Birding in Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija, Bwindi

Birding in Mubwindi Swamp in the Ruhija sector in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park promises a captivating guided adventure to spot plenty of colorful bird species. Mubwindi Swamp is found in the Rukiga highlands with a maximum height of approximately 2,450 meters above sea level. Pass through various trails, including the Mubwindi trail which takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. Mubwindi Swamp has over 100 recorded bird species out of the over 350 species that find shelter and food in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers over 331 square kilometers in the Albertine Rift region in the southwest of Uganda. The climate experienced here is tropical with marked rain and dry seasons. In terms of rainfall, there are 2 rainfall peaks from March to May and also from September to November. The dry season runs from June to August and from December to January. The park is primarily known for gorilla trekking tours and has around half of the global total population of these critically endangered primates. Regardless, birding is also a sought-after tour activity here and Mubwindi Swamp is the best destination to enjoy it.

Bird species to see while birding in Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija, Bwindi.

With at least 100 species of birds in Mubwindi Swamp alone, you will have a tremendous opportunity to spot a variety of them. Among them are, the handsome francolin, black-faced apalis, Grauer’s warbler, Rwenzori batis, Shelley’s crimson wing, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, western crested guinea fowl, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, African green pigeon, dwarf honeyguide, handsome spurfowl, Rwenzori turaco, regal sunbird, white-starred robin, Albertine sooty boubou, African harrier hawk, crowned hornbill, African broadbill, Neumann’s warbler and mountain-masked apalis.

Other wildlife species to see in Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija, Bwindi.

Mubwindi swamp has mixed forest as a major habitat in the site yet is dominated by moist lower montane forest. The constituent plant species that make up the flora are categorized into trees, herbs, and shrubs among others. These include Neoboutonia, macrocalyx, Alchornea hirtella, Macaranga capensis, Myrica kandtiana, Cyperus denudatus, Cyperus latifolius and Chrysophyllum albidum. Wild animals you could encounter in the Mubwindi swamp include blue monkeys, bush pigs, black and white colobus monkeys, mountain gorillas, bushbucks, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, and duikers.

Brief folklore of the Mubwindi Swamp in Bwindi

Mubwindi Swamp is known by the nearby communities as a place with a haunting past, especially from it being dubbed the ‘Dark Swamp.’ Its enigmatic folklore dates back to the early twentieth century, focusing on the Kigezi clan who were journeying from the southwest of Kigezi to the northern side. As they moved through the forest, they reached the Mubwindi Swamp, and discovered that they were trapped, and considered it too large and more challenging to cross. Unable to turn back, their desperation increased, and they resorted to wandering around the swamp for days.

Afterward, a voice, believed to be supernatural, demanded them to make a human sacrifice if they were to cross safely. Like most of us, the clan elders were hesitant, to say the least. But when they became more exhausted, they submitted to the ghost’s request. The most beautiful girl was the choice they went with as a sacrifice, and reluctantly cast her into the dark waters. Then, there was a path that appeared in front of them, providing them a way to the other side. After crossing, they looked back only to realize that the path had disappeared. Still sad about the loss of their girl, they named the swamp Mubwindi bwa Nyinamukari to symbolize the darkness that claimed her.

Best time to go for birding in Mubwindi Swamp

Ruhija sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open for birding tours throughout the year. Though the dry season is the best time to go to Mubwindi Swamp for birding tours, migratory bird species are typically present from November to April. The main nesting season for birds is usually between May and June. The advantage of visiting in the dry season is having an uninterrupted birding adventure, with little possibility of rainfall. The birding trail is also drier to offer a less challenging birding tour. The temperatures are also relatively warmer and offer more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities like birding.

How to travel to Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija, Bwindi

You can reach the Ruhija Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park using any road or air transportation means. From Kampala city, you can drive for over 503 kilometers to the site southwestwards in a scenic trip that takes 10-11 hours. Standard Safaris is your trusted tour operator for all car hire services. We have an impressive fleet of 4×4 wheel drive safari land cruisers, drones or minivans, and others. In addition, your transfers have guaranteed safety and comfort thanks to our knowledgeable driver guides who are fluent in English.

Air transportation can also be used if you want a faster transfer to go for a birding tour in Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija. AeroLink provides domestic flights from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip near the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will enjoy a flight that offers aerial views of Uganda for 1½ hours. From the airstrip, you will be transported by our representative using road transport to either Mubwindi Swamp or your booked lodge. We also make flight bookings with AeroLink on your behalf to ensure that you have a seamless transfer to the destination.

Packing list for birding in Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija Sector, Bwindi

Make your guided birding tour in Mubwindi swamp in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park even more captivating by traveling with essential items such as.

A pair of binoculars
Camera/smartphone
Birding checklist and notebook
Lightweight colored long-sleeved shirt and long trousers
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Strong hiking shoes or boots
Gaiters and socks
Light rain jacket or a poncho
Insect repellent
Light snacks
Refillable water bottle
Extra cash
GPS or map
Backpack
Trekking poles
Sunscreen
Trekking gloves

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

Birding in Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija, Bwindi

10 Days Best of Uganda Safari – Primates, Wildlife & Leisure Tour

7 DAYS UGANDA WILDLIFE SAFARI ADVENTURE

6 Days Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda

5 Days Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Tour In Uganda

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda

2 Days Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali