Birding in Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Birding is one of the best safari activities carried out in the Ishasha sector of the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National park. Ishasha sector is among the wild places to spot the tree climbing lions in Africa.
It is believed that these tree climbing lions adopted this unusual behavior in order to escape from tsetse flies and the lower ground heat.
Besides the tree climbing lions, the sector hosts other wildlife including the Ugandan Kob, Warthogs, buffalo, elephant, Waterbucks, Topi, hippos that can be spotted along Ishasha river.
Bird species in Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
If you are looking for an excellent birding safari; Ishasha is the best birdwatching destination to see several bird species on Lake Edward and Ishasha River such as the long-crested eagle, Senegal plover, striped kingfisher, African white-backed vulture, grey woodpecker, broad-billed roller, martial eagle, African green pigeon, Ross’s turaco, African crake, white-headed barbet, grey-backed fiscal, African wattled plover, Black coucal among others hence a great spot for bird watching in Queen Elizabeth national park.
Best time to go birding at Ishasha Sector Queen Elizabeth national park
Birdwatching on Ishasha Sector Queen Elizabeth national park is good throughout the year however; the best time to go birding on Ishasha Sector is from late May to September, when the park experiences less rains and food is in abundance. From June to July, these are dry months and park receives the least rain, while April to May and September to November, Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda receives the most rains; consequently, birders may experience delays due to impassable roads and slippery hiking trails hence limiting their birdwatching time. From November to April, Ishasha Sector hosts several migratory birds.
Besides birding, tourists can go for other safari activities like game drives, Nature-guided Walks and Interactive community tours.
Where to stay on a birding tour in Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ishasha sector offers a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, Midrange and luxury safari lodges you can book on your birding tour. These lodges and camp include; Topi Lodge, River Ishasha Safari Camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enjojo Lodge among others. These lodges and camps offer exceptional services such as massage, bar and restaurant. Most accommodations in ishasha prepare both local and international cuisines, camp fire, free WiFi, recharging facilities among others to make your stay memorable.
What you should know before going for birding safari at Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth national park
Avoid eating during birdwatching activity with in the wild
Avoid littering in the park
Avoid making noise as this might alert the wild cats and birds
Ensure to keep quiet and you will see more birds and animals
Avoid chasing after wild animals
And lastly, follow the instruction of your birding tour guide.
Travelers looking at birding tours in Ishasha sector can extend their visit to either the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National park for activities like boat cruise on Kazinga channel, Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kyambura Gorge, Game drives in Kasenyi Plains among others or Bwindi impenetrable national park for forest birding opportunities, gorilla tracking and Batwa community encounters.
