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SIZE:
260 sq km
LOCATION:
In the south, near Mbarara
Lying in the one part of Uganda covered in
extensive acacia woodland, Mburo has
markedly different fauna to other reserves.
Lake Mburo is the best place in the country
to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well
as zebra, topi, impala, and several
acacia-associated birds.
The five lakes within the park attract
hippos, crocodiles and a variety of
waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide
secretive papyrus specialists such as the
sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow
papyrus gonalek.
WHAT TO DO:
Game Viewing
is the major tourist activity in this Park,
it is famous for its richness in
biodiversity. It has about 68 different
species of mammals. The common ones are
Zebra, Impala, Buffalo, Topi, and Eland as
herbivores not to leave out the rare
slightly of Roan antelope and leopard,
Hyenas and jackals as predictors.
Boat Rides
The presence of Lake Mburo within the park
is a blessing worth mentioning. The lake is
rich with a diversity of animal and plant
species which can only be viewed clearly if
you take a boat trip. The crocodiles,
hippopotamuses and birds like Pelicans,
Black crake, Heron, cormorant, fish eagle,
you may also sight the rare Shoebill Stork
and all these will furnish your visit with
pride. The duration of each boat cruise is
negotiable.
Guide walks
The nature trail offers the visitor a chance
to admire nature insitu. Visitors have the
opportunity in walk in the circuit at his /
her pace although in company of an armed
guide. The trail is interpreted in form of a
brochure in both English and Runyankole.
Salt Lick
A walk to the near by salt is a summary of
it all. Strategically located wooden hide
(Observation point) offers a chance to see
at least 4 different species of animals at
any one time while they lick the salty soil.
Most interesting to note is that this is
done without the animal's conscience.
Visitors may also walk to area of their own
choice.
Note: Walks inside the park must be in
company of an armed park official.
Rubanga Forest
You can also explore this forest by making
arrangements with the Park Management to
have a Ranger accompany you. The Rubanga
Forest is very small but a true forest with
a closed canopy in places. A common tree is
Markhamia platycalyx (grey-brown truck with
irregular flaky patches, divided leaves,
yellow flowers stripped and spotted with
red; brunches of extremely long (up to 1.3 m
podlike fruits). Palms, figs, sapium (a tall
tree whose leaves turn red before falling)
and the flame tree Erythrina abyssinica
occur towards the edge of the swamp.
Birding
First-time visitors to Lake Mburo National
Park are fascinated by the variety of large
mammals and colorful birds. For many people,
birds are the most interesting to watch. As
common species become familiar, you will
begin to notice smaller, less spectacular
birds; the real experts seem to get most
excited by 'Little Brown jobs' ('LBJs')
which are the hardest to identify. Although
many birds are wild spread, others are more
fussy in their choice of habitat. For
example, most of the park's 310 recorded
species are 'generalist' and can be seen
almost anywhere. However, they are 5 species
of bird, which are found only in the forest,
and 60 specialist water birds. Others prefer
short or tall grasslands, or are found
mainly in woodlands.
This Park has Open water birds, Lakeshore
and papyrus swamp birds, Seasonal swamp
birds, Woodland birds, Grassland birds and
Forest birds.
Birds of the Open Water in this Park
include; Pink-backed pelican, Darter, White
pelican, Yellow-billed duck, Long-tailed
cormorant, White winged black tern and
Greater cormorant
Lakeshore and papyrus swamp birds
They are over 26 species of lakeshore and
papyrus swamp birds recorded in this Park.
Some of them include; Fish eagle, Pied
kingfisher, African finfoot, Great white
egret, Night heron.
For more information on birds, please
contact the Park Management. |
