Birding Safaris in Kidepo National Park Uganda | Top Bird Species

Beyond the sensational game drives, birding safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park are also a must-do. Kidepo National Park is located in the semi-arid region of Uganda, north-eastern part of the country.

Not only is it popular for its captivating savanna wildlife encounters like cheetahs and leopards, but it also offers rewarding birding experiences.

To every avid birder on a Uganda birding safari, a visit to Kidepo Valley National Park guarantees you inspirational sightings of your favorite birds in their habitat.

In this complete guide to planning your ultimate birding safaris in Kidepo National Park, we present you with the top bird species. We also detail the best birding trails or sites to start your adventure, along with accommodation choices, optimal birding seasons, and directions to access the park.

Kidepo Valley National Park’s Top Bird Species to See

Over 475 bird species are confined to the diverse habitats of Kidepo National Park. The presence of these bird species makes Kidepo a rewarding birding destination.

Among the bird species to locate during the Kidepo birding safari are the red-winged pytilia, northern carmine bee-eaters, dark chanting goshawks, Heuglin’s red pate cisticola, rose ringed parakeet, black-breasted barbets, ostriches, chestnut weaver birds, and African grey flycatcher.

Kidepo National Park also holds birds such as Vinaceous doves, little bee-eaters, long-tailed nightjars, Clapperton’s francolins, Abyssinian ground hornbills, Kori bustards, secretary birds, Karamoja apalis, African pied hornbills, rufous chatterers,  Fox’s cisticola, Egyptian vultures, and more.

The Rare Birds in Kidepo

The endemic and rare birds to find in Kidepo during bird watching include pygmy falcon, Karamoja apalis, taita fiscal, fox’s weaver birds, clapperton’s francolins, Abyssinian ground hornbill, rose-ringed parakeet, and black-breasted barbets.

Why Kidepo is a special birding safari destination in Uganda

Kidepo lies in the region where it holds the exceptional Sudan-Guinea savanna species. This makes it a unique destination for you to spot the diversity of birds.

Over 60 bird species in Kidepo do not exist anywhere else in Uganda safari parks. 14 of the bird species are endemic to the Karamoja region or Kidepo National Park.

Add-ons on Birding Safaris in Kidepo

Game drives

Guided game drives are a must-do in Kidepo and offer amazing birding opportunity to birders as well. Avid birders get a chance to spot a range of birds in Kidepo’s diverse habitats during game drives.

In addition to birds, expect to observe wildlife such as cheetahs, lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, side-striped jackals, zebras, bat-eared foxes, and antelope families.

Nature walks

Nature walks provide exceptional bird watching opportunities in Kidepo Valley National Park. With an expert guide, search for your target birds at various locations on foot. A seasoned guide from Kidepo can lead your birding quest.

Karamojong/IK cultural experiences.

Visitors can also incorporate birding safaris with cultural tours. The IK and Karamojong communities are perfect places to visit for you to experience authentic cultures and traditions.

Best Places to Visit for Birding Safaris in Kidepo National Park

Birding in Apoka Rest Camp

Apoka is where the Kidepo National Park headquarters are located. In the Apoka area, you can start a birding tour at Apoka Rest Camp. This is the Southern Narus Valley area and contains different bird species.

The key bird species that you stand a higher chance of identifying in the Apoka area include marsh tchagra, superb starlings, yellow-billed shrikes, African grey flycatchers, mosque swallow, and silver birds. Crimson-rumped waxbill, vinaceous doves, and many seed-eaters. At times, Apoka welcomes the cape buffaloes, elephants, & lions.

The Narus Valley –for Birding Safaris

The Narus Valley is the main source of water and is an ideal location for you to begin your birding excursion. Along the Narus Valley, expect to get birds such as dark-chanting goshawks, lappet-faced vultures, Abyssinian ground hornbill, slate colored boubou, Eastern violet backed sunbirds, Karamoja apalis, yellow-billed shrikes, hammerkop, and purple herons.

Birding safaris in the Narus Valley also allow you to explore birds like Nubian woodpeckers, white-bellied tit, blue-headed coucals, marico sunbirds, bateleur, mouse colored penduline tit, and martial eagle.

Kidepo Valley –Birding Safari Area

Kidepo Valley rewards birders with amazing bird sightings. This area is endowed with vast sand banks and forest dominated by the desert palm trees.

A guided birding safari along the Kidepo Valley comes with sightings of Kori bustards, pygmy falcons, 4-banded sand grouse, rose-ringed parakeet, little green bee-eaters, ostriches, Northern white-crowned shrikes, and chestnut sparrow.

Additional places to explore during birding safaris in Kidepo National Park include Mount Morungole and Namakwenyi Valley.

Accommodation in Kidepo to stay during birding safaris

The available lodging options to book for an overnight stay during birding safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park include Apoka Safari Camp, Apoka Safari Lodge, Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp, Kidepo Savanna Lodge, and Adere Safari Lodge.

Kidepo is also a perfect camping destination if you do not want to stay in a lodge. You can pitch your safari tent in some of the designated camping grounds or sites.

When to go for Birding Safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park can be visited for birding tours at any month of the year. But considering the park’s travel calendar, March and April offer favorable conditions for birding. The majority of the Kidepo’s birds begin to breed or nest, and there is a likelihood of spotting the migratory birds. Kidepo experiences low rainfall amounts in November, February, and from June to August.

Is Kidepo safe for birding safaris?

Kidepo is generally safe and secure for avid birders to embark on bird watching tours. The park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, and is monitored by trained ranger guides, trackers, and other personnel. Even on the actual Kidepo Valley National Park birding safari, expect to be accompanied by the professional ranger guides.

Why go for Birding Safaris with Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd

Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd is the only trusted birding or bird-watching company you can book your safari with in Uganda. We offer affordable birding safaris for all avid birders on Uganda bird watching tours. Visit Kidepo and other sites for unforgettable birding safari experiences. Kidepo is a semi-arid destination, and game or wildlife viewing is excellent around November and February.

Packing for Successful Birding Safaris in Kidepo

A complete birding safari in Kidepo also requires you to carry only essential items. These include light rain jackets, a camera plus additional batteries, the field guide book, bottled water, a daypack, and waterproof walking boots. You can also carry a safari hat, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, insect repellents, and more.

How to Get to Kidepo for Birding Safaris

Birders can reach Kidepo National Park from Entebbe or Kampala. The available access routes include the Eastern and Northwestern/Northern routes.

The Northern route mainly involves driving along the Gulu highway, and this route also allows you to also visit Ziwa Sanctuary or Murchison Falls National Park.

The Eastern circuit provides avenues for you to also explore other sites. The diverse attractions or sites to visit along the Eastern route include Mabira Forest, Sipi Falls, Ssezibwa Waterfall, Uganda’s Elgon National Park, and more. These are also premier birding sites worth exploring on Uganda bird-watching tours.

Air transport to Kidepo National Park from the Entebbe Airport (EBB). This can be using chartered or scheduled flights, and you land at Apoka/Kidepo airstrip. Pick up at the park’s airstrip by a Flawless Adventure Planners expert, and you drive to the lodge for relaxation.