Lake Mburo National park
Lake Mburo National Park: is generally the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national park. This park is neighbored by 4 big Uganda districts which include Mbarara town, Lyantonde, Isingiro North and Kiruhura. The park is a home to over 68 mammals as well as over 350 bird species. Together with 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. In fact, the uniqueness of the park is the presence of 13 lakes of which 5 are located in the park. The park consists of densely vegetated areas with many acacias and shrubs however, it contains much woodland as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. Besides, this is the only park in Uganda that harbors Impalas and on the other hand, it has the highest population of the burchell’s zebra. Another animal that is scarce and can be seen here is the moose antelope. In fact, this is the second largest antelope specie in Africa and the largest antelope species is the giant elk antelope.
What to do in Lake Mburo National Park
Nature walks
On an early morning guided walk you often encounter hyenas returning to their dens after their hunt. In addition, you are able to spot hippos returning from grazing during the night and heading to Lake Mburo to keep cool during the day and protect their sensitive skin from the sun. You will also spot animals like zebras, giraffes, eland, topi buffalos and different birds species. You will take a trail to the top of the hills and view Lake Mburo and beyond. While here at this vantage point you will have a great view of 9 regional lakes found in the area.
Wild game drives
A game drive in this park basically gives you the best opportunity of seeing the impalas and zebras. These two species define this park since it is the only place in Uganda to see the majestic impala and the only easily accessible place to see Burchell’s zebra (the other being Kidepo). Game drives in this park takes different paths and the choice of the best one will depend on the season. Besides, during the dry season, animals usually converge around the swamps and lakes thereby granting you a remarkable photo opportunity.
Bird watching
The park is best for water and acacia associated birds since it is notably blessed with over 315 bird species. Rubanga Forest is especially a great place for birders and over 40 species of birds have been recorded in the forest including 5 forest specialists. Birds found here include the harrier hawk, green pigeon, narina trogon, Grey-backed cameroptera. Double-toothed barbet, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey crowned crane. Black-bellied bustard, Brown-chested lapwing, Emerald-spotted wood-dove etc. In fact, the shoebill can also be spotted on the shores of Lake Mburo.
Boat cruise
A boat ride on Lake Mburo takes you in touch with the flora and fauna of the Lake. Along the bank, you will see lots of animals quenching their thirst especially during the dry season. In fact, there are two sessions of boat cruise in this park, the morning and afternoon session. As a matter of fact, the cruise provides great opportunities to see hippos and crocodiles. Water bird species are often too numerous for even the keenest birder to identify them all.
Horse back safaris
These are now available from Mihingo Lodge and this is an exciting way to see wildlife in and around the park. Without any engine sounds and fumes you feel part of nature and often get the chance to see the more timid animals. Even the normally very shy eland curiously look at the horses without running away, just keeping their distance.
Salt lick
Here, you can take a guided walk with an armed ranger to the salt lick and observe animals licking the salty soil found there. Uganda Wildlife Authority has erected wooden platform hide away where visitors can stand and observe the animals below them without the animals being aware.
Where to spend your night
Luxury
- Kijuura lodge
- Arcadia lodge
- Mihingo lodge
- Mantana Tented camp
Mid-range
- Lake Mburo safari lodge
- Arcadia cottages
Budget
- Mburo Eagle’s nest
- Rwonyo rest camp
- Rwakobo Rock lodge
Some of our safari packages
2 Days Best of Lake Mburo Park Safari.
3 Days Murchison Falls Adventure Safari.
4 Days Kidepo Valley Wildlife Safari.
5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari in Uganda.
10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife and Adventure Safari.
11 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari Experience.
15 Days Best of Uganda Holiday Safari.
Our Special Safaris
