Lac de Bambois

Namur > Belgium

This botanical garden allows for numerous leisure activities such as swimming and fishing, but is also a Natura 2000 site full of water and reed dwelling birds.

Added* by Jeremy Jaegers
Most recent update 12 February 2020

Description

Nearly halfway between Charleroi and Namur, and a stone's toss away from both of those, the Lac de Bambois is a multi-purpose resort in the middle of the Wallonian countryside. While it is most well known for its several well-maintained gardens and its inland beach, it is also a good place for birdwatching, thanks to the presence of a couple of multi-storey hideouts placed at strategic locations around the lake, with good visibility on most of the area.

Common birds seen at this location include Reed Bunting, Tufted Duck, Great Egret, Common Kingfisher, Little Egret, Reed Warbler, and many others. It is also an occasional migratory halt for the Osprey.

Details

Access

There are two free parking lots reserved for the lake's customers in close proximity to the entrance at "rue de la plage". The park is open every day between 04 April and 13 September from 11 h to 18h30, and between 14 September and 8 November only on wednesdays, weekends, and bank holidays.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Lake , Reedbeds , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Wet

Circular trail

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Spring migration , Winter

Route

Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

This is a private park with an entrance fee, be sure to check their website for information regarding fees and opening hours. It may be possible to contact them in order to arrange early entry for birdwatching purposes (I have never done it myself but heard people talk about it).

Links