Waterproof backpack to carry your birding items such as drinking water, camera, field book, rain jacket among others.
A part from bird watching, Kidepo valley national park offers other interesting activities that you can engage in during the safari such as,
Game drives where you will be able to explore the park in a safari vehicle with a professional driver guide and enjoy stunning views of animals like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, elands, Uganda kobs, zebras, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, lions, leopards, cheetahs, reedbucks, bushbucks among others.
Nature walks/ hiking where you will get up-close and personal with different wildlife species, listen to sweet sounds of bird species, relax your mind, enjoy the cool breeze, take beautiful pictures among others.
Cultural tour where you will get an opportunity to interact with the local people who live in the neighboring villages. During the cultural tour, you will be able to learn about their cultural practices, lifestyle, tradition, visit their traditional homesteads, listen to their ancient stories, taste their traditional meals, enjoy their cultural entertainments inform of music, dance and drama.
Bird watching is an adventurous activity in Kidepo valley national park that can be combined with game drives in Narus or Kidepo valley, guided nature walk or cultural tour to make your safari unforgettable. For more information about bird watching in Kidepo valley national park, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit or website to book your bird watching package in Kidepo valley national park.
