Geographic landmarks include the snow-capped 5190-metre Rwenzori (aka the legendary Mountains of the Moon), the immense inland sea known as Lake Victoria and the associated source of the Nile, and the spectacular volcanic cones of the Virungas. A network of 10 national parks protects not only the gorillas for which Uganda is renowned, but also plentiful chimpanzees, more than a dozen monkey species, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and significant numbers of elephants, hippos, buffaloes and various antelope.
Uganda can also stake a fair claim to being Africa’s best all-round birding destination. This is largely due to its extraordinary avian diversity – a mind-boggling 1075 species in an area similar to that of Great Britain – but also because it offers easy access to several bird-rich habitats difficult to reach elsewhere on the continent. True, Uganda’s transitional location means that it boasts just one or possibly two national endemics (Fox’s Weaver, associated with waterside vegetation in the south-east, and Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, an Albertine Rift endemic whose range might now be limited to the Ugandan slopes of the Rwenzori). But in the broader East African context, approximately 150 bird species (more than 10 per cent of the regional checklist) have a range restricted to Uganda, a list that includes dozens of Albertine Riftor Guinea–Congo endemics whose range is otherwise confined to parts of the Congo that might generously be described as difficult to access.
BEST POST-FLIGHT PICK-UP
Entebbe Botanical Garden
This story is from the January - February 2020 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January - February 2020 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
agrochemicals and birds
By the year 2050, it is estimated that 171 million more hectares of agricultural land will be needed to feed a global population of 10 billion people.
arrivals and departures
The Mouse-Free Marion Project is committed to ensuring that breeding seabirds can return to a predator-free Marion Island.
FULL skies
High summer brings high entertainment to Botswana's Mababe Community Concession and Kazuma Pan.
specials IN THE MIST
With a distinct habitat and climate, Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands are a must-visit destination for any birder wanting to see a bevy of special birds.
MIDRAND marvel
Gauteng birders don't need to travel far to get their feathery fix. Midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Glen Austin Pan has become a favourite patch for this returnee expat.
IN TOO DEEP...again
The annual sardine run along South Africa's east coast is a thrill and a challenge for underwater photographers, especially if you throw birds and inclement weather into the mix.
a journey through the mysteries of moult
As a bird researcher in South Africa’s botanically diverse fynbos biome, I have come to regard bird ringing as part of my journey to understanding moult.
Southern SIGHTINGS
The midsummer period lived up to its reputation as the busiest time for rarities in southern Africa and produced a host of really good records, including several that got twitchers racing all over the subregion to try and add these mega ticks to their lists. As always, none of the records included here have been adjudicated by any of the subregion's Rarities Committees.
storm petrels in Kalk Bay
According to Roberts 7, both Wilson’s and European storm petrels occasionally seek the shelter of breakwaters during periods of strong onshore winds, but this is seldom observed off South Africa.
power-napping penguins
Periodic reduction in neural activity (sleep) is found in all animals with brains and seems to be essential to restore effective brain function. There is plenty of evidence of the adverse effects of not getting enough sleep, and recent research in humans has identified getting sufficient sleep as one of the four core pillars of living a long and healthy life.