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LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Location:
Mbarara
District 3.5 hours drive from Kampala
Size: 260 sq. km
About the park
Its a very special place
every part of it is alive with ; variety, interest and colour
contains an extensive area of wetland one of the only two such
habitats to be included within a National Park in
Uganda.
It harbours several species
of mammals; Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes, and birds. comprising
bill storks which are found nowhere else in the country.
Its sculptured landscape
with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lake shore has a varied
mosaic of habitats forest galleries, seasonal and permanent
swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth
of wildlife.
The park is only 260 sq. km
being the smallest of the Uganda’s savanna National Parks Its
mosaic habitat, dry hillside, rocky outcrops, bushes thickets,
open and wooded savanna forests, lakes and swamps are home to a
surprising diversity of plants and animals.
Birding
The park has about 313
different bird species including the rare Shoebill stork and
White-winged Warbler. other species to lookout for are; Crested
Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Barefaced
Go-away bird, Rednecked Spur, common Quails, Black-billed
Barbet, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mousebird, Lilac-breasted
Roller,African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling
Cisticola a drive towards Rwonyo camp may reveal;.Coqui
Francolin, Rednecked spurfowl, Black Bellied Bustard, Temminck’s
Courser, African-wattled Plover Rufous napped and Flappet larks,
Rufuos chested Swallow ,Yellow-throated Long claw and Southern
Red Bishop.
Activities
Forest walk - Rubanga
Forest
This forest offer a variety
of conducive habitat for birds therefore a very attractive place
for bird watchers with over 40 bird species recorded.
Boat trips
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. The duration of each boat cruise is negotiable with the
park management.
Nature trail
Offers the visitor a chance
to admire nature they have opportunity to walk in the circuit at
their pace in company of an armed guide.
Fishing
About six species of fish
are found on Lake Mburo the common one being Tilapia (Oreoclcroomisleacosti)
but others include lung fish, mud fish, Haplochromes. using
hooks visitors can spend some time catching fish, a shade is
provided at the campsite to ensure maximum relaxation for
visitors while at the lake.
Accommodation
The park has accommodation
facilities there are tents at Rwonyo park headquarters, there
are also three public campsites. A more luxury accommodation is
provided at the Mantana Luxury Tented camp.
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