Ugandan Birding Tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Lake Mburo National Park is counted among the perfect birding destinations in the country. Being easily accessed because of its close proximity to Uganda’s capital, Kampala, makes it a popular safari destination. The park is situated in western Uganda, in Kiruhura District, east of Mbarara town. It covers a total area of approximately 370 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest national park in Uganda. The national park is composed of hillsides, rocky outcrops, open and wooden grassland, rich acacia tree valleys, forests, bushes, and thickets, as well as permanent and seasonal swamps along the shores of the lakes. All these form a stunning view of the park. The park is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park and hosts over 68 mammal species that find it easy to settle in its unique dotted-acacia savanna. Having its Lake these forms Mburo and a vast wetland means it houses even rare species of mammals like the Impala and zebras, which cannot be found in any of Uganda’s protected areas. Other famous park animals commonly spotted are a large number of eland antelopes, buffaloes, topis, eland, bushbuck, warthog, leopard, hyena, and jackal. Hippos and large crocodiles are also frequently seen along the shores of the lake, busking in the sun. There are many more species of birds associated with the park’s acacia, aquatic, and savannah environments, and for bird lovers, Lake Mburo National Park is a haven for many interesting birds that will suddenly amaze you.
List of birds spotted in Lake Mburo National Park
Red papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, Martial Eagle, black papyrus gonolek, and yellow papyrus gonolek are found in the papyrus swamp areas. Abyssinian ground hornbill, African fishing eagle, saddle-billed stork, white-winged warbler, papyrus yellow warbler, brown-chested wattled plover, African fin foot, grey-crowned crane, black-bellied bustard, bare-faced go-away bird, Rufous-bellied heron, Cocui francolin, red-faced barbet, the rare Shoebill stork, barefaced go-away bird, African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Lilac-breasted Roller, Coqui Francolin, red-necked spurfowl, black-bellied bustard, African-wattled plover Rufous napped and flapped larks, Rufous-chested Swallow, Southern Red Bishop, and Yellow-throated Long Claw White-winged Warblers, Black-billed Barbet, Crested Francolin, Brown Parrot, Red-necked Spur, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Temminck’s Courser, Common Quails, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mouse Birds, and yellow papyrus gonolek.
Packing list for birding safaris in Lake Mburo National Park
Birders are recommended to come along with items such as binoculars to allow you to spot far-distance birds up close, a field guide specific to the birds of Uganda or East Africa to help you identify the species you encounter, a notebook and a pen to jot down the birds you see, a camera to capture interesting bird species, sturdy and comfortable boots, rain gear, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, enough drinking water and snacks to keep you hydrated, sun protection, and a backpack, among others.
Other activities to do in Lake Mburo National Park
Ugandan Birding Tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Game drives
Game drives are one of the most popular attractions and activities in Lake Mburo National Park. Game drives in the park offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and landscape. During the game drives, you will get the chance to spot the park’s fascinating creatures, such as zebras, impalas, buffaloes, elands, elephants, hippos, and various antelopes.
Ugandan Birding Tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Nature walks and hikes
Nature walks in the park are an interesting activity to take part in while on a wildlife safari in the park. Nature walks and hikes offer an opportunity for a nature lover to explore the hidden gems of the park as well as connect with nature. Visitors on a birding safari in the park can embark on guided nature walks through the park’s diverse landscapes, including savannah, woodland, and wetlands. This is an excellent opportunity to get up close to smaller wildlife and learn about the park’s flora and fauna.
Ugandan Birding Tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Horse ride
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the 10 national parks in Uganda, offering amazing horseback rides to its visitors. The fascinating activity gives the park a difference from the rest of the country’s national parks, as horseback riding while viewing wildlife can only be done at Lake Mburo National Park. The activity is done at Mihingo Lodge under the guidance of trained staff in conjunction with the park rangers. The horseback ride in Lake Mburo can take 1-3 hours as you explore the beauty of the national park savannah, coupled with the view of the wild game.
Ugandan Birding Tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Boat cruise along Lake Mburo
Boat cruising along Lake Mburo is another rewarding activity you shouldn’t miss out on when you’re on a Uganda safari in Lake Mburo National Park. A boat cruise offers great opportunities to see hippos and crocodiles. Water bird species are often too numerous for even the keenest birder to identify them all. These interesting wildlife encounters, together with the stunning scenery and panoramic landscape views, will really leave a lasting impression on you about true African beauty. The commonest birds during the boat cruise include African Fish Eagles, Blue-headed Weavers, Cormorants, Green-necked Doves, Hamerkops, Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, Pelicans, Pied Kingfishers, Rufous Long-tailed Starlings, and Shoebill Storks. The duration of the boat cruise is not fixed and is open to negotiation.
Ugandan Birding Tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Bike rides
Bicycle tours around the park. It’s a unique way of exploring the park and its confines. The bicycle rides at the park take a maximum of 1 hour, and they guarantee you a view of zebras, elands, buffaloes, antelopes, bushbucks, and many more.
Ugandan Birding Tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Night game drives
Lake Mburo is currently one of the best destinations for visitors to search for nocturnal wildlife in the park, such as the illusive leopard, porcupine, and white-tailed mongoose, and not forgetting the sounds of wild animals like hyenas, zebras, buffalos, and bush babies.
The Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park for Birding
Lake Mburo National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the best time for viewing the game is during the two dry seasons, which run from June to August and then from December to February, with the most precipitation expected in April and November with passable tracks, while in the rainy season, the tracks are slippery, muddy, and impassable.
How to Get to Lake Mburo National Park for Birding
Lake Mburo National Park is located after Masaka district, Kiruhura district is a few kilometers before Mbarara district. It can be accessed through the Sanga gate. It’s about 20km from Lyantonde District and almost 50km from Mbarara. It’s about 228 km from Kampala, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to drive.
Accommodations
Birders planning to go on birding safaris in the park shouldn’t worry about where to stay. The park has a variety of accommodations to cater to all levels of visitors, such as Arcadia Cottages, Mburo Safari Lodge, Eagle’s Nest Lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, and Rwonyo Rest Camp.
