Common Questions about Flamingos in Uganda: Does Uganda have flamingos? What Kind of flamingos can be seen in Uganda? Which is the Best Place to See Flamingos in Uganda? When is the Best time to go on a Flamingo Safari in Uganda?
Yes, Uganda has Flamingos (Lesser Flamingos); a small species of Flamingos with a population of approximately two million individual birds. This species feeds primarily on Spirulina, algae which grow only in very alkaline lakes. The presence of flamingo groups near water bodies is an indication of sodic alkaline water which is not suitable for irrigation use. Although blue-green in color, the algae contain the photosynthetic pigments that give the birds their pink color. Their deep bill is specialized for filtering tiny food items.
Which is the Best Place to See Flamingos in Uganda?
In Uganda, Flamingos can be found in the Western part of the Great East African Rift Valley closer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here they inhabit the alkaline waters of explosion crater lakes;
Lake Munyanyange: Located Northeast of Katwe town, Munyanyange is arguably one of the Best places to see, photograph, or film the Lesser Flamingos in Uganda. This lake also doubles up as one of the best birding spots in Uganda for intent birds on a birding safari in Uganda. Lake Munyanyange in the months of October to April congregates quite a varied number of migratory Palearctic bird species like the lesser flamingos, Larus fuscus, black-backed gulls, and many more other species.
Lake Katwe: Not only famous for its high-quality salt production all over East Africa, but the Lake is also also a good habitat for the lesser flamingos in Uganda. Lake Katwe is found within an explosion crater in the formerly active volcanic area north-east of Lake Edward and southeast of Lake George on the outskirts of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its shores are lined with small ponds or pans of water from which salt is extracted from the bottom in a process called salt panning. These Pans double up as feeding and breeding places for the Migrant Flamingos.
Lake Bunyampaka: This lake is literally in the Park but technically on the community land bordering the Queen Elizabeth National park on the Kasenyi side. It is a lovely place to stop and enjoy a break while on a morning or evening safari drive. For Better access, we like to recommend that travelers consider staying at the adjacent Kasenyi Safari camp overlooking Lake Bunyampaka
Lake Bagusa: Located in Rubirizi District, Western Region, Uganda this alkaline lake is also inviting to visit for travelers looking to glimpse at the Lesser flamingos while on a safari in Uganda.
Lake Nyamunuka: The sulphuric foul smell makes this salt lake obviously noticeable by many travelers accessing Queen Elizabeth National via the Kabatooro gate. A stop at the viewpoint will afford you amazing views of the scenery that surrounds it, and you may be chanced to spot quite a varied list of wildlife including buffaloes laying On the shore and Flamingos in the lake.
Lake Maseche: Bordering with Kamwenge district, Lake Maseche is yet another prime location to spot, photograph, or film flamingos in Uganda.
Travelers Digest: Of all the places mentioned above, which is the best place to see the Flamingos while on a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park? The choice of where to go and see, photograph, or film flamingos in Uganda will largely depend on where you are staying, and how much activity you would like to see. If it’s the exclusivity that you are looking for, then A visit to Lake Bunyampaka might be worthwhile otherwise if you are looking at an active flamingo tour combined with salt mining, then the best option would be visiting Lake Katwe.
