Safari to Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park is located along the key road link between Kampala city and the western part of the safari circuit in Uganda. This park spans a total area of about 370 square kilometers. Its terrain is composed of picturesque scenery such as green hills, the Precambrian rock formation, and 13 serene lakes that serve as important wetlands. Different from the massive, rocky terrains found in the north, Lake Mburo provides a gentler safari environment. It is the only place in southern Uganda where you can witness the graceful gallop of impalas and the striking patterns of Burchell’s zebras against a backdrop of acacia woodlands.
Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park.
Although relatively small, Lake Mburo National Park boasts many biological advantages that make it one of the best Ugandan attractions. This national park features diverse habitat types, including rocky areas and swamps covered with papyrus.
Impala Population of the Park: Lake Mburo is the only Ugandan national park that boasts impalas, antelopes that gave their name to the Ugandan capital, Kampala. The sight of those graceful animals leaping through the acacia forest is something unforgettable.
Burchell’s Zebra: This park has an abundance of zebras, animals that cannot be seen easily in other parts of southern Uganda. They add to the typical African savannah feel of the park, and zebras can often be seen grazing among the cattle.
Lake Mburo and Wetland System: As suggested by its name, Lake Mburo is the biggest of the five lakes in the park. Hippos, crocodiles, and unique aquatic birds like the African Finfoot inhabit these lakes.
Kazuma Lookout: The best way to enjoy a beautiful view of the park is through the Kazuma Lookout, which gives you a chance to enjoy a great view of the lakes, valleys, and hills stretching all the way to the horizon.
Rothschild’s Giraffes: After the translocation program was a huge success, many giraffes are found within the park. It is definitely one of the most interesting things to watch as you watch them move through the acacia bushes.
Rubanga Forest: This small area of closed canopy forest serves as an abode for specialized bird and primate species. This place gives an opportunity for one to enjoy the coolness brought by the dense vegetation against the backdrop of the warm open grassland environment.
What activities to do in Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo is one of the leading parks for adventure tourism in that it not only involves driving around in a game drive but other activities such as interacting with wildlife.
Walking Safaris: Since there are no elephants in the park and lions are rare, Lake Mburo is one of those few locations in Uganda from where a guided walking safari is possible. Being on a guided walk in the bushes will give you an opportunity to observe the small things about the ecosystem that might otherwise escape your attention.
Horse Back Safaris: In order to witness wildlife in its natural setting without disturbing them at all, horseback safaris are second to none. It is because animals treat horses as fellow grazers that they can mix up with the herds.
Mountain Biking: The good condition of the hiking trails within the park makes for great biking experiences. Mountain biking through the park surrounded by groups of zebras and buffaloes provides an exciting adrenaline-filled experience.
Boat Safaris on Lake Mburo: A leisurely two-hour ride around the eastern shores of Lake Mburo will ensure that you come across hippos, crocodiles, and some of the most magnificent birds such as the African Fish Eagle and Malachite Kingfisher.
Night game drives: The adventurous traveler will find much excitement on a night drive using spotlights to see the park’s night creatures, such as bush babies, hyenas, and leopards hunting at night.
Cultural tours: Take time to visit the Ankole community, where you will experience some of the rich culture of the Bahima pastoralists, learn how to milk their long-horned cattle, and understand the importance of the “Enyemebwa” cows.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo can be visited all-year round; however, different seasons affect the visit experience differently. Dry Seasons, which occur between June and August and from December to February, are generally regarded as the best times for wildlife viewing. During this period, wildlife gathers near the lake or at permanent water sources in the park. It is during this period that the tracks are dry and easily negotiable, and the vegetation is sparse, hence allowing visitors to sight leopards, among other animals. However, the park experiences Wet Seasons from March to May and from September to November. This season makes the park look like an emerald forest.
Where to stay in Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo area is famous for its picturesque lodges that blend well with the natural surroundings. If luxury is your goal, then Mihingo Lodge and Kigambira safari lodge will definitely live up to your expectations because of its famous infinity pool and luxurious suites located on a rocky kopje providing you with 360 degrees of magnificent view. Rwakobo Rock offers you an unusual place to spend the night in. For those wishing to have a truly authentic African bush experience but are limited by budget constraints, Eagles Nest is the place for accommodation in tents overlooking vast panoramas, while Rwonyo Rest Camp features well-maintained park-owned bandas and campsites.
How to get to Lake Mburo National Park.
Traveling to Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda is quite simple. This national park is located about 240 km away from the capital city, Kampala, and traveling through road will take you around 3.5 to 4 hours using the Masaka-Mbarara route. This trip includes an impressive stop at the Equator crossing and visit to the famous “Drum Making” village of Mpambire. The park has two main entrances: the Nshara Gate, which is closer to Kampala, and the Sanga Gate, accessible via Sanga trading center. For those who prefer to fly, charter and scheduled domestic flights land at Mbarara (Nyakaishye) or the Kisoro/Kasese airstrips, followed by a short transfer, though the road trip remains the most popular and scenic choice for most visitors.
Popular safari to do in Lake Mburo National Park
3 Days Lake Mburo Wildlife Safari
12 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari
4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Lake Mburo Safari
Why book with Wilder Africa Holidays
Wilder Africa Holidays specializes in curating amazing experiences to Uganda and Rwanda but have now expended to offer safaris to Tanzania, Kenya and D R Congo. we have overtime assembled a team mixed with young and energetic staff guided by well experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. If contacted, one of our staff will assist in providing accurate and timely information that you can rely on within the Five Minutes. Visit our website or send an email info@wilderafricasafaris.com for a tailored trip
