Destinations

The Expansive Old Kampala Mosque

Though it boasts of a 200-year-lifespan, this will be a brief one, albeit a must-read. See, the Old Kampala Mosque is one of the places you must visit whilst out here in the City. For most adventurers in pursuit of religious tourism, it is just right— offering a sophisticated taste of elegance, architecture, and brilliant artistic inscriptions from all the six continents of the world

It should have been up and proud by the time the current Museveni-led government came into power, but the construction of the mosque stalled after Idi Amin Dada fled Uganda following the overthrow of his government in 1979. The politics of it all would be that the president then, Apolo Milton Obote who more Christine-inclined didn’t think this pertinent whilst Idi Dada Amin put it on his radar. Historians tell of how fast it was erected whilst Amin was on the throne and how quickly the construction came to a screeching halt under the Obote government and the others that followed.

But its savior, the fallen Muammar Gaddafi was decades away and would come to its rescue. Aside from offering an impressive history and culture, the house of worship which was named after fallen Libyan President Muammar Gadaffi has a distinctive Minaret that stands at over 100 feet atop old Kampala Hill and 1,210M above sea level. From here, adventurers can get some much-needed fresh air from the hot day plus the most breathtaking 360 degrees of Kampala and the seven Hills of Kampala. No other hill in Kampala offers such.

And yes, today, it is one of the largest mosques in the world and seats up to 15,000 worshipers and can hold another 1,100 in the gallery and over 2,000 in its lower terrace. Its lighting is a beauty to partake in the night, adding to a glorious scene that makes for Kampala’s hills by the night.

Travel Tip

Women need to be prepared to wear a dress and cover all their hair if visiting the Mosque (provided). While exploring the holy sanctuary is free for Ugandans, it comes at a fee of shs10,000 for non-citizens.

Top 10 Spots for Bird Watching in Uganda

Are you looking for exciting destinations for bird watching in the world? Besides mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, Uganda offers refuge to over 1061 birds. During your Uganda tour, you can go birding in a diversity of habitats ranging from forests, swamps and agricultural lands to Lakes and savannas. This incredible country is crossed by the Equator and the Albertine Rift Valley. Here are the top 10 spots for bird watching in Uganda;

1. Kibale Forest National Park

Besides tracking chimpanzees, Kibale Forest is also popular for bird watching. If you are a bird enthusiast, travel to the jungles of Kibale for remarkable sight at unique wild bird species that are rarely seen in the world. With over 375 birds including the 4 Nahan’s francolin bird species, Cassin’s spine tail, blue headed bee eater and masked apalis that are not seen in any of Uganda’s remotest national parks, Uganda is undoubtedly the loveliest destination for bird enthusiasts. Kibale National Park is the perfect spot for birders with its varied habitat and intense vegetation cover. While at Kibale National Park for a safari, the most spectacular and sought after bird for you not miss out in life is green breasted pitta. Other remarkable bird species to sight include Red winged francolin, red chested fluff tail, white napped pigeon, African pita, joyful green bull, grey winged pigeon, Abyssinian ground warbler, chestnut winged, scaly francolin, marsh Tchagra, Afep pigeon, olive long tailed cuckoo, black bee eater, narina’s trogon, blue breasted kingfisher, crowned eagle, little green bull, yellow throated nicator, yellow spotted barbet, blue shouldered robin chat, sunbird, dusky flycatcher, grey throated fly catcher, black billed Turaco among others.

Bigodi wetland sanctuary near Kibale Forest National park cannot miss in this list. This is one of the perfect birding spots which come with 4 hour trail walk for visitors to explore numerous bird species. While at Bigodi, you will sight at black billed Turaco, white spotted crake, Blue headed Coucal, blue breasted kingfisher, scaly throated honey guide and black faced Rufus warbler.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Besides the big five game, Queen Elizabeth National Park is equally birders paradise right from water bird species along the Kazinga channel to dense forest at Ishasha. Expect to glimpse of extraordinary bird species while in a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. With more than 600 birds that are found in the park, visitors are assured of incredible experiences from the 11 types of kingfisher, 54 raptors, flamingoes, shoebill stork, African skimmer, white winged warbler, papyrus gonolek, black bee eater, red necked falcon, black billed barbet, leaf love, black chinned quail finch, African pygmy goose, blue breasted bee eater, lesser swamp warbler, African mourning dove, sedge warbler, pin tailed whydah, collared pratincole, martial eagle, slender tailed nightjars, verreaux’s eagle owl, pink backed pelicans, white headed barbet and yellow bishop.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park:

Besides the mountain gorillas, the Bwindi Park is also credited for its abundant flora and fauna forest in East Africa. With more than 350 incredible birds, visitors have wide range of opportunity to have remarkable experiences of a life time. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was voted as Africa’s perfect birding spot by Africa Bird Club owing to the unique birds that live within the park. Visitors also have a chance to see the 23 endemic species of Albertine Rift and about 14 species that are not seen anywhere else in Uganda. Visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can have a glimpse of the following bird species, African green broadbill, Chapin’s fly catcher, Shelley’s crimson wing, handsome francolin, mountain masked and collared apalis, white bellied robin chat, black billed Turaco, Kiev gerund thrush, black faced Rufus warbler, pale breasted illadopsis, Pettit’s Cuckoo shrike, black bee eater, equatorial akalat, regal sunbird, purple breasted, Fraser’s eagle and western bronze napped pigeon.

Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest):

Further still, Ruhija is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring birding areas for visitors who get into Uganda. It is credited for its 20 birds that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and mostly the rare African green broadbill and Grauer’s rush warbler. Other birds that visitors can have sight at include the white starred robin, grey cuckoo shrike, strange weaver, banded prinia, brown chested Alethe, slender billed green bull, yellow streaked green bull, white browned Crombec, mountain Illadopsis, luehder’s bush shrike and grey green bush shrike.

4. Budongo Forest:

This forest is of significance to birders given the fact that it is a home to over 366 birds of which comprises of 60 west or central African birds that are popular to only fewer areas about 5 in East Africa. One of the notable birds include the yellow footed fly catcher which in many occasions is associated with ironwood trees and it is not famous anywhere except Uganda. Other birds to have a glance at while on a safari to this magnificent forest include of Ituri Batis, Rufus crowned Eremomela, forest Francolin, yellow and grey long bills, yellow spotted barbet, red tailed ant thrush, dusky long tailed cuckoo, banded snake eagle, African pied horn bill, brown backed scrub robin, black bishop, brown twin sport, spotted green bull, black bellied fire finch, chocolate backed king fisher, white thighed horn bill, Cameroon somber green bull, slender billed green bull, black capped apalis, lemon bellied Crombec, green hylia, pale breasted illadopsis, forest flycatcher, fire crested alethe, yellow long bill, yellow browed camaroptera, crowned eagle, yellow footed flycatcher and African dwarf kingfisher. Birding in Budongo takes place between Kaniyo-padidi and Royal Mile as well as Busingiro just as you are in your safari to Murchison falls national park.

5. Semuliki National Park:

The park lies in western Uganda just within the Albertine Rift Valleys. Semuliki is a true haven for birders; it is credited for its 462 birds. A game safari along its open plains comes with Abyssinian ground hornbill and distinct raptor species, its Mugiri river forest is perfect to explore exclusive leaf love-in Uganda whereas places that are covered by vegetation come with marsh tchagra and African crake while the night game drives are equally better for nocturnal bird species. Besides, visitors can have a glimpse of spot breasted ibis, northern bearded scrub robin, capuchin babbler, lyre tailed honey guide, yellow throated green cuckoo, white bellied king fisher, Maxwell’s black weaver, black winged oriole, red eyed puff back, crested and red bellied malimbe, brown crowned eremela, zenker’s honey guide and African piculet, Nkulengu rail, piping hornbill, great blue and Ross’s Turaco, purple breasted sunbird, orange weaver, white crested hornbill.

6. Mabamba swamp:

This is another exciting area for birders in Uganda. It offers refuge to more than 157 bird species.  While in a safari to Lake Victoria, never miss to get a glimpse of elusive shoebill stork in this swamp and if you fail that means you have to take a safari to Murchison falls national park. Mabamba bay is ranked as one the perfect places in Africa and even globally for over 38% of the world’s population of the blue swallow, and globally threatened papyrus yellow warbler and other birds that are of world conservation concern and habitat to unique plant species. Other notable birds to excite the mind include swamp flycatcher, purple swamp hen, common moorhen, African water rail, lesser jacana, African jacana, African pygmy goose, white faced whistling duck, squacco heron, blue breasted bee eater, winding cit cola, goliath heron, blue breasted kingfisher, Wayne’s weaver, white spotted fluff tail, blue shouldered robin chat, lemon dove, grey parrot, black billed Turaco, fire crested althea, snowy headed robin chat, dusky long tailed cuckoo, hair breasted barbet, woodland warbler, olive green bull, sooty boubou and black crake and many others.

7. Lake Mburo National Park:

The park is a home to over 315 birds and preferably the perfect destination in Uganda to sight acacia related birds and a few lake and swamp related birds as well as African fin foot, brown chested lapwing, lilac breasted roller, black bellied bustard, helmeted guinea fowl, coqui francolin, Rufus napped lark, morning dove, dideric cuckoo, grey capped warbler, black headed weaver and ring necked dove. The perfect birding areas are next to the swamps at Warukiri and Rwonyo.

8. Murchison falls National Park:

This is Uganda’s oldest and biggest national park, it was named after the mighty Murchison Falls, the world’s powerful waterfalls. It is popularly known to be a home to more than 450 bird species and interested birders can catch a glimpse at the dramatic birds in the park while on their game drive or on a boat cruise along the Nile or alternatively while in nature walks. The major habitats to find these incredible species ranges from forests, swamps, river rine woodland, savanna to plain areas of acacia trees. While in your safari, never miss to spot an exclusive shoebill stork.

9. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

The park protects over 180 bird species with most of the remarkable Albertine Rift endemics. Besides tracking gorillas, visit this remarkable park in Southwestern Uganda and have the most spectacular bird viewing sites along the gorge trail, bamboo trail and community trail. The notable birds to spot at the park include kivu ground thrush, cinnamon bracken warbler, white starred robin, Rwenzori batis, archer’s robin chat, olive pigeon, black headed waxbill, western green tinker bird, cape robin, white starred robin, brown woodland warbler, stripe breasted tit, brown crowned tchagra and scarlet tufted, greater double collared sunbirds.

10. Rwenzori Mountains National Park:

This incredible park offers refuge to more than 177 bird species and 19 of them are endemic to Albertine Rift Valley. These tremendous mountains are found in western Uganda with remarkable snowcapped peaks whose highest peak that stretches up to 5110 meters. Birding safaris are usually conducted while hiking through the forest. The birds that visitors are most likely to sight include Rwenzori Turaco, long eared owl, archers’ robin chat, Lagden’s bush shrink, blue headed and golden winged sunbird, white starred robin, slender billed starling, cinnamon chested bee eater, bearded vultures and swifts.

In conclusion, Uganda is a true birders paradise. There are numerous birding spots where tourists can catch a glimpse of spectacular bird species right from forests up to plain savanna. A variety of Uganda’s habitats offer visitors with wide range of choice and at end fills them with life time experiences.

Top Places To See Shoebill Storks In Uganda

Scientifically known as Balaeniceps rex, shoebill storks are whale-headed storks that always make it to the checklist of every birder in Uganda. These are one of the most sought-after birds and you don’t have to be an enthusiastic bird watcher or ornithologist to be thrilled at the first sight of these beautiful birds.

These wading birds are always spotted within the Tropical marshes/wetlands of Tropical East African in the Great Lakes region. They have whale heads and shoe-shaped bills with shark hooks, darkish plumage, short necks, and long legs (typical of storks). Shoebill storks are somewhat aggressive hence have few predators although their eggs and chicks are sometimes eaten by nest predators like snakes. Their diet usually comprises baby crocodiles, small animals, frogs, lungfish, turtles, and snails.

Uganda is one of the few homes of these critically endangered in the East African region and they are found in the following places;

Mabamba Wetland

Mabamba, one of the largest wetlands surrounding Lake Victoria is one of the top places to see shoebill storks in Uganda. About 45 kilometers from Kampala, this area can be reached from Entebbe, by a traditional motorized boat or canoe trip. For this area, these Storks are tracked by a canoe ride conducted in the morning or evening but also expect other Papyrus and waterbird species such as cattle egrets, kingfishers, African jacana, saddle-billed storks, Papyrus canary, and many others.

Murchison falls National Park

The shoebill storks in Murchison falls National Park are found along the Lake Albert Delta Ramsar wetland made up of the Nile River from Murchison falls to a small section of Lake Albert. These storks can be spotted during the early morning Delta Cruise but also expect to see the long-tailed Cormorants, Grey-crowned cranes, white-faced whistling duck, Papyrus gonolek, African darter, African fish eagles, and many others. This boat cruise will also offer views of the Nile crocodiles and Hippos.

Semliki National Park

Another unmissable shoebill stork viewing destination in Uganda is Semliki National Park, set within the western side of the country. They are common along the southern shores of Lake Albert and are regarded as bird lovers’ must-see attractions.

Lake Mburo National Park

Located in western Uganda about 4 hours drive from Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is another amazing spot for seeing shoebill storks in Uganda. They can be seen within wetlands along the Lake and this is during the boat cruise. While in the company of professional guides, you will identify these beautiful storks on the shores and nearby wetland in addition to the African fish eagles, Pied and Malachite kingfishers, pelicans, Papyrus gonolek, and many others.

Lugogo wetland, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Lugogo is a 10-square kilometer wetland within Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and another spectacular home to the vulnerable shoebill storks. Shoebill tracking trips in this area begin as early as 7:00 am and are done on wooden canoes. Not only are you guaranteed shoebill stork views but also sunrise over the wetland with other wetland bird species such as Palmnut vultures, speckled-breasted woodpecker, Giant kingfishers, and many others. Visitors looking for endless views of the shoebill storks can add Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary trip to Murchison falls National Park.

The Makanaga Bay

Although not as popular as Mabamba Wetland, Makanaga Bay is also on the shores of Lake Victoria and is also an excellent spot to see Shoebill storks in Uganda. It can be reached from Entebbe or Kampala by canoe ride with most tours conducted in the morning. Make sure to be in the company of a local guide with chances of spotting other numerous wetland bird species. You will also learn about the history of the area but more especially numerous shoebill storks.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)

Uganda Wildlife Education Center (formerly Entebbe Zoo) is a rescue center for orphaned animals, one of which is the shoebill storks. This Center is found on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe and also shelters other beautiful bird species such as peacocks, cattle egrets, and many others.

Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth National Park

Most travellers know the Ishasha sector for the tree-climbing lions but it is also another top place to see shoebill storks in Uganda. They can be tracked or spotted along the wetland-fringed Lake Edward shores. Other top places to see shoebill storks in Uganda are Lutembe Bay, Lwera Swamp, Kyabakuza Swamp, and many others.

Besides the shoebill storks, other stork species in Uganda include Marabou storks, open-billed storks, Saddle-billed storks, and yellow-billed storks among others.