Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park: This is one of Uganda’s smallest game parks covering
370 square kilometers gazetted in 1983, it is blessed with several mammals including hippos,
giraffes, hyenas, impala, eland, topi, and waterbucks, and is famous for its high numbers of
zebra. It is located in western Uganda in Kiruhura district a 3 hours’ drive from Kampala the
capital city of Uganda.
The park harbors 351 iconic species including the African Fish Eagle, Red-faced Barbet, and
Shoebill Stork. Guided walks, boat cruises, and horseback rides, led by expert guides, ensure an
unforgettable birding adventure amidst breathtaking African scenery.

Best time for birding in Lake Mburo National Park

The suitable time for birding in Lake Mburo National Park is from June to August and December
to February

June to August

This period is ideal for spotting migratory birds, such as the African Jacana, Black-winged Stilt,
and Yellow-billed Stork. The dry conditions also make it easier to spot birds in the park's
woodlands, such as the Red-faced Barbet and the African Grey Hornbill.

December to February

This period is characterized by an influx of Palearctic migrants, including the European Roller,
European Swallow, and Montagu's Harrier. The dry conditions also make it easier to spot birds
in the park's grasslands, such as the Red-billed Oxpecker and the Lilac-breasted Roller.

Cost of birding in Lake Mburo National Park

In Lake Mburo National Park, birding costs 30 USD for foreign nonresidents, 20,000 Ugandan
shillings for East African citizens, and 25 USD for foreign residents.

Other activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Guided nature walk

Lake Mburo National Park is an open savannah perfect for nature walks. Birding excursions can
be combined with nature walks socking more into nature for a more rewarding safari. During
nature walks you will spot zebras, waterbucks, kobs, warthogs, and giraffes.

Horseback safaris

Horseback riding is an exciting way to see wildlife in and around the park on a horse and often
get a chance to see the more timid animals. This inspires animals and they come towards you to
check out the strange relative even the shy eland curiously looks at the horses without running
away.

Fishing

The park offers fishing excursions and this can be combined with birding. Tourists who are
interested in fishing join the locals who use local fishing methods this activity is done in
designated areas of Mazinga and to take part in the activity the tourists must first obtain a sport
fishing permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and also carry their fishing equipment.

Cycling

Bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park can be combined with cycling. Cycling involves
riding following well-established cycling routes that go through open savannah grasslands and
this will help you get a close encounter with animals like Zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, and
warthogs plus spotting various bird species.

Accessibility

By road
Lake Mburo National Park is accessible by road via Kampala Mbarara highway and it’s a 3-4
hour journey.

By Air
Scheduled flights are available from Kajjansi Airstrip and Entebbe International Airport to
Mbarara Airstrip. From the Mbarara airstrip, you drive for 30 minutes to reach the park.

Join Jeisking Tours on a bird-watching safari and enjoy exploring wetlands, forests, wetlands,
and river banks searching for various bird species. A bird-watching safari with us can be
combined with other adventures like gorilla trekking, sport fishing, and more. For more
information contact us at gorillaugandasafaribookings@gmail.com