If you ask many travelers what they know about Lake Mburo National Park, many will say it is the smallest savannah Park, with diverse landscapes and wide array of unique wildlife species. These are true but there is more to uncover here beyond what words can describe.
Lake Mburo National Park size and Location
Situated in the western side of Uganda in the district of Kiruhura is the spectacular Lake Mburo National Park that borders a number of districts that include Mbarara, Isingiro, and Lyantonde. This Protected Area was first established as a “controlled hunting area” in 1933, before becoming a Game reserve in 1963 and being upgraded into a National Park In 1983.
The magnificent Lake Mburo National Park covers an area of only 370 square Kilometers and this makes it the smallest savannah Park in the country but it is known for harboring a plethora of rare and exceptional wildlife species that even the large Parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls National Park don’t offers. Its landscape is characterized by a diversity of unspoiled natural habitats that include sweeping savannah plains, rocky outcrops, woodlands, Lakes, bush thickets, and forests.
Beautiful Attractions within Lake Mburo National Park
A wide variety of wildlife species
Lake Mburo National Park has over 68 mammal species that include Rothschild giraffes, common elands, leopards, Topis, Cape buffaloes, blue monkeys, Impalas, common warthogs, Burchell’s zebras, impalas, the white-tailed Mongoose, Oribis, Reedbucks, Defassa waterbucks, klipspringers, bushbucks, Roan antelopes, Oribis, duikers, Sitatunga, genets, Vervet monkeys, bush pigs, spotted hyenas, hippos and so much more.
Bird Species
The 370-square-kilometer Protected Area shelters more than 350 bird species associated with the acacia, aquatic, wetland, woodland, forest and grassland vegetation. These species include black winged bishop, African fin foot, brown-chested wattled plovers, yellow breasted Apalis, Abyssinian ground hornbills, White tailed pelicans, bare faced-go away, Tabora Cisticolas, papyrus yellow warblers, blue kingfishers, grey crowned crested crane, green hood hoopoes, rufous chested swallow, lilac breasted rollers, blue spotted wood dove, Red-winged francolins, grey woodpeckers, white winged barbet, yellow throated long claw, long-tailed Cisticolas, swamp warblers, yellow billed ducks, the White headed barbet, blue quails, black bellied bustard and shoebill storks among others.
Tourist activities provided in Lake Mburo National Park
Game drives
Game drives are one of the best ways of exploring and discovering the exceptional wildlife species that roam on the sweeping savannah plains of Lake Mburo National Park. Conducted in the morning, afternoon and evening, this activity introduces travelers to the impalas, Rothschild giraffes, spotted hyenas, warthogs, Olive baboon, jackals, Topis, Vervet monkeys, Spotted hyenas, Oribis, leopards, cape buffaloes, Bushbucks, Defassa waterbucks, and Burchell’s zebras among others.
Guided bush walks
Some wildlife species of Lake Mburo Nature can only be spotted via guided bush walks for up-close and personal experience with them. From this activity, you will also enjoy an exceptional and personal encounter with the African wilderness as it is. Expect lots of wildlife, birds and exceptional plant species during this activity.
Bird watching
Whether you choose to go on a game drive, boat ride, nature walk in the woodlands and Rubanga forest, be assured of coming into contact with lots of bird species that include Red-winged francolins, grey-crowned cranes, flycatchers, bare faced-go away, Tabora Cisticolas, papyrus yellow warblers, green hood hoopoes, rufous chested swallow, lilac breasted rollers, blue spotted wood dove, and many others.
Boat rides on Lake Mburo
A number of travelers exploring Lake Mburo National Park look forward to coming face to face with the Nile crocodiles and Hippos that the Lake is known for. Also, the Cape buffaloes, impalas, and bushbucks can be spotted at the Lake shores drinking water and snacking on some of the freshest sweet grasses. During this activity, also expect rare bird sightings and if you choose the afternoon n boat ride, expect remarkable sunset views.
Horseback riding
Another excellent and exceptional way of experiencing the beauty and wildlife diversity of Lake Mburo National Park is through the horseback ride and interestingly, this is the only Protected Area where you can enjoy this adventure. You will realize that there is nothing more riveting than riding on a horseback ride amidst zebras, giraffes, Cape buffaloes and others.
Wilderness cycling experience
Go off-the-beaten track by embarking on the Lake Mburo wilderness cycling experience where lots of animals especially Rothschild giraffes, Cape buffaloes, zebras, Impalas, Oribis, warthogs and bushbucks can be sighted during a biking tour. Besides biking, you can also enjoy an interesting quad biking experiences.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing in Lake Mburo National Park is only undertaken in Mazinga whereby visitors get the chance to catch and release different fish eagles that include Mud fish, Lunch fish and Tilapia. Before undertaking this adventure, make sure that you have a fishing permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Village and Cultural Tours
During your visit to Lake Mburo National Park, you can also enjoy the rare opportunity of learning the riveting culture and heritage of Ankole people. During this activity, you can experience their exceptional traditions, customs, rituals and many others. Some of the village tour options are Ankole Cultural Community, and Rwenjeru Campsite among others.
When are the best months to visit Lake Mburo National Park?
Lake Mburo National Park is a wonderful Safari destination for all-year round safaris but the peak season for game drives is June to September and December to February because these are traditional dry months. Lake Mburo is one of the permanent watering points in this Park and wildlife species converge at these places hence providing remarkable game viewing experiences.
Where to stay in and around Lake Mburo National Park
The top places of stay in and around Lake Mburo National Park are Arcadia Cottages, Eagle’s Nest, Mihingo Safari Lodge, Hippo Safari Lodge, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Leopard Rest Lodge, and many others.
How do you get to Lake Mburo National Park?
Aerolink and Bar Aviation operate daily flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Mbarara airstrip, then you can continue for another one hour by road to Lake Mburo National Park. For road transfers, it takes 4 to 5 hours from Kampala to this Park via Masaka.