Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park – Game Drive Destination in Uganda
When it comes to premier savanna safari parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park never goes unmentioned. This conservancy area is surrounded by Mbarara, Isingiro and Kiruhura districts in Western Uganda. It is well-known for its close proximity to Kampala capital city, taking visitors only 4 hours on a road trip thus making it the most reachable park compared to the other 9 parks.
Lake Mburo National Park is undoubtedly the only savanna park in Ankole region where some of the endangered Rothschild giraffes exist. Initially, it was a controlled hunting area since 1933 till 1963 when it was upgraded into a game reserve and later, gazetted as a national park in 1983. Today, it occupies over 270sq.kms of land.
Wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park
While Lake Mburo National Park is considered as one of the smallest Uganda safari parks, it hosts diversity of wildlife species making it an exceptional destination for game viewing. The park inhabits mostly the hippos, crocodiles, Rothschild giraffes, elands, Klipspringer, warthogs, Burchells zebras, jackals, lions, leopards, buffaloes, impalas, topis and others.
Birdlife in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the best birding spots in Uganda and it hosts an estimate of 330 bird species. These include among others the martial eagles, Bateleur, red-faced barbets, papyrus yellow warblers, elusive shoebill stork, pennant winged nightjars, African fin foots, go away bird, swamp flycatchers, blue napped coucal, Nubian woodpecker, emerald spotted wood, fish eagles, bronze tailed starling, herons and crested cranes.
Lake Mburo National Park also hosts over 13 different lakes inclusive of Lake Mburo where it derives its name. About 5 of the park’s lakes inhabit huge profusion of crocodiles, water birds and hippos. The park is mainly dominated by savanna, papyrus swamp, narrow bands of lush riparian woodland, forested gorges and others.
Trip activities to do in Lake Mburo National Park
Game drives/wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
Game viewing is one of the main activities conducted on Uganda safari in Lake Mburo National Park. In a 4×4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van with pop-up roof, visitors enjoy excellent view of zebras, Rothschild giraffes, lion, leopard, buffaloes, antelopes, birds and a lot more. There are 2 options available, either you go on a morning game drive or afternoon game drive.
Boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park
For visitors who love boat rides, a visit to Lake Mburo National Park is worth it. It is best done on Lake Mburo which presents you a great opportunity to sight lots of crocodiles, water birds, hippos and others.
Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
Birding is one excellent trip activity offered to travelers on Uganda safari in Lake Mburo National Park. It largely involves identifying birds like coqui francolin, Bateleur, red-faced barbets, papyrus yellow warblers, elusive shoebill stork, pennant winged nightjars, African fin foots, go away bird, swamp flycatchers, blue napped coucal, Nubian woodpecker, emerald spotted wood, fish eagles, bronze tailed starling, herons and crested cranes.
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park
Horseback riding is an extra-ordinary safari activity of its own. It offers you a chance to enjoy excellent view of diverse wildlife while on the back of a horse. It lets you see several warthogs, birds, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, buffaloes to mention but a few.
Sport fishing in Lake Mburo National Park
A visit to Lake Mburo National Park isn’t complete without you engaging in sport fishing. There are over 6 species of fish for you to challenge yourself with and these include mud fish, tilapia, Haplochromes and others.
Guided nature walks in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park also lets you have a close interaction with nature while on a 2-3 hours’ guided nature walk. Visitors take on various trails in and round different habitats of the park, each rewarding you with something unique.
Where to stay in Lake Mburo National Park
There are many accommodation alternatives in and around Lake Mburo National Park but you need to choose the right one. You can choose from budget, mid-range or luxury options. They include Mihingo Safari Lodge (Luxury), Mantana Tented Camp (Mid-range), Eagle’s Nest, Rwonyo Rest Camp and Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (Budget).
Best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park like other Uganda safari parks is open to b tourists all year-round. Regardless of this fact, the dry season is considered to be the best and it occurs starting from June to September and December to February. The wet or rainy season is also ideal especially for those of you who are interested in birding tours. It occurs from March to May and October to November.
Getting to Lake Mburo National Park
By road, you can begin your trip from Kampala through Masaka-Mbarara city route which is approximately 4 hours’ drive. You can connect through Sanga park gate about 13kms from Lyantonde or Nshara park gate about 20 minutes’ drive from Rwonyo. It is also possible for you to drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Mburo National Park.