Bird Watching Safaris
Bird watching at lake Mburo National Park is exceptional to do as you get to watch various species of birds. Lake Mburo National Park is situated in the western part of Uganda and known to offer amazing Bird watching adventures despite it being among the smallest savannah National Parks in Uganda.
The Park has rich birdlife with more than 350 recorded species including waterbirds, forest dwellers, grassland species, raptors, papyrus specials and rare migrants.
Why Lake Mburo Is Special for Birders
Lake Mburo National Park has various habitats i.e lakeshores, papyrus swamps, acacia woodlands, valleys and grasslands which inhabit various species of birds. The Park’s habitats include; permanent water, wetlands, wooded hills and open plains.
Forest and woodland species inhabit Rubanga Forest and mixed woodland areas where as waterbirds and raptors thrive around the lakes and swamps. The savannah and grassland birds inhabit the open valleys and plains.
Best Birding Hotspots in the Park
Bird watching in the Park is done in the following regions and these include;
Rubanga Forest
Rubanga Forest is known to offer amazing bird watching safaris as birders get a chance to watch forest and woodland species like kingfishers, barbets, parrots and specialized birdlife.
Warukiri & Miriti Valleys
These swampy lowlands and wet grasslands are ideal spots for waterbirds and papyrus specialists where you can view the papyrus gonolek and African finfoot.
Lakeshore & Papyrus Swamps
Along the lake edge and in fringes of papyrus you can see herons, egrets, kingfishers, pelicans, cormorants and the elusive shoebill when conditions are right.
Salt Lick & Zebra Track Areas
These open plains and waterholes attract both savannah species and waterbirds especially during early mornings or evenings.
Iconic Birds You Can Expect to See
Lake Mburo hosts an incredible spectrum of bird species. Highlights include:
Signature & Rare Species
Shoebill, African finfoot, Grey crowned crane, Papyrus gonolek, Waterbirds & Raptors, African Fish Eagle, Great cormorant, Black-bellied bustard, Saddle-billed stork, Woodland & Grassland Birds, Bare-faced go-away bird, Red-faced barbet, Brown parrot, Lilac-breasted roller, Long-tailed cisticola, Yellow-breasted apalis.
When to Go Bird watching at Lake Mburo National Park
Bird watching at Lake Mburo National Park can be done anytime around the year although the Best time to watch birds at the Park is during the dry season in the months of June–August, December–February. During this time the Trails are easier to access and many species concentrate around water sources to break thirst hence a very ideal chance to do photography.
The Wet Season takes place in the months of March–May, September–November. This period is ideal as you get to watch migratory and colorful seasonal birds — ideal for species diversity.
Best Times of Day
Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for bird watching as the birds are most active and vocal hence a perfect time to spot and take photographs.
How to Experience Bird Watching
Guided Birding
Joining an experienced bird guide significantly increases your chances of finding elusive species — especially cryptic birds in papyrus, woodland and swampy habitats.
Walking & Game Drives
Birding can be enjoyed on game drives, nature walks, or guided forest treks. Some routes like Rubanga Forest or valleys are best explored on foot with a guide.
Boat Cruises
Taking a boat trip on Lake Mburo brings waterbirds into close view — including kingfishers, pelicans, herons and eagles who thrive along the shoreline.
Bird watching Gear
Binoculars and a good field guide are essential.
Bring a camera with zoom for capturing shy or distant birds.
Wear comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing to blend into the environment.
Start early — mornings are especially productive for bird activity.
About Us
We are situated ideally a few kilometers off Kampala offering amazing Wildlife Safaris to all travelers
on safari Holiday as they watch Uganda’s wildlife animals as they wander around their natural vegetation habitat.
Places to Visit
Murchison Falls National Park
Bwindi Forest National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Contact Us
Address: After Mbarara Town Uganda
Contact No: +256-760-929-284
Email Us: info@lakemburonationalpark.com