Lake Mburo National Park is nestled in western Uganda and is one of Uganda’s smallest savannah National Parks and a prime bird-watching destination for most adventure lovers on their birding safari. The park is known for its natural beauty and the largest population of zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, elands, Uganda Kobs, and other wildlife species. The park is named Lake Mburo following the myth and beliefs of the park. Long time, the park was inhabited by 2 brothers Mburo and Kigambira, Kigambira one day dreamed that the earth would be filled with water and therefore told his brother to shift and they looked for a better place to stay but Mburo refused so when the rains came and filled the valley, Mburo drowned thus Lake Mburo. For those who settled on top of the mountain thus called it Kigambira Hill. All of these two features are prime bird-watching destinations located inside the park with a variety of different species of birds thus the term “Whispers of the wild”

Bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park offers an opportunity to spot a variety of bird species in different ecosystems thus making it an excellent bird-watching destination on Uganda Safari.

Notable Bird Species in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park habits over 350 bird species that can be spotted during a Uganda birding safari and these include the following;

Papyrus Gonolek: The Papyrus Gonolek is an endemic bird species that is most times found around water places such as Lake Mburo and wetlands. This can mostly be spotted during the wet season.

White-winged Tern: The White-winged Tern is a common bird species usually spotted around Lake Mburo hunting for Fish. The bird is also known as the Chlidonias leucopterus.

African Fish Eagle: The African Fish Eagle consists of a white head, yellow beak, and dark brown bird known for its great fishing skills. The African Fish Eagle is a powerful bird and can lift over 5kgs of fish in the air.

Brown-chested Lapwing: The Brown-chested Lapwing is a common bird species usually spotted in open grassland areas with a brown chest and white wings.

Shikra: The Shikra bird also known as Accipiter badius is usually spotted perched on trees with sharp hunting skills known for its quick and darting flight.

Yellow-billed Duck: The Yellow-billed Duck is a common bird species usually spotted during a boat safari in Lake Mburo resting along the shores or swimming in calm waters.

Great White Pelican: The Great White Pelican is one of the most common bird species with a massive bill and white plumage. These bird species are most times seen flying over the calm waters in a formation of gliding.

Savannah Grassland Birds: Lilac-breasted Roller, Brown-chested Lapwing, White-bellied Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Golden-breasted Starling, African Grey Hornbill, Secretary Bird, Pin-tailed Whydah, Magpie Shrike and Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark.

Raptors and Birds of Prey: African Fish Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Western Marsh Harrier, Bateleur, Kestrel, Vulturine Guinea Fowl, Long-tailed Cuckoo, and Lesser Kestrel.

Woodland and Forest Birds: Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Grey Hornbill, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Broad-billed Roller, Narina Trogon, Blue-headed Coucal, Common Bulbul, Western Bluebill, Buff-spotted Woodpecker and Brown-crowned Tchagra.

Waterfowl and shorebirds: African Fish Eagle, White-winged Tern, Yellow-billed Duck, Great White Pelican, Black Crake, Papyrus Gonolek, Purple Heron, Little Bittern, African Jacana and Black-headed Heron

Other bird species that can be spotted in Lake Mburo National Park include the African Grey Parrot, Red-necked Falcon, White-throated Bee-eater, Crowned Hornbill, and Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill making the park a true birder’s paradise thus creating beautiful and unforgettable memories as well as collecting many photographs as possible.

Other Tourist activities and Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park

Walking Safari: Embark on a guided walking safari that allows visitors a chance to connect with the natural world as well as get up-close with a variety of wild species such as giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, elands which offers an enriching experience on the Park’s ecosystem.

Game drive safaris: Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s savannah National Parks that offers a Unique encounter of animals during game drives such as Giraffes, zebras, Elands, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, Buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, hippos and other animal species as well as different kinds of birds such as Lilac-breasted Roller, Brown-chested Lapwing, White-bellied Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Golden-breasted Starling, African Grey Hornbill, Secretary Bird, Pin-tailed Whydah, Magpie Shrike and Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark.

Boat Cruise Safari: A boat cruise safari is done on the stunning lake Mburo for about 2 to 3 hours where you can have a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities including Hippos, crocodiles, fish, buffaloes as well as different bird species including African Fish Eagle, White-winged Tern, Yellow-billed Duck, Great White Pelican, Black Crake, Papyrus Gonolek, Purple Heron, Little Bittern, African Jacana and Black-headed Heron making your safari an extraordinary African Safari.

When is the best time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park for Birding?

Bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park is an all-year-round activity. However, the best time to do bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park is during the wet season when most of the birds and migratory birds gather at water sources as well as perch on different kinds of trees. The wet season runs from March to May and September to November.

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park can also be done during the dry season which runs from December to February and June to August when the park trails are dry and easy to navigate through.

What to Pack for Bird Watching in Lake Mburo National Park

As you plan to visit Lake Mburo National Park, there is a list of items you should consider packing to have a successful birding safari in Uganda. Some of the items to pack include Long-Sleeved Shirts and Long Pants, a hat/cap, sunscreen glasses, Sturdy Hiking Boots, flip-flop sandals, a pair of Binoculars, a field guide of birds of Uganda, a camera, mosquito repellent, a rain jacket, umbrella, water bottle, light backpack, walking stick, snacks, tripod, Travel Insurance and many other items to pack.

In conclusion, the presence of a variety of bird species in Lake Mburo National Park that inhabit wetlands, savannah, woodlands, and forests offer bird watchers a truly remarkable experience thus making the park one of the top bird-watching destinations in Uganda and Africa.