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Bird Watching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Hiking Visit Uganda

Honeymoon Trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Honeymoon trip to Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park

The best activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on your honeymoon were carefully chosen by our team. After a laborious wedding, rekindling your marriage by going on a honeymoon safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest allows you to spend enough time together with little interruption.

You both need those joyful times apart from the stressful milieu of the previous engagement or wedding preparations. Various gorilla families may be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and getting to know them makes you appreciate gorillas even more. About 18 gorilla families currently exist in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, all of which live in different parts of the park.

The park is renowned for housing nearly half of all mountain gorillas in the world. According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you must travel to Bwindi forest to obtain a gorilla trekking permit from the Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga areas. It is possible to close off a gorilla family and purchase all other gorilla permits for that family for the day to have an exclusive gorilla trekking experience. There can be no more than 8 individuals per trek per day with the mountain gorillas.

You can go on a romantic nature stroll through the Bwindi forest, stopping sometimes to see the birds, butterflies, waterfalls, enormous trees coated in thick lichens, and other natural sights. If you love listening to the wonderful songs of thousands of birds, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the perfect location for you to spend your honeymoon. You get the opportunity to see birds such the Collared Apalis, Red-faced Woodland, Western Green Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Tinkerbird, African Green Broadbill, and many more at your own leisure.

Best things to do while on your honeymoon trip

  • Gorilla Trekking
  •   Nature Walk
  • Community Visit
  • Birding
  • Primate Walk

A Honeymoon Trip to See Gorillas

The most popular thing to do while on your honeymoon in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is gorilla trekking. As one of the few woods to have survived the arid conditions of the ice age, Bwindi forest is home to a variety of fauna. Its vegetative cover has existed as a patchwork of tangles for more than 25,000 years.

There are only three nations in the world where mountain gorillas are still alive: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the greatest number. Gorilla trekking becomes so exciting as a couple because it serves as a reminder to prioritize your family over your marriage. It’s romantic to assist one another in getting ready for gorilla trekking equipment. Another perk is ordering the gorilla trekking permits and getting them. A lifetime memory is meeting the mountain gorillas after getting married or getting engaged and sealing your love. You meet at the ranger station the morning of the gorilla hike for a briefing, and your ranger guide then directs you into the forest.

Nature Walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on Your Honeymoon

Being in love is a natural emotion, therefore taking a break to stroll around the outdoors is reviving. Other hikes besides those for gorilla trekking are accessible, particularly in the Buhoma sector, the busiest region of the Bwindi forest.

Taking some of these trails will take you to the park’s most impressive features, such as waterfalls, which give amazing vistas and the chance to see a variety of birds, primates, gorgeous butterflies, rare trees, and other creatures.

These hikes begin either in the morning around 9:00 or in the afternoon around 14:00. Some of these nature walks include the Muzabajiro Loop including a trip to Rububira Hill, where you can see the Rift Valley, Virunga Volcanoes, and Bwindi Forest in all their magnificence. As sparkling waterfalls are revealed, the waterfall trail winds through the forest, avoiding tree ferns and orchids. You may see lots of birds and groups of monkeys on the Munyanga River route, which takes you to the edge of the forest.

Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while on a honeymoon

A birding tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park would truly make you feel like Lover Birds. The Ruhija section of Bwindi Forest is the most fascinating for birdwatchers in Africa. You can plan a trip to Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija as enthusiastic birders on your honeymoon.

You can hike through this undeveloped area of Bwindi Woodland for three hours, allowing you the chance to see both forest and grassland bird species. For birders, the River Ivi route in Bwindi Forest is fantastic. This route links the Buhoma area with Nkuringo in the south along an ancient road that runs through the forest.

Mountain Masked and chestnut-throated Apalises, African Hill Babbler, Archer’s Robin-chat, Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori Batis, and odd Weaver are a few of the birds you might observe. Your honeymoon will be more fun if you have a photo album of the activities you enjoy doing even when away from home.

A Honeymoon Community Tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma community walk

The community is involved in the conservation program for the mountain gorillas in a variety of ways, one of which being this three-hour hike. Discovering the residents’ occupations and how they love spending time with their families is a great opportunity. Visits to the local healer, tours of the brewery that makes banana beer, and, upon request, performances by local dance troupes are just a few of the activities you might enjoy.

Nkuringo Community walk

You can also do this if you went for gorilla trekking in the south. Visit the local blacksmith, healer, homestead, and beer brewer of bananas. Doing different things on significant occasions, such as a honeymoon, feels special. You will always cherish these recollections.

While on a honeymoon, you can observe other primates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Aside from mountain gorillas, Bwindi Forest is home to more than 10 different primate species. Since the bulk of these monkeys are vegetarians, and Bwindi Forest is a great source of food, the over 200 indigenous tree species that already exist provide a nice home for them. Blue monkeys, chimpanzees though they are wild and infrequently seen chimpanzees, olive baboons, L’Hoest’s, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, and many more primates are among the primates you might observe. Truly a primate haven, Bwindi forest should be included on your honeymoon itinerary. You may see the primate kingdom by going on a romantic forest walk in Bwindi.

How to Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park during your Honeymoon trip

By Vehicle

You can go to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by a number of ways, but you must leave early to avoid traffic in the city and to allow yourself to take your time on the upcountry roads without becoming anxious.

Kampala – Kabale – Kanungu – Buhoma

Travel 414 kilometers on a tarmac road starting from Entebbe or Kampala city. The journey continues with a winding marram road for another 120 km through Kanungu and Kanyantorogo.

Kampala – Kabale – Rujija – Buhoma

It is approximately 95 kilometers long and passes through Kabale on its way to Rujiha and Buhoma.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kihihi – Buhoma

This is the best way to take if you have a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park but need to leave to do gorilla trekking. The distance between Mweya and Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park is 64 km and 160 km, respectively. There is a good probability of seeing lions that climb trees while traveling.

Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma

The journey to Rukungiri from Kampala takes about 8 hours, not including pauses, and is about 390 kilometres long. Continue for 82 kilometers (km) on a murram road from Rukungiri to Buhoma.

Kampala – Kabale – Nkuringo

It takes roughly 4 hours to go 150 kilometers from Kabale to Nkuringo on a curvy murram road. Take advantage of a pit stop in Kisoro, which is 80 kilometers from the Nkuringo gorilla trekking area. A road is about 35 kilometers from Kisoro, so anyone can spend the night here and go gorilla trekking the next day. You have to drive for around an hour and a half before briefing.

By Flights to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip

Every day, domestic flights go from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. You could decide to reserve a transfer vehicle along with flights. From Entebbe or Kajjansi, private charter flight arrangements can be made in advance. The planes do not land in Bwindi, so a transfer car to the lodge is required. All of these agreements must be made in advance.

When Is the Best Time to Reserve a Honeymoon trip In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

A year-round experience, gorilla trekking is available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are more people in and around the park during the busy seasons. The months of June through September and December see the highest tourist traffic. Even inside the lodges, there are fewer tourists during the shoulder seasons of March through May and November. During this time, you have additional alone time and an intimate setting to enjoy as newlyweds without interruption.

What to Bring on Your Honeymoon trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Hiking boots for tracking that can handle slick terrain.

You can maintain a firmer hold on the tangled foliage while you slide by wearing garden gloves to keep your hands warm.

A raincoat or poncho in case it suddenly starts to rain. Energy boosts to encourage you to keep searching for the mountain gorillas.

Wear warm clothing because Bwindi Forest occasionally experiences temperatures as low as 7 degrees centigrade. Extremely chilly conditions prevail in the mornings and at night. What to bring while going gorilla trekking may also be of interest to you.

To protect your skin from stinging insects, use insect repellent.

A camera to record every second of your encounter with the gorilla family.

Lightweight waterproof bag to keep your gear from becoming wet or lost in the wild.

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Bird Watching Mabamba Swamp Visit Uganda

Best Time to See the Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Wetland

Best Time to See the Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Wetland?

The best time to see the shoebill stork in Mabamba is during the dry season when these birds have to come out of the deep ends of the swamp to search for food and other supplies. The early mornings of each day may provide the best time of the day to see the shoebill when less fishing activity is happening.

During the dry season, the water remains calm due to the reduced winds, which prevents the surface from becoming choppy. The dry season typically spans June, July, August, September, December, January, and early February.

This period also makes it easier to photograph or film the shoebill and other swamp birds, as the calm conditions allow for capturing these wild birds from various angles.

Where is Mabamba Swamp?

Mabamba Swamp, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. This extensive wetland is renowned for being one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive shoebill stork. With its prehistoric appearance and unique behaviors, the shoebill is a must-see for any avid birder. But  when is the Best Time to See the Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Wetland ?

How to Get to Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill Stork Viewing

Getting to Mabamba Swamp is relatively straightforward, especially if you are starting from Kampala or Entebbe. Here are the steps to reach this birding haven:

From Entebbe by Boat: The easiest route is via the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe. From here, you can take a 10-minute ferry crossing to Kasanje landing and then drive for about 20 minutes to Mabamba Swamp. This route offers scenic views of Lake Victoria and the surrounding landscapes.

From Kampala by Road: If you are coming from Kampala, you can drive to Mabamba Swamp via the Nakawuka-Kasanje road. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Best Time to See the Shoebill Stork

The best time to see the shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and June to August. During these months, the water levels in the swamp are lower, forcing the shoebills to come out of the deeper parts of the swamp in search of food. Early mornings are particularly ideal for spotting these birds, as there is less fishing activity, and the shoebills are more active and visible.

What Else to See in Mabamba Swamp Other Than the Shoebill Stork

While the shoebill stork is the star attraction, Mabamba Swamp is home to a diverse array of bird species and other wildlife. Some of the notable birds you can spot include:

Blue Swallow

Pallid Harrier

Papyrus Gonolek

Swamp Flycatcher

Pygmy Goose

Lesser Jacana

White-winged Warbler

Viellot’s Weaver

Grosbeak Weaver

Palm-nut Vulture

Carruther’s Cisticola

In addition to birds, Mabamba Swamp is also home to the endangered Sitatunga antelope, which can be spotted grazing in the swampy areas.

Where Else to Do Birding in Uganda

Uganda is a birding paradise with numerous hotspots across the country. Here are some of the best places for bird watching in Uganda:

Murchison Falls National Park:

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park is always a rewarding experience, enhanced by the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Murchison Falls. As you walk through the dry thorn shrub between Red Chilli Rest Camp and the ferry crossing, you might spot birds such as the Blue-bellied Warblers, Black-headed Gonolek, Vitelline Masked Weaver, and Green-winged Pytilia.

During a boat trip on the Victoria Nile, you can see various birds along the shore, including African Skimmers, African Fish Eagles, and Grey Crowned Cranes. There is also a good chance of spotting the elusive shoebill stork near the Nile Safari Camp, just outside the park boundary.

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the premier destinations for a Uganda game safari. The boat cruise to Murchison Falls is a highlight, offering mesmerizing views as you approach the world’s most powerful waterfall. Additionally, the park offers activities like chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, making it a versatile and exciting destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Makanaga Swamp

Makanaga Swamp located in Mpigi district is renowned for its rich birdlife, making it a prime destination for birdwatching. The swamp provides a perfect habitat for the shoebill stork, a rare and prehistoric-looking bird that draws birders from around the world. The shoebill, known for its large, shoe-shaped bill, can often be seen standing motionless in the swamp, waiting to catch fish.

In addition to the shoebill, Makanaga Swamp is home to over 300 bird species, including the Yellow-billed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, White-faced Whistling Duck, and Malachite Kingfisher. The swamp’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of other bird species, making it a rewarding spot for avid birders.

Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Nestled within the floor of the Rift Valley, Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts one of the longest lists of bird species in the world. With over 605 bird species recorded and counting, this park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The diverse habitats, ranging from savannah and wetlands to gallery and lowland forests, contribute to this impressive variety.

In the southern part of the park, the Edward Flats provide an excellent opportunity to see saddle-billed storks and other bird species. The Kazinga Channel Swamp is another prime location where you might spot the elusive shoebill stork.

The Kazinga Channel itself is a natural magnet for a wide variety of birds, including foreign migrants and Albertine Rift endemics. During a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel, you can spot birds such as the African Open-billed Stork, African Fish Eagle, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, Common Squacco Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, and Yellow-backed Weaver. Best Time to See the Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Wetland.

From Baboon Cliff, you have a good chance of spotting raptors like the Lanner Falcon, Temminck’s Courser, Collared Pratincole, Snake Eagle, and Bateleur.

While exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can also enjoy game drives with opportunities to see lions, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, hyenas, and more. The scenic crater lakes region within the park adds to the rewarding experience of visiting this remarkable destination.

Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest is renowned for its large population of chimpanzees, but it is also a prime birding destination in Uganda, boasting over 325 bird species. This tropical rainforest is a haven for a diverse array of rainforest birds.

Walking along the main road from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center to the bridge, you can spot a variety of birds. Common sightings include the scarce Grey-headed Olive back, Green-backed Twinspot, Handsome Francolin, and Black-and-white Mannikin, among others.

A visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers additional opportunities to see the shoebill stork and other bird species.

Kibale Forest is home to about 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, pottos, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and bush babies.

Mabira Forest

Mabira Forest is another excellent birding destination in Uganda. Despite challenges from human encroachment, deforestation, and agriculture, this vast natural forest remains a birding hotspot. Birdwatchers in Mabira Forest may encounter species such as the Red-faced Woodland Warbler and Western Green Tinkerbird.

From Mabira Forest, you can visit the source of the River Nile in Jinja. The dramatic point where the Nile waters surge from the calm Lake Victoria is a sight to behold.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Forest is famous for its mountain gorillas but is also a birding paradise in Uganda, with over 350 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. The Ruhija sector is particularly popular for birding, offering a chance to combine gorilla trekking with birdwatching.

Birding in Bwindi Forest may reveal species such as the Red-faced Woodland Warbler, African Hill Babbler, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four gorilla trekking areas: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. A gorilla permit is required for trekking. The Park also offers a gorilla habituation experience, allowing visitors to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, for which a special permit is needed.

Mgahinga National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is home to mountain gorillas and is an emerging birding destination with over 115 bird species identified. Birding in Mgahinga can be particularly rewarding along the gorge trail, which loops halfway up Mount Sabyinyo.

Bird species you might encounter in Mgahinga include the Malachite Sunbird, Montane Double-collared Sunbird, Alpine Chat, and Rwenzori Turaco.

Mpanga Forest

Mpanga Forest, situated along the Kampala to Masaka Road, is a great birding spot on the outskirts of Kampala. Birdwatchers in Mpanga Forest may see species such as the Red-faced Woodland Warbler and Vitelline Masked Weaver.

Is Birding in Mabamba Swamp Safe?

Yes, birding in Mabamba Swamp is safe. The local community has embraced conservation efforts, and many former fishermen have been trained as bird guides. These guides are knowledgeable about the swamp and its inhabitants, ensuring a safe and informative birding experience. Additionally, the swamp is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, highlighting its significance and the efforts to protect it.

How Long Does It Take to Locate the Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp?

The time it takes to locate the shoebill in Mabamba Swamp can vary. On average, it takes about 1 to 2 hours to spot the shoebill, depending on the bird’s location and the time of day. Early mornings are generally the best time to increase your chances of a sighting.

Is Birding in Mabamba Swamp Difficult?

Birding in Mabamba Swamp is relatively easy and accessible to birders of all levels. The swamp is navigated by boat, and the local guides are skilled at manoeuvring through the channels to find the best birding spots. The terrain is flat, and the boat rides are generally smooth, making it a comfortable experience for most visitors.

What to Pack for a Birding Safari to Uganda (Mabamba Swamp)

When planning a birding safari to Uganda, especially to Mabamba Swamp, it’s essential to pack appropriately to ensure a comfortable and successful trip. Here are some items to consider:

Binoculars: Essential for spotting birds from a distance.

Camera: To capture the stunning birdlife and landscapes.

Field Guide: A birding field guide specific to East Africa or Uganda.

Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours to blend in with the environment.

Hat and Sunglasses: To protect against the sun.

Insect Repellent: To ward off mosquitoes and other insects.

Waterproof Gear: Including a rain jacket and waterproof bag for your equipment.

Snacks and Water: To stay hydrated and energized during your birding excursions.

Notebook and Pen: To jot down notes and bird sightings.

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