Did you know in Uganda there are flamingos mainly lesser flamingos? Most birders thought that flamingoes can only be spotted in Kenya and Tanzania but what you need to know is that lesser flamingos are the only flamingos in Uganda and can be spotted in Queen Elizabeth National Park at Lake Munyanyange, Katwe, Bunyampaka, Bugasa, Nyamunuka and Lake Maseke.
Queen Elizabeth National Park inhabits over 600 bird species and the birds can be spotted in the area of Kazinga channel, Kyambura gorge, Mweya peninsular, Kasenyi plains among others. This means that the park is home to forest, savannah and water birds alike. Due to its diverse wildlife, this makes it the most visited national park in the pearl of Africa.
The park covers an area of 1978 Square kilometers, all covered with beautiful scenery and when you reach this destination, you cannot regret your visit. The Ishasha sector with its rare tree-climbing lions, Kasenyi plains with its endless herds of mammals, Lake Katwe for salt mining, Kyambura gorge for chimpanzee trekking and bird watching.
The photosynthesis pigment in the algae turning the legs of the flamingos to pink. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the flamingos can be found in explosion crater lakes such as;
Lake Munyanyange. This is located near Lake Katwe in the North East of the park and the best place to spot lesser flamingos in Uganda. It is also the best site to spot other birds which is a double opportunity for birders on the Uganda birding safari.
From the month of October to April, Lake Munyanyange attracts migratory birds such as black-backed gull, larus fuscus and lesser flamingoes among others.
Lake Katwe. Most tourists only know Katwe for high production of traditional salt but again, you should know that it harbors the lesser flamingos. The lake is found in the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park, North East and South East of Lake Edward and George respectively. Lake Katwe is surrounded by small pans and ponds that are filled with rainwater hence attracting the migratory birds especially the lesser flamingoes.
Lake Bunyampaka. Located in the Kasenyi sector but within the community. For the best access to this an area, you need to engage in a game drive which happens either in the morning or evening hours. Also birders are advised to spend a night in the nearby lodges to get the best results.
Lake Bagusa. This is well situated in Rubirizi district and also a good site for birding. Due to its alkaline waters, the lake attracts flamingoes.
Lake Nyamunuka. This is mostly referred to as a hospital for wildlife and it has a sulphuric acid smell. This can be observed as you enter the park using the Kabatooro gate. The visit to this lake rewards you with the best experience where you will view different animals and birds on this lake including the flamingos.
Lake Maseche. For best spotting, filming and photography, visit this lake and you will never regret. It’s located in Kamwenge district at the extreme edge of Queen Elizabeth N/park. For better views and experience, birders are advised to spend a night around this area.
Most tourists wonder where to get the best experience to spot flamingos but the answer is as long as you spend a night nearer any of the above destinations or lakes, you will be assured of unequalled birding experiences.
For the best spotting experience, you need to visit Queen Elizabeth national park between October when the flamingos arrive and in April when they depart back to Kenya and Tanzania. This is because the park is always muddy, making it difficult for predator animals to prey on them.
