Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of Uganda’s Savannah National Parks. It is 370 square kilometers in size.

Together with 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. The park is covered by open savannah and now contains much woodland, as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation.

The park is also known as a home of Zebras but also shelters many other animals like topi, impala, waterbuck, eland, baboon, monkey, warthog and giraffes, which were translocated from Murchison falls national park. It is also a home of 350 bird species.

Activities that Lake Mburo National Park is known for?

Launch trips in Lake Mburo National Park

The beautiful scenery of lake Mburo can be viewed during the boat cruise that takes two hours. Here one keeps an eye out for crocodiles, buffaloes and hippos as well as colorful kingfishers, fish eagles and Hammerkops.

Game drives

It is better to have a morning and evening game drive where you see wildlife and pass a variety of landscape features including acacia woodlands, wetlands, grassy hillsides, rock outcrops and seasonally flooded valley floors.

Birding

The best birding spots in Lake Mburo National Park include the swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti, and the roadsides between Rwonyo camp and the jetty. Bird species observed include Brown-chested Lapwing, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Brown Parrot, Red-headed Lovebird, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Wood-hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill, White-headed Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker to mention but a few.

Hiking and nature walk

Nature walk is best enjoyed with a ranger guide who helps you spot most of the animals. At Rwonyo, a guided walk leads to a salt lick where many animals are attracted to the salty rocks. Walks on the western side of the lake begin at 7am and take 2 hours. At this time you may encounter hyenas returning to their den and hippos treating to the lake. Through the woodland there is an opportunity to sight forest birds and mammals.

Horseback safaris

This activity is arranged at Mihingo Lodge and it takes 4 hours up to the hilltop viewpoints with an option of bush breakfast or sundowners. It is an exciting way to view wildlife including eland, buffalo, warthog, topi, impala, duiker, waterbuck and zebra.

Sport fishing

Lake Mburo contains around six species of fish, with tilapia being the most common. The designated fishing spot is at Mazinga; visitors planning to fish here should carry their own equipment and obtain a permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Accommodation In Lake Mburo National Park

Mihingo lodge;

This is a luxurious family owned lodge in a magical setting adjacent to Lake mburo National Park. It is environmentally friendly lodge offering comfort relaxation and experience of being at one with nature. An infinity pool overlooks the valley below where buffalo, eland, impala, warthogs, bush buck and zebra can be seen at the waterhole.

Rwakobo rock;

Rwakobo Rock is a peaceful and secluded retreat where you can breathe in the essence of wild Uganda. Our comfortable and spacious cottages are dotted around the hill, all very private and offering great sunset views. The main dining area overlooks an expanse of rock that adjoins the park. Set in the pristine Ankole ranchlands surrounding Lake Mburo National Park; whether you want to sit back, sip on an ice-cold drink in a hammock or head out into Lake Mburo National Park for a day of exciting exploration, there is something for everyone here.

Arcadia cottages;

It is located on a high hill bordering lake mburo national park, it’s a tented camp has not only one of the best views in Uganda, it is also the ultimate African canvas experience. Every safari tent has its own veranda, overlooking the park. The bathrooms are real bush-experiences: we fill the shower upon your request and the toilet is a new eco-friendly invention. For dinner we prepare a woodfire and use the big African potjies. The real Africa feeling!

Lake mburo safari lodge;

Mburo Safari Lodge boasts of its excellent accommodations which comprises the main Lodge, cottages and honeymoon house all raised on a wooden platform and covered by a grass-thatched roof, perfectly blending with the natural environment, stylishly and thoughtfully designed for your absolute comfort, convenience, and pleasure.

Each is equipped with clean private bathrooms with hot showers and toilets, private balconies, handcrafted wooden furniture, comfortable king-sized beds, mosquito nets and wardrobes all opening out to their private balconies.

Some cottages have a full kitchen. All rooms are privately situated, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Location of Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is located in Kiruhura district conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to Mbarara.

Best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is open year-round, but the Dry seasons from June to August and December to February are the best times for general wildlife viewing as animals gather around the lake and other water sources.

What to pack when visiting Lake Mburo National Park

Daypack.

Insect repellent.
Spare or rechargeable batteries

Waterproof bags to protect equipment.
Antiseptic handwash.
An International Driving License if you are thinking of hiring a vehicle.
Binoculars and camera

Clothing

Good walking boots/shoes.
Sandals or other light shoes.
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
Lighter clothing for Kampala and the savannah, with layers for the cooler evenings.
Warm clothing for mountainous regions, including thermal layers and a fleece.
Sun hat/cap.

How to get to Lake Mburo National Park

The park is located in Mbarara, western part of Uganda there for Kampala the capital city of Uganda to Mbarara can be accessed by road. There are 2 gates that a traveler can used to enter through the park. The first gate is Sanga gates through sanga trading center and the other gate is Nshara gate. It is 2 kilometers from both gates to Rwonyo where the park headquarters are found.