Birding In Lake Mburo National Park
Birding in Lake Mburo National Park; Lake Mburo National Park is one of the top birding destinations in Uganda, the park which is easily accessed by road from Kampala to Lake Mburo ‘’3hours’’. More so, Lake Mburo National Park Uganda’s smallest game park but harbors with diversity of wildlife species especially the antelopes and birders paradise, including swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti which are located between Rwonyo camp and the jetty near the Rubanga forest.
The park is home to more than 350 bird species and six are papyrus specials are residents like the notable papyrus gonolek and the blue-headed coucal .Then at the northern side of the park are southern species which include; Black-collared barbet ,bare -fared go-away bird and other unique birds to see include ;black-bellied stork ,African wattled lapwing, black-bellied bustard ,Bare faced go away-bird ,greater painted snipe ,saddle-billed stork thus making it the one of the top birding destination. Take note, migratory birds are the best spotted from November to April.
The best birding trails in Lake Mburo National Park include; walking on a platform near saltlick and forest trails. Most spotted birds here include; Brown-chested lapwing, Grey Crowned crane, Grey-crowned crane, Coqui Francolin, Bateleur, Rufous-bellied Heron among others. Along the swampy valley and Rubaga forest here are commonly spotted species ;Ross Turaco ,Brown parrot ,Green wood hoopoe, Red headed lover birds ,Rufous -bellied Heron ,Emerald-spotted wood-Dove , Yellow-breasted APalis ,Long tailed Cisticola ,White-winged Tit, Red shouldered ,Cuckoo , Shrike ,Nubian woodpecker ,Blue headed Causal Blue Breasted King fisher ,papyrus gonolek , Mosquito swallow ,Hairy breasted barbet ,African scops owl ,Yellow-rimped tinker bird mentioned but few, thus making bird tour to Lake Mburo National Park worth a visit.
Birding in Lake Mburo National Park is also rewarding in Ruganda forest which can be explored on both foot or using a vehicle. Though birding while using a vehicle is not such remarkable.
What To Carry on Birding Safari?
Travelers planning to do birding tour to Uganda, always remember to carry essential items for your great encounter including; field guide book, binocular, field journal, birding vest, brimmed hat, skill-build book, Comfy foot wear, birding song App many more. Note, birding is best done in morning hours and late evening.
Besides birding in Lake Mburo National Park, there are other stunning activities which can be done by the tourists on Uganda Safaris. Other activities to do includes; horseback riding done around and within the park, game drive viewing, boat ride along Lake Mburo, Quad bike experience, Night game safaris, Guided nature walk, Visit the Ankole culture center among others.
What Is the Best Time for Birding
Birding in Lake Mburo National Park can be done throughout the year but the best time for birding in Uganda is during wet season from March to May and October – fruits can be plenty in the park that attracts arrange of bird to feast. Although wet season leds to impassable roads and difficult in hiking forest trails thus liming your birding time. Then November and April are best months to watch migratory birds.
Accommodations in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park has got a lot of perfect lodges to choose, lodges ranges from budget, Mid-range and Luxury; Arcadia lodge, Kijuura lodge, Igongo Cultural centre, Country Hotel, Jap Motel Mbarara, Little wood Inn, Hyena Hill lodge, Eagles’ Nest Camp among others.
Accessibility;
Lake Mburo National Park can be easily accessed by road which lasts 3 to 4 driving hours from west of Kampala -Uganda’s capital city. The easiest route runs through Masaka road via Mbarara town and then break off and connect to Kiruhura district to the main point of destination.
Visitors who prefer birding in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is a right place for you because it hosts various rare birds which can not be seen any where on other Uganda Birding Site.
