Where to See Ostriches on a Uganda safari : Kidepo valley national park is widely recognized as the game park in Uganda that offers Ostriches in large numbers. This national park was first designated as a wildlife reserve in 1958 and then became a national park in 1962 after Uganda’s independence. It is situated in the Kabong district of the country’s northeast. Nonetheless examining around this national park not only offers you a chance to see only Ostriches but also be capable of discover other wildlife species because of the fact that it is a home to over 76 mammal species such as; leopards, buffalos, cheetahs, zebras, lions, bush duikers, hyenas, wild dogs, bat eared fox, elephants and many others and it also harbors around 475 bird species.

Ostriches are enormous, gorgeous birds, but they cannot fly like other birds; instead, they are only good at running, with the ability to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h when in danger. Furthermore, ostriches are distinguished by their small heads, long legs, 180 kg maximum weight, 2.5 metres in height, and two classifications, such as Massaicas and Nomininates. Additionally, the massaicas are grey brown in appearance, whilst the nominate ostriches are primarily brown in colour, making it easy for tourists to identify between the two. Furthermore, the Massaicas always live in small groups, as individuals, or choose to live as a family.

More so, Ostriches are Omnivorous bird species which only feed on; locusts, fruits, swallow sand and pebbles, flowers, seeds and many others. There are the male and female ostriches through which the male can be recognised because of their black colour with white wings, brown eyes, and have a tail feathers while the female ostriches can be distinguished because of their brownish grey color and they take about three to four years to fully mature. Furthermore, what makes these ostriches special is that they hiss and boom. However, male ostriches typically roar like lions, making it difficult to distinguish between an ostrich and a lion. Extremely powerful birds, ostriches can even kill prey by kicking humans or lions, which is one way they inflict damage. Furthermore, large flocks of ostriches can be seen by visitors in the forested grasslands, and even in drier environments.

Looking into around Kidepo national park also gives tourists possibilities to encompass in thrilling distinctive activities like; game drives which are usually done in the morning and in the afternoon and during these game drives, tourists generally get opportunities to see animal species like; Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kobs, Oribi, giraffes, buffalos, leopards and many others, tourists can also choose to go for guided nature walks through the park where by they are always supported with park guides and rangers whose role is to lead them through and guarantee the safety of both tourists and the animals, bird watching which is most effective done within in areas like; Apoka rest camp, Namukwenyi, and the fringes of the Narus and some of these birds are; migratory birds, savannah birds, forest birds and the Somali-Maasai biome birds such as; Scarlet chested sunbird, Verreauxs eagle, pygmy falcon, Abyssinian ground hornbill, sperb starling, Golden pipit, Jackson’s hornbill, dark chanting goshawk, Karamoja apalis, white bellied go-away bird for kestrel, clapper tons francolin and many others. Furthermore, they can visit the park’s neighboring neighbourhoods and have a chance to interact with the Karamojong people in their traditional homes, known as “Manyata.”

Tourists organizing to go on a safari in Kidepo national park ought to visit during the dry season which is deemed to be the best time for one to go on a safari in Uganda since this is when they are less rains and the grass vegetation is short allowing tourists to take traditional views of fascinating sights within the park and also able to see the ostriches clearly. Furthermore, this falls in between the months of June and September as well as mid-December and February.

About Ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Ostriches, scientifically known as Struthio camelus, hold the title of the largest birds on the planet, with weights reaching approximately 180 kg, which accounts for their inability to fly. With their elongated necks and legs, these birds can reach impressive speeds of 64 kilometers per hour when they feel threatened.

The females exhibit a brownish-gray hue, while the males typically display a black coloration, complemented by white wings and tail feathers. They possess such strength that they can kill or harm a human, as well as their predators like lions, with just a kick. They are omnivores, feeding on locusts, seeds, flowers, shrubs, and fruits. To aid in grinding their food, they swallow sand or pebbles.

Ostriches have a fascinating habit of dust bathing, which explains why they bury their heads in sand while leaving the rest of their bodies exposed. This behavior also serves to shield their heads from the sun.

The reproduction process of the Ostriches

During the mating season, ostriches remain out of sight, and their breeding system is complex, as both major and minor ostriches can lay their eggs in a single nest. Typically, a single nest contains one major bird and approximately 5 to 6 minor birds, which can collectively lay around 25 eggs. The major hen incubates during the day, while the cock takes over at night.

Approximately six weeks later, the chicks hatch, and within four days, they are prepared to leave the nest and join other chicks, forming what is known as crèches, consisting of more than 100 young birds.

They produce various sounds such as roars, booms, and hissing. The males frequently emit a booming call, which at times resembles the roar of a lion from over a kilometer away.

When visiting Kidepo Valley National Park, if you hear a roaring sound, it might be the ostrich rather than a lion.

Common Features of the Common Ostrich

Both genders typically reach a height of approximately 2.5 meters.
Adult males possess brown eyes, white wings, a tail often soiled with dirt, and black body feathers.
Their necks and legs are pink, with the legs becoming more vibrant during the breeding season.
If it’s a mature female, it will primarily be brown, whereas the massaicus variant will exhibit a grayish-brown hue. Nonetheless, both varieties exhibit legs that are a muted pinkish-brown, occasionally appearing brown.
Their young ones possess black heads and necks, while their backs are spotted yet bare buff.
By the age of 3 or 4 years, an ostrich reaches its full size.

Get in contact with our dependable tour operators for additional information on where to visit ostriches in Uganda. Make your reservation with one of our travel and tour companies, which provides the best tour packages for your safari in Uganda you will not disappointed.