Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the country’s smallest yet most diverse national parks, covering approximately 370 square kilometers. The park is centered around Lake Mburo, which, along with its surrounding wetlands, savannah, and woodlands, creates a rich variety of ecosystems. This diversity supports an array of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, and predators like leopards, as well as over 350 bird species, making it a premier birding destination.

The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including boat safaris, game drives, nature walks, horseback safaris, and cultural experiences with nearby communities. Its easy accessibility from Kampala and its mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities make Lake Mburo National Park a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Birding In Lake Mburo National Park

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park is unique due to its diverse range of habitats, which attract a wide variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. The park’s wetlands, savannah, woodlands, and lakeshore provide an ideal environment for birdlife, creating an exceptional bird watching experience. It is one of Uganda’s top birding destinations, with over 350 species recorded.

What makes birding here particularly special is the park’s position as a vital stopover for migratory birds, including various species of waterfowl, herons, and waders. The wetlands around Lake Mburo are particularly rich, where species like the Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, and Great White Egret are commonly spotted. The park is also home to more elusive species, such as the White-winged Tit, Red-faced Barbet, and the Brown-chested Lapwing.

In addition to the variety of species, the birding experience in Lake Mburo is enhanced by the opportunity to observe birds in different settings from boat safaris on the lake, where water birds are abundant, to game drives and nature walks through savannah and forest, offering a diverse range of birding opportunities. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best chances to spot a wide array of species, making birding in Lake Mburo a truly memorable experience.

Birding Trails in Lake Mburo National Park

  1. Rwonyo Trail

This trail starts at the park’s main entrance at Rwonyo, which is one of the best spots for birding in the park. It takes visitors through grassy plains and woodland areas, where birds like the White-winged Tit, Red-faced Barbet, and various species of hornbills can be spotted. Early mornings are ideal for bird watching along this trail.

  1. Lake Mburo Wetland Trail

This trail explores the wetlands around Lake Mburo, offering bird watching opportunities along the shores. The wetlands are home to species such as the Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, and Great White Egret. A boat safari along the lake also provides excellent views of water birds and other wildlife.

  1. Marina Trail

Located near the lake’s edge, this trail provides access to the park’s more remote wetland areas, where birdwatchers can spot a variety of waterfowl, waders, and swamp-dwelling species. The trail is perfect for observing birds like the Pied Kingfisher, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Hammerkop.

  1. Kigarama Trail

This trail takes visitors through the park’s forests and woodlands, providing the chance to spot species that thrive in these environments. Birds such as the Brown-chested Lapwing, White-throated Bee-eater, and various raptors are frequently seen here.

  1. Rubanga Forest

The forest is a mix of dry woodland and semi-deciduous forest, is home to birds like the White-headed Barbet, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Blue-napped Mouse bird, and Red-faced Woodland Warbler. Raptors such as the Brown Snake Eagle and Yellow-billed Kite can also be spotted here. This trail adds diversity to the park’s birding experience, complementing the wetland and savannah habitats with its rich forest birdlife.

Bird Species in Lake Mburo National Park

The elusive Shoebill stork and White-winged Warbler are some of the most  thought after birds of lake mburo; other species to look out for are; the Crested, Coqui, and the Red-winged Francolins, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced Go-away bird, Harlequin and Blue Quails, Common Button Quail, White-headed and Black-billed Barbet, Greenwood Hoopoe, Common Scimitar bill, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Blue-breasted and Shining-blue Kingfishers, Lilac-breasted Roller, African-grey Hornbill, the Nubian, Buff-spotted, Brown-eared, and the Grey Woodpeckers, Trilling, Stout, and Wing-snapping Cisticolas, Red-necked Spurfowl, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, African-wattled Plover, Rufous napped and Flappet larks, Rufous-chested Swallow ,Yellow-throated Long claw, Black-winged Bishop, Chubb’s, Carruther’s and a number of other Cisticolas, the Lesser and Great Swamp Warblers, among others.

Other Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

  1. Game Drives     Explore the park’s diverse habitats, including savannah and woodland, to spot animals such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, and various antelope species.
  2. Boat Safaris
    A boat ride on Lake Mburo offers views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, including the African Fish Eagle and Kingfishers.
  3. Nature Walks
    Guided walks provide a closer look at the park’s flora and fauna, with a focus on learning about plants, animal tracks, and smaller wildlife.
  4. Horseback Safaris
    For a unique experience, visitors can explore the park on horseback, offering a different perspective on the wildlife and landscapes.
  5. Cultural Experiences
    Interact with local communities like the Banyankole and Bakonzo to learn about their cultures and traditions.

Best Time for Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

The best time for birding in Lake Mburo National Park is during the early morning and late afternoon when birds are most active. The ideal seasons are the dry season (June to September) for easier spotting and the wet season (March to May, and October to November) when migratory species are abundant. These times offer the best opportunities to see a variety of both resident and migratory birds.

How to Get To Lake Mburo National Park

By Road:

Lake Mburo National Park is about a 4-5 hour drive from Kampala (approximately 240 km). Travelers can take the Kampala-Mbarara Road (Masaka-Mbarara Highway), which is well-paved and offers scenic views along the way. Visitors can enter the park through the Nshara Gate or Rwonyo Gate.

What to Pack for Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

  • Binoculars – For clear and close-up views of distant birds.
  • Bird Guidebook – A local bird guidebook to help identify species.
  • Camera – With a zoom lens to capture bird sightings.
  • Comfortable Clothing – Lightweight, neutral-colored clothes for mobility and blending in with the environment.
  • Hiking Boots – For comfortable walking on trails.
  • Hat and Sunglasses – To protect from the sun.
  • Waterproof Jacket – In case of rain, especially during the wet season.
  • Insect Repellent – To avoid bites from mosquitoes and other insects.
  • Sunscreen – For protection from the sun.

Where to Stay In Lake Mburo National Park

  1. Rwakobo Rock
    A cozy lodge located just outside the park, offering stunning views of the park and Lake Mburo. The lodge features comfortable rooms, a pool, and excellent dining options, making it a great choice for midrange travelers.
  2. Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
    Located on the park’s edge, this lodge offers comfortable cottages and tented accommodations with beautiful views of the lake. It provides a mix of luxury and nature with outdoor activities like boat safaris, game drives, and bird watching.
  3. Mihingo Lodge
    An exclusive lodge located on the park’s boundary, offering luxury tented accommodations with breathtaking views. It features elegant rooms, a swimming pool, and a range of activities like horseback riding, game drives, and walking safaris.
  4. Kigambira Safari Lodge
    A high-end lodge with spacious rooms, set amidst nature with a peaceful atmosphere. The lodge offers excellent amenities, including a pool, gourmet dining, and opportunities for various park activities, making it ideal for a luxurious stay.
  5. Mburo Safari Camp
    A budget-friendly camp offering basic yet comfortable accommodation options, including tents with en-suite bathrooms. It provides a great option for those looking to enjoy nature without compromising on comfort.

Conclusion

Lake Mburo National Park stands out as one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations, offering a remarkable variety of species across its diverse habitats. From the tranquil wetlands and the shimmering waters of Lake Mburo to the vast savannah and the shaded Rubanga Forest, the park provides a perfect setting for birdwatchers to encounter both resident and migratory birds. With over 350 species, including rare gems like the Shoebill, White-winged Tit, and African Fish Eagle, the park promises an unforgettable birding experience. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by boat, or from the comfort of a game drive, Lake Mburo offers a rich and rewarding bird watching adventure, making it a must-visit for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.