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We are excited to announce that the Partnership for International Birding are the first to find the Grey Practincole Species in Uganda.  The  find was made by birding guide Johnnie Kamugisha.

The Partnership for International Birding is an organization based in Denver Colorado whose mission is to provide services to support the best birding opportunities and guides worldwide. To find out more about Partnership for International birding please visit: www.pibird.com.

With a swathe of activities in Uganda, it is no surprise that Lonely Planet has ranked this African destination as the #1 country to visit in 2012. This distinguished ranking is strongly related to the growing stability in the country as evidenced by the capital, Kampala, being one of Africa’s safest capitals. Safety and security aside, Uganda is a veritable paradise for a variety of tourists with activities that range from bird watching and safaris to cultural attractions and ecotourism.

Uganda’s scenery and wildlife is amazing and draws in many visitors. The country is home to more than 1,000 bird species, which make up over half of the birds in Africa. Some of these are globally threatened, endemic and near endemic, forest/papyrus/woodland rarities, and vulnerable bird species. For these reasons and others, Uganda is one of the best bird watching sights in Africa. Visitors can expect to spot birds like the African Green Broadbill, Shoebill, Grant’s Bluebill, Archer’s Robin-Chat, and Dwarf Honeyguide. In addition to birds, travelers might happen upon tree-climbing lions, rhinos, elephants, and chimpanzees. For more information about the birding opportunities in Uganda, please visit Collection member Birding Uganda.

While wildlife and safaris are a huge draw for visitors, the rich culture of Uganda provides endless opportunities for exploration. The Bawta people, an indigenous group of fierce hunter-gatherers and fierce warriors native to the dense forests at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, offer a glimpse into their culture and former home on the Batwa Trail. This nature walk shows visitors where the Batwa used to reside with its rich culture and diverse wildlife inside the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Batwa tour includes demonstrations of the local hunting techniques, honey gathering skills, and a view of the various plants that can be used for medicinal purposes.

For another glimpse at local life, Katwe Salt Lakes offers visitors the opportunity to watch locals participate in traditional salt-mining activities. The Mubako perform vibrant songs and dances around the campfires at local lodges bordering Murchison Falls National Park. Additionally, visitors can find exceptional handmade carved wooden sculptures and hand-woven items created exclusively by these local community members. More cultural community attractions and experiences can be found on the Pearls of Uganda website

While visitors are in Uganda, they have many opportunities to partake in various give back programs that help out the local community. For example, money generated during the Katwe Salt Lake tours and sales of handcrafted wares are used to help improve the educational facilities and send children to school.

These are a few of the many reasons why people should visit Uganda in 2012. Additionally, this is why Lonely Planet has ranked Uganda as the #1 destination in 2012 and why Uganda is a very important member of the Undiscovered Travel Collection. We hope you will discover Uganda soon!

It is our pleasure to announce the success of the Uganda Big Birding Day 2011!

On September 30th, teams each birded in a different national park and compiled a list of their total bird sightings to determine which park held the highest bird count. This year the Queen Elizabeth National Park team boasted the highest count. To see the impressive break down of the final bird count in Queen Elizabeth National Park indexed by location, please click on the links below.

Ishasha

Ishasha Road and Kyambura Gorge

Kazinga Channel

Kyambura Gorge

 Lake Katwe and Lake Edward (from Katwe side) I

Lake Katwe and Lake Edward (from Katwe side) II

Maramagambo Forest

Mweya Peninsula

Join us for Big Birding Festival 2011 and help us beat our 2010 record of 655 bird sightings, up 450 from 2009.

See the NatureUganda website for more information.

To sponsor this event or register to participate please contact NatureUganda on +256414540719 or E-mail: nature@natureuganda.org.

Birding Uganda will officially launch at The British Birdwatching Fair August 19-21.

Visit Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and leading birding tour operators at Marquee 2, Stands 1 & 2: learn more or make an appointment.

Visit Uganda Bird Guides Club at Marquee 3, Stand 5: learn more or make an appointment.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has released 204 highly endangered African grey parrots back to the wild after a six month quarantine period. The parrots were confiscated at the Mpondwe Customs border post in Kasese and at a private farm at Kawuku along the Kampala-Entebbe highway.

At a release ceremony in one of the protected areas on July 28, 2011 UWA’s Community Conversation coordinator, Johnson Masereka said these parrots are part of the 270 parrots rescued from smugglers who wanted to export them to European countries.