Birding at Lake Mburo: Acacia Savannah Species, Lake Birds and Night Walks

Located between Kampala and the south-western parks, Lake Mburo makes an easy birding stop that does not need a long detour. The park is small, so birding time is spent watching rather than driving.

This guide describes the habitats, the notable birds, the best methods and how to fit the park into a longer Uganda trip.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Why Birders Stop Here

The park offers a mix that is hard to find elsewhere on the western circuit. Acacia woodland, rocky ridges, seasonal swamps and five lakes lie within a short distance, so you can sample several habitats in a day. It also has a reputation among birders for species associated with drier woodland that are scarce in the forested parks. For the park itself, read the Lake Mburo National Park guide.

Woodland and Savannah Birds

Look for the red-faced barbet, which is a sought-after bird here, along with bare-faced go-away-birds, lilac-breasted rollers, crested francolins, brown parrots and many bee-eaters, shrikes and hornbills. Southern ground hornbills walk the grassland in groups; see the ground hornbill profile. Walks and vehicle drives both work, though a guide familiar with the park will know where each species is most reliable.

Bare-faced go-away-birds are conspicuous, often calling loudly from the tops of acacias, while the brown parrot and several barbets add colour. The park's mix of acacia and thicket also suits shrikes, babblers, tinkerbirds and warblers, so a slow drive with frequent stops is more productive than covering distance. Ask your guide to turn the engine off at promising spots and listen for calls.

Lake and Wetland Birds

The lakeshore and papyrus swamps hold herons, storks, ibises, kingfishers, cormorants and fish eagles. The African finfoot, a secretive water bird, is a specialist target on the boat trip, where guides search overhanging vegetation at the shore. It is not guaranteed, and a quiet approach matters. Read about the cruise on the Lake Mburo boat trips page, and look for hippos and crocodiles while you search for birds.

Raptors and Night Birds

Tawny eagles, bateleurs and other raptors use the thermals over open ground; see bateleur eagle in Uganda. Night drives, where permitted, may reveal nightjars and owls in the torch beam alongside nocturnal mammals. Rules and availability change, so check with your operator and the park authorities. Follow the guide's instructions about lights and distances to avoid disturbing birds.

Best Seasons

Birds are present all year. The dry season makes tracks easier and concentrates wildlife near water, while the rains bring greener scenery and breeding activity; compare Lake Mburo in the dry season with the wet months. Migrants from the north add to the list between roughly November and April.

Practical Tips

Early morning is the most productive time, and a short midday break at your lodge suits the heat. Bring binoculars, a hat, sun protection and insect repellent. Walking is allowed with an armed ranger, which brings you close to birds but also requires following instructions about buffalo and zebra. Choose a stay using where to stay at Lake Mburo.

Lake Mburo is also a place to pair birding with mammals such as zebras, impalas, elands and, in places, topis, which are rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda. Because distances are short, you can fit a pre-dawn walk, a late breakfast, a rest and a boat trip into one day without strain. Check the rules for walks, since they depend on ranger availability.

Fitting It Into a Route

The park is a natural stop on the way west; see Kampala to Lake Mburo or Entebbe to Lake Mburo, and onwards via Lake Mburo to Bwindi. For a broader birding plan see the 10-day Uganda birding itinerary.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team