A Complete Guide To Lake Mburo National Park

Along the roadway that connects Kampala with the national parks in western Uganda, you will come across Lake Mburo National Park, a tiny but teeming animal sanctuary (safari activities). The smallest park in the country, this reserve is situated on the main thoroughfare and holds great socioeconomic significance.

It is a location that reveals the effects on the region's ecology of the extinction of a particular species. Due to the absence of elephants, whose foraging earlier inhibited tree development, the park, which was originally a landscape of savannah grasslands, now has a thick forest covering. The terrain includes steep ridges and gorges in addition to woodlands. Take a safari holiday in this region of Africa, where you will also see wetlands dominated by papyrus and riparian trees that grow around the lakes.

History Of Lake Mburo National Park In Uganda

In Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park was used as a regulated hunting area as early as 1933, upgraded to a game reserve in 1963 and then a national park in 1983.

The Bahima were the original inhabitants of the area and they raised long-horned Ankole cattle there. Due to the relocation of the Bahima tribes from their grazing grounds, the park's creation was a controversial topic.

One of Uganda's five largest lakes, Lake Mburo, is the inspiration behind the park's name. There is a mythical origin to the name Mburo itself.

Lake Mburo National Park is situated on the main thoroughfare

How To Get To Lake Mburo National Park

It would take roughly 5-6 hours to drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park. The best way to start the day is by departing Kampala early in the morning. Since you will not always find a store, we recommend bringing some food on every road trip.

Tip: On the trip to Lake Mburo, stop at the equator. You only need to spend ten minutes there and it is right on the side of the road.

Activities And Attractions In Lake Mburo National Park

Due to the absence of lions, there are other ways to get around Lake Mburo Nation Park besides driving, such as walking, cycling or riding a horse. If you want to see the hippos in the lake up close, there is also a great boat safari.

Game drives

Game drive is one of the major activities in Lake Mburo National Park, where you can see the area in a comfortable safari vehicle with a qualified driving guide. Game drivers at Lake Mburo National Park can follow various game tracks, including zebra tracks, Kigambira loop tracks, Kazuma tracks, Ruroko tracks and lakefront tracks, in the evening or very early in the morning when the animals are most active. 

You can view a variety of creatures during the game drive, including giraffes, waterbucks, buffaloes, oribi, zebras, topi, impalas, bushbucks, warthogs and other bird species.

Game drive is one of the major activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Night drives

Not many safari parks provide nocturnal game drives, but Lake Mburo is one of the few that does.

You’ll still need to hire a guide to accompany you in the car, whether you are driving yourself or with a driver. For a night safari, you will need a large 4x4 vehicle with high clearance, such as a Toyota Land Cruiser, if you are driving yourself.

Since many animals in Lake Mburo National Park are most active at night, it is a terrific opportunity to observe nocturnal creatures and their behaviors, such as grazing hippos.

Boat trips

Experience the wildlife from a new perspective by going on the water! Along the shore of the lake, you can likely spot hippos and you will be astounded by the variety of birds that can be seen there!

The impala, a type of antelope native to the park, can be seen on land. In addition to being well-known for their curved horns (at least for males), impalas are also known by their moniker, "McDonald's in the bush", because they are supposedly quite easy to hunt.

The lake's calm waters are ideal for a tranquil boating experience. We can now be certain a Lake Mburo safari wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a captivating boat safari.

Bird watching

With over 350 bird species recorded in Lake Mburo National Park, birdwatching is among the popular activities in Lake Mburo National Park. The park's varied ecosystems make it a bird lover's heaven, home to everything from woodland and savannah inhabitants to waterbirds along the lakeshores. The park's knowledgeable guides can assist you identify different species, improving your birding experience regardless of your level of experience.

Riding a horse is the last way to explore some of the park. In the middle of the park are stables with designated riding trails.

Birdwatching is among the popular activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Cycling safaris

Biking safaris are another exciting alternative available in Lake Mburo National Park. You can see some of the animals up close while causing the least amount of obtrusion to their activities by riding along well-traveled pathways. To get a better look at some of the lesser denizens of the bush, you can also ride a bike to see a termite mound and explore small animal pathways. 

There will be a bike tour guide with you. Your biking excursion might take you past herds of giraffes, zebras, warthogs,  impalas, topis and waterbucks that are feeding without making a sound. Due to the extremely limited number of bikes available each day, we strongly recommend booking your mountain biking trip in advance of your arrival.

Horseback safaris

Compared to driving a car, it is a good way to get closer to the animals because there is less noise and wildlife is less suspicious. This safari is led by an expert park guide, just like the walking and cycling safaris.

Horseback safaris are a good way to get closer to the animals

Accommodations In Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park has a number of accommodation options that meet the needs of various tourists. These accommodations in Lake Mburo National Park include campsites, lodges and guesthouses. These are a few of the most well-liked options:

Mihingo Lodge

Situated atop a 500 million-year-old rocky kopje on the edge of Lake Mburo National Park, Mihingo Lodge is a luxurious wilderness lodging that provides visitors with a mystical setting. With breathtaking views of the park's expansive savannah terrain, this family-run lodge offers a tranquil haven that blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings.

Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo in Uganda is the only property that provides day and nighttime equestrian safaris for visitors looking for a distinctive and genuine African wilderness experience. On one of your game excursions, you might even spot the elusive leopard, as Lake Mburo National Park is home to a remarkable number of these timid felines.

Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo in Uganda is the only property that provides day and nighttime equestrian safaris

Rwakobo Rock

Rwakobo Rock in Uganda is situated on a huge granite outcrop next to Lake Mburo National Park. It provides private thatched huts with solar-powered lights, flush toilets and solar-heated showers that mix in with the natural surroundings. Taking advantage of isolated spots and rocky ledges, the cottages are scattered around the slope. The houses honor the surrounding wilderness's natural boundaries. Additionally, they provide visitors with genuine elegance and comfort at a very affordable price.

Eagles Nest Lodge 

A place to stay with a view! Situated on a high hill that borders Lake Mburo National Park, Eagles Nest Lodge in Uganda offers the entire African canvas experience in addition to some of the best vistas.

Each safari tent includes a balcony with a view of the park. The bathrooms are true bush-experiences: the toilet is a new eco-friendly invention and the shower is offered when you ask for it. This tented camp uses large African potjies and prepares a woodfire for dinner. The authentic African experience!

Eagles Nest Lodge in Uganda offers the entire African canvas experience

Arcadia Lodge

Arcadia Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park provides expansive views of the lake and park. Each of the lodge's ten cozy and practical cottages has a separate balcony from which to take in the panoramic views. Families and groups frequently choose the center lodge because it has a restaurant, bar and lounge space.

Best Time To Visit Lake Mburo National Park

During the dry season, which runs from June to August and from December to February, when animals congregate around water sources, wildlife viewing is at its best.

However, you should visit the park between March and May and between October and November if you want to watch it grow (literally). And do not worry, you may still go on a safari during these months and the animals - including some newborns - will be there. 

Final Thoughts: Lake Mburo National Park

Despite being the smallest national park in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park lacks nothing that the larger parks have to offer. You will encounter breathtaking scenery in this park at every turn. Acacia woodlands, grassy plains, rolling hills, seasonal wetlands and remarkable animals can all be found in one location. In Uganda, Lake Mburo is a secure choice for walking safaris.

To make your journey seamless, we encourage you to apply for a Uganda eVisa via our website. The eVisa process is straightforward and efficient, allowing you to complete your application from the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks, you have your Uganda entry ticket right at your fingertips without having to stand in long lines at the embassy.