Walking Safaris in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, located in Kiruhura District in western Uganda, is the closest savannah park to Kampala and Entebbe. Because of this convenient location, it is one of the most accessible wildlife destinations in the country. The park was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1963 and later upgraded to national park status in 1983.

Although Lake Mburo is smaller than other Ugandan parks, it offers an incredibly rich safari experience. Most notably, it is the only savannah park in Uganda where guided walking safaris are conducted on a regular basis.

Why Walking Safaris Are Possible in Lake Mburo

Walking safaris are permitted here because the park does not have lions or elephants, which are typically the biggest threats during on-foot game viewing. However, it is important to note that the park still has wild and potentially dangerous animals such as buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and leopards. For this reason, all walking safaris are conducted strictly with armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides who ensure visitor safety at all times.

This balance of manageable risk and rich wildlife makes Lake Mburo one of the best places in East Africa for a true bush walk experience.

What to Expect on a Walking Safari

Walking safaris in Lake Mburo usually begin early in the morning. First, visitors attend a detailed safety briefing at the ranger post. During this session, the guides explain:

• How to behave around wildlife
• When to keep quiet
• Where to walk
• What to do in case of animal encounters

After the briefing, you drive with the ranger to the starting point of the walk. From there, the real adventure begins.

Unlike game drives where you observe wildlife from inside a vehicle, walking safaris allow you to experience the bush using all your senses. You hear bird calls clearly, notice animal tracks on the ground, and observe small details like insects, plants, and animal droppings that vehicles often pass by.

During the walk, you may encounter:

• Zebras
• Rothschild’s giraffes
• Impalas
• Elands
• Topis
• Defassa waterbucks
• Warthogs
• Bushbucks
• Side-striped jackals

In addition, Lake Mburo is a birding paradise with over 330 bird species, including African finfoots, fish eagles, kingfishers, and the rare shoebill in nearby wetlands.

Most walking safaris last 2 to 3 hours. Afterward, you return to the vehicle and continue with other activities such as a game drive or a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Interestingly, you might even spot animals you missed on foot, including leopards resting in acacia trees.

When you book through Experiya Tour Company, the walking safari can easily be included in a well-planned Lake Mburo itinerary together with game drives and boat cruises.

Best Time for Walking Safaris

Although walking safaris operate year-round, certain months offer better conditions.

Dry Season (Best Time)

June to September and December to February are ideal. During these months:

• Trails remain dry and easier to walk on
• Vegetation is shorter, making wildlife easier to see
• Animals gather near water sources
• Photography conditions are excellent

Morning walks are especially rewarding because animals are active and grazing before the heat of the day sets in.

Wet Season (Low Season)

The rainy months of March to May and October to November bring lush scenery and fewer tourists. However, visitors should expect:

• Muddy and slippery trails
• Taller vegetation that can hide animals
• Occasional rainfall during walks

On the positive side, the park looks beautifully green, birdlife is abundant, and many lodges offer discounted rates. Waterproof hiking boots and light rain gear are essential during this time.

Other Activities to Combine with a Walking Safari

To get the most out of your visit, combine your walking safari with other park activities.

Game Drives

Lake Mburo is famous for its large herds of zebras, impalas, and elands. Night game drives also offer a chance to see nocturnal animals such as bush babies, porcupines, and leopards.

Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo

A boat trip provides close views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds like African fish eagles and cormorants.

Horseback Safaris

Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda where you can explore wildlife on horseback  another unique, non-motorized safari experience.

How to Get to Lake Mburo National Park

Reaching Lake Mburo is simple and convenient.

By Road

The park is about 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe. The route passes through:

Kampala → Mpigi → Masaka → Lyantonde → Sanga → Lake Mburo National Park

Main entry gates include:

• Sanga Gate
• Nshara Gate
• Kyanyanshara Gate

By Air

For a quicker and more comfortable option, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe to Mbarara Airstrip. From there, it is a short drive to the park. Flights must be booked in advance and can be arranged by Experiya Tour Company as part of a luxury safari package.

Final Thoughts

Walking safaris in Lake Mburo National Park offer a rare and intimate way to experience Uganda’s wildlife. Instead of watching animals from behind a car window, you step directly into their world, guided safely by professional rangers. The experience is peaceful, thrilling, and deeply memorable.

For travelers who want something more immersive than a typical game drive, this activity is a perfect addition to any Uganda safari itinerary.