Flamingo watching in lake munyanyange
Flamingo watching in lake munyanyange located in queen Elizabeth national park is one of the activities travelers engage in during their visit to Uganda. the lake is situated in kabatooro Katwe area which is part of the kikorongo volcanic section. It is an important destination for migratory flamingo birds that visits the lake during the migratory season. Lake munyanyange is a destination to spot lesser and greater flamingos.
How was lake munyanyange formed
Lake munyanyange is a seasonal shallow crater, and salty lake located in Katwe. The lake is 1.5 square kilometers, formed by volcanic eruption which results in massive explosions creating a depression and forming a lake.
Best time for flamingo watching in lake munyanyange
Flamingo watchers can visit lake munyanyange any time of the year but the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos at this crater lake is during the months of April and October because this period flamingos migrate from Kenya and visit this lake. Other high concentration periods of these birds happen in September and November.
Flamingos embrace the rainy periods at lake munyanyange because the lake becomes muddier which protects them from predators.
Flamingo behaviors
flamingos are what they eat: While flamingos are famous for their pink feathers, shades can vary from white to pink to orange depending on their diet. The algae, molluscs, and crustaceans they eat contain pigments and the amount of pigment in their food determines the shade of their plumage. Young flamingos are white or grey until their colour kicks in at around two years old.
Flamingos survive in extreme conditions: Tough is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you lay eyes on a flamingo, but they have adapted to extremely challenging environments where many other animals couldn’t survive. Water temperature can reach over 50° C and in places that are so alkaline that it can burn away skin. This doesn’t phase the flamingo. Scales and tough skin on their legs protect them from burns and they can drink water at near boiling point. Even in lake munyanyange being in kasese which is one of the areas that experience hot temperatures.
Flamingos experience long standing friendships: Flamingos are social species that choose to live in flocks of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. This safety in numbers approach helps to protect them from predators. Flamingos commonly mate for life and also make loyal life-long friends. The birds consider compatibility when choosing who to befriend and will avoid individuals they dislike.
Flamingo threats
Flamingos face a lot of threats across the global such as water pollution, habitat loss, collisions with electrical wires, lead poisoning, egg harvesting by predators and hunting from humans.
Accomodations at lake munyanyange
Lake munyanyange has one of the best accommodations that are ideal to explore the flamingos and game drives in queen Elizabeth national park and these include;
Lake munyanyange cave Resort
The resort is a mid-range accommodation that is comprised of over 15 spacious and clean cottages for tourists. The accommodation show case the African traditional housing style with unique roof thatching with grass and local woods. This accommodation offers amenities such as ample parking space, a stocked bar, free Wi-Fi internet and organized bathroom with hot and cold water.
Other areas to see flamingos
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is a shallow lake formed in the rift valley escarpment in Kenya that contains alkaline waters that attracts flamingos.
Lake Natron
The lake is located in Tanzania with a volcanic scenery, which is one of the breeding grounds for lesser flamingos.
Best tips for flamingo viewing
During your safari to view flamingos, do the following;
- Use binoculars for a better viewing experience
- Embark on early morning or evening visit to the lake for best photography
- Book our local guides who knows seasonal hotspots and viewing points.
Other activities to combine with a safari to flamingo watching in queen Elizabeth national park
Tourists visiting lake munyanyange in queen Elizabeth national park can do other activities such as;
Game drive
Getting on an early morning or afternoon game drives in the park to view a variety of animals like elephants, buffalos, lions, antelopes, water buck, bush buck, hippos, leopard, hyena, warthogs and much more.
Boat cruise
A boat cruise on the Kazinga channel is worthy of praise where you enjoy a ride on the waters while spotting animals and birds quenching their thirsty.
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