Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, is a good place for bird watchers, with over 350 recorded bird species. You can spot rare birds, endemic birds, and migratory birds that live in the woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, swamps, savannah, and rivers.
The best time for birding in Lake Mburo National Park is during the peak season from November to April when migratory birds visit the park. However, bird watching can be done all year round.
The best time of day is early in the morning or late in the evening.
Boat cruises on Lake Mburo offer sightings of water birds such as the African fish eagle, African finfoot, herons including the Goliath heron, which is the largest in Africa, and kingfishers, especially along the shores.
The boat cruise is a great way to enjoy bird watching. Birds can also be seen in the acacia woods and savannah, including the lilac-breasted roller, which is very colourful and nice to watch.
Other common birds are the red-faced barbet, Nubian woodpecker, and African grey hornbill.
Birding trips can be guided since the guides know the birds well and can help you spot them easily. You can also bird on your own with the help of a field guidebook or a checklist available at the park visitor centre.
While on a game drive, you may see the bare-faced go-away bird, secretary bird, and long-tailed cisticola in the savannah.
Nature walks are also good for bird watching, especially around Karuma Track and Salt Lick areas, where you may spot birds like the southern red bishop, Temminck’s courser, black-bellied bustard, and rufous-bellied heron.
Some lodges are well placed for bird watching. Mihingo Lodge is known for woodland birds and is a luxury option. Rwakobo Rock is a mid-range lodge that offers birding guides. Eagle’s Nest is a budget lodge close to birding spots.
Birding in Lake Mburo National Park costs 30 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 25 USD per person for foreign residents, and 20,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
It is good to pack neutral-coloured clothes, warm clothes for the night, comfortable walking boots, sun protection, a camera, binoculars, a first aid kit, and any other personal items you may need.
Lake Mburo National Park is a rich birding place for both experienced bird watchers and visitors who are just curious about birds.
