Lake Mburo is the smallest savanna national park in Uganda and is located in the Western side of the country. This park is characterized by rocky ridges, Acacia savanna, papyrus wetlands, grasslands, taller mixed woodland and Lakes which all have unique wildlife and bird species, but is mainly dominated by tall grasses with scattered Acacia and Euphorbia trees.
Lake Mburo national park covers an area of 370 square kilometers and is a haven to over 350 bird species hence it is considered an important Bird Area (IBA) and a bird watcher’s Paradise.
Key Species of High Birding Interest
- Red-faced Barbet (Lybius rubrifacies)
Restricted to the Ankole-Southern Tanzania region; Uganda sightings are limited to Lake Mburo. Often found on acacia-dominated ridges. - African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis)
Prefers overhanging riverbanks and papyrus channels along Lake Mburo. Sightings are irregular but possible during quiet boat excursions. - Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri)
Endemic to papyrus swamps; mostly vocal but visible in early mornings near permanent wetlands. - Bare-faced Go-away Bird (Corythaixoides personatus)
Confined to dry acacia country. Common along the road network and lodge boundaries. - Brown-chested Lapwing (Vanellus superciliosus)
A West African intra-African migrant. Occasional records exist in open short-grass plains near the Kazuma lookout. - African Wattled Lapwing, Blue-naped Mousebird, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, and White-winged Tit are also commonly observed.
Checklists are available from Uganda Bird Guides Club and NatureUganda offices in Kampala.
Prime Birdwatching Locations
- Lake Edge Reeds and Inlets: Ideal for finfoot, gonolek, herons, and weavers.
- Rubanga Forest Patch: Supports forest-dependent species including Narina trogon, green pigeons, and violet-backed starlings.
- Kazuma Lookout Zone: Provides views of both savannah and lowland species in open conditions.
- Ruroko Track: Offers small bird concentrations (sunbirds, flycatchers) and seed eaters during dry months.
- Rwonyo Wetlands: Active at dawn with high visibility of water-associated birds and marshland specialists.
Most birding is best between 06:30 and 10:00 or after 16:00.
Spots for Bird Watching in Lake Mburo National Park
The most perfect bird viewing spots in Lake Mburo national park are the Swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti, the paths between Rwonyo Camp and the Salt Lick area. Other good bird viewing points include Rubanga Forest area, the open grasslands North of Rwonyo Camp (especially the Zebra track) and the Lakeside among others.
Some of the common bird species within Rubanga forest include Blue-breasted Kingfisher, White-winged Tit, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-faced Barbet, Long-tailed Cisticola, Ross’s Turaco, Grey Crowned Cranes, Red-headed Lovebird, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Brown Parrot, Brown-chested Lapwing, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Common Scimitarbill, African Finfoot, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Nubian Woodpecker, Coqui Francolin, White-headed Barbet, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Rufous-bellied Heron and Green Wood-hoopoe among others.
Some of the bird species within the Lake include the Yellow-throated Leaf love Red-faced Barbet (is only found within the Lake), Water Thicknee, African Darter, African Water Rail, Giant Pied Leaf love, African Fish Eagles, Spur-winged Plover, Hammerkop, African Fin foot Malachite kingfishers, and Pink Backed-pelicans among others. This Lake can be accessed through the Kyempitsi trail.
There are also some fascinating bird species found within the woodland vegetation and they include Green-capped Eremomela, Lead-coloured Flycatcher, Red-headed lovebird, Black Cuckoo-shrike, Narina Trogon and Long tailed warbler among others.
The swamp vegetation harbors riveting bird species that include Long-tailed Tabora, Carruther’s Cisticola, African-wattled Lapwing, Saddle-billed Stork, the endemic African Finfoot, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, White-winged Warbler, Brown-chested Lapwing, Papyrus Gonolek, African Scops Owl, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and the elusive the rare Shoebill.
Bird species common within the Warukiri and Miriti Valley include Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Green Wood-hoopoe, Black-bellied Bustard, Common Scimitarbill, Brown Parrot, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Brown-chested Lapwing, Ross’s Turaco, Red-headed Lovebird, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous-bellied Heron, White-headed Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Coqui Francolin, Nubian Woodpecker, Grey Crowned Crane, White-winged Tit, Long-tailed Cisticola and Bare-faced Go-away-bird. The grasslands around Miriti Valley are famous for fascinating Northern Ground Hornbill.
While on your way to Rwonyo Camp/headquarters, you are likely to encounter the African Grey Hornbill, Blue-napped Mousebird, Barefaced Go-away –bird, Brown Parrot, Trilling Cisticola, Red-necked Spurfowl, Emerald spotted wood Dove, Crested Francolin, Greater Blue-eared starling, common scimitarbill, Green Wood-hoopoe, Broad-billed Roller, Northern Black Flycatcher, Nubian Woodpecker, Arrow marked Babler, Marico sunbird, Speckled Mousebird, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Lilac-breasted Roller, Spot-flanked Barbet and Chin-spot Batis.
The Open grassland North of Rwonyo headquarters especially along Zebra Track is popular for Rufous-Naped Larks, African Wattled Plover, the migratory Brown-chested Plover, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-necked Spur fowl, Coqui Francolin, Yellow-throated Longclaw, lapped Larks, Temminck’s Courser, Rufous-chested Swallow and the Southern Red Bishop.
The entrance to Rwonyo Park headquarters is perfect for viewing nocturnal bird species like the White-tailed winged Nightjars, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, African Scops Owl, Pennant-winged Nightjars and Fiery-necked. When using the Kigambira Loop, through taller and mixed woodlands, you will come across the Red-faced Barbet and the Black-collared Barbet. Much as Lake Mburo is considered a considerably small National park, it is a home to over 35 species of raptors that include African Harrier Hawk, Banded snake, Lizard Buzzards, African Marsh Harrier, African Fish, Grey Kestrel, Gabar chanting Goshawks, Martial Eagles, African White-backed, African Hawk, Dark chanting Goshawks, Augur Buzzards, white headed Vultures and Reppell’s Griffon among others.
Gear, Techniques, and Local Guides
Recommended equipment includes:
- Binoculars (minimum 8×42 magnification)
- Field guide such as Birds of East Africa by Stevenson & Fanshawe
- Notebook or digital log
- Audio recorder or app for vocal recognition (Merlin, eBird, etc.)
Several UWA rangers and guides in the region possess basic birding knowledge. However, for species-specific trips, travellers may contract licensed birding professionals from Kampala. These guides carry scopes and have knowledge of migratory patterns and call identification.
Conservation Notes and Etiquette
Lake Mburo’s birding value remains stable due to limited agricultural encroachment and active wetland protection. However, off-road approach, playback abuse, and flashlight use during night birding remain discouraged.
Birdwatching does not require special permits beyond park entry. However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority may restrict access to Rubanga Forest or wetland margins during high water periods.
Please Note
You will need a pair of Binoculars and a Camera for a prefect sighting of the birds species and a memorable birding experience. The best time for viewing the migratory bird species is June to August and December to February.