Birding Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park
Birding Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most exciting experiences, the park is nestled in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is a phenomenal safari destination known for its diverse and unique wildlife species, jaw-dropping landscapes, and rawness. While extraordinary wildlife species such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, caracals, and serval cats often steal the spotlight in this Park, it is also a wonderful haven for avid birders. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to your birding safari in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Exceptional birding natural habitats in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is a 1442-square-kilometer Protected Area that boasts a variety of stunning natural habitats, which range from the grey-haired acacia (also known as Acacia gerrardii), savannah woodlands, to the open savannah grasslands, thus making it an incredible haven for a plethora of bird species totaling to 475 species. These incredible and diverse natural habitats provide a phenomenal opportunity for birding in Kidepo Valley National Park, a safari destination where bird enthusiasts can sight both endemic and migratory bird species.
Noteworthy bird species in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park boasts an impressive bird list totaling over 475 species hence making it the second highest of any National Park in the country after Queen Elizabeth National Park which has about 600 species. Of these birds, 60 species are confined to Kidepo and not found in any other Park. Also, 56 of these species are raptors and surprisingly, there are also lots of migratory species that are mostly spotted in November to April. Notable species in this Park include Dark chanting goshawk, Ostriches, Kori bustards, Black-breasted barbets, Red and yellow barbets, Little bee-eaters, white-bellied go-away bird, chestnut weavers, Jackson’s hornbills, Pygmy falcons, Black-breasted barbets, Karamoja Apalis, Rose-ringed parakeet, Greater kestrel, Abyssinian rollers, Purple grenadier, Red-throated bee-eater, Knob-billed ducks, white-faced whistling duck, spur-winged goose, helmeted Guineafowl, crested francolin, Dusky turtle dove, Little Grebe, Afep Pigeon, White-crested turaco, Red-billed oxpecker, fan-tailed Raven, Eastern plantain eater, Black-bellied bustard, Senegal coucal, African coucal, African swift, African jacana, common sandpiper, Saddle-billed storks, Hammerkop, Marabou stork, Little and cattle egrets, and many others.
Top birding areas in Kidepo Valley National Park
Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park is unique because every corner you turn has lots of species to spot but the top birding areas include the Apoka Rest Camp area, which mostly overlooks the southern Narus Valley. Here, silver birds, yellow-billed shrikes, and others can be spotted on thorn trees. Also expect to see the scarlet-chested sunbirds, Nubian woodpeckers, superb starlings, and many others. Lots of Marsh Tchagra and crimson-rumped waxbills can be sighted within the rank grass along the dry stream bed that is close to Apoka Rest Camp as well as the track leading to Apoka Safari Lodge.
Best time to go for your birding safari in Kidepo Valley National Park
The months of March to May, and October to November are ideal for a birding safari in Kidepo Valley National Park because this is when bird breeding is at its peak. Also, these months are when the bird population swells by over 50 migratory species that have flown from as far as Europe and North Africa. Interestingly, migratory species usually arrive at the National Park after the first rains when the availability of water means the availability of food. The majority of these birds leave by the second or last week of April.
While travelers always avoid the rainy season for game drives, it shouldn’t be an issue/problem in this semi-arid part of the country.
Packing list for your birding safari in Kidepo Valley National Park
For your birding safari in Kidepo Valley National Park, make sure to pack a good pair of binoculars which is handy for sighting species in the far and vast landscapes of Kidepo. Also, carry a field guidebook that will help you identify the different species you are likely to encounter. You also need a pair of hiking boots, a good camera with enough memory space and batteries, a backpack, energy-giving snacks, a reusable water bottle, a safari hat, long-sleeved shirt/s, safari pants in khaki or neutral colors, and a rain jacket among others.
