Top Activities and Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, yet it offers some of the most rewarding wildlife encounters. Covering 260 square kilometers, the park is home to 69 mammal species and 332 bird species. It is the only park in Uganda where you can find impalas, and the only one in western Uganda where you can see zebras, giraffes, and elands. Visitors can explore a variety of exciting activities and attractions that make every safari memorable.

Activities to Do in Lake Mburo National Park

Day Game Drives

Game drives in Lake Mburo can be done in the morning, afternoon, or evening. The best times, however, are early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. On these drives, you can spot giraffes, zebras, elands, topis, impalas, and numerous bird species.

Night Game Drives

For a unique experience, night game drives allow you to search for nocturnal wildlife. You may encounter bushbabies, pottos, and with some luck, the elusive leopard.

Boat Safari on Lake Mburo

A boat safari offers a refreshing two-hour voyage on Lake Mburo. During this excursion, you will see hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of water birds such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris bring you closer to the wildlife than any other activity. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you will walk through the savannah and watch animals like zebras and antelopes at close range. This activity is ideal for photography and learning about the ecosystem.

Mountain Biking

For the adventurous, mountain biking offers an energetic way to explore the park. Operated by lodges such as Rwakobo Rock and Leopard Rest Camp, this activity allows you to enjoy wildlife from a different perspective.

Bird Watching

With 332 recorded bird species, Lake Mburo is a paradise for bird lovers. The park features papyrus and acacia habitats that host special species such as the papyrus gonolek, shoebill stork, white-winged warbler, and papyrus yellow warbler.

Forest Walks

A small forest on the western side of Lake Mburo provides a peaceful environment for exploring forest bird species. This adds another dimension to the birding opportunities in the park.

Horseback Safaris

Horseback safaris offer a unique way of experiencing the wilderness. Operated by Mihingo Lodge, these safaris let you ride through the savannah among zebras, impalas, and other grazers. Advance booking is recommended since spaces sell out quickly.

Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park

Wildlife

Lake Mburo boasts an impressive diversity of animals, including species rarely seen in other Ugandan parks. It is the only place in Uganda where you can find impalas, and the only park in western Uganda where zebras, elands, and giraffes roam freely.

Birds

The park’s 332 bird species attract bird watchers from all over the world. With both wetland and savannah habitats, Lake Mburo provides some of the best birding experiences in Uganda.

Local Ankole Cattle

Lake Mburo is surrounded by communities that rear the famous Ankole cattle, recognized by their distinctive long horns. While on a game drive, you may encounter herds grazing along the park’s edges, offering a cultural glimpse into traditional pastoral life.

Viewpoints and Sightseeing

The Lake Mburo side track climbs onto Kigarama Hill, providing panoramic views of the park’s rolling plains and sparkling waters. These viewpoints are perfect for breathtaking photographs and sightseeing.

How to Access Lake Mburo National Park

• By Road: The park is located between Masaka and Mbarara, about 228 kilometers from Kampala. The drive takes around 3–4 hours, making it the closest savannah park to the capital. Visitors can enter through the Sanga Gate, Akagate Gate, or Kyanyanshara Gate.
• By Air: Charter and scheduled flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi airstrip. Airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda operate these routes, but flights require advance booking.

Where to Stay in Lake Mburo National Park

The park offers accommodation options for all budgets:

• Budget: Rwonyo Rest Camp, UWA Bandas, Leopard Rest Camp, and Mantana Tented Camp.
• Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Mpongo Lodge, Mburo Safari Lodge, and Arcadia Lodge.
• Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge and Emburara Lodge.

Rates generally range from $90 per night for budget travelers to $400 for luxury options.

Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to October. During these months, roads are passable, and animals gather around water points, making sightings easier. The park is, however, open all year, and each season offers unique experiences.