Tracking Ostriches and Secretary Birds in the North

In the remote, rugged landscape of northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park stands as a magnificent frontier for those who seek the extraordinary. This park is a sprawling wilderness of golden savannah, dramatic granite outcrops, and borassus palm forests. While most travelers visit to see lions perched on kopjes, birding enthusiasts know Kidepo as the only place in the country to find specialized dry country species. Specifically, it is the premier destination for tracking the Common Ostrich and the regal Secretary Bird.

Working with Jackal Adventures allows you to navigate this vast terrain with precision. Because Kidepo is so isolated, having a guide who understands the specific movement patterns of these large terrestrial birds is the difference between a long drive and a successful sighting. Therefore, an expedition here is not just about birding; it is about witnessing the raw, unfiltered rhythm of the Somali Masai biome.

Birding in Kidepo Valley

Tracking the Common Ostrich

Kidepo Valley remains the only national park in Uganda where the Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) still roams wild. These birds are living relics of a harsher, more arid era. Their presence gives the park a prehistoric atmosphere that you cannot find in the lush forests of the south.

Where to find them: They frequent the open, short grass plains of the Kidepo Valley, specifically toward the border of South Sudan. Unlike the wetter Narus Valley, this area offers the wide visibility they need to spot predators from a distance. Consequently, you will often see them as distant silhouettes against the shimmering heat haze of the midday sun.

The Tracking Experience: Ostriches are incredibly shy and wary of human presence. Jackal Adventures guides use powerful optics to scan the horizon for their bobbing heads among the whistling thorns. Tracking them requires a slow, calculated approach. If they feel threatened, they can disappear at speeds of up to 70km/h. However, with a patient guide, you can observe their complex social structures and mating displays, which involve spectacular wing fanning and rhythmic movements.

Best Time to Visit: During the dry season, which runs from December to February, ostriches often congregate near the sand beds of the Kidepo River. They visit these areas to search for essential minerals and succulents. This predictable behavior allows photographers to set up in blinds or vehicles to wait for the birds to approach.

Finding the Secretary Bird

The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is arguably one of Africa’s most elegant raptors. With its long, crane like legs, a crest of black feathers resembling quill pens, and an eagle like beak, it is a bird of striking contrasts. It represents the ultimate fusion of a stork’s stature and a hawk’s lethality.

The Hunt: Unlike most raptors that hunt from the air, the Secretary Bird is a dedicated terrestrial hunter. It stalks the Narus Valley with a rhythmic, purposeful stride. These birds stomp through the grass with incredible force to flush out snakes, lizards, and large insects. Once they locate a target, they deliver a precise, powerful kick that can incapacitate a cobra in seconds.

Photography Tips: These birds are almost constantly on the move, covering several kilometers a day on foot. To capture a great shot, your Jackal Adventures guide will position the vehicle strategically ahead of the bird’s walking path. This allows the bird to walk naturally toward your lens. In the soft light of a Kidepo morning, the silhouette of a Secretary Bird against the Karamoja horizon is a career defining photo for any wildlife enthusiast.

Kidepo Specialists vs. Savannah Residents

The Kidepo Raptor Peak

Kidepo is not just about the large birds on the ground; instead, it is a raptor paradise. The park boasts an incredible 56 species of birds of prey, making it the most diverse raptor habitat in East Africa. On any given day with Jackal Adventures, you can scan the skies or the tops of whistling thorns for these aerial masters.

• Pygmy Falcon: As the smallest falcon in Africa, this bird is often found living in or near the massive nests of social weavers.
• Verreaux’s Eagle: This powerful predator is often seen soaring near the granite kopjes, where it hunts for rock hyraxes.
• Lappet faced Vulture: This is the dominant vulture at any lion kill in the Narus Valley. Its massive beak can tear through the toughest hides that other scavengers cannot penetrate.
• Dark Chanting Goshawk: You will frequently see this bird perched on roadside trees. It waits patiently for small reptiles to move in the grass before launching a lightning fast strike.

Why Jackal Adventures is the Key to the North

Kidepo is massive, covering nearly 1,442km. Finding a specific bird like a Secretary Bird in this vastness requires more than luck. It requires localized knowledge of nesting sites and watering holes. Jackal Adventures provides expert birding guides who are intimately familiar with the northern frontier. They understand the nuances of the landscape, from the seasonal marshes to the dry mountain slopes.

Furthermore, they understand the logistical challenges of the North. From ensuring your vehicle is equipped for the rugged Karamoja tracks to timing your drives to avoid the midday heat, Jackal Adventures makes the remote accessible. They prioritize patience driven birding. This means they won’t rush a sighting. Instead, they give you the time needed to observe the complex behaviors of these unique birds. Moreover, they understand how to position the vehicle to respect the birds’ comfort zones, ensuring you get the shot without causing stress to the wildlife.

Rejuvenation in the Wild

In conclusion, birding in Kidepo Valley is a journey into the quietest corner of Uganda. It is a place where the sound of the wind through the borassus palms is interrupted only by the call of an Abyssinian Ground Hornbill or the rustle of an ostrich moving through the scrub. Tracking these giants in the North is a bucket list experience for any serious birder.

Ultimately, the Savannah Sun in Kidepo illuminates a world that feels untouched by time. Whether you are watching a Kori Bustard perform its puffed out mating display or witnessing a Secretary Bird win a battle against a puff adder, the experience is visceral. With the support of Jackal Adventures, you can immerse yourself in this avian frontier with total confidence.