Due to its proximity to both Kampala and Entebbe, Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda’s Kiruhura District, which is just 240 kilometers from the country’s capital Kampala, is the most accessible safari park in Uganda. With a total area of 260 square kilometers, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. Nevertheless, Lake Mburo national park’s stunning scenery and uncommon wildlife sightings make it a special place to visit. Lake Mburo, one of the 14 lakes in the park’s center, is a part of a 50km long wetland system along with the other lakes. Within the boundaries of the park are five lakes, the greatest of which is Lake Mburo (after which the park is named).
Due to the absence of elephants to control the growth, Lake Mburo National Park today has a significant number of woodlands. In the western portion of the park, papyrus swamps and slender bands of rich riparian woodland flank several of the lakes, while the savanna is broken up by steep peaks and forested gorges.
Several mammal and bird species unique to Uganda can be found at Lake Mburo National Park. A large diversity of wetland birds as well as the shy, endangered sitatunga antelope call the many sorts of swamps home. Aside from several hippos, a few crocodiles, and a staggering number of African fish eagles, the lake is one of the greatest places to witness the rarely encountered African finfoot and white backed heron.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo national park The finest weather is experienced throughout the dry midyear period (June to August/September). However, it also brings more tourists that are eager to visit Uganda as well as high season costs. Don’t rule out going during one of the park’s two wet seasons (March to May and September to November), when the air is clearer and the park’s valleys become green. Just be ready for rain that won’t stop falling and treacherous hiking.
Lake Mburo national park activities
Game drives in Lake Mburo national park
All safari game drives in Lake Mburo National Park are conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles under the supervision of an armed game ranger on the clearly marked trails throughout the park. 68 mammal species, excluding elephants and lions, may be found in Lake Mburo National Park, which offers visitors a chance to experience its rich biodiversity while on a game drive around the park. Zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopards, hippopotamuses, hyenas, Topis, and reedbuck are among the animals. Game drives are conducted in the morning, evening, and at night and typically run for 4 hours.
Night game drives typically start about 7 a.m. and end around 1 p.m., while morning game drives commonly start at sunrise (06:30 a.m.), afternoon game drives often start late in the day (at approximately 3:00 pm), and so on. Some of the creatures that are only spotted at night include bush infants and porcupines.
Birding safaris in Lake Mburo national
Lake Mburo national park is home to over 350 bird species which include the rare white winged warbler, emerald spotted wood Dove, the crested francolin, the brown parrot, barefaced go way bird, the common Francolin, the green wood hoopoe, the blue napped mouse bird, the black billed barbet, the trilling cisticola, Nubian woodpecker as well as the African grey hornbill. Birding safaris are primarily conducted in the Rubanga forest, along the lake’s shoreline, and in the park’s extensive wetlands at Lake Mburo National Park. It is essential to make reservations in advance so that you may have a knowledgeable tour guide with you on your birding trip.
Boat cruise in Lake Mburo national park
The principal lakes for cruise in the Lake Mburo national park are Lake Mburo and the other four lakes. A two-hour boat cruise departs from Rwonyo Pier on Lake Mburo, and it is advised to take a boat cruise in the afternoon. Crocodiles, hippos, water birds, and sitatunga antelopes, as well as black and yellow papyrus ganalex, are drawn to the park’s five lakes, which, along with the park’s picturesque landscape views, make for an unforgettable experience.
Horseback safaris and mountain biking In Lake Mburo national
Due to the absence of lions, which could pose a threat to the horses and visitors, Lake Mburo National Park is the only Uganda safari park with the 4-hour activities. Since there are no loud car engines to scare the wild creatures away on a horseback safari, travelers can get close to the animals. During the horse back and mountain bike safaris, tourists can spot animals like Topi, bushbucks, impala, eland and zebras. These ctivities are mainly provided by Mihingo safari lodge .
Cultural encounters
The Hima and Banyankole have a rich cultural heritage and are well-known for rearing big herds of long-horned cattle. These communities surround Lake Mburo National Park. Outside the park, close to the Sanga gate, there is a cultural center called the Ankole Cultural Center that displays typical Ankole homes, meals, cultural practices like dances, and handcrafted products that may be bought as souvenirs.
Sport fishing in Lake Mburo national park
Spot fishing is yet another interesting activity in Lake Mburo national park. The main fishing spot in the park is Mazinga where fish species like cat fish, lung fish, tiger fish, Angara fish and tilapia fish can be caught. You must obtain a license before engaging in sport fishing, which is only permitted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You must, however, provide your own fishing gear.
Accommodation in Lake Mburo national park
Lake Mburo National Park offers a wide range of accommodations ranging from Luxury, to midrange and budget lodges both within the park and outside the park/ park borders. Some of the lodges offered when you visit Lake Mburo National Park include: Mihingo lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Mburo safari lodge, Eagles Nest lodge, Mantana tented camp, Arcadia cottages and Rwonyo Rest camp.
Park entry fees for Lake Mburo national park
- International visitor (Foreign Non-Resident) Adults – 40USD per person
- International visitor Children (5 – 15 years) – 20 USD per person
- Foreign Resident – 30USD per person
- Foreign Residents children (5 – 15 years) -10USD per person
- East African citizens – 20,000Ugx per person
- East African citizens children (5 – 15 years) – 5,000Ugx per person
