Birdwatching in Lake Mburo National Park

Birdwatching in Lake Mburo national park is another beautiful wildlife adventure that every birder should never miss. Lake Mburo national park is located in western Uganda bordering Mbarara district, Isingiro, Kiruhura and Lyantonde district.it is the closest national park Kampala the capital city of Uganda. The park is about 4hours drive from the city center. Lake Mburo national park is the 4^th largest savanna national park in Uganda and it covers an area of about 370 kilometers squared. The park is mainly surrounded by the Ankole tribe who are Bahima who rear Ankole long horned cattle. Lake Mburo national park is made composed of undulating landscape of rolling ranges, flat area, forests and swamps. The park is the only national park in Uganda where you can engage in horseback riding where you will feel the rear touch of nature. This is an amazing adventure where by you cruise through herds of buffaloes, impalas, zebras, giraffes, elands among other wildlife.

Lake Mburo national park is a home to 350 recorded number of birds of which some are migratory and others are permanent residents. As a birder when you visit Lake Mburo national park you expect to encounter some of these bird species; red papyrus Gonolek, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African fish eagle, black papyrus Gonolek, yellow papyrus Gonolek brown chested wattled plover, African fin foot, papyrus yellow warbler, grey crowned crane, black-bellied bustard, rufous-bellied heron, coqui francolin, bare faced go away bird, emerald spotted wood, saddle billed storks, shoebills, red-faced barbets, little egrets, hammerkops, pelicans among others.

Other Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Game drives in Lake Mburo National Park

This is another adventure in the park where you will have an interaction with wildlife. Game drives in Lake Mburo national park are so rewarding and you can do morning game drive which starts from 6:30am to around 10am, evening game drive which starts from 3pm to 6pm and night game drive which starts from 6:30pm to around 9pm. Day game drives will expose you to diurnal animals for example impalas, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippopotami, birds among others. Night game drives in Lake Mburo national park will expose you to nocturnal animals which are; leopards, hyenas, some birds like nightjars among other wildlife.

Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park

Horseback riding is another amazing activity and very unique experience in Lake Mburo national park. This is the only national park in Uganda where you can navigate the wilderness, coming close to wildlife as you enjoy the horse ride. You can engage in this activity either in the morning or in the afternoon, you have to be with a ranger guide to direct you to safest places in the park.

Boat Cruise in Lake Mburo National Park

Boat cruise in Lake Mburo national park is another best adventure that every tourist should never miss while in the park. You can do a boat cruise on Lake Mburo either in the morning or in the evening and this lasts for about 2hours. Lake Mburo national park is full of amazing stories especially the story of Mburo and Kigarama and the formation of the Lake Mburo itself. On your boat cruise you will spot hippopotami, giant crocodiles, birds, buffaloes and zebras will be on the lake shore as you take sunset pictures as well.

Cycling in Lake Mburo National Park

This is another unique adventure in Lake Mburo national park. Cycling in Lake Mburo national park is an interesting activity that will give you relief after you have explored the park. You will get closer to nature in the park, enjoy magnificent views of the wildlife, birds and vegetation. Cycling can be done either in the morning or in the evening with a ranger guide.

Cultural Tours in Lake Mburo National Park

A cultural tour is another is another amazing activity in Lake Mburo national park. Lake Mburo national park is located in western Uganda in Ankole region, therefore you expect to engage in Ankole cultural activities for example cultural dances like ekitaguriro, milking Ankole cattle, storytelling, tasting local foods like steam matooke, millet bread (Karo), among others.

What is the Best Time for Birdwatching in Lake Mburo?

Lake Mburo national park being in a semi-arid area it can be visited throughout the yeah and you can do birding all the year around. However, it is better to do birding between June to September and December and February, this is when the park is clear, vegetation is thin and you can clearly see more birds. Between March and May and October to November, expect to see more birds especially the migratory birds. You will enjoy the park as if you own it since this time, there is always few tourists.

What to Pack for Birdwatching in Lake Mburo National Park?

If you want your birdwatching experience to be successful, have the following on your list;