KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Size: 1442 sq. km, Elevation: 914m on Kidepo Valley floor to 2749m a top Mt. Morungole, Bird species Recorded: 480 species
Habitat: Semi-desert scrub, open thorn scrub, open thorn bush, long and short-grass open tree savanna, riparian woodland including Borassus and Kigelia woodland, thick “miombo-like” woodland, montane forest and granite outcrops.
Kidepo is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It harbors scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. Tucked into the corner of Uganda’s border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking savannah and mountain landscapes which end in a rugged horizon. A huge altitudinal range, correspondingly wide climatic conditions have evolved an extremely diverse flora. As a result the variety of animal species in the park is equally abundant including, many which are found nowhere else in Uganda.
Birding in Kidepo valley National Park
For Bird watchers, Kidepo Valley is second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park in terms of avifauna diversity. Amongst the host of dry, eastern “specials” not found in any other Ugandan national parks are some of East Africa’s rarest and most sought after birds as Black-breasted Barbet and Karamoja Apalis.
There are also records of two globally-threatened species: Lesser Kestrel (Vulnerable) and Pallid Harrier (Near-threatened) but so far as is known they are only occasional visitors.
Other species that are rare or local in Uganda include Golden Pipit, Taita Fiscal, Rufous Chatterer, Grey Wren Warbler, and many others restricted to this park, Moroto Forest Reserve and adjacent unprotected areas. The park has 23 of Uganda’s 32 Somali-Masai biome species. There are also 21 Afro-tropical highland species (recorded mainly from highlands of Lonyili, Morungole, Zulia and Lomej with their characteristic mosaic of forest, savanna and thicket). Notable species are little Rock thrush and Brown Parisona, are in all other parks or IBAs. The site also has 16 Sudan and Guinea Savanna, and 4 Guinea Congo forest Biome species.
BUDONGO FOREST RESERVE
Size: 79300ha, 74% forest, 9% terrestrial, 2% Savanna, 13% Unknown;
Altitude: 700 to 1270m above Sea Level, Coordinates: 31°N 35° E 1°S 45° N
Bird species Recorded: There are over 360 species of bird species to give you a spectacular birding safari in Budongo forest uganda, 290 species of butterflies, 130 species if Moths, 465 species of trees, 24 species of mammals – 9 of which are primates Budongo Forest reserve is one of the most important birding areas in Uganda, lies on then escarpment north-east of Lake Albert. It consists of a medium altitude moist semi-deciduous forest (covering 42,800ha), with areas of Savanna and woodland. The reserve occupies gently undulating terrain, with ageneral slope north-north-west towards the rift valley. The forest is drained by four small rivers (Sonso, Waisoke, Wake and Bubwa) which flow into Lake Albert. Budongo has five main forest types: colonizing, mixed, Cynometra, Cynometra-mixed and swamp-forest. The majority of the reserve is covered by tropical high forest communities. Medium-altitude semi-deciduouos Cynometra-celtis forest covers about half of the site and Combretum savanna is wide spread in the drier areas. There are Eco-tourism sites at Busingiro and Kaniyo Pabidi.
Two species of birds found in Budongo forest are not found elsewhere in East Africa. The forest is the second most important in Uganda (after Semliki National Park) for species of the Guinea-Congo forest Biome. Yellow-footed Flycatcher, only known from Budongo in Uganda, used to be common in mature forest, but is now extremely hard to find. Illadopsis puveli, a recent addition, is not known elsewhere in East Africa. Other species that make Budongo amongst the best bird watching spots in East Africa are include Ceratogymna fistulator, Smithornis rufolateralis, Ixonotus guttatus, Neafrapus cassini, Sylvietta denti, Batis ituriensis and Zoothers camaronensis. These species are also known from a few other forests in Uganda. Twitchers in Budongo forest birding are always treated with rare species also present in the forest such as Pitta reichenowi and Parmoptila woodhousei, both with multiple recent records. Bird watching in the forest is well facilitated with an extensive well maintained 115km trail system.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE CONSERVATION AREA.
Size: 321 sq.kms, Elevation: 1190 at 2607m above level, Birds recorded: 357 species Habitat: Medium-altitude (moist evergreen) forest, montane forest with patches of bamboo (Arundinaria) and montane marshes.
Bwindi Impenetrable Conservation Area lies in the rugged Kigezi highlands of South Western Uganda, protecting a continuum of forest that ranges from montane to low land areas. It is this altitudinal variation, combined with its location within the Albertine Rift that results in Bwindi impenetrable being the richest forest in East Africa in terms of its trees, butterflies and birds. Bwindi is a home to 360 Gorrilas a half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.
Bwindi is a bird watchers’ haven, it holds 347 species of birds. The forest has 10 of the 26 globally threatened species in Uganda, five of which are vulnerable. BINP has 24 of the 25 Albertine Rift endemic species in the country and some, such as African Green Broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Shelley’s Crimson-wing have limited distributions elsewhere in their range.
Bwindi has 76 of 144 Guinea -Congo forest biome species that occur in Uganda, recorded especially in the North sector. The site also qualifies for Afro tropical highland biome species with 68 of 86, and for the Lake Victoria biome with 4 of 12 species.
The park is blessed with 90% of all albertine rift endemics, difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa and seven IUCN red data listed species. An experienced birder watcher can identify over 100 species in a day.
Ruhiija is likely to be one of the highlights of any trip to Uganda with excellent birding in spectacular surroundings. Birds are both plentiful and easy to see; many species associating in mixed feeding flocks that are active throughout the day. An early start offers the best chance of finding the striking handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, western Green Tinkerbird, Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, red-faced woodland Warbler, Rwenzori batis, white-tailed crested Flycatcher and many more.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Size: 370 sq km, Elevation: 1220 to 1828m above sea level, Bird species recorded: 317 species Habitat:Moist Acacia savanna, taller mixed wood land, aquatic habitat including lakes and papyrus swamps, grassland, rocky ridges.
Lake Mburo National Park is dominated by tall grass savanna dotted with Acacia and Euphorbia trees. Dense thorn thickets occur along the watercourses. The park contains an extensive area of wetland, harbors several species of mammals and a great bird population. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lakeshores has a varied mosaic of habitats ranging from forest galleries; rich acacia tree valleys, to seasonal and permanent swamps, which all support a wealth of wildlife.
Birding in Lake Mburo, Uganda.
Common conspicuous birds encountered whilst driving towards Rwonyo Camp, the park headquarters include; Crested Francolin, Emerald spotted wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced Go-away -bird. Blue-napped Mousebird, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Green Wood-hoopoe, common scimitarbill, African Grey Hornbill, Spot-flanked Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Northern Black Tit, Chin-spot Batis, Greater Blue-eared starling and Marico sunbird. The woodland in the immediate vicinity of Rwonyo also supports many of these widespread species.
The more open grassland north of camp, particularly along the Zebra Track, is worth exploring for species such as Coqui Francolin, Red-necked Spur fowl, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, African Wattled Plover, Rufous-Naped and lapped Larks, Rufous-chested Swallow, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Southern Red Bishop. Small number of the migratory Brown-chested Plover is regularly observed. Check the grassland around the Mirllti Valley trail. The impressive southern Ground Hornbill is another rare visitor of these grasslands. Spot lighting along the entrance road (request per-mission from park head quarters) may produce interesting Nocturnal species such as African Scops Owl; Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and Fiery-necked, White-tailed and Pennant-winged Nightjars.
The Kyempitsi trail allows access to aquatic habitats around Lake Mburo. The swamp along the Lake is good to look for some of the Papyrus Gonolek vocalize from the papyrus north of here in the morning and respond readily to tape recordings. The elusive shoebill may also be observed but is irregular in the park. There are a few more places further along the “lakeside trail” where the road passes lose to the papyrus. Particularly worth checking is the western part of the lake where Blue-Headed Coucal, the scarce Papyrus Yellow Warbler and Northern Brown-throated Weaver occur.
The idyllic Lakeside campground (kingfisher) is one of the best places in Uganda to see African Fin foot. Scan for this spectacular bird around the edges of the lake at dawn and dusk. Other species to look for here include African Darter, Water Thicknee, Hamerkop, African Water Rail, Spur-winged Plover, Giant, Pied and Malachite kingfishers, and Yellow-throated Leaflove the latter in dense, waterside thickets.
Continue on to the Kigambira Loop, which traverses a variety of productive habitats. Taller, mixed woodland in this area is home to the park’s most sought-after bird, the localized Red-faced Barbet. Scan tall Euphorbia trees for this species. Black-collared Barbet, common and widespread elsewhere in Africa, is also present here but scarce. Other interesting birds to watch for in this moist woodland include Long tailed warbler, Red-headed lovebird, Narina Trogon, Lead-coloured Flycatcher, Green-capped Eremomela and the Austral migrant, Black Cuckoo-shrike.
A surprisingly large number of raptors occur in this relatively small park. Amongst the 35 species recorded is African White-backed Reppell’s Griffon, Lappet-faced and white headed Vultures, African Marsh Harrier, Black-chested, Brown and Banded snake, Bateleur, African Harrier Hawk, Shikra, Gabar and Dark chanting Goshawks, Lizard and Augur Buzzards, African Fish, tawny, Steppe, African Hawk, Long-Crested and Martial Eagles and Grey Kestrel.
MABIRA FOREST RESERVE
Size: 30600ha, 78% Forest, 18% Savannah, 2% Terresterial/Artificial; Altitude: 1070 – 1340m asl.
Coordinates: 33o 0′ E 0o 30′ N.; Access: 54km from Kampala, 20km from Jinja; Bird species recorded: 300 species.
Mabira Forest Reserve is the largest block of moist semi-deciduous forest remaining in the central region of Uganda. The reserve occupies gently undulating country, characterized by numerous flat-topped hills and wide, shallow valleys. Some of these valleys have papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) swamps. The topography is such that the land drains to the north, even though the reserve’s southern boundary lies only 13 km from the shores of Lake Victoria. The closeness of Mabira to Kampala, and the presence of various ecotourism facilities, makes this site popular for visitors especially bird watchers.
Many species of the Guinea-Congo Forests biome are not well-represented in other protected areas in Uganda, for instance Nahan’s Francolin; Black shouldered Nightjar, Capuchin Babbler, Grey Long-bill and Blue-headed crested flycatcher. The site also holds one species of the Sudan-Guinea Savanna biome and four of the Afrotropical Highlands biome. There are over 10km well maintained trail systems for birding nature walks.
Mabira represents the best opportunity to maintain a complete forest community characteristic of this important biogeograghical region. Also, by virtue of its location between two main urban centres, the reserve assumes increasing importance as a recreational area; it is already popular for picnics, nature walks especially for bird watching and butterfly viewing, and trail-biking.
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Size: 560 sqkms, Elevation: 1110 to 1590m above sea level, Birds recorded: 340 species
Habitat: The forested section 77% of the park is covered by medium altitude moist evergreen forest in the north and medium altitude semi-deciduous forest at lower altitude in the south. The remaining 23% consists of grassland, swamps and some plantations with exotic conifers.
Kibale National Park is an extensive national park, protecting a large block of rainforest that offers excellent flora and fauna. With lush tropical rain forest and fascinating diversity, it is one of the most beautiful and stunning forests in Uganda. It harbours the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. It is a home to the largest number in Uganda to the endangered Chimpanzee as well as the Red Colobus.
Kibale has 82 species of the Guinea Congo forest biome and 32 species of the Afro tropical highland biome and shares some of the rare species with the highland sites. These include the Bar-tailed Trogon and Fine-banded woodpecker, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher and Red-faced Crimson-wing; each found in two other important Bird Areas. The site also has 5 of 32 restricted range species in Uganda, and 5 of the 12 Ugandan species of the Lake Victoria biome.
In Kibale, birdwatchers look out for the Nahan’s Francolin, an endangered species found in three other forest reserves, the Forest ground thrush recorded in only two other IBAs. Other interesting species include Yellow-spotted Nictor, Yellow- ramped Tinker bird, Little Greenbul, Gree-breated Pitta, the African Pitta, White-thighed hornbill and the Black bee-eater.
MABAMBA BAY WETLAND
Size: 16500ha, Elevation: 1130m above sea level, Coordinates: 32°20°E, 00°05°N Bird species Recorded: 260 species
Mabamba is an extensive marsh stretching through a long narrow bay, fringed with papyrus towards the western main body of Lake Victoria in Mpigi District. . It has the status of unprotected area with bird categories, globally threatened species and Lake Victoria Basin biome species. This Important Bird Area (IBA) is one of the best marshy areas along the northern shores of Lake Victoria for bird watching: it is the closest place to Kampala. The climate is similar to other areas of northern shorelines of the lake (1200 – 1500mm of rain with average minimum temperature of 17°C and average maximum temperature of 26°C).
Birding in Mabamba wetland, Uganda.
Mabamba bay has grown into one of the most interesting and spectacular site for birding in Uganda. Apart from Murchison Falls National Park, Mabamba bay is the only place and site ( so far rated as the best in Africa and/or the whole world) where the elusive Shoebill can be spotted at any one time of the day. Recently, Mabamba has become one of the strong holds for the migrant Blue Swallow with over 100 individuals recorded every year. Mabamba has been surveyed in recent years and now boosts of over 260 species with one day’s record of 157 species.
There are other four globally threatened species and other species of regional significance, i.e. the Pallid Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and the Blue Swallow. The Shoebill feeds primarily on lungfish (Protopterus aethipicus), which is also cherished by the local community. Shoebills are regularly recorded in pairs or in threes in the marsh at Nakowogo, about 2 km north east of Mabamba Bay.
Recent visits also confirmed presence of flocks of other species especially migrants such as Gull-billed Terns, White-winged Black Terns and Whiskered Terns, and residents such as Grey-headed Gulls. Other interesting species found in the marsh include good numbers of Goliath, Herons, Spur-winged and Pygmy Geese, and a number of migratory waders. Five Lake Biome species have also been recorded here.
The overwhelming birding experience in Mabamba in not only at the Swamp, but along the way, there are other birding spots with a variety of habitats. After birding in the labyrinth of channels in the marsh, one can choose to follow a woodland and savanna trail up to the sand mining quarry to maximize on chances of other species apart from the wetland birds.
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Size: 33 sq km, Elevation: 2300-4127 metres above sea level, Birds recorded: 115 species
Habitat: Montane forest with an extensive belt of bamboo (Arundinaria) and regenerating pastures on the lower slopes, health and Afro-alpine moorland on the upper slopes.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest and most scenic national park situated in the extreme south-western corner of the country, forming part of the large conservation area that bestrides political boundaries to include Parcs des Volcans in Rwanda and Parcs des Virungas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga is best known for its endangered mountain Gorillas, a habituated group that wanders back and forth across the international border.
Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.
Although scenically very rewarding, it is not necessary to climb to the tops of the volcanoes to see the specialists of the park. Most of the main attractions may be found on the excellent Gorge Trail, which loops half way up Mt. Sabinyo, traverses a variety of montane habitats and takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Brown-crowned Tchagara, Bronze Sunbird, Black headed Waxbill and Streaky Seedeater favour the scrubby vegetation in this area. Passing the old ranger’s hut on the left, you enter the bamboo belt at about 2500m above sea level. Handsome francolin (often near water), Kivu Ground thrush and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler occur here. Between the bamboo zone and the edge of the forest you cross several hundred meters of open heath with appearance of alpine moorland. Scan the flowering Red-hot Pokers carefully, for both Malachite and Scarlet-tufted, Malachite sunbirds. This is one of the few places where these two species may be seen side by side although the Scarlet-tufted may only be a wet season visitor to these low altitudes.
As you enter the tall montane forest at 2660m above sea level, listen for the call of the rare Lagden’s Bush Shrike, unlike that of the Buf-spotted Flufftail. This spectacular bird is quite responsive to tape recordings. The other stunning attractions n this beautiful forest for bird watchers found include; African (Rwenzori) Hill Babbler, White-starred Robin, Brown woodland Warbler, Stripe- Breasted Tit, Regal Sunbird, strange Weaver and Dusky Crimson wing.
Turn right when the trail forks at about 2700m above sea level, look and listen for the magnificent Rwenzori Turaco in this area, remembering that it sounds nothing like other Turacos. Crossing the creek, you get magnificent views up the deep gorge that cuts into Mt. Sabinyo. The trail continues on more or less level ground to another old ranger’s hut where it begins its descent.
Along the way keep an eye for Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas, the latter feeding in the abundant wild celery in the area. Descending through the forest along the Ugandan / Congelese border, look for Narina Trogon, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-faced woodland and Montane Mountain Yellow Warblers, Montane masked, Chestnut-throated and collared Apalises white-tailed Blue Flycatcher and Montane Sooty Boubou.
Back on level ground, the trail follows the stonewall marking the National park boundary. Chubb’s Cisticola, Banded prinia and Doherty’s Bush-strike are vocal yet inconspicuous inhabitants of tangles at the Forest edge whilst cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, white-eyed Slaty Flycather and Mackinnon’s Fiscal favour more exposed perches. The trail emerges onto open moorland reminiscent of pans of northern Europe. Not surprisingly, common Stonechat is abundant but here shares the habitats with many of the tropical African open country species; Grassland Pipit, Yellow-throated long claw, wing-snapping cisticola and yellow-crowned canary.
Other wildlife found in park include among others; Animals found in the park include: Buffaloes, Elephants, Bushbucks, and the threatened Golden Monkeys.
Gorilla Tracking
This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience which might take one through a thick jungle. Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is thrilling but may be challenging, therefore ensure physical fitness. One gorilla group (Nyakagezi), is currently habituated and available for tourists. It consists of 11 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants.
MURCHISON CONSERVATION AREA
Size: 3840 sq kms, Elevation: 619 to 1292m above sea level, Birds recorded: 460 species
Habitat: Iron wood forest, river line forest, dry and moist woodlands with grassy understorey, Borassus palm savanna grassland with termitaria, papyrus lakes and rivers.
Murchison Falls National Park derives its name from the Murchison Falls where the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and flows down to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes. The vegetation is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and woodland. Wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeest, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees and many bird species including the rare shoebill.
Launch Trips on the Nile
One of the highlights of a visit to Murchison Falls National Park is the launch trip from Paraa to the foot of Murchison Falls. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant and you will see elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and a variety of birds like herons, cornmorants, ducks, bee-eaters, fish eagles, kingfishers and sometimes the rare shoebill. The launch trip form Paraa to the falls (17km) and back takes about three hours.
Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park
A variety of unique habitats and lots of superb birds make a visit to Murchison Falls National Park a must for every birder. The birding experience here is greatly enhanced by the abundant wildlife and scenic landscape.
Six globally threatened species have been regularly recorded, three of which are palaearctic migrants. The Shoebill is an important tourist attraction of park, the only park where one is almost certain of seeing the bird, which is regularly recorded along the Nile inside the park, especially at the delta and on two islands in the river. Lesser Flamingo and Great Snipe have occasionally been recorded. The park is particularly important for Sudan-Guinea species with 14 of 22 species recorded in the park; several of these are very common. Four of 12 Lake Victoria species, 11 of 44 Guinea-Congo forest species, six out of 86 Afrotropical Highland species and three of 32 Somali-Masai Biome species. When the flow of the Nile is low, African Skimmers congregate on sand banks a few kilometers below the Falls, but none are present at times of high water when the banks are flooded.
SEMILIKI NATIONAL PARK
Size: 220sq kms, Elevation: 670 to 760 Meters Above Sea Level, Birds recorded: 435 species
Habitat: Moist semi deciduous forest, most iron wood-dominant with patches of swamp forest and aquatic habitat represented by forest streams and ox bow lakes with adjacent swamps.
Semliki National Park is situated in the extreme west of Uganda, in the Bundibugyo District. It lies along the Uganda/ Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border within the western arm of the East African Rift Valley. In the Southeast are the Rwenzori Mountains, to the west is the DRC and to the north are the Semliki flats and Lake Albert further on. Semliki National Park is an eastern extension of the vast ituri forest in DRC. It forms part of the forest continuum resulting out of the climatic upheavals of the Pleistocene and therefore one of the richest areas for both flora and fauna in Africa.
Jungle life in Semuliki National Park is breathtaking especially for birders, primate, butterfly and plant lovers. The jungle walk takes one up to the meandering River Semliki, the only one of its type in East Africa. You may also see forest buffaloes and elephants, sitatungas, leopards, crocodiles, various primate and a wide range of forest and water birds. Visitors can also come with fishing facilities for sport fishing along the river.
Bird watching in Semliki Conservation Area.
Semliki Forest represents the only example of Congo-Basin vegetation in Uganda. A large number of Guinea-Congo biome species reach their eastern limits here, which is one of the richest for forest birds in the country.
No less than 131 of the 144 Guinea -Congo forest Biome species have been recorded in Semliki Forest, as well as 31 Guinea Congo Biome species, and 39 others that are only known from Semliki antional park in Uganda. Other species such as White-tailed/Piping Hornbill (also recorded in Budongo forest reserve), Capuchin Babbler and Blue-headed, Crested flycatcher are now known from Mabira forest reserve, the Orange weaver is common along the northern shores of Lake Victoria and the Red-billed Malimbe has been recorded from Kibale National Park.
Semliki forest is close to the Mt. Rwenzori ranges, and the River Semliki meanders (forming ox-bow lakes in some places) along the western border down to Lake Albert and is surrounded by swamp where four Lake Victoria biome species, including Papyrus Gonolek and Caruthers’s Cisticola are recorded. The site also has two restricted range species, and surprisingly, six Afrotropical highlands biome species; all widespread elsewhere. other interesting species include some of the continent’s most spectacular and sought-after birds such as Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Nkulengu Rail, Black-wattled Hornbill and Lyre-tailed Honey guide.
RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Size: 996 sq kms, Elevation: 1700m to 5190m at the top of Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley Habitat: Montane forest with bamboo (Arundinaria) on the lower slopes,health and Afro-alpine moorland on higher slopes. Birds recorded: 217 species.
The fabled “Mountains of the Moon” lie in the western Uganda on the Congo border with snow covered, equatorial peaks rising to a height of 5110m and lower slopes blanketed in moorland and rich montane forest. A trip into the Rwenzori’s is an exhilarating and rewarding experience but one, which must be well planned. The key to an enjoyable visit is to “be prepaired” the central circuit hike takes six nights/ seven days and reaches an altitude of 14,000 ft (4,267m) above sea level. The conditions on the mountain are a challenge to even an experienced hiker. This mountain is reknowned for its un-engineered, steep and slippery trail and frequent rain. Rain and cold temperatures, bogs, mud, steep terrain and high altitude make a challenging trip. Never the less it is exciting, you need to try it.
Birding in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
In total, 217 species have been recorded in the park. The park contains 18 restricted range species Albertine endemics, the second highest in Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has 24 restricted range species. In addition, the park has 60 of 86 afro tropical highland biome species, the second highest of these after Bwindi Impenetrable. They include some rare and spectacular birds like the Rwenzori Turaco, Bamboo Warbler, Golden-winged Sunbird, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird and Stuhlmann’s Double-collared Olive-back Nesocharis ansorgei. There are also 17 species of the Guinea-Congo forest Biome but all are well represented in other sites.