Photography birding in Uganda
Are you looking for birding photography safari and tour in Uganda? Well, for any safari and not just a birding safari, keeping memories is very important. For birders, photography is key to any safari. There is need to keep pictures of special sighting, lifers and bird that are rare. Photography is not just a hobby but also a job. There are people who take safaris and are willing to take picture for sale. There are many things you need to know about photography birding in Uganda and here are some:
It’s always free and open take pictures of birds in the national parks and game reserves and you have already paid the entrance fees.
While you are on the road, always consult your guide if it’s okay to take pictures at that particular area. Some areas will require you to seek permission as it may be private property.
Uganda is generally a friendly country and it always okay to talk with the locals if you want to take pictures of birds in their gardens or compounds. Always as the guide to help you this.
It is illegal to take pictures on most bridges of Uganda, gas stations, banks, police stations and army bases. If you really have to do birding around such areas and take pictures, you will need special permission and also clearance from the authorities which may take a while. Of course the bird will not wait so we advise that you stick to taking pictures in the gazzatted areas and it’s easy and safe.
The permission for photography only allows cameras for still photography, you will need special clearance for filming in the national park or the use of drones.
Make sure you carry a waterproof bag to protect you photography gear as it is possible that it can rain any time while you are in the forest.
Carry as many memory cards as possible such that you can capture as many shots as possible and are not limited by space.
Best time to book birding photography safari and tour in Uganda
Looking for best time to do birding photography safari and tour in Uganda? Yes, birdwatching photography is good all year around in Uganda because most birds are resident species.
Climate is a major factor to consider if planning any birdwatching tour. Uganda experiences two seasons that is; the dry season and the wet season. During the wet season; the roads connecting to different birding destinations and hiking forest trails tend to be slippery and muddy which at times affects movements of travelers hence interfering the birding time.
Generally, the best time for birding in Uganda is late May through September. During this period Uganda experiences less rains and food is always in plenty.
The main nesting season in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park which are major sites hosting the Albertine Rift endemics is May and June.
From mid-April to mid-May, Uganda receives the highest rains and in most cases; many safari activities are affected. Sometimes you may miss out activities for your safety.
Toro-Semliki is relatively dry during February and early March however, it is uncomfortably hot in Murchison Falls National Park.
December and January are also good months for running a safari in Uganda including birdwatching and wildlife tours. During this period, the country experiences less rain.
From June to August and December to February is dry season and very good for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Bwindi and Kibale national park respectively. Wildlife viewing is also excellent in all the savannah national parks of Uganda such as Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Kidepo valley and Murchsion falls national parks during this time.
