African Savanna and Forest Elephants

 

African Savanna and Forest Elephants : Did you know that an elephant is born blind, but able to walk in the first minutes? The forest elephants and the African Savanna elephants also known as the African bush elephant have a lot in common. In Uganda, we have the savannah and forest elephants and seem to look alike from afar but have also got some differences.

Size

The African savanna elephant is basically the largest living terrestrial animal in the world with bulls growing up to over 3 meters in height. On the other hand, the African forest elephant is the smallest of the two species with bulls that rarely exceed 2.5 metres.

Ears

The ears of the African savanna elephant look like the shape of the African continent. In addition, the ears are much bigger while the ears of the African forest elephant are more oval-shaped.

Tusks

The forest elephants have tusks that are straight and point downward while the African savanna elephants have curved tusks.

Nails

Interestingly, there is a difference between the number of nails on each of the species’ feet. The savanna elephant has got 4 nails on the front feet and 3 on the back feet. However, the African forest elephants has got 5 nails on the front feet and 4 on the back feet.

Family groups

African forest elephants live in family groups of just a few members while African savanna elephants live in family groups. The group consists of about ten members and often congregate in groups of 70 and above.

Habitat

Savanna elephants occupy the savannah, grassland and desert ecosystems of sub-Sahara Africa. While the African forest elephants are found in lowland tropical, subtropical rainforests and woodlands of central western Africa.

Feeding

Though they both feed on trees, herbs and fruits, the savannah elephants have a lower diversity of forage than the forest elephants. In savanna elephants, their seed dispersal and brush clearing maintains the savannah landscape. Additionally, it promotes plant and animal diversity within their range. Forest elephants are allowed the luxury of being highly frugivorous due to them living in the rain forests. Besides, seed dispersal provided by the African forest elephants is crucial to the maintenance of tree diversity.

Threats

African savanna elephants are threatened by different circumstances. Some of these include; the rapidly spreading poaching crisis, loss of habitat, climate change, etc resulting in depleted water sources. African forest elephants are threatened by historical and current rampant poaching, trade pressures, etc.

Where they are found in Uganda

In Uganda, the African savanna elephants can be encountered and viewed in Kidepo, Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth national park. However, the African forest elephants are Bwindi, Mgahinga, Kibale and some in Semiliki national park.

Long Crested Eagle | Uganda

Long Crested Eagle | Uganda : is basically small to medium-sized African bird of prey in the family Accipitridae and lives throughout Africa. In fact, this bird derives its name from its peculiar long, shaggy crest at the prance of their crown. Scientifically, is called “Lophaetus occipitalis” while in Luganda Uganda local language its “Kamusungu-sungu”. These birds are generally noisy, particularly during the breeding season and their calls include a high-pitched scream and a repetitive “kik kik kik”. On the other hand, they are believed to have prophetic abilities in foretelling marriages. You ask where you will get a bride or groom and the direction it turns is the source of the mate. 

Physical description

These eagles generally have a wholly dark brown to blackish manifestation, with exceptions for the white markings at the base of their primary feathers. They also have a greyish-barred tail consisting of white edges. It possess a hooked bill, yellow in color with a dark tip and has long white patches at the joint of the wings. These are visible when perched thus forming white lines on both sides of the breast.

They possess an irregular long, flabby crest at the end of their crown although in females it appears short. The secondary feathers are black barred with slight grey and broad black tips. The base of the primary feathers and median underwing coverts are white forming a noticeable white patch on the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. This is always visible in flight while the tail is black and barred with little pale grey. In adults, the eyes are golden or bright yellow but at times darker in females. 

Behavior

The species hunts generally in the early morning or at dusk, and then rests under the shadow of a tall tree during the day. It feeds mainly on small rodents and its is very noisy during. It also displays and calls from perches, around the nest site normally using the same perch every day. However, it does not perform flight movements and its display is only noisy. Furthermore, they are monogamous and a pair may usually be seen regularly day after day. 

Reproduction

This eagle is both a monogamous and a territorial bird and during breeding, the male gives out a number of courtship displays.  Some of these include; steep dives, level display flight followed by a number of repeated call soaring. The breeding season is year-round, but probably related to changes in rodent populations usually linked to rainfall. After courtship, both male and female build the nest which is a stick platform with a bowl-shaped depressed in the center. The nest is usually nestled in the mid-canopy and very close to a tree trunk mainly at the forest edges. However, the nest is used year after year for some good years. In addition, the species will often reuse the nest of another bird like the lizard buzzard.

The female lays a clutch of 1-2 eggs and only the female incubates, and she is fed near by the male. However, she also leaves the nest to kill for herself sometimes. During the incubation period, the male is often near the nest and roosts in the same tree or in another close by.  In the first weeks after hatching, the female remains on or near the nest while the male brings food. After three weeks, the female hunts more than the male although the female brings more prey than the male. 

Vocalization

This bird is generally noisy bird as it perches, especially at the beginning of the breeding seasons. It gives out loud and sharp calls and at times shrill “kik-kik-kik-kik-ih”. However, the display call is usually a loud and clear “keeee-eh” or “keee-ee-af”.

Feeding

The long-crested eagle is a “sit and wait” hunter which waits on a perch, scanning the ground and swoops on prey with a gliding flight stroke. Up to 98% of the diet of the species consists of rodents like the greater cane rat. However, it also comprises of small mammals caught on the ground but also includes lizards, small snakes, etc.

Where to spot this bird in Uganda

In Uganda, you can spot this amazing species in most of the National parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park. The bird also thrives in plantations, farmlands, woodlands, orchards, open forests, and forest edges.

Southern Red Bishop | Uganda Birds

Southern Red bishop | Uganda Birds : also known as the red bishop is a small passerine bird belonging to the bishop. It is widowbird in the family Ploceidae and scientifically also known as “Euplectes orix”. Furthermore, it is a small dumpy sparrow-like weaver and is a common resident in wetlands and grasslands. Over the years, the native Red bishop was classified into two separate birds; Northern red bishop and southern red bishop. In fact, both species have similar appearances since they are sister species. However, they do have some distinct features to distinguish their differences. Both birds have almost the same color of plumage, including black, orange and sometimes red. 

Physical description

It is generally a thin, small dumpy sparrow like weaver with a length of 10-11 centimeters with a thick conical bill. The face, throat and forehead are black while the rest of the head is red. In addition, the upper parts are red apart from the brown wings and tail. The upper breast and under tail-coverts are red while the lower breast and belly are black. The female is very similar to the non-breeding male but she is smaller. Additionally, she is less densely streaked on the underparts and her bill, legs and feet are pale pinkish and her eyes are dark brown.  Females and juveniles have thick, conical as well as horn-colored bills. On the other hand, males have a darker tinge to their bills and young males molt into their adult plumage at the early age of one year.

Behavior

Generally, this is a gregarious bird, often fond of the company of others, and usually go out in flocks whenever they build nests. As a matter of fact, they do it in groups thus creating nests in colonies not individually. These birds build their nests within reed beds near water to provide coverage from any nearby predators. The species feeds mainly on seeds from numerous plant species and arthropods and forages in small groups with the common starling birds. The species usually feeds twice a day; in the morning and in the late afternoon.

Besides, the male bird is polygamous and may own up to seven or six females or even more in his territory. The southern red bishop also performs bumble-bee-like flight with rapid wing-beats producing buzzy sounds during the breeding period. It also flies airily about over the reed bed, with fluffed out plumage. Pairs and small flocks are always close to water when breeding and mixed species colonies occur in reed beds and swampy grasslands. However, they disperse into neighboring scrubs in the non-breeding season, often in flocks. The female species has various twittering calls and a nasal contact call while the male has a buzzing song. 

Reproduction

This bird is a highly polygamous the reason as to why males build a number of nests in colonies.. The male successful mating is determined by the total number of nests built per male during the breeding season. In fact, the nests are characterized by the density of fibers in the nest chambers describing size and transformation. Females basically prefer nests that are more densely woven and have larger entrance roof covers and the nest durability. During the breeding season, the male birds build several nests averaging seven in the colony. This is done in order to attract females and to perform their display-flight to attract females. It is done using their puffed body plumage and this is why they are described as sexually dimorphic.

The female basically lines the interior with plant grass and seed heads, and continues during the incubation. The nest is usually placed in reeds, maize fields, sedges and other aquatic plants standing in water. Besides, the males performs aerial displays over the territory to attract females in his colony during the breeding season. The female generally lays 3 pale blue-green or turquoise eggs and incubation lasts about 12-13 days done by the female only. After hatching, she also feeds the chicks, firstly by regurgitation of seeds. Later, they fledge at the age of 11-15 days after hatching, but they are always able to leave the nest at the age of 10 days. The young male can breed at two years whilst the young female can breed at one year of age. 

Feeding and diet

Apparently on the feeding habit, this bird has a very simple food source, mainly including grass seeds. The bird also feeds on various grasses which are carotenoid producing pigments that give them the orange or red plumage. Besides the grass, they also eat small insects and they are considerably good at hunting insects. They can do this on land or whilst flying like beetles, caterpillars, termites, spiders, flies dragonflies, etc. The diet of the bird varies throughout the seasons, depending on what their body needs. In addition the bird also feeds on seeds of wheat, maize and about 24 other plant species.

Where to find them in Uganda

In Uganda, the Pearl of Africa you can find this marvelous bird in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Uganda’s Lake Edward

Uganda’s Lake Edward : also known as Lake Rutanzige or Edward Nyanza is one of the smallest African Great lakes. It beautifies Queen Elizabeth National Park and also located on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This Lake and its neighbor Lake George supposedly formed one large lake in the past. However, the lava from the surrounding fields, the Nyamuragira and the Maya-ya-moto volcanoes flowed in and separated the two. As a result, leaving only the Kazinga Channel between them.

The lake is located in Kasese district, in the western region of Uganda and shared by Uganda about 29% of its surface area and the Democratic Republic of Congo 71% of the surface area. The Lake generally covers a surface area of about 2325 square kilometers lying at an elevation of 920 meters and it’s not so deep. The main inflows of the lake include; River Ntungwe, River Ishasha, River Rutshuru, River Nyamugasani, River Rwindi and River Lubilia.

Interesting facts about the Lake

The main inlet to Lake Edward is river Semliki and Kazinga Channel which empties to the northeast of Lake George. This lake was first discovered by a European explorer Henry Morton Stanley in 1888, during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition. It was named in privilege of the prince of Wales Prince “Albert Edward” the son of the British monarch ‘Queen Victoria” by then and later became King Edward VII.

Later, during the regime of Idi Amin Dada who was the president of Uganda by then, decided to rename the Lake by his name. Lake Idi Amin Dada, but the name didn’t stay for so long. In fact, the downfall of Idi Amin brought back the name of the lake; Lake Edward.  Besides that, from the Lake’s view, you can clearly see the montane woodlands in the Albertine rift region. Additionally, it is boarded by Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Semliki River valley game reserve in the north western shore. Swamps like Rutshuru, Rwindi and Ishasha river in the northeastern shores of Edward.

Like Lake George, Lake Edward is designated as a Ramsar site due to the importance of its wetland habitat. The Lake is inhabited by many fishing species. These include; the Nile tilapia, Oreo chromil, Leocosticus, Haplochromine, Haplochromis, Blue-spotted tilapia, etc. Fishing is an important activity and it provides an income for the local residents. Here, the Vitshumbi is the largest of the local fishing markets.

Besides, the lake’s shores no longer have human settlement. As a result waters of the lake swallowed away the dry places around. Along the lake, there is a clear view of the beautiful scenery of snow Rwenzori Mountain. Since it adjoins the open savannah grassland of Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are rewardable views of savannah plains. On the banks of Lake Edward, it inhabits attractive animals such as buffaloes, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, chimpanzees, etc. 

Activities done in and around Lake Edward
Fishing

A lot of fishing activities are going on around since the lake has got a number of fish species. Some of these include; the Nile tilapia, Bugrass docmark, Oreo chromil, Leocosticus, Haplochromine, etc. If interested, you will be guide to one of the fishing sites learning different methods of fishing.

Birding

The lake is a popular birding spot in Queen Elizabeth National Park with commonly different spotted bird species. Some of these include; goliath herons, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks, little egret. Great cormorants, African white-backed vultures, ruppell’s griffon vultures, pelicans, fish eagles,  Egyptian geese, nightjars, etc.

Guided nature walks

These walks are conducted along the shores and the swampy wetlands offering opportunities of getting up-close different animals. These include; hippos, elephants, buffaloes as well as wetland bird species such as kingfishers, lesser flamingos, etc.

Canoeing

This is one of the more relaxing activities done at the Lake since the water is known for being calm. The activity offers tourists an opportunity of watching the different bird species and animals that call this lake a home. 

Uganda’s Lake George

Uganda’s Lake George :  also known as Lake Dweru is within Queen Elizabeth National Park located in the western part of Uganda in Kasese district. It is also part of Africa’s Great Lakes system although not it’s self-considered one of the Great Lakes. The magnificent lake drains to Lake Edward through the mighty Kazinga Channel. In addition, the channel beautifully meanders in 915 meters streaming with lots of wildlife at the shores and concentrated by hippos in the inner waters. Like other lakes in the region, it was named after a member of the British royal family “Prince George” who later became King George V of the United Kingdom.

Facts about Lake George

Besides, Lake George has got some islands recorded such as Kankuranga, Irangara as well as Akika. Its inflows include; Dura, Mpanga, Nsonge, Rumi, Katonga and Mubuku from Rwenzori. The lake possesses its major catchment area within the Rwenzori ranges and the northeastern agricultural area. Initially, the Lake was designated as a Ramsar Wetland System on 4th of March 1988 and was given the name George. It was named by the first European explorer Henry M Stanley who visited it in 1875, after following the course of the Katonga River from Lake Victoria. Henry M Stanley named this lake “Beatrice gulf” thinking it was part of Lake Albert.

Later,  he renamed it “George” on his return in 1888 after realizing they were two independent lakes. The fauna of this beautiful lake is majorly dominated by different herbivores. These include; fish species such as the Cyclopoid thermocyclops hyalinus, Tilapia nilotica, and Haplochromis nigripinnis. The bordering papyrus swamps of the Ramsar wetland area are also habitat to the sitatunga antelope and other animals. In addition, one can see the hard to pin down shoebill and other resident and migratory birds along the lake.

What to do at and around the Lake
Birding

Lake George is a birders paradise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts with over 600 bird species. The birds seen here include; African fish eagle, marabou storks, grey-headed kingfishers, swamp nightjar, Nubian woodpeckers, etc.

Wildlife viewing

This is down near the lake with views of the sitatunga antelope at the papyrus swamp of the northern shores of the lake. Other animals seen include; hippos, elephants, Nile crocodiles, and Uganda kobs that roam the shores of the Lake. Besides, animals such as warthogs, waterbucks, buffaloes, elands and duikers are usually spotted grazing around the shores.

Fishing

While here, you will get a chance to join the fishermen where you will be taught some fishing tactics. You can even take your best catch that will be prepared for you to enjoy at your lodge. 

Canoeing

Tourists hop on a traditional canoe to explore the beauty as well as discover the history of this shallow lake. It also provides you great opportunities of viewing aquatic birds and animals plus indigenous flora and fauna. During this activity, also expect to explore the islands and the fish breeding areas.

Guided nature walks

These are done around the papyrus wetlands and they introduce tourists to different bird species that call this place a home. You will also get a chance to see how fine traditional souvenirs such as baskets and ropes are weaved. 

Community visits

You will join the Kasuga community experience that will usher you to the lifestyle of the people living around the lake. In addition, you will enjoy their different activities such demonstration of traditional beer brewing, traditional canoe making, canoe regatta, etc. Besides, you will also get a chance to interact with the local fishermen, and learn about the different fishing methods used. Besides, there are lots of souvenirs to buy and take back home for remembrance.

Best time to visit the lake

The place experiences both dry and wet seasons with the latter ranging from March to May as well as October and November. In fact, these months are perfect for spotting migratory bird species, however, the lake can be visited all year round.  

Burchell’s courser | Birding Uganda

Burchell’s courser | Birding Uganda : is a wader in the pratincole and courser family and a native to Africa. As a matter of fact, the name of the bird commemorates the English naturalist William John Burchell. This specie is generally a small, diurnal and a terrestrial bird living in African countries. Some of these include; Uganda, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, not to mention but a few. Although they are categorized as waders, they are birds of dry open countries and preferably semi-desert countries. Here, they usually hunt their insect prey (normally harvester termites) by running on the ground. The species normally feeds on insects and in open short grasslands and burnt veld.  However, they are peculiar shorebirds with a distinct difference; they are fascinating terrestrial waders favoring scorching environments. 

Physical description

The Burchell’s courser bill is generally long, arched down and of a dark color like eyes. It possesses a blue-grey hind crown, a horizontal black band demarcating a white down belly and an overall pale rufous color. The face feathers are white supercilia above black eye lines, all concluding at the back of the neck forming a double V. Additionally, its secondary feathers are mostly white with a black underwing and brown to grey coverts. Females and males look analogous whilst juveniles miss the rufous color, the facial stripes and the grey hind crown of the adults. This bird with its camouflage appearance blending within the landscape making it challenging to spot.

Behaviour

These birds are almost invariably gregarious, flocks of birds may be seen specifically in the non-breeding seasons and during migrations. These birds migrate from their breeding grounds to Africa or Australia where they gather on shores and grasslands to feed and rest. Although they are mostly silent birds, they may become quite vocal when migrating. They also become vocal when disturbed at their breeding sites, giving out loud sharp tern-like calls.  These birds usually roost in flocks, with all of the birds facing into the wind on the ground or on rocks in midstream.

Referring to their names, coursers are great runners as their name suggests hence they need open grounds. Most birds prefer running to flying in case they are disturbed however they fly extremely well. Their plumage is normally highly cryptic thus providing excellent camouflage which they rely on for concealment. Coursers are typically true migratory birds although some may have more or less seasonal movements. Besides, they tend to be rather shy as a rule, seldom allowing a close approach, then running rapidly away before taking flight if pressed. They are active both day and night, becoming  partly nocturnal during hot weathers especially on moon lit nights.

Reproduction

The birds are monogamous and occur in small flocks but usually are solitary nesters. They nest on the ground without any nest, or even in a shallow scrape in the soil. It lays a clutch of two eggs directly on the ground sometimes surrounded by stools of antelopes, small rocks or dried up organic matter. The eggs consists of an oval shape with black looks from a far distance, but they are actually of a buff color with many dark markings. Both parents participate in the incubation period however, uncertainties are expected during the hatching and fledging times. Even though chicks are considered precocial, they lack the heat-loss mechanisms possessed by the adults to survive the hot climate and thus shade to avoid overheating.

Vocalization

The courser often prefers to run other than flying and most likely to take to the air only when the disturbance is significant. The species is usually quiet on the ground but becomes vocal when flying, producing a loud sharp flight call. So far there are three types of identified produced vocalizations it produces. These include; the throaty “chuk” as it launches in the air a few “chuk chuk” grunts are uttered while flying and the contact call consisting of a “kwirrt-kwirrt” or a “Kok-Kok-Kwich”. If threatened by a predator, the species may run away from its nest emitting an alarm call so that it diverts the predator from the nest.

Feeding

These courser are predominantly insectivorous, although they occasionally eat small mollusks and seeds. In fact, they get much of their food on the wing, but often chase insects on the ground also. Coursers are exclusively ground feeders, taking their food by a run and a peck. They also use their relatively long, decurved bills for digging up in soft soil for insects or seeds. The species has been found to frequently feed on the coleopteran group, especially its main food source “beetles”. However the species tends to have a preference for harvester termites consisting over 50% of its diet. 

Where to find them in Uganda

In Uganda you can find them in Murchison falls national park, Pian upe and Kidepo valley national park.

Uganda Airlines | Fly with us

Uganda Airlines | Fly with us  : Generally, this is Uganda’s flagship national passenger and cargo carrier. The company headquarters are nestled within Entebbe International Airport in Wakiso District, approximately 34 kilometers by road. It is also south of the central business district of Kampala the Capital, largest and busiest city in Uganda. It was re-established on 2018 but started operating in 2019 with 2 planes. As a matter of fact, it has grown to 6 aircrafts flying to about 20 destinations. 

History

Uganda Airlines was launched or founded as a subsidiary of the government-owned Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) in May 1976. In fact, it was founded as a replacement of the services previously operated by the East African Airways. Initially, it began operating in 1977, when Uganda Aviation Services (UAS) set up by the British United Airways in 1965. However, a UDC subsidiary, was absorbed by Uganda Airlines taking over the UAS route network. With subsequent following delivery of the first Boeing 707-320C in the late 1970s, new routes were formed. These included; Brussels, London as well as Rome and second Boeing 707-320C entered the fleet in 1981. 

In that very year new routes to Cairo, Cologne and Dubai were launched followed by Kilimanjaro, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in the subsequent years. By March 1990, the fleet contained one Boeing 707-320C, two Fokker F27-600S, one Lockheed L-100-30, one Twin Otter and one B-N Trislander. A Boeing 737 was leased from Air Zimbabwe in 1994 to serve Bujumbura and Kigali, as well as destinations in South Africa. 

The return of Uganda Airlines

In the late 1990s, the Government of Uganda planned to privatize the debt- ridden Airlines in order to search for an investor. Actually, it was done to keep the company at balance since it was in a decline cash position. Interestingly, at the beginning, numerous firms held an interest in taking over the Uganda Airlines. These included; SA Alliance/SAA, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Johannesburg-based inter Air, Kenya Airways and Sabena.

In fact, they all appeared to be interested bidders at the start but eventually declined to submit bids, apart from SAA the only bidder who remained by early 1999. SAA would have had a 49% participation in the company, however, dropped its bid after encountering strong legislature opposition. Upon having no offers, the Ugandan Government liquidated the airline in May 2001. Following studies along with wide consultations, the Cabinet of Uganda choose to re-launch the Uganda Airlines. These included six new jets, two of which will be the wide-body, long range A330-800 and the other four being CRJ900 aircraft. 

Commercial Operations

On 19th March 2019, according to the company’s chief executive Ephraim Bagenda, 12 pilots and 12 co-pilots (total of 24 cockpit crew)  all were Ugandans. In fact, these had completed their training and certification on the CRJ900-ER aircraft. In April 2019, the first two regional jets were expected in Uganda, the third in July 2019 and fourth in September 2019. On 8th April 2019, the scheduled delivery date for the first two jets (5X-EQU and 5X-KOB) were reported on Tuesday 23rd April 2019.

In April 2019, the delivery of the Bombardier CRJ900 was confirmed on 23rd April 2019 and that of the Airbus A330-800 as the first half of 2021. Furthermore, on 2nd August 2019, the airline declared the launch date on 28th August of the same year. Flights included; Dar es Salaam, Juba, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa and Bujumbura. On 28th August 2019, the Uganda Airlines had its first commercial flight from Entebbe to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with eight passengers on board.

On 13th November 2019, the Uganda Airlines launched the first flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This accomplished the first phase of operations to seven routes starting with flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. In addition, on 16th December 2019, Uganda Airlines started regular commercial passenger services to Zanzibar in Tanzania. On 18th December 2020, the Uganda Airlines launched commercial flights to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, the three times weekly operations shoot up the Airline’s expanding network to ten destinations.  

Destinations

Note that; Uganda Airlines flies to about 20 destinations and below are some of them;

  1. Johannesburg
  2. Abuja
  3. Bujumbura
  4. Entebbe
  5. Dubai
  6. Kilimanjaro
  7. Zanzibar
  8. Mubai
  9. Juba
  10. Lusaka
  11. Harare
  12. Nairobi
  13. Kinshasha
  14. Dar es Salaam
  15. Lagos
  16. Mogadishu
  17. Mombasa
Fleet

In February 2019, the first out of the four CRJ900 aircrafts that the Uganda Airlines had ordered, took the first test flight with the livery of the new Airline. On 5 October 2019, the third and fourth CRJ900s, 5X-KDP and 5X-KNP left Montreal then to Canada and landed Uganda on 7 October 2019. Transportation of the first aircraft took place on 21st December 2020. On the same date, Airbus handed over the first of two A330-841s that the airline purchased in 2018. Handed over to a commission of Ugandan government officials, led by General Katumba Wamala, the Ugandan minister of works and transport. A team of Ugandan pilots flew the aircraft, with a registration number 5X-NIL from Toulouse to France. Finally to Entebbe Uganda on the date 22 December 2020 bearing a flight number UR404. 

Uganda Airlines fleet
Aircraft

In Fleet

 

Passengers

 
CPYTotal
Airbus A330-8002 2028210258 
Bombardier CRJ900ER4 12_6476 

Total

6  

 

Kidepo’s Kanangorok hot springs

Kidepo’s Kanangorok hot springs : These are generally nestled between hard rocks where water boils underneath the earth crust. They later leak through vents and then come forth from outcrops onto the surface. As a result, their extra-ordinary features shape the park’s outstanding beauty. These hot springs reach the earth surface blowing temperatures beyond 50°celcius and the water flowing at 1 liter per second.

With regards to adventure in Kidepo Valley National Park, most tourists to this unique park will confess about the fauna this place. However, on the grounds, and through the streams of the park, are the kanangorok hot springs. In fact, this hot mineral-water continues to be a fairy tale to all those who have not visited the park. To a number of tourists and adventures travelling into Uganda, the puzzle of kanangorok hot springs remains an unsolved mystery due to its unique features that form its exceptional attractiveness.

The Kanangorok myth

According to the local legend, longtime ago, a long drought hit the Karamoja region and territories beyond into the current south Sudan. The traditional king by that time assigned a youth by names of Longorok to fetch water in the traditional gourd from kochetut to Lotukei village, perhaps Kidepo valley. This was meant to appease the gods to let the rains pour in south Sudan after a long period of drought. However, on the way back with water in the gourd, heavy clouds of rain gathered and it started raining heavily. Upon Longorok reaching the exact spot of the hot springs, a very bright lightning struck blinding his eyes.

More interesting facts

As a result, he fell down and water in the gourd poured leading to his abrupt death. It is therefore believed that his blood and water mixed and then begun boiling and coming out of the rock which was later named Kanangorok. In conclusion, the local legend has it that the hot springs were named after Longorok. Besides, there are breathtaking views of panoramic streams, hills and valleys and serene green vegetation as you approach the springs. In addition, the hot springs also attract tourists, drawing many to experience the phenomenon of this hot spring

Are they healing springs?

Upon reaching here, you will be able to clearly see what is believed to be healing hot springs. The water from these springs is also considered to have healing powers. In fact, you may occasionally find some local people bathing around this place as a form of “healing” and “spiritual cleansing”. To the indigenous communities, the hot spring is a sacred place, a residence of ancestors as well as the spirits. In addition, the people visit the hot springs to offer sacrifices, seek for blessings, pay homage and bathe in hot springs water for self-medication to cure body ailments.

How to get there

Getting to Kidepo using road transport, one will need a good 4×4 vehicle especially during the rainy season. There are a number of routes by road i.e Kampala via Lira; kotido, kaabong and then to Kidepo. From Kampala via Mbale, Soroti, Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, and then Kidepo. From Kampala through Gulu, Kitgum then head to Kidepo. By air, may be arranged from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport to Lomej airstrip near the park headquarters. 

The African Jacana | Uganda birding

The African jacana | Uganda birding : is a unique fancy-looking, vaguely chicken-like shore bird of fresh water in the family of jacanas. Jacanas are generally a group of wetland birds, which are identifiable by their elongated feet, toes and claws. These enables them to walk on floating vegetation in the marshes, lakes as well as ponds in tropical lowlands. This specie is also known as the “Jesus bird” since it appears to walk on water. In addition, these lovely birds are also known as “lily walkers or trotters” because of their slender legs and toes. Furthermore, when it flies, the feet trail behind it while on landing. It may also hold the wings high for a moment displaying off the yellow flight feathers whilst making a squawking call. 

Physical description

These are generally medium sized wading birds with long legs and extremely elongated toes. Adults are relatively dark overall; they have a black neck, head and breast. The back, undersides, and tail are dark Rufous. In addition, they have a yellow bill with a white base and yellow shield on the forehead. More so, its bill has yellow patches and its forehead has a yellow wattle.  Juveniles have a white underside and a darker back, head and neck.

Both adults and juveniles have conspicuous yellow flight feathers that are visible when they raise their wings. The bird’s primary and secondary yellowish-green feathers are visible plus the yellow bony spurs on the leading edge of the wings, used to defend itself and it’s young one. The greenish color of the wing feathers is produced by a pigment called zooprasinin, a copper containing organic compound something rare in birds. The female jacanas are twice as big as the male meaning that males are found to be significantly smaller than females.

Behaviours

These birds are highly social and frequently occur in small colonies with a dominant female with 1 to 4 males. They are basically diurnal and spend much of their time walking on emergency vegetation in search for aquatic insects and seeds. They also pick food off the surface of plants, water or just below the water since their feet are highly specialized for this foraging behavior. Their small size and large feet allow these birds exploit this foraging habitat, as they can easily support their weight on aquatic vegetation surfaces.

They also forage by walking on top of wetland vegetation, using its incredibly long toes to distribute its weight and stay on top of wetland. Interestingly, if the female loses her territory to another female, then the newcomer will have access to the males in that territory. Purple gallinules are the most common predators of this bird’s offspring and eggs. Due to this reason, they will attack the purple gallinules when they see them in their territories. If threatened, jacana chicks as well as adults stay underwater for long periods with only the tip of their bill above water and can also decide to swim under water in order to avoid predators.

Breeding

The breeding system an African jacanas is not usual and is an example of polyandry birds. Both males and females will defend territories against other members of the same sex. The male generally forms a pair bond with a female who will keep other females out of his territory. These bonds between the males and females last throughout the year even outside. In fact, breeding and can only end incase a male or female is replaced.

When the female breeds, the male builds platforms that are for solicitation displays, copulation and used as nests as well. In fact, the male may create several nests at different sites and the female may choose one or find a site of her own in the territory. The female or the male may solicit to each other and this behavior leads to copulation. When the female assumes a pre-copulatory position, the male may fly up 10 meters or more before flying back down. It lands on her back or landing alongside and hopping on her back.

Reproduction

Four eggs are typically laid per clutch with black markings and the male typically sits on the eggs. The male incubates the eggs whilst the female may visit the nest site occasionally to squat and shade the eggs but not incubating and eggs hatch in around 28 days. The male continues to incubate the remaining eggs while brooding the hatched chicks. When all the eggs hatched, the male will dispose off the remaining egg shells.  The young leave the nest around 24 hours after hatching and will follow the male to good foraging spots. Chicks are able to dive, swim and feed shortly after they hatch.

Males are intolerant of intruders in their territory and make calls to the female for help for predator defense. Females respond to each every call the male makes and invests much interest in the safety of the chicks, despite having little interaction with them. The females will then provide the males with a new clutch when the chicks are 12-16 weeks old.  Because females may have several mates, some or all of the young that he raises may not be his.

Vocalization

Northern jacanas communicate with visual displays and calls and repeated-call notes are given in a number of situations. Jacanas will emit “clustered-call notes”, which are made of individual notes clustered together when they attack intruders in their territories. They also communicate by uttering a number of notes whereby males also make calls when his chicks or eggs are under threat by predators. Threat displays are given by outstretching the wings and pointing them forward.

Males may do a submissive display in the presence of females in which they crouch down. During the submissive display the males swing their heads laterally while the females peck at the base of the male’s neck. In addition, also during flight, the bird will be heard uttering an abrasive squawking call. Calls are also made when a female is away from the territory for too long or even when a male cannot find a chick.

Feeding

In feeding, these birds compete with birds of a similar diet like the sora. They basically feed on whatever insects they can glean off of aquatic plants and surfaces. Jacanas turn over floating plants using their bills and feet while searching for insects hiding on the under-surface. These birds also nourish on flowers that are opened by purple gallinules. In conclusion, northern jacanas feed on insects, snails, worms, small crabs, mollusks, seeds and ovules of water lilies. 

Where to spot African Jacanas in Uganda

In Uganda, you can find these bird species in Mabamba swamp, Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. They also inhabit many types of wetlands including; marshes, ponds as well as lake margins. They occasionally favor pond edges with abundant floating vegetation and forage in wet grassy areas and flooded fields.

Red-Billed Buffalo Weaver | Birding Uganda

Red-Billed Buffalo Weaver | Birding Uganda : This is a large, chunky thickest weaver species of bird with a length of 24cm. In addition, it weighs 65-80grams in the family Ploceidae nesting in the Eastern and Southern Africa. It mostly nests in dry savanna and sparse woodlands more so in acacia woodlands with scattered trees especially baobab trees. In fact, this bird derives its name from its habit of following an African buffalo, feeding on disturbing insects. The bird also derives its name ‘buffalo weaver’ from the Latin words “Niger” meaning “black” or shining black”. and “Bubalornis” meaning “Buffalo bird” and since red-billed buffalo weavers associated most with the buffaloes.

Description

The males have overall black plumage with a red vigorous vermilion bill, brown eyes. They have also got reddish brown feet, white wing tips and front wing edges. The females and the juveniles are pale brown streaky underneath, have paler bills and without white flecks on the wings. Her chin and throat feathers include broad white colored hems. During flight, the bird displays patches of striking white.  These birds forage on the ground in small to large groups, often in association with starlings and other birds in search for food.

Behaviours

The male red-billed buffalo weaver intends to be polygamous, colonial and dictate in nests. The nests are occupied from one to eight nest chambers with three females; in small groups or large flocks. Normally there’s one dominant male who controls the most chambers and the most females. On the other hand, males in lower social positions control fewer chambers and fewer females. The ruling males will always defend their chambers and females by showing aggressive displays and uttering out loud calls. As a matter of fact, females do not tolerate other females in their chambers during their nesting and when laying eggs. Females usually feed the chicks only if they are part of the cooperative breeding colony.

Breeding

The buffalo weavers are also known as the social birds, their breeding takes place in colonies. They usually breed in September to June with its peak being between December and March. Each female lays a clutch of 2-4 anomalous eggs, which she alone incubates for approximately 12 to 14days. After the 14 days, the chicks hatch and are chiefly fed by the females alone. However, males feed the young occasionally and later fledge after a period of 20 to 23 days.

Nesting

The nests are built on large trees especially baobabs and also man-made structures such as windmills, electricity pylons, etc. The nest is an enormous, bulky mass of interconnected thorny twigs divided into separate complexes. These include; lodges or compartments consisting of approximately 13 nesting chambers. Each every small nest is well-built by a female comprising of a ball of leaves, roots and grass.

The males build main structures and start lining chambers whilst the female adds further lining before laying. In case humans leave particular areas, the red-billed buffalo weaver immigrate and occupy in the same area. Bateleur eagles and white-backed vultures tend to construct their nests over or above the red-billed buffalo weaver nests. This is helpful in camouflaging or keeping away their nests from Predators. However, their nests can easily be recognized by their improper and messy construction.    

Reproduction

The male red-billed buffalo weaver possess a pseudo-penis with a length of 1.5cm. According to the continuous frequent researches it is proved that it is female selected. This penis has no blood vessels and does not carry sperms but rather appears to be favored by the females. In addition, dominant males in colonies possess larger pseudo-penises than the other males that live within the colony. This concludes that male to male competition has also favored the growth of this unusual organ. To attract females, the males hang from the downward-facing entrance and sway to-and-fro, flapping their wings and uttering swizzling calls until a female is attracted. Once she accepts the nest, she will then add the lining to the nest using dry grasses and leaves.

Foraging and feeding

The diet of this bird comprises of insects, seed as well as fruits. Specifically these weavers feed on caterpillars, locusts, grasshoppers, beetles, weevils, wasps, bees, ants, flies, spiders, etc. Most of these food sources are located in the soil or in low vegetation since more of its foraging is most carried out on the ground.

Where to find them in Uganda

In Uganda, the red-billed buffalo weaver can be found in national parks such as Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, etc.