About this Experience

Calling all avian enthusiasts! The "Wings of Ankole" experience at Rwetango Tourism Centre offers an unparalleled and authentic birding journey, immersing you in the diverse habitats surrounding Lake Mburo National Park. This isn't just about ticking off species; it's about connecting with nature and the local community that coexists with this vibrant avian world. Our prime location and varied ecosystems — from traditional cattle farms to serene riverbanks, overlooked lakes, and the renowned Lake Mburo National Park itself — create a unique birding paradise for community tourism travelers. The Birding Experience and Encounters: Your birding adventure will be a mosaic of different habitats, each revealing its own unique feathered residents: • Cattle Farm & Pastoralist Lands: Begin your journey directly within the community's heart. Our traditional cattle farms attract numerous species, most notably the graceful White Egrets (Cattle Egrets) that follow the grazing Ankole cows, feasting on disturbed insects. Keep an eye out for various raptors soaring overhead, small finches, and weavers nesting in the scattered acacia trees. This unique interface between human activity, livestock, and wild birds offers a fascinating perspective. • River Rwizi Community Trail: A lifeline for both people and wildlife, the River Rwizi is a hotspot for water-associated birds. Stroll along its banks and expect to encounter species like the African Fish Eagle, various kingfishers (Pied, Malachite, Giant), wagtails, plovers, and cormorants. The lush vegetation along the river also provides cover for woodland species and offers excellent opportunities for identifying different calls. • Lake Mburo: At a distance about 30 minutes' drive away from the Centre lies Lake Mburo and its vast marshes, a serene haven for waterbirds. Here, you'll find a different array of species, including Shoebill Stork, African Finfoot, Papyrus Gonolek, Grey-Crowned Crane, Yellow-Rumped Tinker Bird, African Fish Eagle, Double-Toothed Barbets, Red-Faced Barbet, African Wattled Lapwing and various waders. The quieter nature of this lake often allows for closer observation. • Lake Mburo National Park & Kyahi Forest Reserve: As our neighbor, Lake Mburo National Park boasts over 350 different bird species, making it a premier destination for avian lovers. From the park's acacia woodlands to its open savannas and papyrus swamps, you could spot anything from the elusive African Finfoot to the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller, various hornbills, starlings, and sunbirds. The nearby Kyahi Forest Reserve also contributes to this rich biodiversity, offering glimpses of forest-dwelling species that may not be found in the open plains. Throughout your tour, you will be accompanied by local guides who possess intimate knowledge of the area's birds and their habitats, often spotting species you might otherwise miss and sharing local insights into their significance. Book your "Wings of Ankole" experience and let the vibrant birdlife and warm community of Rwetango Tourism Centre enchant you!