Guide to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah Park! Located in Nyabushozi county in the Kiruhura district, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the savannah Parks in Uganda best for game viewing experience on Uganda safaris. The park was initially gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area which was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. Lake Mburo National Park spreads over 260 square kilometers. Vegetation in the park comprises wetlands, savannah grasslands, and acacia woodlands which together serve as food and habitat for various animals and birds that live there.
The park is located 240 kilometers from Kampala approximately a 4-5 hour drive. It’s one of the most accessible national parks in Uganda best for short-time travelers. Travelers have always combined Lake Mburo National Park with other destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for gorilla trekking, Lake Bunyonyi, and Mgahinga Gorilla Parks among others. The park is bordered by Bahima cattle farms
Wildlife in Lake Mburo National park
Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its unique wildlife encounters. Wildlife in the park include Ungulates, predators, and mammals. The common animals seen in Lake Mburo National Park include Zebras, Buffalos, Elands, Topis, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Leopards, Hyenas, Hippos, crocodiles, wild pigs, and Uganda kobs among others. These animals are best seen during game drives, nature walks, and on a boat cruise
Birds in Lake Mburo National park
In addition to wild animals, Lake Mburo National Park is home to over 350 bird species some of which are not found anywhere else in the country. The Park is one of the important birding areas in Uganda. Some notable species include the shoebill stork, the papyrus gonolek, the African finfoot, and various water birds.
Activities in Lake Mburo National Park
Despite it’s small size, lake Mburo National Park offers a variety of interesting travel activities for travelers to take part. The top things to do in Lake Mburo National Park include
Game viewing
Game viewing is the number one travel experience done in Lake Mburo National Park. Scheduled game drives in the morning, evening, and night offer travelers a chance to see a variety of wild animals hunting, browsing, and grazing. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best opportunities for wildlife sightings. Expect to see a variety of wild animals which include Bufallos, Giraffes, Zebras, Uganda Kobs, Topis, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Elands, Leopards and Hyenas among others. Our experienced guides at Authentic Africa Safaris help you spot wild animals in the wilderness and also explain more about each spotted animal and what makes it unique from other animals. The 3 Days Lake Mburo National park safari offers you the best of Lake Mburo National park
Boat cruise/riding
A boat cruise/ ride on Lake Mburo is yet another interesting experience a not-miss on your safari to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy a cruise on the calm waters of Lake Mburo, The cruise offers you spectacular views of wild animals such as Hippos, Buffalos, crocodiles, and many birds seen on the shores of the Lake. The cold breeze on the boat cruise rewards you with a fresh feeling that will ignite your energy. Remember to wear safety jackets when going on a boat cruise
Bird watching
Being home to over 350 bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is undeniably a haven for birders. The park is the best place to see Acacia bird species and some forest birds seen in Rubanga Forest. Some of the notable birds seen in Lake Mburo National Park include African Wattled Lapwing, Black Bellied Bustard, Saddled billed stork, Greater Painted Snipe, African finfoot, Blue-headed Coucal, Shoebill, Papyrus Gonelok, Hairy Breasted Barbet, Mosque Swallow, Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird and Papyrus Yellow Warbler among others. June and July are the best time for bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park when there are no rains. Migratory birds are seen between November and April. However, Birding can be done all year round.
Nature /Forest Walks
Nature/Forest walking is another way of exploring the gem in Lake Mburo National Park. The experience entails trekking on foot in the forested and open areas of Lake Mburo giving you a different kind of experience. Enjoy close encounters with nature, spot some medicinal herbs, and ground insects some of which are hardly seen on a vehicle. It’s advisable to go on a nature walk with an armed ranger guide
Horse riding
Explore Lake Mburo National Park differently by taking part in experimental horseback riding. Mihingo Lodge is the chief organizer for horseback riding in the Park. This is a serene and unforgettable way to explore the landscape.
Rock Hiking
Go for rock hiking to the summit of Rwakobo Rock for a more rewarding experience. The experience is best done by travelers staying at Rwakobo Rock Hotel
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park
The dry season, from June to September, is the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park. The weather is pleasant, and wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation is less dense. However, the park can be visited year-round, with each season offering its unique charm.
What to Pack to Lake Mburo National Park
Among the things, you should pack on your African safari to Lake Mburo National Park. You are reminded to pack the essentials if you want to have an enjoyable and stress-free safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Among the things to pack include
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather and protects you from the sun.
- Light-closed walking shoes: You’ll need sturdy footwear for game drives, hikes, and boat safaris.
- Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun.
- Sunscreen: You are also need to carry sunscreen for your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Insect repellent: Smear yourself with insect repellants to prevent poisonous bites by mosquitoes and other poisonous insects
- Binoculars: Enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
- Camera: You need a camera with a charged battery to help you capture the beauty of the park and its wildlife.
- Water bottle: Endeavor to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during game drives, walking, and hikes.
Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park
If you are wondering about the best places to stay in Lake Mburo National Park, you need not to worry. The park has a wide range of lodges, hotels, and campsites all designated to offer you excellent food and sleeping service at affordable rates. The accommodation facilities in Lake Mburo are categorized into budget, midrange, and luxury. Lake Mburo National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The popular lodges in Lake Mburo National park include Kigambira Safari Lodge, Hyena Hill Lodge, Kigarama Wilderness lodge, Mpogo Safari Lodge, Mburo Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Acadia Cottages, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Mantana Tented camp, Leopard Rest Camp and Mburo Eagles Nest Camp. Authentic Africa Safaris helps you to book and reserve a room at your desired lodge
Conclusively, Lake Mburo National Park is a hidden gem that offers a unique and rewarding wildlife experience. With its diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
