Unlock The 4 Day Wonders Of Birdwatching In Rwenzori, Uganda
Rwenzori mountain, a majestic alpine landscape situated in the Western part of Uganda, Kasese district. It extends into the Kivu province in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This stunning mountain range is 120km long and 40km wide with the highest peak of mountain Rwenzori, Margherita. This Margherita peak on mount Stanley stands at an elevation of 5,109 meters above sea level. Also, mount Rwenzori is the third highest peak in Africa. Join our Kilimanjaro Rwenzori trekking experts for our 4 day Rwenzori birding tour in Uganda with Rwenzori trekking.
This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon has different nick names such as ‘’ Mountain of the Gods’’ because of its sacred significance to the indigenous communities like the Bankonzo. Also, called “Mountains of the Moon” because of its snowcapped peaks, glaciers and its moon-like landscape. As one of the best ecosystem havens in Africa, the Rwenzori Mountains were globally recognized by the (UNESCO). Also, a World Heritage site in 1994 for its outstanding ecosystems.
The unique eco systems consists of the Alpine zone with plants, grasses and mosses, the bamboo zone dominated by bamboo. Additionally, it is a habitat to wild animals like the bushbucks and red tailed monkeys. Also, a habitat to birdlife like the Rwenzori Turaco hence a destination for Rwenzori birding tours. The fresh water ecosystem with alpine lakes , glaciers, rivers and streams. It also consists of other unique species like monkeys, chimpanzees and different bird species.
4-Day Rwenzori Birdwatching Tour: Your Ultimate Ugandan Adventure
Our Rwenzori experts from Kilimanjaro Rwenzori company provide top Rwenzori trekking services. Our Rwenzori trekking experts also introduce you to your affordable and memorable 4 day Rwenzori birdwatching tour in Uganda.
Birding found on Mount Rwenzori- what to expect for your 4 day Rwenzori birding tour Itinerary
- Purple breasted sun bird: This Sun bird species from the montane forests of Mount Rwenzori. It is from group of bird species known as Nectarinia purpureiventris.
- Blue- headed sunbird: This Blue- headed sunbird is brightly colored with a blue and one Purple-breasted of the popular sight when birdwatching at Mountain Rwenzori.
- Rwenzori Turaco: You can only find this Turaco bird in the Rwenzori mountains specifically in the alpine and subalpine zones. This bird is a fruit- eater and has a vibrant plumage and distinctive crest on top of its head.
- Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops): This bird species has distinctive features like large dark eyes, short tail and a black and white plumage. It feeds on insects and it’s an active forager.
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing: This multi-colored bird species oftenly found in flocks during breeding seasons. It feeds on seeds particularly in the bamboo zone and other grasses.
The birdlife species above are just some of the examples of the different unique birding species found on Mountain Rwenzori.
4 Day Rwenzori bird Watching Itinerary Highlights, Inclusions & Exclusions
4 day Rwenzori birding Tour Package Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Kasese-375 km, ~7hrs, lunch at Gardens Restaurant and afternoon birding at Lake Mahoma.
- 2nd Day: Kilembe Trail birding, picnic lunch at Omukama’s Palace, evening birding in the wetlands of Kasese.
- Day 3: Guided Hike through Montane Forest, lunch at Mahoma Waterfalls and Rwenzori Bird life, Bakonjo Culture.
- 4th Day: Final Kahokya River birdwatching, get great views of the scenery, and then head to Entebbe.
4 day Rwenzori birding Itinerary Inclusions
- Airport transfers from Entebbe International Airport
- 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced driver guide
- Park entrance fees and birding permits
- Professional birding guide on safari
- Rwenzori Accommodation in 3 nights (according to Budget, Mid-range or Luxury options)
- Meals as highlighted (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Mineral water all along the trip Guided nature walks & Birding activities
- Cultural experience with the Bakonjo community(optional)
4 day Rwenzori birding Itinerary Exclusions
- International & domestic flights
- Visa fees for Uganda
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, tips, souvenirs)
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in this 4 day Rwenzori birding itinerary
Other Rwenzori tour packages
- 7 day Rwenzori Trekking Central Circuit route
- 8 day Kilembe Trail trek of Rwenzori
- 8 day Margherita peak summit
- 4 day Rwenzori birding tours
- 11 day Virunga safari expedition
Contact Us
Kilimanjaro Rwenzori experts
- Phone: +256702571234
- Email: rwenzorikilimanjaro@gmail.com
4 Day Rwenzori birding Detailed Itinerary/tour Package
Day 1; Arrival & Venture into Rwenzori National Park
Depart from Entebbe International airport with our guide and board the 4×4 safari rental vehicles in Uganda. Additionally, enjoy a road adventure of approximately 7 hours to Kasese town. You will then stop at Gardens Restaurant, Café, and Art Gallery and enjoy a buffet with some of the Ugandan Traditional foods.
Rwenzori Accommodation Options:
- Budget lodges: Ruboni Community Camp
- Rwenzori Mid-range hotels: Equator Snow Lodge
- Rwenzori Luxury hotels: Rwenzori Trekkers Lodge
After your meal, you can also take a walk at this restaurant and explore some of the handmade local crafts at the Gardens art gallery. Then proceed for your journey and as you arrive at your Uganda safari hotel/camp at the base of Mount Rwenzori check in and then refresh. Later in the day take a Rwenzori trekking guided birding tour to Lake Mahoma and get to spot different bird species.
These Uganda bird species in Rwenzori include water birds such as; African Fish eagle, Black Crake, African Jacan, Hadda Ibis and Grey Heron. You will also get to spot other bird species like the giant king fisher, pied king fisher diving in the water to get some fish. After this Uganda birding experience head back to your safari hotel/camp and then enjoy dinner and then rest.
Day 2: Bird watching Safari in Rwenzori National Park
In the morning after enjoying a warm breakfast you will get briefed by the safari guide about the day’s Rwenzori birding experiences and what is required. After get to arrange your equipment such as the binoculars and spotting scopes and get ready for the morning birding session. You will then be guided by your safari guide to the best spots like the Ibanda Ridge and Kilembe Trail where you will be able to spot different bird species like the Rwenzori-Turaco, purple-breasted sunbird and white-tailed blue flycatcher as the wilderness awakens in the crisp air and the foggy green trees.
In the afternoon, you can head for a picnic lunch at Omukama’s Palace Viewpoint offering breathtaking scenic views. You then spot other bird species like the barred long tailed cuckoo, alpine chat and many others some foraging for food and others flocking in groups.
In the evening you take a guided hike to Kasese wetlands and get to witness other unique bird species like black crake, little bee-eater and red eyed. Later on you head back to your safari hotel/camp for the rest of the night and enjoy a tasty dinner.
Day 3: Birdwatching in the Central Rwenzori Mountains
In the early morning wake up and enjoy a warm traditional breakfast and then get ready for a hike through the tropical rainforest zone to part of the montane forests. The nature walk begins in the lush tropical forests where the nature sounds awaken and you can hear the chirping of the bird species like the African grey parrot. Proceed your journey in the dense tropical forests and be vigilant and keep your eyes open so that you don’t miss out on spotting unique bird species like the Rwenzori apalis, mountain yellow wablle, Cassin’s spine tail and black-headed waxbill.
In the afternoon enjoy lunch at Mahoma waterfall view point, a scenic spot with picnic area offering spectacular scenic views of the waterfall. Imagine sitting on a flat rocky outcrop amidst the thick green tall tropical trees overlooking the paranomic view of the Mahoma waterfall as you enjoy a lunch and refreshing drinks. You can use this opportunity to capture these unforgettable memories on your photographic equipment. Later on you proceed on the kilembe trail and get to spot other unique bird species like the Egyptian goose, African olive pigeon.
During this expedition your guide will help you spot different bird species and help you identify them as he shares interesting facts and expert insights about the birds. Later you will take a return guided hike back to your safari hotel/camp and as you go through the lush green forest you will get to spot nocturnal animals like nightjars, owls and bats. Then later you can return to your hotel for dinner or you could opt for bush dinner around the campfire as you get to interact with other tourists and share your experiences and get entertainment from the Bakonjo people as they showcase their culture through music, dance and storytelling and then head back to your hotel/safari camp for rest.
Day 4: Ultimate Rwenzori Birding Experience & Departure
On this last day of your 4 day Rwenzori bird-watching expedition, wake up and enjoy breakfast and you could talk to your safari guide about the target Rwenzori birding species. Your safari guide will then take you on the best spots to sight the bird species of your choice. Also, capture memorable pictures of the different bird species.
Later in the afternoon, get to enjoy a picnic set up at Kahokya River crossing as you take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, listen to the sweet birdsongs from the trees and the thick shrub around. At this spot you will also get to spot birds like, African darter and hammerkop at the riverine banks. Later in the evening you will head back to your safari camp/hotel. Lastly, prepare for your return journey back and this is where our exquisite4 day Rwenzori birding safari ends.
NOTE; The availability of some bird species in Rwenzori depends on the weather conditions, temperatures and the time of the year. So, it’s always better to get expertise knowledge from the Rwenzori trekking experts and tour guides before the tour.
What is the best time to visit Rwenzori mountains for birdwatching tours
The best time to visit Rwenzori mountains for bird watching safaris is between (June- August) and (December-February). This is because of the minimal rainfall, clear skies and better temperatures that will make it easy to access the Rwenzori trails and spot the different birding species. During this time there’s increased activity of the birds in the Rwenzoris and better photographic opportunities.
However you should avoid the months between (March-May) and (September-November). They are considered the worst times/months to visit Rwenzori. Additionally, these are the months of high amounts of rainfall. Hence making it hard to access the Rwenzori trekking trails for birding expeditions/tours.
NOTE; The availability of some bird species depends on the weather conditions, temperatures, and the time of the year. So, it’s always better to get expert knowledge from the Rwenzori tour guides before the tour.
Recommended Rwenzori accommodations for your 4 day Rwenzori bird watching tour package.
Our Rwenzori trekking experts recommend these cheap/budget hotels and luxury Rwenzori accommodations in nearby towns like Kasese. Below is a list of those Rwenzori accommodation suggestions from our Rwenzori experts for your 4 day Rwenzori birding expedition. Additionally, their average prices which usually vary with seasons are added and also their proximities to the Rwenzori moutains.
- Mbunga Community tourism campsite-US$18 per night. (10.5km from Rwenzori).
- Ruboni community camp-US$36 per night(18.3km from Rwenzori.)
- Ngabu hotel-US$41 per night (18.1 km from Rwenzori).
- BLT Residence-US$36 per night (21.1km rom Rwenzori).
- Lake George view golf resort –US$376 per night (21.1km from Rwenzori).
4 day Rwenzori birding and Bakonzo Culture
The inhabitants of the Rwenzori Mountains are the Bakonzo (Bakonjo, konzo) people. They are also the Bantu – speaking ethnic group known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. They have unique day to day lifestyles like hunting, gathering, farming and skilled craftsmanship. In the Bakonzo culture, elders are highly respected hence when interacting with the local community. Also, how high respect of the elders and remove shoes when entering local homes. You will also get to experience optional traditional performances and exciting storytelling alongside your 4 day Rwenzori birding expedition.
Money and finance essentials for your 4 day Rwenzori bird watching Expedition in Uganda
This listed information below guides you in your 4 day Rwenzori bird watching tour in Uganda. Feel free to inquire from our Kilimanjaro Rwenzori Trekking experts for more information.
- Local currency.( Ugandan shillings)
- US dollars. (For emergencies).
- Credit/debit cards.
- Trekking fees. (20$-50$) per person a day.
- Guide fees. (20$-50$) per person per day.
- Traveler’s checks.
4 day Uganda Rwenzori birding expedition essential Travel documents
These are the must have travel documents for your 4 day Rwenzori birding adventure in Uganda.
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Approved visa.
- Insurance papers.
- Copy of itinerary and contact details.
- Health certificate (yellow fever vaccinations).
What to Pack for your 4 day Rwenzori bird watching Expedition in Uganda
Packing the right mountain trekking gear for your 4 day Rwenzori birding expedition in Uganda is Essential. Below are the recommended packing equipment for your birding adventure in Uganda.
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
- Trekking socks.
- Waterproof jacket in case of rainy conditions.
- Hat and gloves.
- Camera.
- Binoculars.
- Hydration pack.
- First aid kit.
- Water purification tablets.
- Torch for navigating in the dark.
- Swimwear (optional for hot springs).
- Notebook and pencil.
Know Mountain Rwenzori weather and Climate patterns before your 4 day Rwenzori birding Tour
Rwenzori mountain has several climate zones such as; the tropical rainforest zone at the base of the mountain with high temperatures and high levels of rainfall. The montane forest zone in the middle slopes covered in the montane forests with cooler temperatures and lower rainfall. Additionally, the alpine zone with the alpine vegetation at the peaks with snowy climate, low levels of rainfalls and cold temperatures.
However our 4 day Rwenzori birdwatching itinerary in Uganda is more concerned about the tropical rainforest zone. Also, part of the montane forest zones since they have high temperatures hence one should prepare accordingly. The rainfall seasons are two, the first rainy season is between March to May with April receiving the heaviest rainfall. Also, the second one is September to November with October receiving the heaviest rainfall. The dry seasons are also two; the first one between December to February. Additionally, the second one between June to August with July being the driest month.
NOTE; The rainfall patterns influence the availability of water resources, crop growth and distribution of plant and animal species in this case the mountain Rwenzori birds.
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