With 1 000-plus species, Uganda is home to more than half of Africa’s bird population. Yet, despite being a veritable bird-watchers’ paradise – thanks to a rich variety of beautiful and unusual birds (including the shoebill, black bee-eater and green-breasted pitta) – the nation’s birdlife draws around just 500 visitors a year. This figure pales in comparison to nations such as the US, which attracts roughly 17 million bird watchers every year, even though it has fewer species.

According to an AFKInsider report, the Ugandan government has set a 10-year-plan in motion in an effort to earn at least US$700 million from its rich bird diversity. The strategy includes extensive training of guides, infrastructure development that will enhance accessibility to the birdlife, and marketing campaigns to highlight the sector as a major tourism attraction.

6 December 2016
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