Lake Kigambira is one of the 14 lakes in/around the Lake Mburo National Park area, which together form part of the 50-kilometer-long wetland system that are linked to each other by a swamp. This Lake sits in Bakijurura area, about 6.8 kilometers from Uganda’s smallest savannah national park found in the western region.
Set in the extreme southern part of the park, Lake Kigambira is surrounded by a verdant papyrus and woodland vegetation. This makes the lake and its natural surroundings an excellent habitat for different bird species. Just a stone’s throw from this Lake is a stupendous accommodation facility known as Kigambira Safari Lodge.
This accommodation facility sits just between this beautiful lake and the lush low-canopied Rubanga Forest, another incredible birding and nature walking spot in Lake Mburo National Park.
The lodge provides the perfect view over Lake Kigambira and provides the launching pad to exploring the areas surrounding the lake. For instance, you can undertake a guided nature walk through the looping trail around this stunning lake where you will sight lots of bird species. These include the African Finfoot, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-faced Barbets, the blue-headed coucal, Brown-chested lapwing, Malachite Kingfisher, the Ruppell’s starling, and the Black-throated barbets among others.
Activities around Lake Kigambira
Besides exploring Lake Kigambira through a guided walk, other activities you can enjoy in Uganda’s smallest savannah national park. These include bush walks that usually begin from Rwonyo Park Headquarters leading into the woodlands to see different wildlife species, birds and appreciate the beauty of mother nature.
You can combine your Lake Kigambira tour with a game drive where you will be introduced to the various game tracks. These are frequented by cape buffaloes, giant elands, Burchell’s zebras, Rothschild giraffes, Impalas, bushbucks, duikers, Olive baboons, Oribis, spotted hyenas, leopards and Klipspringers among others.
You can also enjoy boat cruises on Lake Mburo, which is the largest lake within and around the area. Here, you will sight nile crocodiles, hippos, and different species of birds especially the African fish eagles, Kingfishers, Pink-backed pelicans and sometimes the shoebill storks.
Also, don’t forget to add a birding tour to your visit because you will be introduced to a significant percentage of the 350 species of birds that call this protected area home. Birding is done around Lake Kigambira, Rubanga Forest, around Rwonyo Park Headquarters’ woodland areas and even in Lake Mburo during the boat ride.
Besides Lake Kigambira, other Lakes in the area of western Uganda are Lake Mburo, Lake Kibigwa, Lake Kigambira, and Lake Nakivali among others. In other parts of the country are the more famous like Lake Victoria, Lake Edward, Lake Albert, Lake George, and Kyoga among others. Some of these lakes are known for sport fishing, boat cruises, and beach tours, to mention but a few.
After Lake Mburo, you can opt for an amazing game safari in search for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Or go for the lifetime gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.