Lake Mburo National Park

Taking a trip to the country’s smallest Savannah Park-Lake Mburo National Park means you will be treated to the sights and sounds of a typical Savannah wilderness. It is situated on the western side of Uganda (within Kiruhura district between Mbarara and Masaka Towns), at approximately 270 kilometers from Kampala and extends for 370 square kilometers.

The park can be accessed via both private and public means. One of the most convenient ways is to hire a car with a driver or rent a car for self drive

Lake Mburo National Park lies within the rain shadow between Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains and its landscape is characterized by a mosaic habitat, open wooded Savannah forest, rocky outcrops, Lakes (5 in number including Lake Mburo that is the largest) and surrounding swamps, dry hillsides and bush thickets that are haven to a wide range of flora and fauna.

This National Park was named after Lake Mburo, the largest of the five Lakes that are surrounded by lush wetlands and accounts for approximately 20% of the land surface and is the only Park in Uganda where you can spot the Impalas in addition to other numerous wildlife and bird species. Due to the interesting attractions, several fascinating activities can be enjoyed within this small Conservation Area and they include;

  • Game drives

Lake Mburo National Park has a network of well-maintained game tracks with the eastern part having the majority of them. These tracks transverse different landscapes and ecosystems inform of grassy hillsides, acacia woodlands, rocky outcrops, wetlands and seasonally flooded valley floors that all offer perfect spot for game viewing where animals such as giraffes, zebras, impalas, bushbucks, warthogs, elands, buffaloes, waterbucks and Topis among others.

  • Bird watching

This small savannah National Park is a haven to over 315 exceptional species of birds across different ecosystems but the prime birding spots are the wetland valleys of Warukiri and Miriti, the roadsides between Rwonyo in addition to the different viewing platforms close to Rubanga Forest and the salt licks. Common species in these places are the grey crowned cranes, Rufous-bellied herons, Coqui francolins, Brown-chested lapwing, Bateleur and the Black-bellied Bustard among others.

  • Guided nature Walks/Hiking

The entire Park is open for guided nature walks but the most unforgettable experiences are achieved if you do it from the Lake shores, Salt lick within Rwonyo, the hilltops offering spectacular Lake Views and Rubanga Forest. Nature walks offer opportunities of seeing the different tree species, animals and birds species among others.

  • Horseback rides

Lake Mburo is the only National Park in Uganda where tourists can ride on horses while exploring the beauty of the Park. Some of the key wildlife species spotted include Zebras, Buffaloes, Impalas, Elands, warthogs, duikers and Topis among others.

  • Launch trips/Boat rides

Do you wish to see the Crocodiles and Hippos? Then a boat ride is what you need to participate in. The Eastern shores of Lake Mburo are very rich with wildlife species and can only be explored during a refreshing two-hour boat trip. Always look out for the Hippos, Crocodiles, Buffaloes and antelopes as well as the beautiful African fish eagles, Kingfishers and Hammerkop among others.

  • Sport Fishing

Lake Mburo is a home to about 6 fish species but Tilapia are the best to be caught during this relaxing activity. Mazinga is the officially designated spot for spot fishing within Lake Mburo National Park.

  • Quad biking

If you are looking to participate in Quad bike rides within wilderness, then Lake Mburo National Park is the only place you can achieve your dream. There are several tracks that allow you to see some of the animals in the Park.

  • Biking tours

Biking is another extraordinary tourist activity you can only enjoy within Lake Mbur0 National Park and this allows tourists to explore the different wildlife species along the biking trails such as Zebras as well as the surrounding areas.

  • Cultural encounters/experiences

UCOTA in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have helped local communities to organize themselves into Groups and so far there are 13 community Projects around the Park. Cultural encounters around this Park allow tourists to have an insight on the traditional lifestyles of the Ankole people.

  • Forest walks within Rubanga Forest

Tourists who explore Rubanga Forest have the chance to spot different tree species of cultural and medicinal importance as well as forest bird species.