Lake Bunyonyi is one of the top birding destinations in Uganda! Locally translated as “place for many little birds,” Lake Bunyonyi is a haven for birders, hosting over 200 bird species, some of which are rarely found anywhere else in Uganda.  Discover the notable and exotic birds at Lake Bunyonyi on our guided Uganda birding trips to Lake Bunyonyi tailored by Superfine Safaris Limited. Whether you are visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee viewing, or game safaris, birding tours at Lake Bunyonyi are not to be missed.  Most travelers to south western Uganda include Lake Bunyonyi in their itinerary, and birding is one of the popular experiences done at and around Lake Bunyonyi. Bird watching can be done on a boat cruise and on foot to enable you to get to see different bird species in all corners

Best Ways for Birding at Lake Bunyonyi

There are different ways to go bird watching at Lake Bunyonyi. Birders can try different birding options available to fully explore the birds at this Lake. The birding options include

Canoeing/boat riding

A canoe/boat ride in areas near the Lake shores is a big opportunity to see numerous bird species/ YES, a boat cruise takes you to all corners of the lake, giving you a chance to discover all birds in different corners of the Lake.  Cruise to different islands of the Lake and discover

Walking

YES, a guided nature walk in the Nyombe swamp and other swampy areas around Lake Bunyonyi is another best ways for bird watching at Lake Bunyonyi. Nature walking is also an opportunity to discover other wildlife and ground insects living in the Nyombe swamp. You can also walk around your resort near Lake Bunyonyi and get to see some birds in the trees

Best places for bird watching on Lake Bunyonyi

Whereas birding can be done everywhere on Lake Bunyonyi, some places have been ranked as the best spots for bird watching. These include

Nyombe swamp

Nyombe Swamp is the leading and popular birding spot on Lake Bunyonyi. The swamp is home to birds such as papyrus Gonolek, Pied Kingfisher, African Jacanas, Great White Pelicans, Cinnamon Chested Bee-eater, Swampy Flycatcher, African Sitrif, Great White Pelicans and Long-tailed Cormorants, among others.

Bushara Island

Home to over 50 bird species, Bushara Island is another best spot for bird watching on Lake Bunyonyi. Board a boat and cruise to Bushara Island to discover notable birds there. These include Fan-tailed Widowbird, Pied Kingfisher, Cinammon Chested Bee-eater, Grey Crowned Crane, Paradise Monarch Flycatcher, and African Harrier Hawk. The island is famous for hosting the forest-dwelling bird, some of which are not found anywhere else in Bunyonyi

Bwama and Njuyeera Islands

These two islands also offer lifetime birding experience for birders to Lake Bunyonyi.  The common birds in Bwama and Njuyeera islands include Kingfisher, Herons and waterbirds, among others

Common and Notable Bird Species

Lake Bunyonyi shelters over 200 bird species found in different corners of the park. Some of the common birds at Lake Bunyonyi include

• Handsome Francolin
• African Harrier Hawk
• Pied Kingfisher
• Herons (Black Heron)
• Black Headed Weaver
• Malachite Kingfisher
• White tailed Blue Flycatcher
• Grey crowned crane
• Red chested sunbird
• Bronze Sunbird

 How to book a Birding Tour at Lake Bunyonyi

Wondering how to book a birding tour to Lake Bunyony? There are various ways through which you can book a birding tour.  First of all, you can book through any licensed tour operator offering birding safaris in Uganda. Superfine Safaris Limited is your reliable travel agent for a customized Uganda birding tour. Our 4-day Bwindi gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi safari offers you the best.

Also, most lodges and resorts in Lake Bunyonyi offer complimentary birding safaris at and near the Lake. Inform your guide early enough and he will communicate the resort to guide you on a birding excursion

Best Time to Visit for Birding

The sunny peak season between June to September and December to February is rated the best time for bird watching at Lake Bunyonyi.  November to April is the best time for migratory birds

What to pack for bird watching in Lake Bunyonyi

For birders, endeavor to take to carry the following on your birding tour to Uganda to Lake Bunyonyi. These include

1. Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) are highly quality binoculars recommended for birding at Lake Bunyonyi
2. Cameras and an extra battery
3. A notebook and pen (Write any new birds you see ad it on your bird list)
4. Small daypack
5. Closed hiking boots. These ease movement in the slippery muddy grounds
6. Neutral colored clothes
7. Scarf and rain jackets
8. Hang gloves
9. First Aid Kit
10. Toiletries

3 Days Lake bunyonyi Birding Tour

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

The driver guide from Superine Safaris will pick you from either your hotel in Kigali or at the airport and transfer to Lake Bunonyi. Dinner and overnight at your resort

Day 2: Full-day birding experience

Spend this full day discovering birds at and around Lake Bunyonyi. Go for a walk in Nyombe Swamp to discover the notable birds there. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise to explore different islands that shelter numerous bird species

Day 3: Departure

Have a relaxed breakfast, check out, and transfer to Kigali for your departure flight

Travel to Lake Bunyonyi for a lifetime Uganda birding safari with Superfine Safaris Limited