Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s outstanding national parks in western Uganda, close to Kampala and Entebbe. Lake Mburo brims with spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and bird species that can be seen during Uganda tours.

The 260-kilometer Lake Mburo Park is characterized by rolling green hills, savannah grasslands, forest gorges, riparian woodlands, rocky ridges, swamps, lakes, and acacia forests.

In this article, we are going to take a glimpse of everything you need to know about Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda. 

Lake Mburo National Park is a great weekend getaway destination from the busy capital of Kampala. The park acts as an ecological corridor for wildlife migration, with altitudes ranging from 1220 to 1828 meters above sea level.

Location and History of Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the closest to the capital city of Kampala, covering an area of 370 kilometers, making it the country’s smallest savannah park. Despite its small size, Uganda safaris to Lake Mburo provide thrilling wilderness experiences.

Lake Mburo National Park’s history dates back to 1933 when it was gazetted as a game-controlled hunting area and transformed into a reserve in 1963. It underwent various human-wildlife conflicts by the time it was upgraded to national park status in 1982.

Community-based initiatives have resolved human-wildlife conflicts in the past years, such as allocating 20% of the park’s profits from conservation to local community projects.

Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park 

Uganda wildlife tours to Lake Mburo National Park offer tourists an opportunity to see some of the park’s major attractions. 

A List of Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park

Animals: A diverse range of wildlife species are found in Lake Mburo National Park and these can be seen during wildlife safari in Uganda. Lake Mburo has 68 species of mammals recorded. 

Examples of animals found in the park are buffalo, zebras, crocodiles, hippos, common elands, Oribis, waterbucks, topis, hyenas, reedbucks, jackals, African civets, and warthogs, among the rest.

Birds: Lake Mburo National Park is a haven for 300 species of birds. Bird lovers may see species such as the African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, white-winged warbler, black-bellied bustard, red-faced barbet, and rare shoebill stork, among the rest.

Lakes: Lake Mburo National Park has a total of 13 lakes within its boundaries, 5 of which are found within the park. These lakes and swamps form a 50-kilometer wetland system, hence 20% of the park is made up of wetland. 

While on a short Uganda safari to Lake Mburo National Park, tourists can take boat rides in Lake Mburo National Park. 

Outstanding Landscapes: Lake Mburo National Park is undoubtedly one of the most scenic national parks you will visit during your Uganda vacation. The rolling verdant hills and valleys create an array of spectacular wilderness. 

Ankole cattle: Ankole cattle, also known as Ankole-Watusi cattle, are a common site during Uganda tours to Lake Mburo National Park. Ankole cattle are unique compared to other cattle due to their exceptionally long and beautiful horns. 

Salt Lick: The famous salt lick in Lake Mburo is a must-visit while on Uganda holidays to Lake Mburo Park. Several animals congregate at the salt leak water hole, especially during the daytime. 

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park / Lake Mburo National Park Activities 

To fully experience Lake Mburo National Park, tourists on Uganda tours can engage in the following activities:

Game Drives: 

Going for a game drive is the most common activity done at Lake Mburo National Park. Game drives are best done in the morning and late afternoon hours when animals are active. 

Birding Tours: 

Out of the 370 species of birds in Lake Mburo National Park, tourists can spot various species during Ugandan birding safaris. The best time for birding is in the early morning and evening hours.

Boat Rides: 

5 lakes are found within the boundaries of Lake Mburo National Park. The Park can be explored by taking a boat cruise, best done in the afternoon when most wildlife can be seen on the shores.

Aquatic animals and birds such as crocodiles and hippos can also be seen in water.

Nature Walks: 

Accompanied by a ranger guide, taking nature-guided walks in Lake Mburo National Park is the best way to get close to the flora and fauna in the park, since there are no lions and elephants, it’s safe to explore the park on foot. 

Horse Riding: 

Lake Mburo National Park is the only national park in Uganda where tourists can intermingle with wildlife on a horseback safari. All horseback riding safaris in Lake Mburo National Park are organized by Mhingo Lodge Uganda. 

Cycling: 

Exceptional mountain biking can be done while on a Uganda holiday at Lake Mburo National Park, thanks to its spectacular landscapes created by verdant rolling hills. You get to see wildlife and villages on a bicycle.

Night Game Drives: Lake Mburo National Park offers tourists an opportunity to spot nocturnal animals like hyenas, bush babies, and birds, as well as owls, during night game drives.

Cultural Encounters: Ankole people have a unique, vibrant culture, and they are known for their long-horned cattle. You can participate in their day-to-day activities as you get to learn more about their traditions.

Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park 

Uganda tours to Lake Mburo National Park can be done at any time of the year; however, it’s advisable to go during the dry season of June to September, December to February for wildlife watching and November to April for birding safaris.

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park / Lake Mburo National Park Accommodation 

There are various types of accommodations to book while visiting Lake Mburo National Park; options will vary according to what suits the tourist and their budget.

Budget accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

Affordable and budget-friendly Lake Mburo Accommodation can be seen below: 

1. UWA Bandas
2. Leopard rest camp
3. Rwonyo rest camp

Midrange Lake Mburo National Park Lodges 

Enjoy luxury at pocket-friendly prices by booking the following Lake Mburo Lodges

1. Rwakobo rock
2. Mburo safari lodge
3. Mantana tented camp

Luxury Lake Mburo National Park Accommodation 

Tourists on Uganda holiday tours and seeking to stay in luxurious lodges can book the following Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park.

1. Arcadia Lodge
2. Mihingo Lodge
3. Mburo Safari Lodge 

How to Get to Lake Mburo National Park 

Lake Mburo National Park can be accessed 240 kilometers from Kampala city (3–4 hours) in Nyabudhozi, Kiruhura district. Tourists using air transport can fly to Mbarara airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield.

Entry Fee to Lake Mburo National Park / Lake Mburo National Park Entrance Fee 

Entry fee or conservation fee paid by individuals to access Lake Mburo National Park. Foreign nonresidents pay $20, foreign residents pay $10, and East African residents pay only 5000 Ugandan shillings. 

FAQs about Lake Mburo National Park 

What is Lake Mburo Famous for?

Lake Mburo is famous for being the nearest national park to Uganda’s capital city. It’s also renowned for unique wildlife species and birds. Lake Mburo is one of the best places to go for nature walks while undertaking Uganda safari tours. 

How many Lakes are in Lake Mburo National Park?

There are 13 lakes found within Lake Mburo National Park borders, forming a 50-kilometer swamp system that supports varied habitats for numerous wildlife species. 

Are there Lions in Lake Mburo National Park?

Although lions used to exist in Lake Mburo National Park unfortunately became extinct years ago, it seems there is hope for lions to return to the park shortly. 

How many leopards are in Lake Mburo National Park?

Due to the high concentration of impala antelopes in Lake Mburo National Park, which is leopards’ favorite prey, numerous leopards are present in Lake Mburo National Park, mainly seen during night game drives. 

 What Wild Animals Live In Lake Mburo National Park?

Lake Mburo National Park is an antelope paradise where various antelopes thrive. Some of the animals found in the park include: zebras, impalas, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, topis, and elands, among others. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lake Mburo National Park is a great Uganda safari destination, its proximity to the capital city and Entebbe makes it an ideal destination for tourists on a short Uganda safari.