Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Birding is a key activity that attracts tourists to Lake Mburo National Park in southwestern Uganda. The park spans an area of about 260 square kilometers, making it Uganda’s least expansive savannah-protected area. The ecosystem has a range of habitats suitable for many bird species to thrive. These include grassland (dominated by Sporobolus, chloris, and Laudetia grass species), scattered trees, lakes (Kachera and Mburo, etc.), thickets, swamps, and the Rubanga forest.

Lake Mburo National Park birding is generally done in the swamps of Warukiri and Miriti. Additionally, birding can be enjoyed in the Rubanga forest, Lake Mburo shores, and the salt lick among other sites. Here, visitors can encounter many bird species including resident and migratory. The birder is accompanied by a knowledgeable guide via specific hiking trails to the birding sites. Birding is best done early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are relatively cooler and the birds are more active.

Bird species to see in Lake Mburo National Park.

The dryland savannah ecosystem of Lake Mburo National Park is composed of over 340 recorded bird species This makes it a prime birding hotspot for travelers and ornithologists seeking to see these colorful animals. You will encounter both resident and migratory bird species. These include the iconic shoebill, African finfoot, blue-breasted kingfisher, southern ground hornbill, papyrus gonolek, Denham’s bustard, woolly-necked stock, black-collared barbet, bare-faced go-away bird, Ross’s turaco, blue-coucal and grey crowned crane.

Cost of birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Birding tours in Lake Mburo National Park cost USD 30 and it does not include park entrance fees, which are meant to be paid separately. To avoid embarrassment on your day of birding, you need to make your payments in advance. Standard Safaris, a reputable tour company and the most trusted among travelers can do it on your behalf. With the best consultants in Uganda’s tour and travel industry, Standard Safaris will design with you an itinerary that includes birdwatching and visits to other exciting tour sites countrywide.

Other activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Game drive

This is another key tour activity where a visitor explores the savannah plains of Lake Mburo National Park on a comfortable 4×4 safari car. The guided game drive takes the visitor to spot wild animals like zebras, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, topi, oribi, impalas, Uganda kobs, and warthogs.

Cultural encounters

This is an exciting way to move into the adjacent communities and interact with the people. The park is mainly surrounded by the lovely Banyankole, a tribe renowned for their pastoral lifestyle, and mostly for the long-horned Ankole cattle. You will have time to appreciate their unique lifestyle, traditions, and history.

Cycling

Cycling is a guided experience on a mountain bike that ensures you explore Lake Mburo National Park. During this adrenaline-filled adventure, you get a different view of spotting birds, mammals, reptiles, lakes, scenery, and much more.

Other rewarding activities a visitor will enjoy in the majestic Lake Mburo National Park include nature walks, forest walks, salt lick walks, photography, quad biking, sport fishing, and boat cruises.

Best time for birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park is done all year round, but your choice of bird species to encounter or ease of hiking depends on the weather conditions. The dry season is the best time for birding in Lake Mburo National Park if you want to walk on dry hiking trails. This season also offers uninterrupted birding tours because of the minimal chances of daytime showers. The dry season in Lake Mburo National Park is experienced from December to February and June to August.

The wet season is the perfect time to travel to Lake Mburo National Park if you are seeking to encounter more bird species than are available during the dry season. The wet season in Lake Mburo National Park is experienced from March to April and October to November. This season brings heavy rains that make navigating the hiking trails in Lake Mburo National Park unnavigable. However, the birder is promised a huge possibility of encountering numerous migratory bird species and the residents.

Accessing Lake Mburo National Park for a birding excursion

Travelers can access Lake Mburo National Park by road transport from Kampala city or en route from other national parks such as Kibale, and Bwindi Impenetrable. From Kampala, the road distance is about 233 kilometers south-westwards and it will take you somewhere from 4.5 to 5 hours on a scenic road trip via Masaka and Mbarara. Standard Safaris can offer you the best safari car at an affordable rate. We also have the most knowledgeable driver guides to transport you to and from the park for the most exciting birding tour experience.

What to pack for a birding excursion in Lake Mburo National Park

To have a fruitful birding excursion in the wildlife-rich Lake Mburo National Park, a visitor must have the following essential items,

  • Binoculars
  • Camera/smartphone to take excellent photos. Charger and extra batteries for the camera
  • Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support. Pair of socks and gaiters
  • Long-sleeved shirt and trousers/pants
  • Warm sweater
  • Insect repellent against mosquitoes or tsetse flies etc.
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses and suncream, especially for sunny days
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Basic first aid kit with toiletries and personal medication if necessary
  • Field guide, especially for East African birds
  • GPS
  • Refillable water bottle for drinking water
  • Snack box for energy snacks
  • Daypack
  • Torch